Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Restrooms/Showers: Both restroom/shower buildings in the campground are generally accessible and are a short distance from the campsites and cabins. Generally accessible parking adjacent to site 69 is a short distance from the south loop restroom/shower building.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: This small campground features accessible sites on hard packed dirt and gravel. Accessible combination restrooms with showers are available. Restroom/shower parking is paved; however the route to the restroom is on hard packed dirt and gravel.

Trails

The Big Tree Trail is a 60 foot long accessible connector trail between the Big Tree parking area and the Foothill Trail. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Additional accessible trailhead parking and an accessible restroom are planned for the Big Tree parking area.

The Campfire Center Trail is a 0.34 mile accessible trail through the redwoods from the visitor center to the campfire center. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Potable water, accessible restrooms and accessible parking are at various locations along the trail.

The Karl Knapp Trail aka Prairie Creek Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 1.19 miles each way through the redwoods from the visitor center. The surface is compacted aggregate, rock, & wood. There are several armored crossings on the trail that water flows over the trail during rain events that might be challenging for some users. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8% and one section for 12 feet at 9%. Accessible parking is located at the visitor center.

The Redwood Access Trail is a 0.53 mile accessible trail through the redwoods from the visitor center to the Campfire center and Elk Prairie Creek Campground. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is located at the visitor center.

The Revelation Trail is a 0.26 mile accessible loop trail providing close-up views through the old growth redwoods between the Campfire Center Trail and the Redwood Access Trail. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Accessible restrooms and parking are provided along the Campfire Center Trail.

The Cathedral Trees Trail is a 0.42 mile accessible trail from the visitor center to Elk Prairie Trail. The surface is compacted aggregate. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking at the visitor center.

The Foothill Trail is a 0.93 mile accessible trail from the Cathedral Trail to Newton B. Drury Parkway. Users can continue from the end of the trail at Newton B. Drury Parkway to the Prairie Creek trail via short connector trail. The trail accesses spectacular old growth forest to include the big tree area. The surface is compacted aggregate. There are several armored crossings on the trail that water flows over the trail during rain events that might be challenging for some users. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8% and one section for 4 feet at 9%. Additional accessible trailhead parking and an accessible restroom are planned for the Big Tree parking area.

The Elk Prairie Trail is a 1.64 mile accessible trail connecting the Elk Prairie Campground to the Cathedral Trees Trail. Departing from the campground (near campsite 63), visitors will experience hiking along Prairie Creek through woodland riparian vegetation, followed by a short hike up and around the prairie landscape. The trail crosses the Newton B. Drury Parkway, climbs up into the redwood groves with views looking over the prairie, and then along Boyes Creek through more woodland riparian vegetation. The surface is compacted aggregate, rock, and wood. There are several armored crossings on the trail that water flows over the trail during rain events that might be challenging for some users. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead in the campground.

The Elk Prairie Trail is temporarily closed and not accessible between the campground and Newton B Drury Parkway due to utility construction work. Closure of this section is anticipated through May 2025. The open section of the trail can still be accessed via the Cathedral Trees Trail.

Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface

Big Tree Trail 5 FT Average Aggregate

5% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Campfire Center Trail 5 FT Average Aggregate

5% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Karl Knapp Trail 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate, Wood, & Rock

9% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Redwood Access Trail 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate

8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Revelation Trail 2% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate

5% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Cathedral Trees Trail 2% Average 2.3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate

8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Foothill Trail 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate, Rock, & Wood

9% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Elk Prairie Trail 4% Average 2.4% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate, Rock, & Wood

8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

Beach/Shore Access

A beach wheelchair is available for check-out at the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground kiosk. Phone (707) 601-4634 for more information.

Within the Redwood National and State Park system, The Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick may also have beach wheelchairs available. Phone (707) 465-7331 for more information.