Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Some visitors, parking usually available
Best: Weekday mornings
Ancient coast redwood groves tower above fern-filled canyons and the wild Pacific coastline. Roosevelt elk roam freely through open prairie meadows, often wandering right past visitors. The park features 75 miles of trails through old-growth forests, including the scenic Fern Canyon with 50-foot walls draped in five-finger ferns. Gold Bluffs Beach offers a stunning stretch of windswept coastline. Less crowded than the national park, this is a hidden gem for redwood lovers.
* State park fees vary by park, season, and residency. Confirm current rates on the official website.
Accepted Passes
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Redwood National and State Parks
Tallest trees on Earth in misty coastal forests
Why go: Similar forest, old-growth forest, hiking experience
Around 12 miles away
