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The iconic Big Tree is located near Redwood National Park in northern California. Thanks to its misty coastal weather and towering trees, Redwood is one of my favorite places in the state. Here is everything you need to know about this captivating day hike.
Prairie Creek Redwood State Park
Fifty miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is part of Redwoods National Park. Here stands the world’s tallest living tree species, the redwood.
Visitors can stay at either Elk Prairie or Gold Bluffs Beach campgrounds and explore the park via three scenic drives, 75 miles of hiking trails, and a 19-mile bike loop.
Prairie Creek, a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, and the three other parks in the Redwood National and State Parks group protect 45 percent of California’s remaining old-growth redwoods.
Is Prairie Creek A Part Of Redwood National Park?
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park.
So yes, Prairie Creek State Park is a part of Redwoods National Park.
The Big Tree
When visiting Redwoods National Park, you can’t miss the tree, which is 286 Feet High or 87.2 Meters High. The tree is estimated to be 1500 years old! So make sure to spend some time admiring its beauty.
Hike To The Big Tree via Karl Knapp and Cathedral Trees Loop
Hiking around this area is so beautiful, thanks to the amazing trees. This 2.9-mile loop trail is considered a moderately challenging route; it takes an average of 1 h 3 min to complete.
This is a trendy area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. You’ll need to leave pups home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
This is one of the trails you don’t want to miss when visiting this park. It will take you through some of the park’s biggest groves.
You’ll hike from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to the tree, then back to the Elk Prairie via the Cathedral Trees trail. The combination of the creek open space in the old-growth cathedral trees grove is stunning.
Are There Shorter Hikes?
Yes! The walk to the tree is less than 200 yards (100 meters) from the parking area.
This location is popular with visitors, so you can quickly get out of the car and visit it briefly. However, I do recommend the longer hike to enjoy the area thoroughly.
What Is The Weather Like When Hiking in Redwood National Park?
Summer temperatures range from 40 to 75F but are more relaxed along the coast. Morning and evening fog is common. Winter brings chillier 35 – 55F days. Prepare for rain from November to May.
Where Is The Big Tree?
You can find the tree within Redwood National and State Parks.
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?