Orick

1 To Klamath River Jet Boats 2 Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center 3 Trees of Mystery

North of Trinidad lies the town of Orick, located on the banks of Redwood Creek near where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. The area is famous for the large herds of Roosevelt elk that live there. Two favorite spots for viewing them are in nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Elk Prairie, on the Newton Drury Scenic Parkway near the Visitor Center, and in Elk Meadow on Davison Road, just off Hwy 101 along the turnoff that takes you to Gold Bluffs Beach, where yet more elk live, and to Fern Canyon. There is also a large herd that can often be seen grazing right by Hwy 101 near Stone Lagoon, just south of Orick.

Sitting virtually in the middle of the Redwood National and Prairie Creek State Parks, Orick is a great place to access the natural wilderness. Use a variety of trails to see wildlife, explore some of the world’s tallest trees, and hike the dramatic coast. Camping facilities are available, from primitive to well-appointed. In addition there are food and drink available from local businesses, as well as about a half a dozen artisan burl outlets lining Hwy 101 as it passes through town.

Also see Events & Festivals, pages 12-13 • Shopping for burl gifts • Kayaking, boating • Camping, hiking • Biking • Windsurfing • Wildlife viewing

92 Redwood National & State Parks Modern life can be stressful, with deadlines to meet, meals to prepare and dozens of things to do and no time to do them. Visit Redwood National and State Parks, and all that worry will be washed away! Take your time and enjoy all that these lovely parks have to offer, with so much to do for every member of the family. In addition to the world-famous soaring redwoods that grow to over 350 feet in height and live for more than 2,000 years, you will be able to enjoy more than 50 miles of paved and unpaved biking trails of varying difficulty, 41 miles of equestrian paths and more than 160 miles of excellent hiking trails for adventurous backpackers. These paths will take you among colorful wildflowers, grassy hills and wild oak woodlands as well as ancient redwood forests.

Along 40 miles of rugged coastline you can see pounding surf, sea stacks and thrilling cliffs. World-class rivers run alongside and through the parks and are perfect for rafting, kayaking and even fishing. Ranger-guided programs are also available.

Many birds and animals call this place home. These include, among many others, the red-tailed hawk, kestrel, great horned owl, gopher, meadow mouse, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, elk, black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, goldfinch junco, quail and raven. WHERE: Off Hwy 101, stretching from Trinidad in the south to Klamath Glen in the north. Visitor Centers are located throughout the parks near Crescent City, Hiouchi, Orick and along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. MORE INFO: 707-464-6101, 707-465-7335, NPS.gov/redw

93 Roosevelt Elk Viewing The Roosevelt elk, named after former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, is the largest type of elk found in North America. At one time they were nearly extinct; by 1925 the California population had dropped to as few as 15. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, however, thousands of them now live along the coast from Humboldt County north to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. California’s Roosevelt elk population has rebounded to over 1,000.

Visitors to northern Humboldt County are often amazed and delighted to discover that herds of wild Roosevelt elk can easily be observed grazing and resting not far from well-traveled roads. If you want to see them yourself, you just need to know where to go. In Humboldt County, the best place to find elk is in the photo by Kate Enoire southern part of Redwood National and State Parks. Three spots in particular provide exceptional viewing opportunities:

Elk Prairie — located along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway south of the entrance to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Davison Road — you’ll find elk along either side of Davison Road, just west of Hwy 101 about 3 miles north of Orick.

Gold Bluffs Beach — where you’ll find wild Roosevelt elk roaming up and down the beach. To get there just continue west on Davison Road to a 4-mile long unpaved road that will take you right to Gold Bluffs Beach.

Elk are wild animals and can be dangerous, so do not get too close to them. They are best viewed through binoculars. If you want a closeup photo of them, use a telephoto lens instead of walking up to the animals. MORE INFO: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 707-488-2039, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415; Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, 707-465-7765

94 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Prairie Creek, an unassuming waterway that enters the Pacific Ocean near Orick, is also the namesake of the 23-square-mile Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a sanctuary of old-growth redwoods set aside in the early 1920s by the State of California and the Save-the-Redwoods League. The park has been designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

The busy Visitor Center, located at the southern end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and built next to Elk Prairie, is the starting point for several hiking trails suitable for all-day hikes or short, leisurely strolls. During your visit you’ll come across many different kinds of trees. You will almost certainly also spot some of the abundant wildlife, especially Roosevelt elk. Other resident species include deer, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and foxes, and more than 260 species of birds have been sighted here.

There are also nearly 10 miles of beach to stroll along, as well as the amazing Fern Canyon to explore. The park hosts campgrounds and numerous picnic areas among the redwoods and on the beach, and is home to the beautiful Rotary Grove off Cal Barrow Road east from Newton B. Drury Parkway. WHERE: 50 miles north of Eureka off Hwy 101 on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. MORE INFO: 707-488-2039, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415

95 Humboldt Lagoons State Park Agate hunting, bird-watching, beachcombing, boating and whalewatching are all popular outdoor activities for families along the North Coast. One of the best places to do all of these and more is Humboldt Lagoons State Park.

In the early 1900s, Dry Lagoon was drained to make way for crops and dairy ranches. The effort proved uneconomical, and eventually Mother Nature reclaimed this natural marshland habitat, which supports a huge variety of bird and animal life.

Today, both Dry Lagoon and Stone Lagoon make up the state park, which includes 6 miles of beach, hiking trails, a boat ramp and picnic areas. Many people come to the park to wander the beach, combing for agates and other treasures, as well as to watch migrating whales. You can bring your own boat to explore the lagoons or go fishing. Enjoy the picnic areas and many trails for the hiker, including 3 miles of Coastal Trail. Day use hours are sunrise to sunset year-round. There is no fee. WHERE: 40 miles north of Eureka on Hwy 101, 55 miles south of Crescent City. MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=416

96 Amazing Fern Canyon Fern Canyon lets you take a leisurely stroll, leave everything else behind and enter a magical world. This beautiful natural wonder is a one-mile-long box canyon, complete with the creek that carved it. Its walls, completely covered in five different varieties of fern, tower up to 80 ft. above. Huge overhanging trees grow at the top of the ridge, allowing streams of light to peek through the branches. When the filtered light combines with the iridescently green vegetation, the canyon glows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Be prepared: Permits are required in order to visit Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use Area and the Fern Canyon Trailhead from May 1st to September 30th. Please note that in 2022 Davison Road will be closed starting on September 26–30 for grading. Permits for the Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use Area and Fern Canyon will not be available. WHERE: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is 50 miles north of Eureka off Hwy 101 on Davison Road. Drive through Elk Meadow and onto a scenic 6-mile dirt road to Gold Bluffs Beach. Follow the beach for 3 miles to a parking lot. MORE INFO: 707-488-2039, search for Fern Canyon at VisitRedwoods.com

97 Klamath River Jet Boat Tours The Klamath River is known around the world. It is a beautiful, pristine river that runs from Altamont in Klamath County, Oregon, dips down into Humboldt County, and continues all the way to the Pacific Ocean near the town of Klamath in southern Del Norte County.

You can enjoy this picturesque river from the comfortable seat of a jet boat. Just set out on a two-hour trip from Klamath’s estuary called “Rekwoi” and travel up the river, powered by twin jets. The round-trip tour is more than 45 miles. The captain and narrator will keep you spellbound with fascinating accounts of the Klamath River’s history, Native American culture and the area’s wildlife. You may even get the chance to see some of these creatures from the boat, such as bears feasting on berries and fish from the shore, ospreys, hawks and eagles nesting, or black-tail deer and elk wandering through the trees. People of all ages will enjoy the sights, and you will have opportunities to take incredible pictures. Tours are given between May and September, three times daily. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. Personalized and special group tours can be accommodated. WHERE: The Jet Boat Tour office is located at 17635 Hwy 101, 5 miles south of Trees of Mystery, just over the county line into Del Norte County. MORE INFO: 800-887-JETS (5387), 707-482-7775, JetBoatTours.com

Fern Canyon, photo by Richard Stenger

photo by Steve Hammons

On the Trinity River 11 mi. west of Weaverville on 299 W Riverfront Cabins

P.O. Box 280 Junction City CA 96048 Enjoy our refreshing pool

• Riverside Tent Sites • RV Hookups • Laundry • Groceries • Hot Showers • Ice • Propane

• Bait & Tackle • Guided Raft Trips • Salmon & Steelhead

Guided Driftboat

Fishing

The inland mountain region of Humboldt County, much of it designated wilderness, is rugged terrain drained by two important rivers, the Wild and Scenic Trinity River, and the Klamath River, into which it flows. Access to the region is primarily via Hwy 299 and Hwy 96. Traveling east from Arcata along Hwy 299, travelers pass the community of Blue Lake, followed by the town of Willow Creek some 32 miles further on. From Willow Creek Hwy 96 runs north through rugged forested terrain, while Hwy 299 continues east past the craggy granite peaks of Trinity County, passing over and through the mountains that separate the Pacific Coast and its redwood forests from the interior of the state. Much of the way Hwy 299 runs right next to the Trinity River, as does Hwy 96 south of Weitchpec. From Weitchpec north, Hwy 96 follows the Klamath into Siskiyou County. Both routes afford spectacular views and memorable rest stops, as well as opportunities for exhilarating outdoor activities. www.bigfootrvcabins.com 530-623-6088 • 1-800-422-5219

Action-packed, guided whitewater adventures for first-timers & seasoned veterans. Huge raft & kayak rental department. Close to fishing, goldpanning, hiking, swimming, relaxation, & Bigfoot Rafting right on the property at the Trinity River.

31221 Hwy 299 Junction City, CA 31221 Hwy 299 Junction City, CA

Trinity River, photo by Steve Hammons