Orick - (9.8 miles; round-trip) - James Irvine Trail

127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Orick, California 95555
Northern Humboldt
Phone: 707-488-2039

When bragging to people about how Humboldt has trails where the redwoods literally meet the beach or wind up at other incredible places, there are few better examples of this than the James Irvine Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  This nearly ten-mile round-trip trail will put hikers next to some of the biggest and baddest redwoods around, will take them through Fern Canyon and if they choose, right to a beautiful Northern California Beach.
The hike has two trailheads; one at the park's visitor center (see map) and one at Fern Canyon.  You can conquer this hike as a one-way by leaving cars at each of the trailheads (kind of a hassle for this hike) or make it a round-trip adventure which we recommend.  
For the most part, this hike is level with a few small hills and valleys.  The temperature is cool and comfortable. 
Distance:  9.8 miles (round-trip) 
Degree of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Dogs: No
Camping:  Yes - Gold Bluffs Beach or the Prairie Creek Campground. 
How to get there:
Fern Canyon Trailhead; take Davidson Road, located three miles north of Orick, west and follow it until you reach the kiosk to enter the park.  Once through there, drive another couple of miles until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road.  Follow the signs to Fern Canyon (1/10th of a mile) and you'll see signs for the trail there. 
Visitor Center Trailhead; from Highway 101 in either direction, take the Nathan B. Drury Parkway exit until you reach Pairie Creek Road.  You'll see the Visitor Center almost immediately.  The trailhead is behind the Visitor Center. 
More info:
Bring plenty of food and water as well as a camera.
Other things to do in the area:
If you're looking to take a road trip, our Road Trip section is packed with fun things to do no matter what direction you decide to go.  Our Dining section has a complete list of Humboldt County restaurants and there are some good ones. 
*Click on the photos below to enlarge them