Hiking near Crescent City - Del Norte
on the California Coast

Hike along the giant California Redwoods in one of the many state parks. Or travel south and follow the Pacific Coast Trail. Short hike, day trips, or head out for backpacking and camping.

The California Coastal Trail starts at the state line and winds its way along the beach south through Tolowa Dunes, through Crescent City and onto Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park and The Redwoods National Park. Jedediah Smith State Park has excellent hiking trails along with lesser known hikes like Craigs Creek Trail.

Where to find the best hikes

California Coastal Trail

The California Coastal Trail continues south from Oregon into Del Norte County and travels along the coast through Crescent City and continues onto Klamath River.

There are flat beaches, forested sand dunes and redwoods. The trail is mostly complete, incorporating public beaches as well as established trails. The natural landscape has been preserved in such parks as Tolowa Dunes State Park, Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. There are two major river crossings at the Smith River to the north and the Klamath to the south.

From Oregon, the trail is near the ocean and on the beach. During periods of rough weather or high tides, it maybe necessary to hike on US Route 101, or the nearby Ocean View Drive. If the Smith River cannot be forded, then a detour out to US Route 101 is required prior to returning towards the ocean and Tolowa Dunes State Park. Here, there are two alternatives: hike along the ocean, or a short distance inland in the sandy dunes. The inland route runs east of Lake Earl and skirts the edge of Crescent City, while the beach route remains west of the lake. The two routes reunite south of town, near the harbor area. The ocean walk is the more scenic of the two but is also the most exposed to the weather.

South of Crescent City, the trail leaves Enderts Beach and rises high above the beach into the Del Norte Redwoods State Park then into the Redwoods National Park. If the Klamath River cannot be forded, then the hiker must pass out onto US Route 101 bridge, then return into the Redwoods National Park.

For day hikers, the most attractive part of the hike is around Tolowan Dunes - Lake Earl, or south of Crescent City as it rises up from the ocean. There is ample parking in both areas.

For more information, view a map of the trail.

Craigs Creek Trail - Crescent City, California

Craigs Creek Trail (1E02) is located just west of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, near Crescent City, Del Norte County, California. The trail is outside of the park, but includes several examples of the giant California redwoods on the trail. The trail is a 6-mile (each way) hike along the South Fork of the Smith River, then down along Craigs Creek. The first 2 miles of the hike ... more

Elk Camp Ridge Trail

The Elk Camp Ridge Trail is a moderate to steep climb of about 2500 feet (760 m). The lower trail head starts at an elevation of 2100 feet (640 m) and rises high up above the north and middle forks of the Smith River. There are several excellent views of the valley and the mountains. Vegetation is stunted because of the soil conditions (high mineral content and rock content) and that facilitates the long distance views. The first portion of the hike travels through woods that were affected by the Panther Fire (1996).

The trail was originally a pack train trail between Crescent City and the Oregon gold mines in the Illinois Valley.

The roads leading to the trail head are steep and not well maintained. Access using a 4-wheel vehicle with higher clearance (Honda CR-V should be able to make it) is recommended. Access is 0.1 mile east of the Smith River NRA Visitor Center. Turn right at Gasquet Flat Road and cross the bridge. Stay left past Azalea Lane. At the top of the hill, turn right at the Gasquet Toll Road intersection. Follow the old Gasquet Toll Road for 2.4 miles to FS 18N10. Turn left on 18N10 and travel 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

View Larger Map

Tolowa Dunes State Park

The 5,000 acre Tolowa Dunes State Park and the 6,134 acre Lake Earl Wildlife Area are some of the finest wetlands habitats in the state. The park and wildlife area include wood ridges, wetlands, ancient sand dunes, and ocean beaches. The park serves as an important stopover for the Pacific flyway, the west coast bird migrations route, and features a diverse bird population. Lake Earl is mostly freshwater while Lake Tolowa has a higher salt content. Surrounding the lakes are saltwater marshland, freshwater wetlands, and sand dunes. Hundreds of species of birds can be photographed, including ... more

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park

Jedediah Smith State Park is stocked with towering old growth redwoods. These redwood groves are the most scenic in existence. The oldest are 2,000 years old and show no signs of dying out. Heights can reach 350 feet with base diameters of 20 feet or more. Howland Hill Road passed through the center of the park giving casual visitors easy access ... more

Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park

Del Norte Coast Redwood SP features spots for 145 RV's or tents. Trailer length up to 27 feet and RVs up to 31 feet length are allowed. The camp is 2 miles east of the highway. The Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park has 6400 acres of which approximately 50% is old growth redwood. Eight miles of Pacific Ocean coastline ... more

Redwood National and State Parks Information Center

This information center is located a short distance west of US Route 101 and is full of information on the area attractions in the Redwood National Forests. The people working at this center are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They have maps and other hand outs plus first hand information about where to visit, depending on your interests.

707-464-6101