Craigs Creek Trail

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 is moderately steep. The trail then is fairly flat and forms a switchback downhill to follow the edge of Craigs Creek. The trail appears to end where Craigs Creek meets the Smith River. There is a small unofficial camping spot and a small beach along the river. Of particular interest is the rusted out machinery long ago used for mining operations. The trail was used to carry supplies for the miners.

Expect to take between 3 - 5 hours for the round trip. There is a fair amount of poison oak, but the trail is wide enough for the experienced hiker to avoid. The poison oak is, however, the perfect height for smaller children.

This trail is located near, but outside of, the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park and is therefore not subject to park regulations. For those traveling with dogs, this is a perfect hike to take them on, with a place to swim at the end.

To reach the trail head, travel east on US 199 from US 101, though the small village of Hiouchi. The next right is county road 427 (South Fork Road or Howland Hill Scenic Loop drive) and the access to Douglas Park Drive. Cross the first bridge. Do not cross the second bridge (South Fork). On the right, at the foot of the second bridge is a small parking area. On the left is the trail head. Note: on the downloadable GPX and KML files, the trail head is indicated to be on the other side (south) of the bridge. This is inaccurate. The trail head is on the north side of the bridge. Other than the initial reading, these GPS files are fairly accurate.

Downloadable GPX file. KML file.