Big Tree Wayside - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
As we welcome the new year, I’m sharing a wonderful family-friendly spot to see some of Northern California’s giant coastal redwoods. Join me this week as we discover the Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
The Circle Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Location
Located just off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek State Park, Big Tree Wayside is one of the shortest and easiest out & back walks to view the old growth giant redwoods. Not only can you see some truly spectacular trees, but this spot is unique in that it is also home to numerous ferns along the path. The mild weather combined with the flourishing plant life makes this area ideal for the abundant wildlife that called this state park home…from birds & bats to elk and black bears, nature is thriving here.
The Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The Big Tree
There are tall trees everywhere you look here, but the main attraction is definitely the “Big Tree”, which can be reached by a flat paved path less than 200 yards from the main parking area. This massive tree stands over 290 feet tall with a circumference of 75 feet. Estimated to be at least 1500 years old, the park service has built a wonderful viewing platforms so we can get up-close views of this giant redwood safely without disturbing its extended root system.
Paved path to the Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Additional Hikes
While this stop can be easily enjoyed in less than 30 minutes, there are several other hikes. Both the gentle 1/2 mile Circle Trail and the longer 2 mile Cathedral Trees Loop Trail are found next to the Big Tree. The 3 mile Foothill Trail can also be connected with the nearby 1.3 mile Elk Prairie Trail for a longer hike. See the Prairie Creek Redwoods Brochure for a detailed trail map and additional park information, such as park history and camping.
Cathedral Trees Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Know Before You Go
• The paved trail to the "Big Tree" is four to five feet wide and is level. At under 1/4 mile out and back, this is a great family friendly hike…even young kiddos can enjoy.
• While pets are not allowed here, service animals are welcome along the trail.
• Summer morning fog is likely, and Winter can be rainy and very wet, so plan proper footwear and layers.
• Detailed trail information and audio boxes are located at the trailhead. You can even hear from Yurok elders about these redwood trees.
• Vault toilets are located at the parking area, which also has limited RV and trailer parking.
• Always check park conditions here before your visit, and please don’t go off-trail making new trails. These forests grow by the inch and will die by your foot. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
Top 10 Redwood Attractions
Tall Trees Grove
Stout Grove
Big Tree Wayside
Trillium Falls
Crescent Beach Overlook
Elk Meadow
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail
The Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me this week among the tall trees in Prairie Creek State Park. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with free content to help you plan your next adventure.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
Today we're checking out the top 10 photo spots in San Fran, California. This Flying Dawn Marie travel guide will take you all over SF to the best viewpoints for photography, such as Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, and Lombard Street. We'll capture great Instagram shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and many other iconic landmarks in the Bay Area.