Elk Meadow & Trillium Falls - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Giant redwoods along Trillium Falls Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, located in Northern California, was established to protect some of the oldest redwood trees on earth…and today we’re exploring two special spots inside this state park. Join me along the trail from Elk Meadow to Trillium Falls.

Trillium Falls in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Elk Meadow

One of the highlights found inside the Redwood National & State Parks, Elk Meadow was logged extensively over many decades before the national park was established in 1968. When the logging stopped, this area was left barren & covered with old lumber and milling equipment for nearly 30 years. In 1999 this area began undergoing a major habitat restoration, and thanks to the National Park Service, the forest and wetlands here are now being reestablished and thriving. From gigantic old growth redwoods to meadows blanketed with colorful flowers, Elk Meadow is a place filled with beauty. This meadow also has a rich history of Native American tribes who once lived here and would hunt elk. Make sure to read the informational panels at the scenic lookouts for details on the meadow’s wildlife and history.

As you walk along the Elk Meadow path, you may see the local elk who call this area home. There are in fact 7 unique elk herds found inside Redwoods National and State Parks. Elk are often spotted in this meadow and at the Viewpoint Station, especially during Winter mating season months (it’s always important to keep your distance from these wonderful, wild animals). Prairie Creek runs nearby, which is rich with fish (including salmon)…and it’s not unheard of to see black bears in this area too.

Trillium Falls Trail

Trillium Falls is always one of my favorite hikes here. From the Elk Meadow parking & picnic area, Trillium Falls Trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall cloaked by towering Douglas fir, redwoods and giant ferns. The full loop hike climbs over 300 feet in 3 miles covering different types of terrain. Beginning on a gentle paved path, you soon enter the forest and climb a set of rugged and steep switchbacks before reaching the beautiful bridge that crosses right in front of the falls. Here you can enjoy great views before looping back to the parking area through the winding tall trees.

If you’re short on time (or energy), you can hike counterclockwise on the loop, heading directly to the falls. Hiking straight to the falls and back is about a mile roundtrip with 200ft in elevation gain.

Know Before You Go

• The Elk Meadow Day Use Area is perfect for families with options for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

• This popular spot is located right off the highway, but you’ll find plenty of parking here (along with restrooms & picnic tables).

• Many additional trails can be found in the area, including Davidson Trail, Berry Glen Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, and Lost Man Creek Trail.

• To see the Trillium Falls really flowing & wildflowers in full bloom, consider visiting in Spring…by Autumn this waterfall can become more of a trickle.

• While there is never a guarantee of seeing wildlife here, Elk Meadow is certainly known for the many elk who often roam here, especially around sunrise & sunset. Never approach elk (or any wildlife), and remember this is their home, giving them plenty of space.

• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here, unless you are connected via GPS.

• Trail conditions at Redwood can change daily. Please check at a park visitor center for the conditions on the day you arrive.

• If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip and learn about the wonderful work the Save The Redwoods League has been doing to preserve these giants for over a century.

Top 10 Redwood Attractions

Tall Trees Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Fern Canyon
Stout Grove
Big Tree Wayside
Trillium Falls
Crescent Beach Overlook
Elk Meadow
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail

Footbridge over Trillium Falls in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me this week in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. For a virtual visit of Elk Meadow and Trillium Falls, watch my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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