Category: Humboldt County

McArthur Creek and Ridge Loops AKA 7.5-Hour Boggy Blow Downs Loop

February 18, 2025

Tuesday, February 18Ridge LoopMcArthur Creek LoopRedwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe15.7 miles2,698′ ascent2,692′ descent A few sprinkles land on my windshield as I drive around Big Lagoon. The sky is cloudy but there are hints of color that reflect off the glass-like surface of the water. In Orick, I turn onto … More McArthur Creek and Ridge Loops AKA 7.5-Hour Boggy Blow Downs Loop

Elk Trails, Bogs and a Sit Pad Tragedy

January 20, 2025

Monday, January 20Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Redwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe15 miles1,465′ ascent1,399′ descent Davison TrailTrillium Falls Loopcross country attempt to Skunk Cabbage Trailreturn to Trillium Falls Trailhead ParkingDavison Road to Streelow Creek TrailDavison Trail back to Prairie Creek HeadquartersStreelow Creek Trail out and back Saturday afternoon I started … More Elk Trails, Bogs and a Sit Pad Tragedy

PCRSP: Miner’s Ridge Fern Canyon Friendship Ridge West Ridge Loop

December 1, 2024

Sunday, December 1Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe17.01 miles2,704′ ascent2,662′ descent Miner’s Ridge Trail to Gold Bluffs RoadFern Canyon to James Irvine TrailFriendship Ridge to West Ridge I drive all the way to Clam Beach before I miraculously realize that I have forgotten my trekking poles. The … More PCRSP: Miner’s Ridge Fern Canyon Friendship Ridge West Ridge Loop

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 60

August 28, 2024

Monday-Wednesday, August 26-28Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded lands of the Yurok Tribe 60.01 miles7,181′ ascent6,980′ descentThese three days and 60 miles of hiking were a focused training period and preparation for hiking the Wonderland Trail (September 4-10). Monday, August 2619.17 miles2,223′ ascent2,271′ descent Park Headquarters to West Ridge TrailZig Zag #1 … More Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 60

PCRSP: Knapp West Ridge Friendship Ridge James Irvine Loop

August 7, 2024

Wednesday, August 7Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe 15.11 miles2,047′ ascent1,881′ descent Karl Knapp Trail and up Zig Zag #2West Ridge Trail to Friendship Ridge TrailJames Irvine Trail back to headquarters This is the last hike of our summer break and we eagerly hit the trail at … More PCRSP: Knapp West Ridge Friendship Ridge James Irvine Loop

PCRSP: West Ridge Rhododendron Brown Creek Knapp Miner’s Clintonia Irvine Loop

July 31, 2024

Wednesday, July 31Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded lands of the Yurok Tribe 20.02 miles3,109′ ascent3,072′ descent West Ridge Trail and down Zig Zag #2Rhododendron Trail to Brown Creek Trailcross Drury Parkway to Knapp TrailMiner’s Ridge Trail to Clintonia TrailJames Irvine Trail back to park headquarters After the 45+ minute drive, I’m … More PCRSP: West Ridge Rhododendron Brown Creek Knapp Miner’s Clintonia Irvine Loop

Peavine Ridge Loop

July 22, 2024

Monday, July 22Humboldt Redwoods State Parkunmarked trailhead just before Harper Creek14.58 miles2,901′ ascent2,976′ descentPeavine Ridge highpoint 2,474′Unceded lands of the Sinkyone peoples We swipe at a few mosquitoes as we start off on the Homestead Trail at 8:30am. It’s gentle rolling terrain through old-growth redwoods all the way to Albee Campground. We’re just uphill from … More Peavine Ridge Loop

Grasshopper Peak

July 15, 2024

Monday, July 15Humboldt Redwoods State ParkUnmarked Trailhead across from Burlington Campground16.17 miles3,482′ ascent3,570′ descentGrasshopper Peak 3,388′Unceded lands on the Sinkyone peoples It’s set to be a long, hot day so we’re on the road by 7 am. The Hiking Humboldt V1 directions take us along the slow, and yet scenic Avenue of the Giants route. … More Grasshopper Peak

PCRSP: West Ridge Rhododendron Trail Loop

July 8, 2024

Monday, July 8Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksWest Ridge TrailRhododendron Trail~16 miles (my Garmin watch added a bunch of miles)2,871′ ascent2,914 descentUnceded lands of the Yurok Tribe We’re on trail by 9 am and while deep into conversation, fork onto the Knapp Trail. It’s takes me at least 10 minutes to realize … More PCRSP: West Ridge Rhododendron Trail Loop

Trillium Falls Lady Bird

July 4, 2024

Thursday, July 4Redwood National State ParkUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe11.63 miles2,000′ ascent2,067′ descent In an effort to beat the holiday masses, we depart from the Elk Meadow/Davison Road trailhead just after 9 am. There are only a few cars in the parking lot and the trail is quiet. We fork off of the Davison … More Trillium Falls Lady Bird