Things to do in Crescent City
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
The park, established in 1929, has approximately 50% old growth coast redwood and eight miles of wild coastline. The topography is fairly steep with elevations from sea level to 1277’. The predominant mountain range is oriented in a north-south direction with steep cliffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, making the bulk of the rocky sea coast generally inaccessible except by Damnation Trail and Footsteps Rock Trail.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The park has about 20 miles of hiking and nature trails, river access, a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store. Established in 1929, this predominately old growth coast redwoods park is bisected by the last major free flowing river in California, the Smith River. Almost all of the park land is water shed for the Smith River and Mill Creek, a major tributary.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Set aside in the early 1920’s by the forethought of the people of California and the generosity of the Save-the-Redwoods League, Prairie Creek is a sanctuary of old growth coast redwood. Prairie Creek offers hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing, beach combing, picnicking, a visitor center with exhibits and a nature store.
Smith River National Reserve Area
The Smith River NRA is the heart of one of the largest wild and scenic river systems (315 miles) in the United States. The Smith River watershed exhibits a rich ecological diversity. Over 176 miles of anadromous fish habitat, over 300 species of wildlife, and 7 distinct plant communities contribute to the lush natural environment of the Smith River National Recreation Area. Call 707-457-3131 for more information.
Tolowa Dunes State Park
This park takes in some of the finest wetlands habitat on California’s northern coast. An ancient sand dune complex that has evolved into several distinct ecological communities, Tolowa Dunes encompasses ocean beach, river, open and vegetated sand dunes, wooded ridges, and wetlands.