Orick: Redwood Forests, Coast and Hiking Trails

If you’re looking for a hotel in Orick, you can plan your trip around three main themes: hiking along Redwood Creek, the coast and drives through Redwood landscapes. The destinations vary in distance and type of visit. Consider whether a hike, a coastal stop or a scenic drive will shape your stay.

Hiking and horseback riding along Redwood Creek

A 6.5-mile hike from the Orick Horse Trailhead leads to the Redwood Creek Gravel Bar. The Redwood Creek Trail is also just outside Orick and leads to Redwood Creek. You can hike part of the trail as a day hike. The trail valley has been home to giant coast redwoods, bigleaf maples and other moisture-loving plants for thousands of years. This offers two distinct options: a named destination hike and a day hike along part of the trail.

The Orick Horse Trails run along the west side of Redwood Creek and through its riverbed to the first footbridge or trail crossing. Redwood Creek Buckarettes offers another option for guided horseback rides in Redwood National Park. Rides depart from the Orick Rodeo Grounds daily from May through November. Since operator information can change, check dates and details before booking.

The coast, Fern Canyon and planning your visit

Nearby Fern Canyon can be explored via a 1-mile loop trail from the Gold Bluffs Beach parking lot. Gold Bluffs Beach is known for its miles of gray sand, driftwood and protected dunes. Vehicle reservations are required for day-use parking at Gold Bluffs Beach or Fern Canyon from May 15 through September 15.

Nearby Redwood Creek / Freshwater Beach Day Use Area is 1.5 miles southwest of Orick and is suitable for whale watching. It is the only beach area with picnic tables, grills, shelters, numerous RV parking spaces and restrooms. Since facilities may change, check current amenities before you arrive. Ocean conditions can also affect whale watching.

Nearby Redwood Creek Overlook offers views of old-growth Redwood forest and the Pacific Ocean; visibility depends on the weather. Off the coast near Orick are Reading Rock State Marine Reserve and the adjacent Reading Rock State Marine Conservation Area. Both are marine protected areas. Check the applicable rules and access conditions before planning activities there.

Orick Beach Fishing Access is on the north bank of Redwood Creek, at the end of Hufford Road, which branches off Highway 101 in Orick. Fishing and walks along the shore north of the access point are possible there. The gate, road, tides and shoreline conditions may change. Park Store at Kuchel Visitor Center offers beach access, maps, interpretive exhibits and accessible visitor facilities. Visitor services and operations may change; check the latest details before your trip.

Redwood park scenery and trails

Nearby Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park beneath old-growth coast redwoods. The park offers three scenic drives and 75 miles of hiking trails. Elk Meadow is a starting point for hikers, cyclists and wildlife watchers.

Nearby Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a historic stand of coast redwoods. The 1.5-mile loop is on Bald Hills Road, a ten-minute drive north of Orick. In a direct comparison of trail lengths, the Fern Canyon loop is shorter than the Lady Bird Johnson Grove loop, at one mile.

Orick Rodeo

The annual Orick Rodeo usually takes place on the second weekend in July; dates vary from year to year. Events include Mutton Bustin, Junior Steer Riding, Calf Riding and professional rodeo events. Individual offerings may vary. If you plan to include the rodeo in your trip, check the event dates and program for your preferred date.

Discover more destinations: Arcata, Trinidad, Loleta, Mckinleyville, Blue Lake, Ferndale, Eureka, Whitethorn

For the broader travel overview: Humboldt.