National park tips: These trees will make you feel really small. In a good way.
The names are confusing, but Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is part of California’s Redwood National Park, and it’s a great place to feel small among redwoods standing tall.
In fact, it is believed to be the home of the tallest tree in the world, but rangers don’t disclose the location for fear of vandalism.
In the neighboring meadows at Gold Bluffs Beach, elk are often spotted. Head for the visitor center at 127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Orick ([707] 465-7335). Fern Canyon is one of the most popular trails, but the Big Tree Loop Trail is easier to reach.
READ: California’s redwoods: In the land of the giants »
In honor of this year’s National Park Service centennial, the Travel section is posting 100 park travel ideas and tips based on trips staff travel writer Christopher Reynolds has taken, along with photo-op advice from Times photographer Mark Boster. We’ll post one per day through Dec. 31.
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