Willow Creek, California

Looking for the best hiking in Willow Creek? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Willow Creek. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Willow Creek

  • Orick, California

    Hike Lyons Ranch

    4 mi
    This is really a dirt road that is gated off from Bald Hills Road. The trail head parking can fit about 6 cars but seldom do people venture out this way. After all, the attraction of Redwood National Park is the redwoods but this high prairie is definitely worth exploring.The walk to the ranch is...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike the Emerald Ridge - Redwood Creek Loop

    6 mi / 900 ft gain
    This loop begins at the Tall Trees Trailhead.  To access this parking area, you must have a permit that you can obtain from the Kuchel ranger station.  The gate is locked.  When you get the permit, the ranger will also give you the combination to the gate.  Once you drive through, close the gate ...
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  • Orick, California

    Tall Trees Grove, Redwood Creek, Emerald Ridge Loop

    4.4
    4.41 mi / 1043 ft gain
    Day 1: Check with the Rangers station before heading up for best camping opportunities. Assuming you've checked with the rangers for approval...if there are openings, off of the main road, there are side streets with access to the beaches. Pull into one of these areas and drive down as far as you...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike to Tall Trees Grove, Redwood NP

    5.0
    3.9 mi / 690 ft gain
    NOTE: You need a permit, albeit free, to do this hike.First, you'll need to go to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center just off Highway 101 south of Orick, CA. Once there, write down your license plate number and go up to the counter and ask one of the rangers for a permit for Tall Trees Access Ro...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Hike Trinidad Head

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    Park in the large parking lot at Trinidad Beach. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot. The loop trail can be hiked in either direction.The trail is half dirt singletrack, half paved switchbacks, and climbs steadily to the top of Trinidad Head. The view of the ocean and California ...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Strawberry Rock Trail

    5.0
    2.99 mi / 505 ft gain
    To get there: From the south, take the Trinidad exit, from which you will take a slight left/ go straight onto Trinidad Frontage rd. From The north, get off at the Trinidad exit, cross under the freeway, and take a left on Trinidad Frontage rd. Once on Trinidad Frontage rd, go straight to the end...
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  • Forks of Salmon, California

    Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead

    4.4
    14.6 mi / 5112 ft gain
    Grizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Patrick's Point Trail

    5.0
    0.21 mi / 92 ft gain
    Patrick's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Trinidad, California

    Wedding Rock Trail

    5.0
    0.23 mi / 85 ft gain
    Wedding Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Junction City, California

    Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage

    9 mi / 2600 ft gain
    The first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurer...
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  • Junction City, California

    Scramble Thompson Peak

    4.0
    22.7 mi / 6100 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps wilderness. Park at the Canyon Creek Trailhead near Junction City and hike the well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail for 8 miles. Once you reach the Canyon Creek Lakes, your off-trail adventure officially begins. I’d recommend...
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  • Junction City, California

    Canyon Creek Lakes

    4.3
    14.35 mi / 2605 ft gain
    Numerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevatio...
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  • Orick, California

    Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood NP

    4.0
    1.35 mi / 92 ft gain
    This hike starts in the parking lot of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Picnic Area. As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway ...
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  • Junction City, California

    Camp at Junction City Campground

    3.0
    Junction City Campground is home to 22 tent/trailer campsites, paved loop road, vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. MAX trailer length is 40 feet. The campground is located 1.5 miles west of Junction City on State Highway 299.Dogs are welcome in the campground -- please k...
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  • Orick, California

    Trillium Falls

    2.68 mi / 469 ft gain
    Trillium Falls trail is a nice little hike through a second growth and old growth redwood forest. The trail is lined with sweet smelling ferns and has plenty of shade the entire route. This would be good for a midday hike in summer.  The trail starts from the Elk Meadows Day Use parking area. St...
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  • Orick, California

    Cal Barrel Road

    5.0
    3.93 mi / 883 ft gain
    Cal Barrel Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Orick, California.
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