Cathedral Trees Trail

The Cathedral Trees Trail is a great option for hikers with small children. This family-friendly nature walk boasts a stimulating experience, satisfying the whole family. Admire the enormous redwoods that adorn the terrain and watch the Roosevelt Elk grazing in the meadowlands. Note it is important to keep your distance from the Roosevelt Elk as they can be aggressive. Compared to the other routes in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this hike offers a more secluded experience.

Setting out from the trailhead off Prairie Creek Road, the Cathedral Trees Trail tracks northeast, interesting with the parkway, entering the elk viewing area. From here, the path will guide you beneath the shade of mixed conifers and into the lush forestlands. Following the Cathedral Trees Trail, you will hike parallel to Boyce Creek, which provides a relaxing ambiance from the sounds of the gurgling waters. The path will then divert you north, away from the creek and amongst the looming redwoods. Marvel in the enormity of these trees, and the path will guide you up, then down a ridge.

You will ultimately reach your turnaround point at the Big Tree. Admire the grandeur of the redwood, and when you are all set, retrace your steps back along the path to the trailhead.