Orick Horse Trails to Elam Camp

The Orick Horse Trails to Elam Camp is an amazing adventure near Orick, California, that hikers and horseback riders can both enjoy! The primordial ambiance of the environment will transport you to another world—distracting you from your tired feet and motivating you to explore the terrain further! Note as this trail wanders deep into the wilderness, it is important to be mindful of wildlife—including bears!

Setting out from the trailhead, the Orick Horse Trails to Elam Camp follows the Ridego Loop Trail northeast along the Redwood Creek before diverting southeast into the woodlands. This section of the route will guide you up several sets of switchbacks to the top of the ridge. At this point, you will reach an intersection, keep left, and you will reach yet another junction. Here, veer left, and you will be diverted down the ridge via several switchbacks along the McArthur Creek Loop.

Follow this path down into the McArthur Creek valley and then onto Elam Creek. Here there are several picnic tables and ample space to camp along Redwood Creek and Elam Creek. Rest, rehydrate, and retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead when you are ready.