Here’s something you don’t get at most national parks: the chance to watch massive Roosevelt elk grazing peacefully in a meadow surrounded by ancient redwoods, sometimes so close you could practically count their antlers. Elk Meadow in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in all of California, and it comes with the added bonus of being a trailhead for some spectacular walks through old-growth forest. Unlike many wildlife viewing areas where you’re squinting through binoculars hoping for a glimpse, elk are frequently visible here year-round — though patience and timing definitely help.
The meadow itself has a fascinating history. Until 1968, this was the site of a redwood logging mill, and the land was left barren and covered with equipment for decades. Thanks to extensive restoration efforts starting in 1999, it’s now a thriving ecosystem where wildflowers bloom, salmon run in Prairie Creek, and elk herds congregate. You can still see some old logging equipment sitting in the meadow as a reminder of what was nearly lost.
Getting to Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow Day Use Area is located just off Highway 101, approximately 3 miles north of Orick in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Northern California. From Highway 101, turn west onto Davison Road and the car park is immediately on your left. The turn-off is well signposted.
The nearest town with services is Orick (about 5-10 minutes south), though it’s quite small with limited facilities. For proper shops, restaurants, and accommodation, you’ll want Arcata (about 45 minutes south) or Crescent City (about 45 minutes north).
Elk Meadow parking
The Elk Meadow car park is surprisingly large compared to most Redwood National Park locations — there’s ample parking for cars, RVs, and buses. The car park includes accessible parking spaces, and there are flush toilets (wheelchair accessible) and picnic tables available.
Even with the generous parking, early morning (before 8.00am) and late afternoon (after 4.00pm) are the busiest times when wildlife watchers arrive hoping to see elk. If you’re coming specifically for elk viewing during prime times, arrive early to guarantee a good viewing spot along the meadow.
Admission fees for Elk Meadow
Redwood National Park itself has no entrance fee. However, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (where Elk Meadow is located) is technically a state park, albeit managed in conjunction with its bigger neighbour. Elk Meadow Day Use Area doesn’t currently charge a day-use fee when accessed directly from Highway 101 via Davison Road.
If you’re visiting other areas of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, such as the campground or using the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway entrance, you may encounter an $8 day-use fee per vehicle. An America the Beautiful Pass covers state park fees as well.
Opening hours for Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow is open 24 hours daily, year-round. There are no gates or restricted access times, making it perfect for sunrise and sunset wildlife viewing.
Wildlife viewing at Elk Meadow
The star attraction here is the Roosevelt elk — California’s largest wild land animal. Bulls can weigh up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg) and sport impressive multi-branched antlers, whilst cows weigh 380-640 pounds. These magnificent creatures are a conservation success story, having rebounded from near-extinction (as few as 15 animals in 1925) to over 1,000 today.
Best times to see elk at Elk Meadow: Early morning (dawn to 9.00am) and late evening (4.00pm to dusk) are when elk are most active and visible. During midday, they often retreat into the forest to rest.
Best seasons for elk viewing: Elk are present year-round, but autumn (late August through October) is particularly spectacular during the rut (mating season), when bulls bugle, spar with each other, and display impressive behaviours. Spring (May-June) is calving season, when you might see adorable elk calves with their protective mothers.
You might also spot black bears, black-tailed deer, and in autumn, salmon running in Prairie Creek. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards (about a quarter of a football pitch) from elk. Despite their docile appearance, they’re unpredictable wild animals and can be aggressive, especially during rutting and calving seasons.
Trails from Elk Meadow
Trillium Falls trail
The Trillium Falls trail is the most popular hike starting from Elk Meadow — a 2.8-mile loop through old-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, and western hemlock, with 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail features a charming waterfall (though it can reduce to a trickle by late summer) and spectacular ancient trees.
The trail begins on a gentle paved path before climbing steep switchbacks. Expect 1.5-2 hours for the full loop. Spring offers the best waterfall flow and wildflowers, including the namesake trillium blooms.
Cycling trails from Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow is a hub for cycling in the redwoods. Several designated bike trails radiate from here, including routes to Lost Man Creek Trail, Elk Prairie Campground, and Gold Bluffs Beach. The Davison Road section offers 3 miles of easy, level cycling through stunning old-growth forest.
Accessibility at Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow is one of the more accessible spots in Redwood National Park. The day-use area features wheelchair-accessible parking, toilets, and picnic tables. The paved paths around the immediate meadow area are accessible, and there are designated viewing platforms.
However, the Trillium Falls trail is not wheelchair accessible due to steep switchbacks and uneven terrain. For accessible old-growth redwood experiences, consider the Simpson-Reed Trail or sections of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway instead.
Best time to visit Elk Meadow
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers bloom, elk calves are born, and Trillium Falls flows strongest. Weather is mild and the forest is vibrantly green.
Summer (June-August): Warm and dry with long daylight hours, though the waterfall may be reduced to a trickle. This is peak visitor season, so expect more crowds.
Autumn (September-October): The best time for elk viewing during the rut. Bull elk bugle, spar, and display fascinating behaviours. Autumn colours appear, mushrooms emerge, and crowds thin out.
Winter (November-March): Rainy and atmospheric with virtually no crowds. Elk are still visible, though you’ll need proper waterproof gear. The forest takes on a mystical quality in the mist and rain.
What to bring for your Elk Meadow visit
- Binoculars or a camera with telephoto lens — essential for wildlife viewing from a safe distance.
- Layers — even in summer, the coastal redwood forest stays cool and damp.
- Rain gear — this is one of the wettest places in California.
- Sturdy footwear if you’re planning to hike the trails.
- Water and snacks — there are no shops or cafés.
- Insect repellent in summer months.
There are no rubbish bins, so pack out everything you bring in.
Important safety rules for Elk Meadow
- Maintain 25 yards distance from elk at all times. Bulls during rut and cows with calves are particularly dangerous.
- Never approach, feed, or try to pet elk. They may look docile but can charge without warning.
- No dogs allowed on any trails. Service animals only.
- Stay on designated trails to protect the restored ecosystem.
- Be bear aware — make noise whilst hiking, never approach bears, and use bear-proof storage if camping nearby.
Where to stay near Elk Meadow
Elk Prairie Campground (10 minutes north via Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway) offers tent and RV sites surrounded by redwoods. Book through ReserveCalifornia.com well in advance.
Orick (5 minutes south) has limited budget accommodation. For better options, head to Arcata or Crescent City, both about 45 minutes away.
Elk Meadow Cabins (along Highway 101 near Orick) offers rental accommodation right in the heart of elk territory — popular with families wanting a nature-immersive experience.
Combining Elk Meadow with other attractions
Gold Bluffs Beach (continue west on Davison Road) features elk grazing on golden sand beaches — it’s genuinely surreal. Note that Davison Road is unpaved for 4 miles and not suitable for large motorhomes.
Fern Canyon (accessible via Gold Bluffs Beach) is a stunning 50-foot canyon with walls completely covered in ferns — used as a filming location for Jurassic Park: The Lost World.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway offers spectacular old-growth redwood driving just north of Elk Meadow, with numerous trails and viewing points.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove (15 minutes via Bald Hills Road) is a magnificent old-growth grove with an easy 1.5-mile loop trail.est town with services is Orick, California.
The Grove of the Titans in Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to some of the tallest redwood trees on earth.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A visit to Death Valley – the hottest place on earth.
- Why Dante’s View may be the best view in California.
- Planning a visit to the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.
