The Big Tree Loop

including the Prairie Creek and Cathedral Tree Trails

Length 3.2 mi · Climbing 190 ft

California > Redwood National and State Parks > Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The Prairie Creek Trail

Background

Starting at park headquarters, this loop takes the Prairie Creek Trail up to the Big Tree Area, then returning on the Cathedral Tree Trail. This loop connects the two areas of Prairie Creek with the biggest redwoods and makes a great introduction to the park.

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Hike description

The Prairie Creek Trail is quintessentially Prairie Creek - huge redwoods line the trail, while below the rushing creek is lined with mossy, lichen-draped maples. The dense, lush greenery looks more like a jungle than a redwood forest. There is some noise from Drury Parkway, but on weekdays it's not intrusive.

Turn right at the first trail intersection you come to. The right-hand trail is not marked, but after 50 feet you'll come to a second intersection. Stay to the right again, following the sign directing you to the parkway.

When you come to the parkway, you'll notice a trail directly across from you that leads to the Big Tree Area. Instead of taking this trail, turn left and walk along the roadside pullout for a few yards until you come to the Hunnewell-Donald Memorial Grove sign. Take the trail next to the sign. This route provides a much more interesting approach to the Big Tree Area, joining the Foothill Trail and passing through a grove of large redwoods before reaching the Big Tree itself.

The Foothill Trail near the Big Tree

From the Big Tree area, you can return on the rather dull Foothill Trail, which follows a straight, flat old roadbed along the edge of the redwood forest, or you can take the Cathedral Trees Trail, which involves a little climbing but passes through superb redwood scenery. In fact, the Cathedral Trees Trail is the best part of the whole hike. To take the Cathedral Trees Trail, follow the signs from the Big Tree, turning left and then right.

The Cathedral Trees Trail climbs past several groups of impressive redwoods before crossing Cal Barrel Road and descending to an intersection with the Rhododendron Trail. The trail then cuts through streamside brush before briefly emerging onto a meadow surrounded by giant redwoods. Finally, the trail approaches Drury Parkway. You can take a tunnel under the parkway or climb an embankment to your left and cross the street.

The Cathedral Trees Trail