Location: Orick
Top Things to do in Orick
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What to do and see in Orick, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do
Orick (formerly, Arekw, Orekw, and Oreq, Yurok: 'O'rekw ) is a census-designated place situated on the banks of the Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, California. It is located 43 miles (69 km) north of Eureka, at an elevation of 26 feet (8 m). The population was 357 at the 2010 census.
1. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 375 reviews
This state park, established in 1923, is part of the Redwoods National and State Park System.
Reviewed By chickabeegrrl - Elk Grove, United States
We had a wonderful time hiking through this park. We hiked about 13 miles along the Miner’s Ridge Trail, Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, and back via the James Irvine Trail. It was a tough long hike with lots of climbing but worth it. The views were amazing and the photos were beautiful.
2. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By archie59
Easy to get to and an easy stroll through a very beautiful grove of old growth redwoods. A piece of history that could have easily been lost , but has been preserved in this grove.
3. Newton B Drury Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By GreenCoast71
Ok, so perhaps not quite as amazing as the Avenue of the Giants, but you'll be driving thru this area anyway to get to the Avenue so why not stop?!? I admit, we almost didn't and I'm so grateful that we had! We had our two small children with us, aged 8 and 5, neither of which are much "hikers". There were still several trailheads to pull over and take leisurely strolls thru some magnificent, ancient trees. When (not "if"!) we return I will plan on spending more time exploring more of the turn outs. I can see one easily spending a full day here, if not more. Highest recommendation for those that are driving through this stretch of the Northern California coast and have the time for a very worthwhile detour!
4. Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By jenLeCreate - Vista, United States
This is one of the best visitor centers we have been to in Cali. Located a little south of the town of Orick right off the 101, this center is easily accessed. Plenty of parking, clean restrooms, friendly and knowledgeable rangers happy to help with information, gift shop with more than the little souvenir gifts (lots of good nature books etc.) Learn about the Redwood National & State parks here (so many different areas), pick up maps (or some good books) if you need but most importantly get out and about in the parks. The redwoods are majestic, magical, serene and after visiting you will be changed. There is an area just south of the center that has more restrooms, covered picnic tables (good for lunch if very sunny) and a path to the beach. This place is awesome for a nice, quiet walk (can take a long one and see very few if any people) along the beach. Bring your hat and some water and enjoy the wildness of the pacific coast here.
5. Trillium Falls Hike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By MaritaOB - Huntsville, United States
As others have already said, the falls were underwhelming. The rest of the hike, however, was an immersion into the Redwoods. It was interesting to start with so many ripe blackberries that we were kind of full starting our walk, and we thought it was going to be like the Lady Bird grove hike at the beginning as there was a steady stream of people. All of them seemed to turn back at the falls, however, so we had the rest of the 2 mile walk to ourselves. Unique to this hike was the change in elevation both for us as we walked and in the redwood floor, allowing us to really experience their dramatic size. The ranger also told us about a perfect chimney (hollow through the trunk, though with living branches) which was tall enough that an elk had come inside to scratch its horns. We didn't see or hear much wildlife, but we experienced the total quiet of winds gently rustling through the trees throughout the hike. The walk took us about 2 hours, including lots of stops for photos & just admiring the forest. It does have a bit of elevation and tree roots, so watching your step is important. Thanks to other hikers for leaving good reviews encouraging us to try it for ourselves!
6. Big Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By karenbC9777ON - Eldersburg, United States
This tree is a must see while visiting the redwoods. It has a circumference of almost 75 feet! There is a path back to it that is a wonderful walk where you can get up close to these awesome giants.
