LODGING
ELK MEADOW CABINS
A pristine lodge in the heart of the park’s southern gateway.
Elk Meadow Cabins are in the heart of the Redwood National Park’s southern gateway, just a few minutes’ drive from world-famous Lady Bird Johnson Grove and near Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek State Park, as well as many beautiful North Coast beaches.
We have two sites: Our six 1,200 square foot cabins are extensively remodeled to serve as your home away from home in the Redwoods.
A second newly launched site is in downtown Orick.
TOP 5 MUST-DO'S
1) Experience the magic of our ancient old-growth Redwoods in our Parks
Redwood National Park is one of 23 UN World Heritage Sites in the US, with a surviving remnant of trees that have existed for 160 million years. The park contains some of the tallest and oldest known trees and living things in the world. The home of the world’s tallest tree and living thing, measured at 379.1 ft. Many of the trails are walking distance or a 5-10 minute drive from Elk Meadow cabins, suitable for all ages and abilities.
For a more in-depth experience, join our guided hiking tours!
2) Have Breakfast with the Elk
Watch from your cabin window or stroll out to the meadow with a cup of coffee to see the majestic Roosevelt elk. We are located at Elk Meadow, home of one of the three elk herds in Redwood National Park. These elk can be found frequently on the grounds or just a short walk away. Always at the top of our visitor’s trip highlights.
See recent sightings, and add your own on our INaturalist project!
3) Explore Fern Canyon
We are located just 100 yds north of the road to Fern Canyon where you can hike bike or drive to this must see natural phenomena. Fern Canyon was formed millions of years ago by a retreating sea that left the steep canyon walls now covered by 10 different fern species. Fern Canyon was used in the movie Jurassic Park, Lost World and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
4) Go Hike or Ride a Bike
Leave the car in the driveway. We are located at the trail head of three Mt. Bike trails: Lost Man Creek, Davison Trail and Streelow Creek trail. These maintained trails take you into old-growth forests, scenic prairies and to beautiful north coast beaches. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate. Trail maps are available at the store.
Redwood Adventures has bike tours and rentals!
5) Explore beautiful empty beaches!
Build a sandcastle, fish, hunt for agate rocks, explore tide pools, look for whales, or just lay back and relax. We are just a few miles away from the many uncrowded and unique beaches found here on the north coast.
NEARBY HIKES
We are conveniently located in the southern gateway of Redwood National Park:
A short walk from our Cabins:
- Lost Man Creek — The location where the RNP was dedicated as a UN World Heritage site with old growth redwoods.
- Trillium Falls — Ford the river from our cabins to the trail, or a short 5 minute drive to trail to see a small, charming waterfall in the middle of old growth redwoods.
A few minutes’ drive:
- Prairie Creek State Park — 2 miles north, this park is known for the complexity of the old growth forest and plants, and home of the famous Atlas Tree. Our favorite area.
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove — 10 minutes away, a magnificent grove of old growth redwoods dedicated to the former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 1969.
- Fern Canyon/Gold Bluffs Beach — 20 minutes’ drive to a coastal beach, that extends into a canyon of prehistoric ferns, famously a scene in Jurassic Park.
20-30 minutes’ drive:
- Tall Trees Grove — Going south, Home of one of the world’s tallest trees.
- Patrick’s Point State Park — A beach and great tide pool walks.
Some of these attractions are difficult to find. Save time and learn the secrets of the old growth forest from our experienced naturalists on our eco-tours.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Nearby
South
- Friends of the Dunes Humboldt Coastal Nature Center
- The Arcata Marsh & Interpretive Center — A world-renown location for bird-enthusiasts.
- Eureka Zoo
- Visitor Bureau — Provides a comprehensive list of fun activities!
North
- Trees of Mystery
- Yurok Tribe Canoe Tours
- The Klamath Drive-Through Tree — A massive redwood tree and tourist attraction with a drive-thru tunnel carved out of its trunk. (No website; it’s 20 minutes north of Elk Meadow Cabins, on the north end of the Klamath River Bridge.)
Interested in a guided fishing adventure, ocean kayaking, or other activities? Just let us know what you are hoping to experience and we can help connect you with the right outfitters to fulfill your desires!
DINING ON THE REDWOOD COAST
There are many great places to dine, both in the close vicinity as well as many exciting dining adventures only a short drive away. Some of the popular local restaurants include:
ORICK – 5 min South
- Edebee’s Snack Shack
- The Palm Cafe – Fantastic pie
KLAMATH – 25 min North
TRINIDAD – 30 min South
- Larrupin Cafe – 4.7 stars. Ribs, chicken, fine wines and a warm atmosphere.
- Lighthouse Grill – Casual, very small restaurant. Owned by the parents of one of our guides, Chuck Vanderpool.
- Moonstone Grill
-
Seascape Restaurant – Great location on the pier, typical casual dinner food.
- Trinidad Beachcomber Cafe
- Trinidad Eatery and Gallery
MCKINLEYVILLE -35 min South
- Six Rivers Brewery McKinnleyville – Casual Humbolt Brewery. Great food. A local favorite!
ARCATA – 40 min South
- Campground – Steakhouse. Recommended by our tour director, Justine Legge.
- Mazzottis – Italian. Not very fancy, but good.
- Plaza Grill in Jacoby Storehouse – For an excellent historic vibe.
ARTS & MUSEUMS
- Old Town Art Gallery — This gallery is proud to be Humboldt County’s oldest cooperative gallery. They are a center of activity at all the monthly Arts Alive! events.
- The Morris Graves Museum — Located in Eureka. The home of many remarkable pieces, it is also the home of the Humboldt Arts Council, which has artistic events regularly.
- Hoopa Tribal Museum
- Humboldt County Attractions — A guide to culture and the arts in Humboldt’s County.
- Trees of Mystery Museum
- Trinidad Museum
- Yurok County Visitor Center
Local Art Events
EVENTS CALENDAR
There are fun things to do year-round, not only in Orick, but throughout Humboldt County. Redwoods.info is a comprehensive list of events found in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. We have a number of exciting thriving communities very near to our cabins, each a pleasant day-trip away and filled with memories to last a lifetime…
Orick (5 min away):
During the summer there is the Orick Rodeo, a family-friendly rodeo with events for kids!
South
- Orick Chamber of Commerce – 5 min South
- Trinidad Chamber of Commerce – 30 min South
- Arcata Main Street – 40 min South
- Old Town Eureka – 54 min
- Ferndale – 1 hour 20 min South
North
- Klamath – 25 min North
- Crescent City – 55 min North
