Orick: Redwood Forests, Coast and Hiking Trails

Orick combines the landscape of coastal redwoods with riverbanks, beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for a nature-focused stay will find a wide range of ideas for planning their days here: a hike to the Redwood Creek Gravel Bar, loop trails through Redwood stands, views of the forest and sea, as well as special experiences such as horseback rides and the annual Orick Rodeo.

Hiking between Redwood Creek and Coastal Redwoods

A 6.5-mile hike to the Redwood Creek Gravel Bar begins at the Orick Horse Trailhead. The Redwood Creek Trail is located immediately outside Orick and leads to Redwood Creek; one section can be completed as a day hike. Giant coastal redwoods, bigleaf maples and other moisture-loving plants have flourished in the valley for thousands of years. The Orick Horse Trails run along the west side of Redwood Creek and through its riverbed to the first footbridge or first trail crossing, respectively.

Two notable destinations are ideal for shorter loop trails. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a historic stand of coastal redwoods and also a 1.5-mile loop located ten minutes by car north of Orick on Bald Hills Road. Fern Canyon can be explored as a 1-mile loop from the parking area at Gold Bluffs Beach. If you would like to drive to this area for day use between May 15 and September 15, reservations are required.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park complements hiking plans with 75 miles of trails and three scenic drives. Nearby Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs through the center of the park beneath old-growth coastal redwoods.

Beaches, Marine Protection and Waterfront Viewing

Off the coast near Orick are the Reading Rock State Marine Reserve and the adjacent Reading Rock State Marine Conservation Area. Both areas are marine protected areas. Nearby Gold Bluffs Beach is known for miles of gray sand, driftwood and protected dunes. Redwood Creek Overlook offers views of old-growth Redwood forest and the Pacific Ocean.

The Redwood Creek / Freshwater Beach Day Use Area is 1.5 miles southwest of Orick and is suitable for whale watching. It is the only beach area with picnic tables, grills, shelters, numerous RV spaces and restrooms. Orick Beach Fishing Access is located on the north bank of Redwood Creek at the end of Hufford Road, which branches off Highway 101 in Orick. Fishing and walks along the shore north of the access point are possible there. The Park Store at Kuchel Visitor Center provides beach access, maps, interpretive exhibits and accessible visitor facilities.

Rodeo, Horseback Rides and Wildlife Viewing

The annual Orick Rodeo usually takes place on the second weekend in July. The program includes Mutton Bustin, Junior Steer Riding, Calf Riding and professional rodeo events. Another way to experience the landscape is through guided rides with Redwood Creek Buckarettes in Redwood National Park. They depart from the Orick Rodeo Grounds daily from May through November. Nearby Elk Meadow is also a starting point for hikers, cyclists and wildlife watchers. As a historical wildlife observation, it is worth noting that a Roosevelt elk herd moved to Orick until 2018.

Orick as a Search Location for Your Accommodation

When searching for a holiday apartment in Orick, it is worth first deciding on the focus you want for your trip. Those who want to explore as many trails through Redwood stands as possible can make the hiking opportunities at Redwood Creek and in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park the centerpiece of their plans. For days by the water, Gold Bluffs Beach, Freshwater Beach, the Overlook and the Fishing Access offer a range of different experiences. Horseback rides or the rodeo provide another focus. This allows you to choose your search location based on your own daily plans without anticipating accommodation features or availability.

Discover More Destinations

For a broader overview, you can also find: Samoa, Loleta, Trinidad, Redcrest, Ferndale, Fortuna, Fields Landing, Myrtletown.

For the overarching travel overview: Humboldt.