Big Tree Wayside

Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555

Hours

There are no specific hours to visit The Big Tree Wayside - standing tall 24/7

Cost

Free!

707 465 7335

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About

Looking to visit one of the largest trees in the county? Big Tree Wayside or "Big Tree" as many call it, is a popular landmark inside the Prairie Creek State Park. As one of the most mature and giant old-growth coast redwoods, you can bet Big Tree attracts many visitors annually!

Getting to Big Tree Wayside

Just off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, you'll find this entrance to the Prairie Creek State Park. It's a very easy hike from the parking lot to the tree. It's just about a 5-10 minute walk a couple hundred meters away.

This is considered a very easy hike, though it's more of a stroll through the entrance of the park. All ages are able to enjoy a visit to Big Tree!

About Big Tree

This is a very popular activity for those who don't have much time or prefer to not hike much, but still want to see some incredible redwood trees. You can get in and out in under an hour while still taking time to admire and experience the area around Big Tree.

Big Tree is an estimated 1,500 years old and over 350 feet high - Don't let the photos fool you, it's much bigger in person!

Park Rules

Here, dogs are not allowed. The reason being that they want to ensure that this area is protected and preserved. The activity is also free and there are no reservations necessary for this year-round visit. However, there may be a parking fee that goes to the funding the State Parks.

Need somewhere to stay while visiting California’s Redwood Coast? Browse and book online or give us a call at (707)-602-5800 ; we're here to help!

Local Tips

Open 24 Hours
Inside Prairie Creek State Park
No Pets Allowed
Great for people on a time crunch!

Location

Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the Redwood Coast?

By air: The closest airport to McKinleyville, Eureka, and Arcata is the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV). Also known as the Eureka/Arcata airport, ACV is located in McKinleyville and serviced by United and Avelo airlines, providing direct connections to/from several hubs.

The closest major international airports to the Redwood Coast are located in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento at about 5½ driving distance each.

By car: As a key drive-to destination, traveling along California or Oregon’s west coast provides spectacular scenery for the journey. Linking to Coastal Highway 101 from San Francisco and Sacramento is about a 5-hour drive to Eureka. For those driving southbound on Highway 101 from Oregon, it is about a 2-hour drive to Trinidad just north of Eureka.

When is the best time of year to visit the Redwood Coast?

Both the Redwoods National and State Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park are open throughout the year, closing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Winter Hours also frequently include closures mid-week, while parks are open daily from late spring through fall. Each season offers its own feel for the Redwoods, though some like to plan around the rainier season from late October through April.

Where is McKinleyville located and how far is it to the Redwood National and State Parks?

McKinleyville is a coastal community on Highway 101 situated between the redwoods and the ocean, making it an ideal base camp for adventure on California’s North Coast. The Redwood National and State Parks are located about half an hour north of McKinleyville, with the southern gateway to the parks found in the town of Orick on Highway 101.