Interpretive Hike in Northwest California
Name of area/general location:
Myrtle Creek Trail, within the Smith River National Recreation Area, near Crescent City, California.
Land acknowledgment:
This recreation opportunity is located on the unceded territories and homelands of the Tolowa Dee-ni’. To learn more about the original residents and stewards of the lands, visit: native-land.ca
Trail/river/climb/ etc. rating and why (easy, moderate, hard):
Easy to moderate, with a minor elevation gain of 250-500 feet.
Trail/river/ etc. mileage (different options if available):
1 mile, one-way with several interpretive signs along the route and amazing plant viewing (botanizing).
Permissible trail uses (dogs, horses, mountain bikes, others):
This trail is a popular hiking trail. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. Please remember to respect wildlife as we are visitors in their homes (habitats), and they may react in their own defense if not respected.
Description of area, sights, wildlife and any key markers on the trail/river/climb etc.
Not far from the Oregon and California border, the Myrtle Creek Trail is a popular trail within the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA), which is managed by the Six Rivers National Forest. While the NRA offers many outstanding recreational opportunities, the Myrtle Creek Trail is easily accessible from f the highway and is not far from Crescent City. The trail follows a historic mining flume and the 15 interpretative stops along the way share details about the mining, cultural, and geologic history of Myrtle Creek. With regard to the mining history, Myrtle Creek is of particular note because over a century ago, a 47-ounce gold nugget the size and shape of an axe was found within the drainage. You can still see remnants of extensive mining operations on the landscape today.
With respect to the natural history along the trail, several unusual plant species can be found along the way. This includes Darlingtonia california, commonly referred to as the California pitcher plant, which is a carnivorous plant. This plant is found here and in other areas nearby due to the permanent water on serpentine soils. Unfortunately, the range of Darlingtonia has been reduced significantly because of illegal collecting, so please be sure to only observe and not collect the species. Not only does it take the opportunity away from others to enjoy, it is also illegal to do so. The Myrtle Creek Trail is also designated as a special “Botanical Area” to protect its unique environmental factors. This area is one of six Botanical Areas in the Six Rivers National Forest.
How to get there:
From U.S. 101 near Crescent City, California, take US-199 east for approximately seven miles. Park at the Myrtle Beach river access or just west at a big pullout across from the trail head.
More information (AllTrails link, etc.):
Six Rivers National Forest trail information
Myrtle Creek Trail on AllTrails
Gasquet District/Smith River National Recreation Area
Located at 10600 Highway 199, Gasquet, CA 95543
Phone: (707) 457-3131
Photo Credits:
Interpretive Sign: Jessi Iler via AllTrails
Darlingtonia plant: Kelly McCall via AllTrails
Ferns along trail: Kelly McCall via AllTrails
