Hike the Damnation Creek Trail

Summary:

This trail starts off with a short climb through a striking redwood grove. At this point the trail starts it’s descent through an old growth redwood forest. Keep a look out for a beautiful patch of rhododendron and huckleberry shrubs along this section of the trail. The redwoods start getting smaller as the trail leads you down to the intersection of the Coastal Trail. After you cross the Coastal trail, the redwoods fade into a spruce covered hillside. You will the cross Damnation Creek and the trail begins to narrow. At this point the trail ascends bringing the ocean into view. Your final decent leads you down to the cove on some steps carved into the rocks. During low tide you may be able to explore the small beach. Head back the way you came.

Best Seasons:

This trail is great any season. During the summer this trail may be blanketed in fog from the summer marine layer; this just adds to the wonderment and mystery of a beautiful coastal trail.

Brief History:

This trail crosses an old paved road which was once Highway 101. Del Norte This area was once almost entirely clearcut leaving old logging roads that can be used as loop trails.

Trailhead:

This trail starts from a wide dirt pullout on the west side of Highway 101. The pullout is at mile marker 16. There is a sign for Damnation Creek Trail at the trailhead.

Click here for more selections to hike the middle section of Del Norte County.

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