Damnation Creek Trail
Hike through ancient redwoods to a dramatic Pacific coastline, a journey of stunning natural contrasts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Damnation Creek Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through ancient redwoods to a dramatic Pacific coastline, a journey of stunning natural contrasts.
"Mystic feels walking under tall redwood trees, then the ocean with its seastacks."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail can be steep and uneven, especially on the return. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
The hike, particularly the return, is strenuous. Stay hydrated to make the most of your experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Redwood Giants
Lower sections of the trail
Walk amongst towering, ancient redwood trees, creating a mystical and awe-inspiring forest experience.
Rugged Pacific Coastline
Trail terminus
Emerge from the forest to dramatic ocean views and a rocky beach with impressive sea stacks.
Diverse Ecosystem Transition
Mid-trail
Witness the fascinating shift from dense redwood forest to coastal spruce and ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Strenuous Return Hike
Coastal Town Perceptions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail can be steep and uneven, especially on the return. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
The hike, particularly the return, is strenuous. Stay hydrated to make the most of your experience.
⏰ Allow ample time
Plan for at least 2 hours roundtrip, plus extra time for photos and enjoying the views.
⚠️ Be cautious on descent
The way down to the beach is steep and can be dangerous. Exercise caution and consider if it's safe for your group.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The trail can be steep and uneven, especially on the return. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring plenty of water
The hike, particularly the return, is strenuous. Stay hydrated to make the most of your experience.
⏰ Allow ample time
Plan for at least 2 hours roundtrip, plus extra time for photos and enjoying the views.
⚠️ Be cautious on descent
The way down to the beach is steep and can be dangerous. Exercise caution and consider if it's safe for your group.
🚗 Trailhead parking is limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the small parking lot fills up quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of the Damnation Creek Trail, highlighting the awe-inspiring redwood forest and the dramatic coastal views. The hike offers a unique transition between ecosystems. However, the strenuous uphill return journey is a significant challenge for many, and some have expressed disappointment with the perceived condition of nearby coastal towns.
"Beautiful spot. It was late enough in the afternoon that I wasn't sure about taking the time to hike all the way down to the creek, so after hitting the coastal trail, I did some of that, too."
Steve Smith
"Beautiful hike brimming with humongous trees."
Mireya Baltazar
"Started from the trailhead at around 10am on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Roundtrip is a little over 4 miles with 1300 ft elevation gain. Took just under 2 hours. Loved the mystic feels walking under the tall redwood trees with the canopy covered in mist, and then the change to spruce, and then the ocean with its seastacks. Beware that the trail climbs 800 feet in a mile while coming back from the ocean, so it is a bit strenuous, though short."
Vipul Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Damnation Creek Trail is conveniently located right off Highway 101 in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California. It's about a 6-hour drive from San Francisco. Look for the small trailhead parking lot on the west side of the highway. 
Public transportation options are very limited in this remote area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for reaching the trailhead.
Highway 101 is generally well-maintained, but be aware of potential fog or rain, especially during certain seasons. The trailhead parking is small and can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! It's a perfect stop on a California road trip, offering a stunning contrast between redwood forests and the Pacific coast.
Yes, the trailhead is marked and has a small parking area directly off Highway 101. However, it can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention, so keep an eye out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the Damnation Creek Trail. It's part of the Redwood National and State Parks system, which is generally free to explore.
The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Parking at the trailhead is free. However, the parking lot is quite small and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
No, there is no reservation system for the trailhead parking. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
No permits are required for day hiking on the Damnation Creek Trail. It's an accessible trail for all visitors.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Damnation Creek Trail is approximately 6 miles out and back, with a significant elevation gain on the return journey.
Most hikers consider it a moderate to strenuous hike due to the steep 800-foot climb in the last mile back from the ocean.
You'll experience a dramatic transition from lush, misty redwood forests to coastal spruce, culminating in stunning ocean views and a rocky beach with sea stacks.
The trail down to the rocky beach is steep and can be dangerous. Visitors are advised to be cautious and assess conditions before proceeding.
Dogs are generally not permitted on trails within Redwood National and State Parks to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. Always check the latest park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the majestic redwood trees, the misty forest canopy, the transition zones between ecosystems, and the dramatic coastal views with sea stacks.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while misty mornings can create a magical, ethereal atmosphere in the redwoods.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits from the park service.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the redwoods and coastal vistas. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the ocean.
The trail itself offers numerous viewpoints as you descend. The overlook before the final steep descent to the beach provides a panoramic view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiking only part of the way down if you have very young children, or be prepared for a significant effort on the return. The trail's beauty is undeniable, and it's a great way to introduce kids to the grandeur of the redwoods. Ensure everyone has sturdy shoes and plenty of snacks and water.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Your main expenses will be transportation and any food or accommodation you arrange. Since the trail is right off Highway 101, it's easily accessible for those on a road trip. Pack your own snacks and water to save money on the trail.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trail Experience: From Redwoods to the Sea
+1Many visitors describe the forest section as mystical, with mist often clinging to the canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The transition in vegetation is a fascinating aspect, showcasing the diverse ecosystems within Redwood National and State Parks. The descent is roughly 2 miles, and the return is the same 2 miles back uphill.
+1Upon reaching the coast, you're greeted by the powerful Pacific Ocean and a dramatic, rocky shoreline dotted with sea stacks. This contrast between the serene forest and the wild coast is what makes the Damnation Creek Trail a memorable hike. However, the return climb is a significant challenge, often described as strenuous, so be prepared for a good workout.
Navigating Coastal Town Perceptions
This feedback suggests that visitors might have different expectations for the amenities and atmosphere of the towns near the trail. It's important to manage expectations regarding the urban environment and focus on the natural beauty of the parks. The trail is a highlight, but the surrounding towns may not align with everyone's idea of a pristine vacation destination.
For those planning a visit, it's advisable to research lodging and dining options thoroughly and perhaps prioritize staying closer to more developed areas if town amenities are a significant concern. The true draw of this region is its unparalleled natural landscape, including the Damnation Creek Trail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit