Myrtle Creek Trail

Myrtle Creek Trail

Myrtle Creek Trail

Location: Smith River National Recreation Area, Del Norte County, CA
Miles: 2 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Users: Dog friendly, no mountain biking, no horses
Features: Myrtle Creek, gold-rush era hydraulic mining operation remains, free campfire permits for overnight use

The Myrtle Creek is a 3.1-kilometer trail located near Crescent City, California which showcases enchanting wildflowers and various activities accessible for everyone year-round. It welcomes families and also their pet dogs on this trail. People used to look for gold in Myrtle Creek.

Follow the 8 mile Myrtle Creek Trail as it passes through some ponderosa pines, stream banks with willows flourishing nearby, and meadows of spring wildflowers as it continues Myrtle Creek along a canyon on its way to the Silvies River. The lower part of Myrtle Creek and its watershed are enclosed by the Myrtle Creek Botanical area.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Walk your dog

Dogs are allowed to use this trail but must be kept on a leash. If you have a bunch of stuff with you, you can always bring a light heavy-duty day pack to handle all the load.

2) Look out for interpretative signs!

This one-mile trail offers 15 interpretative signs which highlight mining, cultural and geologic history and a peek into why this area was designated as one of the four Botanical Areas in the park.

3) Watch out for all kinds of birds

Potential bald eagles and osprey sightings overhead and other kinds of bird species.