Tucked away in the misty, ancient forests of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, the Damnation Creek Trail is one of the most spectacular and underrated hikes in Northern California.
This trail plunges you from towering redwood groves to the wild, rugged coastline in just over two miles. It’s a dramatic descent. With every switchback, the air gets saltier, the forest denser, and the ocean louder, until you emerge at a rocky cove when land and sea collide.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about hiking the Damnation Creek Trail, from what to expect, things to do nearby, and tips for making the most out of your adventure.
Then at the end of the post, I’ll add any useful travel guides that will aid you in a trip of a lifetime to the Redwoods. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get to be awed by giants.
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Damnation Creek Trail Quick List
- 📍 Location: Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – mostly due to the steep return climb and slippery trail sections.
- 🥾 Distance: 4.2 Miles Round Trip
- ⏰ Duration: 2.5-4 Hours
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,100 Feet
- 💦 Highlights: Towering Redwoods, Fern Covered Forest, Views of the Pacific, & a Secluded Rocky Beach at Trail’s End.
- 💰 Parking Fee: No
- 🍂 Best Season: Spring through fall.
Keep scrolling for more details of the Damnation Creek Trail in Redwoods National & State Parks.
About the Redwoods
The Redwoods and are a collection of awe-inspiring protected lands along Northern California’s coast, home to the tallest trees on Earth – the ancient coastal redwoods.
These trees can soar over 350 feet tall, live for more than 2,000 years, and create a mystical, cathedral like forest unlike any other on the planet. While many people assume there’s just one national park, the area is actually a partnership of four parks.
- Redwoods National Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Together, they preserve over 130,000 acres of ancient forest, old-growth redwoods, rivers, meadows, and coastline.
Damnation Creek Trailhead
Damnation Creek Trailhead is located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, along Highway 101 about 8 miles south of Crescent City (mile marker 16). Here is the Damnation Creek Trailhead location on GoogleMaps.
🚗 Trailhead Access:
Pull off at the dirt road turnout on the west side (if you’re driving south) or left side (if traveling north) of US 101. The turnout fits about a dozen cars. There’s no official parking lot, so be sure to drive slowly – traffic zips by quickly.
When is the Best Time to Hike Damnation Creek Trail
The best time to hike Damnation Creek Trail is between late spring and early fall, or May through October. In late spring, the trail is especially beautiful with blooming wildflowers like rhododendrons, and that magical morning light filtering through the redwoods.
Summer brings drier conditions and clearer coastal views, making the trail easier to navigate – but it’s also the most popular time, so expect more hikers. Early fall is a great sweet spot, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and gorgeous forest colors.
It’s best to avoid this trail in the winer and early spring months, as the path can get muddy, slippery, and sometimes even temporarily closed due to landslides or trail damage.
How Long Is the Damnation Creek Hike
Most hikers complete the entire hike of 4.2 mile in 2 to 4 hours, depending on pace, stops, and tide time. Steep sections and slippery spots can slow you down.
Hanging out at the cove or tide pools adds to your total hike time. This trail is gorgeous, expect to take your time gawking up at these peaceful giants.
Practical Trail Information
- 🥾 Distance: 4.2 Miles Round Trip
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,100 Feet
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Damnation Creek Trail is a stunning and adventurous hike tucked inside Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. This 4.2 mile out and back trail starts off gently, winding through a dreamy old-growth redwood forest and lush ferns before plunging steeply downhill toward the Pacific Ocean.
The descent is moderate but incredibly rewarding as you’ll get dramatic coastal views, misty forest vibes, and a remote beach that feels like a secret hideaway. It’s one of those rare trails where you get towering trees and ocean views in one hike.
The first mile of the hike you’re walking through a magical grove of very tall trees. Where sun rays peaks its way through trees and the only way to capture the grandeur is with a person standing next to the redwoods for perspective.
A mile in, you’ll bisect an old logging road which is the coastal trail. We actually hiked this entire portion as well but only got glimpses of the ocean. Cross over the road and head down the trail, there are trail signs marking the way. This is the steepest section of the trail.
Damnation Cove will be waiting for you at the bottom of the trail. You can inch across a narrow rock bridge to a small bluff to take in the coastline. In order to explore the secluded beach, you must hike at low tide. It’s a fun hike and you’ll know you’re getting close when salty air starts to fill your lungs.
While the climb back up is a workout, it’s more than worth it for the beauty and quiet you’ll experience along the way. If you’re up for a bit of a leg-burner with a huge scenic payoff, this trail delivers.
Tips for Hiking Damnation Creek
- Be Ready for a Steep Return. The trail drops over 1,000 feet on the way down, which means the hike back up is an uphill workout.
- Watch the Tide. If you’re planning to go all the way to the beach, check the tide chart beforehand. High tide can make the beach impassable or dangerous. You want to visit the beach during low tide.
- Avoid after heavy rains due to mud and slipperiness.
- 🥾 Wear Grippy Shoes. These are my favorite hiking boots.
- Summer and early fall offer clearer skies and better beach access.
- Bring Layers. Redwoods forests can shift quickly from cool and foggy to sunny and warm, dress in layers and expect moisture in the air year round.
- 🅿️ Parking Area is Limited. There’s just a small roadside pullout on Highway 101. Arrive early to get a spot and be cautious when exiting and entering the highway.
- 📵 No Cell Service on the trail. Download maps ahead of time.
- ♻️ Stay on the Path. Erosion is common and the forest is fragile.
- 💧 Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks. It’s not a long hike, but the elevation makes it more demanding.
- 🍂 Late Spring to Early Fall is the best time of year to visit for drier conditions and beach access.
Where to Camp Next to Damnation Creek Trail
- Mill Creek Campground is your best bet. It’s a 5 minute drive to the Damnation Creek Trailhead, well-equipped and surrounded by redwoods. This is where I personally camped when I hiked the Damnation Creek Trail.
- Backcountry Camping – The park’s Coastal Trail runs south from Damnation Creek toward trail camps and beaches.You’ll need a backcountry permit from California State Parks or Redwood National & State Parks.
- Jedediah Smith Campground – 10 miles east in lush redwood forest along the Smith River, scenic and peaceful.
- Elk Prairie & Gold Bluffs Beach Campgrounds – 25 miles south in Prairie Creek. Seaside camping with beach access and Fern Canyon nearby.
Other Awesome Hikes in the Redwoods National Park
There are some incredibly awesome hikes in the Redwoods National Park that take you through ancient forests, misty canyons, and along rugged coastal cliffs.
From easy loops like Stout Grove and Simpson Reed to bucket-list treks like James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon and Damnation Creek, there’s a trail for every pace and style.
🌿 Read More: 12 Best Hikes in Redwoods National Park
Other Things to do in the Redwoods
Besides hiking through the towering groves, there’s plenty more to experience in the Redwoods National and State Parks.
- 🚗 Scenic Drives – Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway & Howland Hill Road.
- 🫎 Wildlife Viewing. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, especially in Elk Prairie or along Davison Road.
- 📸 Photography & Nature Walks.
- 🌿 Fern Canyon – steep walled canyon that is covered in prehistoric ferns and moss.
🌲 Read More: 12 Awesome Things to do in the Redwoods
Redwoods Travel Vlogs
Would rather see what it’s like to hike the Damnation Creek Trail? Joe and I filmed one of our favorite vlogs during our magical time exploring the Redwoods. Click below to watch our California Travel Series.
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Final Thoughts on Hiking Damnation Creek Trail
Hiking the Damnation Creek Trail is a true redwoods adventure. One that rewards effort with unmatched beauty. It’s not the easiest trail, but for those willing to tackle the elevation, it’s an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the magic of the Redwoods.
In a few words, Damnation Creek delivers. If you found this article useful or have any questions, come say hi in the comments below. 👇
Northern California Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to the Redwoods and Southern Oregon? Since moving to Oregon, I’ve been having a blast exploring this unreal part of the world and so much fun writing about it.
Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration and tips to help plan a trip of a lifetime to the PNW.
Redwood National Park Itinerary 2-3 Days
Fern Canyon Trail | Tips for First Timers
10 Epic Stops in Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Coridor
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