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Damnation Creek Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …North Coast
  4. …Redwood National Park
  5. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
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“A moderate trail with a mixture of forest and ocean. ”

Ben Wagner
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Map Key

3.7

Miles

6.0

KM

Out and Back

1,104' 336 m

High

52' 16 m

Low

1,215' 370 m

Up

1,200' 366 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Overview

A well-signed trail that takes you through Coast Redwoods and ends at a secluded beach.

Need to Know

The bridges near the bottom of the trail are maintained, but still fall into disrepair. If you see signs warning of broken bridges, do not be discouraged! The creek is narrow and shallow, and a makeshift stepping-stone bridge will still allow you to access the beach.

Description

From the trailhead, follow signs for the Damnation Creek Trail. At the 0.5 mile mark, you'll intersect with the Coastal Trail. Stay to the right (the uphill path) for another 0.1 miles until you intersect with the Coastal Trail again. At this point, follow the sign for Damnation Creek Trail. It's all downhill from here!

Enjoy the Coast Redwoods that surround the trail, and watch as the vegetation begins to change as you get closer to the salty air. The path will level out, and a short jaunt through tall grass will give way to the beach.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - North Coast Redwoods District

Shared By:

Ben Wagner
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 20 votes

#1

in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

#460

Overall
  4.9 from 20 votes
5 Star
90%
4 Star
10%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Del Norte Coast Redwoo…

#72

in California

#460

Overall
17 Views Last Month
5,705 Since Dec 16, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
27%
27%
47%
0%
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Photos

This trail makes you feel like you should see a dinosaur.
Jun 21, 2017 near Bertsch…, CA
This trunk looks like a smiley face!
Jun 21, 2017 near Bertsch…, CA
Damnation creek as it flows into the Pacific
Mar 8, 2016 near Bertsch…, CA
Foggy forest.
Dec 18, 2015 near Bertsch…, CA
Fog over Damnation Cove.
Dec 18, 2015 near Bertsch…, CA
The end of Damnation Creek Trail
Dec 16, 2015 near Bertsch…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2023
Manoj Abey
Trail is closed for renovation 3.7mi — 2h 00m
Feb 6, 2021
Jeremy Brady
1 tree across trail. Final bridge is fenced off but creek is easily passable.
Sep 23, 2020
Valerie Norton
Hiked down from California Coastal Trail on my way past: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2020/09/california-coastal-trail-last-chance.html
Aug 16, 2020
Naree Kae
Unique and hidden location
Aug 28, 2019
Charlotte Collins
3.7mi
May 29, 2019
Chris Kintner
Sep 21, 2018
Onur Aksu
Sep 6, 2018
C. R. Houston

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