Trillium Falls Trail, CA

Trillium Falls is named after the trillion of trillium flowers that line the trail to the waterfall, none of which I was able to spot. No matter, for there is plenty of other flora to admire on this most wonderful hike to the falls.


To access this trail, park at the Davidson Road Elk viewing parking lot, just off Hwy 101 in Prairie Creek. But first, take a moment or two to admire the elk sit around and do not that much. Eat some snacks and watch more elk be lazy. Then gear yourself up to do some uphill hiking. Wave bye to the elk and start your journey at the far end of the parking lot, behind the restrooms.

The first little bit of the trail skirts a river. The trail quickly barrels into a mass of trees. Suddenly, you hear the creek rumble. Follow this sound (and the trail) uphill to the 10 foot cascade of water. It is a short jaunt to the falls (0.5 miles) and provides quick reward. Green moss laden trees abound. Fragrant scents infuse the air. Giant redwoods dwarf your mere existence. Life is very good.

At this point, you can choose to go back to the elk, having achieved your goal, or you may continue uphill and see what else this trail offers. Should you decide to venture onward, you will hike into a second growth forest, so the redwoods won't be that big or that many. You'll start to notice more spruce trees than redwoods. Then you'll cross an old logging road and fill a tinge of despair, but, lo! the redwoods get big again. You will have escaped the logged area and reenter old growth again. Phew, what a relief. Eventually, the redwoods putter out, and you end up on a dirt road heading back to the start of the trail. Complete your visit with another snack with the elks.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2011-06-13 blueberry1222