North Coast of California: Ossagon Trail, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The 1.8 mile Ossagon Trail is one of the shorter paths to the ocean in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, starting along Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway amongst a majestic redwood grove then descending steadily by 620 feet, emerging quite abruptly to a patch of grassland bordering the wide beach. Although mostly sandy, the shoreline is enlivened by a meandering creek, marshland and isolated rocks. The trail is infrequently used, but the variety of scenery and the many coastal wildflowers make this one of the best hikes in the park. Elk are often spotted grazing the meadows and bluffs.

Location: Ossagon Trail, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park