Trillium Falls

Trillium Falls is a modest creek waterfall tucked among ferns, maples and mossy rocks. A long steel hikers' bridge brings you close to the cascade; this is a quiet pause rather than a towering drop. The old-growth walk and lush ravine are part of the appeal, especially when the water is low. In dry summer weather, the falls can dwindle to a trickle.

From Elk Meadow, the falls are about half a mile along a trail with switchbacks and roughly 200 feet of climbing. The bridge makes a natural turnaround for a short outing; the full loop is 2.7 miles and climbs farther. For a photo, frame the cascade with its mossy rocks, ferns and overhanging log. Stay on the bridge to protect the plants around the falls.

The longer loop continues uphill beyond the falls, passes more old-growth redwoods and large chimney trees, then returns beside Prairie Creek. John B. DeWitt Grove lies along the route. Elk are often seen around Elk Meadow, and salmon may be visible in Prairie Creek in autumn. Expect to hear some Highway 101 traffic along parts of the walk.

The Elk Meadow trailhead was once a sawmill site. Logging reached the forests beside it until Redwood National Park was established in 1968; an old-growth strip survived next to the mill. The former clearing is grassland now, with restoration work continuing. The walk puts the falls in a landscape where working timber history and surviving redwoods sit close together.

Elk Meadow Day Use Area is just off Davison Road, about three miles north of Orick. Its parking, flush restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables are at the trailhead, not at the falls. Cell coverage is very limited, so bring a map if you continue around the loop. Dogs aren't allowed on park trails.