Rhododendron and Foothill Loop

This is a roughly 9-mile loop from Prairie Creek Visitor Center through Cathedral Trees, Rhododendron, Brown Creek and Foothill, then past Big Tree and back through the Cathedral Trees side. One detailed route description gives 9 miles and another gives 8.7, so plan for the longer figure. Allow about five hours; this is a substantial half-day hike, not a quick Big Tree stop.

Cross Drury Parkway to Cathedral Trees, then climb into Rhododendron and pass the hollow chimney redwood near the high point. After crossing Cal Barrel Road, continue through the brighter upland woods to Brown Creek. At South Fork, stay on Rhododendron for the full loop; the shortcut saves about a mile but skips some of the best upland scenery. Follow Brown Creek to Foothill, cross Corkscrew Creek on its long bridge, and continue by Big Tree Creek and Big Tree before turning back toward the visitor center on Cathedral Trees. The route line follows the mapped trail connections; at the Big Tree wayside, use the posted trail signs if your map app draws the small connectors differently.

Expect a long climb through forest, rolling grades, and natural-surface trail. The connected trail sections are rated moderate, with non-level grades that aren't steep. The Rhododendron stretch is the quietest and most remote-feeling part; Foothill runs above Drury Parkway, where you may hear traffic. Carry water for the full walk; no on-route refill was confirmed.

Cathedral Trees follows Boyes Creek past an alluvial-flat redwood grove, lichen-covered maples and blackberry. Fallen “mother” trees become nursery logs for younger trees and ferns. Brown Creek opens into a redwood-filled glen; it is a tributary of Prairie Creek and habitat for native salmon and trout. Big Tree and Rotary Grove make a memorable finish, with the large hollow chimney redwood earlier in the route as another easy-to-miss stop.

Start at Prairie Creek Visitor Center. If its lot is full, the route description identifies the open-prairie shoulder along Drury Parkway as a fallback; follow posted parking signs. The route crosses Drury Parkway and Cal Barrel Road, so pause for traffic. Dogs are not allowed on park trails except service animals.