Darlingtonia Accessible Loop Trail

The Darlingtonia Botanical Trail is a short loop route that takes you through a forest of incense cedar and oak to a community of darlingtonia, an insectivorous pitcher plant found in the serpentine rock outcrops of the central part of Smith River National Recreation Area. Interpretive signs along the tour route tell you about the plant community that grows in the unusual serpentine rock environment, explains how the darlingtonia tricks its insect victims and tells you about mining history.

Directions

From Crescent City: Drive north on Highway 101 and take the Highway 199 off ramp. After driving about 15 miles on Highway 199 you will pass through the town of Gasquet (locally pronounced gas-key). About two miles past Gasquet, you will pass Panther Flats campground. The turn off for the trail is about a mile past this campground. The best way to find the turnoff for the parking area is watch the two double yellow lines in the middle of the road. There is a break in the lines where you turn into the parking area. - Note safety information below -

Important safety information: If you are driving from Crescent City, the place where you turn into the botanical area parking lot can be dangerous because you on a four-lane road with a speed limit of 65mph and you make your turn right after going around a curve. There is no turn lane. It might be safer to continue driving for another mile past the botanical trail turnoff to Cedar Flat Campground where you can turn around and be in a position to turn into parking area without having to face oncoming traffic or speeding cars coming up behind you from around a blind corner.

Photos of the trail (click to enlarge)

Total distance around the loop is about one fourth a mile.

Map of Darlingtonia botanical barrier free trail. Redwood Highway 199, Smith River National Recreation Area, Crescent City, northwest California Klamath Mountain coast.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...