Patrick Creek Accessible Trail

The Patrick Creek barrier free trail is short but has a lot to see and is worth the half hour to stop and see the river, mining history and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history near the entrance to the Patrick Creek campground across the road from the historic Patrick Creek Lodge.

One of the safest picnic sites along the river for families with small children is the day use area in the Patrick Creek campground. The open lawn area has a chain link fence to prevent kids from wandering down to the river and a nice trail takes you to a place where the water is shallow next to the shore. Flush toilets are located next to the picnic area. You can park at the lodge and walk to the picnic area or you can drive into the campground and park near the restrooms at the day use area. (Photo of picnic lawn with restroom in the background, water fountain and chain link fence along the left side next to the river. Photo near the picnic area of the Smith River legendary blue waters with two steelhead trout in the foreground.)

Directions

From Crescent City: Drive about three miles north on Highway 101 and take the Highway 199 off ramp. The trailhead is in the parking lot of the Patrick Creek Lodge about 22 miles from Highway 101. If you are coming from Oregon, look for the lodge on the right about 26 miles past Cave Junction. Two accessible parking places are located on the right as you enter the parking area from Highway 199. The trail goes under the Highway 199 bridge over Patrick Creek.

Photos of the trail

Total distance from Patrick Creek Lodge to the mining display and interpretive panels is about an eighth of a mile one way.

Map of the Patrick Creek Lodge barrier free wheelchair trail. Redwood Highway 199, Smith River National Recreation Area, Crescent City, northwest California Klamath Mountain coast.

Numbered Interpretive Stops

Before taking the trail, stop at Gasquet Ranger Station or the Patrick Creek Lodge and ask for the free interpretive trail guide titled "Tales of Patrick Creek". It is a wonderful handout designed by Forest Service staff at Smith River National Recreation Area and talks about the lodge, the history behind the construction of the Redwood Highway (Highway 199) and some of the best preserved Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history seen along the Highway 199 corridor. Additional information on the mining history along Patrick Creek is found at the displays near the entrance to the Patrick Creek campground.

________________________________________________________________________________

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...