Peters Creek Grove

Peters Creek Grove is the old-growth heart of Portola Redwoods State Park, and California State Parks calls it one of the most remote and scenic redwood groves in the region. You reach it on foot only: the Bear Creek Trail leads to the Peters Creek Trail and a 1.3-mile loop through ancient redwoods, a strenuous 13-mile round trip. Start early, carry water and food, and plan to be back by sunset.

The Route

State Parks describes the hike in two parts. First, the Bear Creek Trail leads to the Peters Creek Trail. Then the Peters Creek Trail makes a 1.3-mile loop through ancient old-growth redwoods. Out and back, with the loop, the agency puts the total at 13 miles and rates it strenuous.

Allow most of a day for it, and turn around at a set time if you are slower than you planned.

Why the Grove Is Special

Peters Creek is one of the old-growth groves the park protects today. Old-growth trees like these are where the marbled murrelet, an endangered seabird, lays its single egg each year, high in the branches. That is why the park asks every visitor to keep it crumb clean: jays and ravens drawn to scraps also take murrelet eggs and chicks. Pack out every wrapper.

Planning the Hike

• Start early. Day use begins at 6 a.m. The park closes at sunset, and State Parks requires hikers to be off the trails by sunset.
• Water and food. Carry your own; there is no store in or near the park.
• No signal. There is no cell reception. Tell someone your plan before you leave home.
• Layers. Summers can be foggy and cool under the trees.
• Seasonal bridges. The map marks bridges that are open only May 15 to October 15. Ask at the visitor center which crossings are open before a winter attempt.
• Hazards. The State Parks brochure warns of ticks, yellowjackets, poison oak, and stinging nettles in damp spots such as stream banks.

Rules on the Way

Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails, and bikes and horses are not allowed on any hiking trail. Stay on the trail. All plants, wood and cultural features are protected by law.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: strong hikers who want the park's oldest trees and the fewest people; anyone who has done the short trails and wants the real thing.

Maybe skip if: you have kids along or only a few hours. The Sequoia Nature Trail and Old Tree Trail give you big redwoods in under a mile, and Memorial County Park is known for its old-growth redwoods.