Hiking the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a short out-and-back day hike where visitors can see firsthand the effects of logging in the Redwoods, as well as subsequent restoration efforts to bring the forest back to its former state.
That said, the 0.3-mile (0.5 km) one-way trail is one of the best kid-friendly hikes within Prairie Creek Redwoods, and it is often an overlooked trail by many who visit the area, meaning that you’re very likely to have the entire trail to yourself—something that cannot be said about nearby adventures, like the Fern Canyon Trail.
Ah-Pah Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is located directly off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, adjacent to the trailhead.
If you’re coming from the north, the trailhead will be the first one on the left-hand side after exiting Highway 101.
Google Maps Directions: Ah-Pah Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Redwood National & State Parks.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail
The entirety of Ah-Pah Trail is has no elevation gain, which is one of the most important reasons why I believe it is one of the best kid-friendly trails in the Redwoods.
Overall, the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is a very straightforward out-and-back hike, and if you slow down to learn about the trail, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the restoration work here as well as ongoing projects throughout the Redwoods.
Merriman Grove
The Merriman Grove is the end of the short 0.3-mile (0.5 km) Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail.
Even though the Ah-Pah Trail looks like it continues further, the trail fades out quickly past the Merriman Grove, as it is not maintained any further.
More Redwood Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Redwood National & State Parks, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Throughout the Redwoods, Elk and Black Bears are common, and it’s important to know how to react in the event of either wildlife encounter.
Moreover, while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Redwood National & State Parks
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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