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Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Prairie Creek Redwoods, California
Photo: m01229 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Drives California The North Coast

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Prairie Creek Redwoods, California · Orick end → Klamath end

Sweeping9.1 mi20 min900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 900 ftOne way
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The drive

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a ten-mile two-lane that leaves US 101 and runs through the old-growth redwoods of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks. It's named for Newton B. Drury, who led the National Park Service, California State Parks and Save the Redwoods League in turn.

It's driven north from the Orick end, the way visitors from Eureka and Arcata arrive. Near the start, Elk Prairie opens up beside the road by the Prairie Creek Visitor Center: a big meadow that's one of the best places in the parks to see Roosevelt elk. Big Tree Wayside, a short walk to a redwood estimated at more than 1,500 years old, is close by. Then the parkway runs on through tall forest, with pullouts and trailheads, back to US 101 near Klamath.

The forest and the elk are the reason to drive it. The road itself is gentle.

Along the way

  1. Orick end (US-101)
  2. Prairie Creek Visitor Center (Elk Prairie)
  3. Klamath end (US-101)
Elevation
900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 900 ft
Orick endKlamath end
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
Orick endKlamath end
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The parkway closes to cars on the first Saturday of each month from October through May, for a hike and bike day.
  • In winter it's often closed for days at a time by fallen redwoods or ice.
  • Give elk at least 25 yards (75 feet), more in the spring calving season and the fall rut, when they can charge people and cars.
  • Any size of vehicle can use the parkway, and the pullouts fit large vehicles. The exits from US 101 are 753 at the south end and 765 at the north.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Redwood road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does it take to drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway?

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is about 9 miles on this route and takes about 20 minutes without stops; allow longer for Elk Prairie and Big Tree Wayside.

When is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway closed?

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway closes to vehicles on the first Saturday of each month from October through May for hiking and biking, and in winter storms when trees fall or the road ices.

Where can you see elk on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway?

Elk Prairie, beside the parkway near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center at the south end, is one of the best places in Redwood National and State Parks to see Roosevelt elk.

Can RVs drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway?

Yes. The Park Service says any vehicle of any size can use the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and its pullouts fit large vehicles.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, from Orick end to Klamath end