Hey again. Let’s talk about those rainy days when the trails glisten, the redwoods drip like candle wax, and every fern looks like it’s been polished by the sky. This is when Trinidad’s hikes feel like fairytales. You don’t need perfect weather. You need good boots, a thermos, and a willingness to get a little misted.
1. Trillium Falls Trail
- Location: Redwood National & State Parks, near Elk Meadow
- Length: 2.6-mile loop
You’ll pass ancient redwoods, a cascading waterfall, nurse logs brimming with moss, and probably a few banana slugs. It’s quiet, lush, and often misty enough to feel like you’re walking through a storybook.
Take it slow. This isn’t a race—it’s a sensory immersion.
2. Karl Knapp / Prairie Creek Loop
- Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
- Length: 3-mile loop
The ferns practically glow on this trail when it rains. The redwoods are so massive, they shelter you more than you’d expect. Expect quiet. Expect awe. Expect to see elk grazing if you’re lucky.
What to bring: Waterproof boots, a hat, and something to write down whatever poem this forest pulls out of you.
3. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Location: Northern Redwood National Park
- Length: 1.5-mile loop
This one’s higher up, so the fog lingers longer. It’s a peaceful walk through old-growth giants with educational signs if you’re feeling curious. The rain hits the canopy first, then filters down—soft and slow.
Some trails feel sacred. This is one of them.
4. Elk Head to College Cove
- Location: Right here in Trinidad
- Length: About 1.5 miles round trip
Close, beautiful, and full of moody cliffs and forest. The trail opens up to views that, on a rainy day, feel like the edge of the world. And if you catch a break in the clouds? You might spot harbor seals bobbing near the cove.
5. Patrick’s Point Rim Trail
- Location: Sue-meg State Park
- Length: 1–2 miles depending on your route
The ocean and the forest meet here in a dramatic mash-up. Rain brings out the scent of the pine and the roar of the waves. Wedding Rock, Mussel Rocks, and Agate Beach all feel even more ancient in the wet.
Lisa’s warning: Careful near the edges—it gets slick. But it’s worth it.
Rainy day hikes aren’t just a backup plan. They’re often the best version of these trails—quieter, greener, and more intimate. So don’t wait for the sun. Put on your layers, lace up, and let the rain do its thing.
Next up in this cozy series: Fireside Moments & Where to Find Them: Cabins, Cafés & Cocoa.
Warmly,
Lisa & Taylor
Camp Trinidad
