Name: Brown Creek Trail
Rating: 4.3

“A lovely trail that climbs gently alongside Brown Creek through riparian and old-growth Redwood ecosystems.”

— Kristen Arendt

GPX File

Features River/Creek

Family Friendly The gentle grade and opportunity for creekside exploration make this trail a nice option for families.

Description

The Brown Creek Trail starts on the east side of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, across from the Prairie Creek Trail Access No. 2.

The trail begins with a short, steep climb as it passes the junctions with the Foothill Trail and the South Fork Trail. Stay left at both of these intersections. After this, the trail mellows out, climbing steadily but very gradually to the north along Brown Creek.

Brown Creek, which is a tributary of Prairie Creek, provides a vital habitat for trout and salmon populations that live in the park. Hikers will be able to compare and contrast the differences between streamside (riparian) vegetation and old-growth redwood/Douglas-fir forest. Be sure to take the time to explore the short Schenck Grove Trail and Schenck Grove East Loop Trail which branch off of the Brown Creek Trail at about 3/4 of a mile.

The trail eventually turns to the east, coming to a junction with the Rhododendron Trail, and ending a short way past this intersection alongside Brown Creek.