The Myrtle Creek Trail within Smith River National Recreation Area in Crescent City winds through some of the most peaceful redwood country on the North Coast. The trailhead sits right off Highway 199 near South Fork Road, making it easy to access without any complicated navigation. What makes this hike distinctive is that you’re essentially walking along an old gold mining ditch that parallels the creek—you get that sense of history as you move through the landscape.

The vegetation here is dense and lush, with towering redwoods creating a canopy overhead and wildflowers adding color along the path. The creek itself is visible at points, and the whole experience feels removed from the usual coastal chaos. The trail works well for dogs of various fitness levels since it’s relatively gentle and doesn’t have the steep elevation changes you’ll find on some other hikes in the area.

You’ll notice the difference between seasons here. In summer, the shade from the redwoods keeps things cool, which your dog will appreciate. Spring brings wildflowers. Fall gives you that golden light filtering through the trees. Even in winter, when parts of the North Coast get wet and muddy, Myrtle Creek remains walkable, though you should expect some moisture on the trail.

The atmosphere is genuinely quiet—you won’t feel crowded, especially on weekdays. Dogs seem to relax here rather than get overstimulated by other visitors. Bring water for both of you even though the creek is nearby, since the mineral content from the old mining area makes it less ideal for drinking.

The walk isn’t strenuous, so it’s a good choice if you want to spend time outside without logging serious mileage. You can explore the Smith River Watershed website for more details about trail conditions and what’s blooming during different times of year.