Barrier-Free Access
In California's Redwoods

Access to the great outdoors is one of the last frontiers as far as accessible design is concerned. And although it's hard to ramp Mother Nature, a little piece of Northern California is now more accessible, thanks to the efforts of Whole Access and the California State Parks' North Coast Redwoods District.

In June 2002, a new 11.1-mile barrier-free trail was unveiled in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Located just 50 miles north of Eureka on Highway 101, this trail allows wheelchair-users an up-close-and-personal look at California's majestic coastal redwoods.

This barrier-free trail is considered a model for trail accessibility projects. The ultimate goal of this project was to develop a process for evaluating recreational trails to determine the greatest amount of accessibility that can be obtained, while ensuring the integrity of the natural and cultural resources. It is hoped that this process can be applied to other trail projects. Other participants in the project included the Humboldt Access Project and the Eureka Chamber of Commerce.

Five years ago there was a single mile-long accessible trail in the park. Today visitors have more choices, and the new trail additions connect the visitors center, campgrounds and valley hiking trails.

Accessible campsites are also available in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. There are two level campsites, each with an electrical outlet, raised cooking grill, food storage bin and a paved path to the accessible unisex bathroom and separate roll-in shower.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Humboldt County, about five hours north of San Francisco. The barrier-free trail can be reached from Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Parking is available at milepost 129. For more information contact Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park at (707) 464-6101.

Check out the Spring 2003 issue of Emerging Horizons for access details on other tourist attractions, trails and off-the-beaten-path finds along California's Redwood Coast.