Hike Zig Zag Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The Zig Zag No. 2 descent is steep and can be slick with mud and wet redwood duff, especially after rain. Trekking poles and shoes with real tread make a big difference here.
Roosevelt elk frequent the Prairie Creek corridor and can be protective of calves in spring. Give them a wide berth — at least 75 feet — and never position yourself between a cow and her calf.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Hike the loop clockwise (south on Prairie Creek Trail first) — the gradual Zig Zag No. 1 ascent is far more pleasant than climbing the steeper Zig Zag No. 2, which works better as a descent.
The dirt parking area at the trailhead is small and fills early on summer weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or consider parking at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and walking the short connector trail.
Pause at the creek crossing in the first half-mile and look downstream — the gravel beds here are prime spawning habitat, and during October and November you can watch chinook salmon pushing upstream in water barely deep enough to cover their backs.
Photos
NPS
