How to Spend April in Yurok Country

How has your April been so far? At the Yurok Country Visitor Center, we’re more than ready for the first full month of spring, warm weather, and sunshine. A fresh month means new possibilities! Here’s how we think you should spend April in Yurok Country.

The Beginning of Hiking Season

Peak spring season, especially April to June, offers the best hiking conditions. The forests are vibrant, parks remain relatively uncrowded until late May, and trails aren’t as flooded. It’s also prime trillium season. A lot of folks also start to reserve campsites, particularly the Elk Prairie Campground at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Two people stand at the open rear of a van, cooking on a camp stove in a wooded campsite in the Redwoods State Parks. — Campers at Elk Prairie Campground, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA. Photo by Steve Olson at www.flickr.com/photos/redwoodnps/36651937930/in/album-72157686159214294

Start Planning for Summer

It might feel a bit early to think about summer plans when we’ve only just entered April, but in Yurok Country—especially around our national and state parks—campsites and hiking trails fill up fast. If you’re aiming for prime spots or seeking a secluded getaway, now’s the time to start making reservations and mapping out your must-see trails. The most popular campgrounds and visitor facilities can be booked solid long before summer officially arrives, so get ahead of the crowd and secure your ideal stay before it’s too late.

Park ranger taking a photo of five people in front of a giant redwood tree. The sign reads "Big Tree" with details. Sunlit green forest. — Ranger photographs Visitors at Big Tree. Photo credit by Steve Olson at www.flickr.com/photos/redwoodnps/41714518164/in/album-72157686159214294

Celebrate Earth Day in the Redwoods

April is the perfect time to reconnect with nature—especially on Earth Day. Spend a day volunteering on local trail maintenance, joining a beach cleanup, or simply taking a mindful walk through the Redwood groves. Many organizations in and around Yurok Country host special Earth Day events, from guided nature walks to small festivals emphasizing conservation.