Wildlife Viewing Area 
Elk of Elk Meadow
Photo © Rachel McCain
The Elk Meadow area is part of the larger complex of Redwood National and State Parks, spanning Del Norte and Humboldt counties. The region includes nearly 44,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest and 37 miles of pristine coastline. You can find more information on our trails and other recreational opportunities at http://www.nps.gov/redw.
One of the largest Roosevelt Elk herds in the park can be seen from the Elk Meadow Day Use Area off Davison Road in Orick. While elk can be seen in wooded areas and along some stretches of beach, they are most common in open grassland areas, which makes Elk Meadow a perfect spot to view these majestic animals. Elk are wild animals, though they may appear tame they can turn aggressive if threatened.
The safest way to view elk is at a distance through binoculars, or photographed through a telephoto lens. Roosevelt Elk are the largest subspecies of elk in North America, with bulls weighing 750-1,200lbs. and females weighing 350-700lbs.
Best Time for Viewing: Elk herds can be seen at any time of day.
Best Months and Seasons for Viewing: The best times of the year to view elk are in late spring for calves, and early to mid autumn during the rut.
ADA Accessibility NotesThis site is ADA accessible.
Pet Friendly NotesPets are allowed on a 6-foot leash.
photos
Sylvia De Rooy wrote on March 23, 2010: This is somewhat inaccurate information. Sometimes elk can be seen at Elk Meadow, not always. The most common viewing spots are at or across the road from a private campground called Redwood Trails near Dry Lagoon, about 10-12 miles south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. In the spring it is often difficult to find elk, with the exception of bachelor bunches, because when birthing starts the females like to be where they can leave their babes in very tall grass or other such hiding places, Elk are also often scattered at spots before and after Davison Road. One can see a male or two grazing in a front yard in that area.Elk also like to be near the beach and can often be seen ruminating by the side of the beach road at the bottom of Davison Road. There is an $8 day use fee to drive that road.