Prairie Creek Redwoods (Emerald of the Coast) by Gerald F. Beranek

The completion of highway 101 through this region, in 1917, opened northern California's last great frontier- the rugged coastal mountains of Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. Back in the day this region held vast expanses of pristine old-growth forests. So huge, dark, and quiet. With so little open or level ground to farm or ranch, it was near impossible to settle. But the building of the great highway broke the long silence and opened this frontier to logging. Dark and quiet no more.

Few areas today reflect the pristine qualities this region once embodied. Preserved in perpetuity these parks are the gateway into this region as it existed thousands of years ago. Welcome to Prairie Creek Redwoods, and immerse yourself in its splendid natural wonders!