The pastoral Orick Valley is located 19 miles north of Trinidad and is Humboldt County’s northernmost community along U.S. Highway 101.

  Orick’s proximity to nearby Redwood National and State Parks and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park make it a natural gateway for visitors interested in park recreation. A few years ago a South Operations Center for Redwood National and State Parks was built in the center of town and serves as home base for area parks.

  If it is wildlife you are looking for, Roosevelt elk can frequently be seen around the town, at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and from the viewing point on Davidson Road. The mating season, or rut, occurs in fall. Although beautiful to view from a distance, the elk are wild and can be dangerous.

  The town is also close to Freshwater Lagoon, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Stone Lagoon, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and Fern Canyon.

  Orick is home to around 400 people and boasts an active artist community working in a host of media. Tourists have the opportunity to stop in and see several roadside burl galleries as they drive through town.

  The Orick Rodeo is the town’s biggest annual event. The July event includes barrel racing, mutton bustin’, kid games, a barbecue, raffle and quilt show. A slightly less mainstream annual event that shocks and delights visitors is the Prairie Creek Banana Slug Race in September.