Home / Environment / Yurok Tribe's 'O Rew Gateway Opens After Landmark Restoration
Yurok Tribe's 'O Rew Gateway Opens After Landmark Restoration
8 Sep
Summary
- Yurok Tribe regains 125 acres of ancestral land, 'O Rew.
- The restored 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway is now a public recreation area.
- Habitat restoration benefits salmon, turtles, herons, and other wildlife.
On June 30, 2026, the Yurok Tribe officially regained 125 acres of its ancestral territory, named 'O Rew, in Northern California. This significant land transfer from Save the Redwoods League marks a powerful reclamation after the tribe lost over 90 percent of its land in the mid-1800s. The area, previously a lumber mill site, has been extensively restored.
The 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway is now a public recreation area, featuring new trails, wildlife habitats, and educational exhibits. These displays showcase the Yurok perspective and language, fostering cultural understanding. The restored Prairie Creek channel and floodplain now support abundant wildlife, including endangered coho salmon, western pond turtles, and great blue herons.
This restoration project, a collaboration involving the Yurok Tribe, Save the Redwoods League, and other agencies, is the first of its kind where the National Park Service and California State Parks will support visitation and stewardship on tribally owned land. The gateway, located off US Highway 101 near Orick, also provides access to old-growth redwood forests.
