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In a remote area of northwestern California, the world’s tallest trees, the redwoods (sequoia sempervirens), rise over 300 feet and can live up to 2,000 years. Redwoods National and State Parks is one of the best places to experience these natural wonders.
This expansive park includes three California state parks and one national park, featuring stunning redwood groves along with windswept beaches, blufftop ocean views, grassy meadows, and riverfront swimming holes. Wildlife such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, California condors, and gray whales can be spotted, and there are over 200 miles of hiking trails, with cycling, kayaking, and horseback riding also popular.
Whether it’s your first or hundredth time seeing redwoods, their magic is undeniable. Enjoy scenic drives, ocean dips, and tranquil walks among the ferns for an unforgettable experience in the Redwoods parks.
Major Airports
For a wider variety of airline and flight choices, you’ll have to look quite a bit farther away. Sacramento International Airport (CA), Oakland International Airport (CA), San Francisco International Airport (CA), and Portland International Airport (OR) are all about six hours from the parks.
The Closest Airports
Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City, California, is the closest airport to the parks—just 15 minutes from the first park destinations. It’s a tiny airport with service to and from Oakland and Hawthorne, and rental cars are available here. On the southern side of the parks, Humboldt County Airport in McKinleyville, California, is about 30 minutes from the park border. It offers direct flights from Denver, San Francisco, Burbank, and Los Angeles, as well as rental cars.
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport
This midsize airport—which offers direct flights to and from 12 cities across the West and rental cars—is a scenic, two-hour drive to the northern border of the parks.
The main north-south route through Redwoods is U.S. Highway 101. U.S. Highway 199 connects the northern part of the parks to Grants Pass, Oregon, and I-5, meeting Highway 101 just north of Crescent City. Together, they make up the Redwood Highway.
Getting Around
A public bus does run between Crescent City and the Kuchel Visitor Center (and on south to Eureka), but you really need a car to fully explore the Redwood area.
Unlike most other national parks, Redwood charges no entry fee. But there are a few instances in which visitors do have to pay. Parking at two of the parks’ most popular destinations, Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon, requires not only a $12 fee, but also an advance permit (if you’re visiting between May 15 and September 15).
These permits are in high demand and go quickly when they’re made available, so be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to visit these iconic destinations. The first round of permits go on sale at midnight, six months ahead of your desired date. The parks also release additional permits for Fern Canyon at 9 a.m. the day before your desired date. You must purchase permits online through Redwood Parks Conservancy. For your best chance of landing one, be ready to click on “Book” the moment permits are released each day.
Redwood is fairly far off the beaten track, without any large tourist hubs nearby or in-park hotels. But there are still a variety of campsites, hotels, and vacation rentals in the area to anchor a national park trip.
There are four developed campgrounds inside park boundaries, each charging $35 per night. The northernmost one, the 86-site Jedediah Smith Campground, sits in a redwood grove along the Smith River. The larger Mill Creek Campground, with 145 sites, is in a previously logged forest now undergoing major restoration work and with several hiking trails. With only 26 sites, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is highly sought-after for its oceanfront location and proximity to Fern Canyon (plus, campers don’t need an additional parking permit). And Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, with 75 sites, has the best access to the most hiking trails.
There are several other campground options just outside the parks, too. On the north side of Redwood, a handful of county and state parks have campgrounds and the Six Rivers National Forest maintains several campgrounds along the Smith River. On the south end, you’ll find camping at Big Lagoon Beach and County Park as well as Patrick’s Point State Park.
Crescent City, a small and pretty seaside town on the north end of the parks, is the closest home base for travelers. There you’ll find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals, plus a smattering of restaurants and coffee shops. The unique Motel Trees, located across the street from the tourist attraction Trees of Mystery, and a few hotels in Klamath offer a rare chance to stay near the center of the parks. The town of Trinidad is the closest base on the south end of the parks, about 18 miles away. Moving farther south, the communities of McKinleyville and Arcata are also full of good options.
The good news is that the redwood coast has a very stable climate, ranging from about 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The bad news is that during winter, the area sees lots of rain. Still, any time of year is an excellent time to visit Redwood, as long as you’re prepared.
Summer is the parks’ high season, when the most visitors come and all facilities are up and running. There’s not as much rain, but foggy weather is the norm. Keep in mind that late summer (August and September) are wildfire season in the west, so there’s a chance you’ll encounter smoky air. Spring and fall are also excellent times to come, with warm weather and fewer people. From November to about March, rain is frequent. But wandering a redwood grove on a rainy day is an experience in itself, and you’ll probably have total solitude.
You technically can tour Redwood in a very short time—at about 50 miles long, it would only take about an hour to drive through without stopping. But that’s no way to approach a visit to a place like this. At least two days is ideal for visiting all the highlights, but you can certainly have a rewarding single day here if you plan it right. (These itineraries assume an approach from the north; adjust as needed if you’re coming from the south.)
Start off with a cruise down Howland Hill Road, including a stroll through Stout Grove. Then hit Crescent Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook before driving the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Take one of the shorter hikes off that beautiful road, then—assuming you have an advance permit—head to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. Finish the day with a stop at Kuchel Visitor Center.
Two days will give you enough time to check out some of the farther-flung destinations and linger on the beach or in a redwood grove. Kick off day one by visiting Simpson-Reed Grove followed by Stout Grove. Drive Howland Hill Road to Crescent City. Don’t miss Crescent Beach or Crescent Beach Overlook. Make a stop at False Klamath Cove, then choose one of the main attractions near the Klamath River: Klamath River Overlook (a short side trip) or Coastal Loop Drive (a longer scenic drive).
On day two, hike the Trillium Falls Trail before exploring Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. Then head to the higher country on Bald Hills Road, making sure to stop at Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Redwood Creek Overlook.
With three days, you have time to enjoy a long hike, attend a ranger program, take a bike or horseback ride, or simply relax on the beach.
May and June are the busiest months in the parks, followed closely by July, August, and September. Visitation really drops off from November through March. All that said, the Redwood parks aren’t usually that crowded, at least compared to many other national parks. The most popular sites—Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, and Tall Trees Grove—all require advance permits, which prevent them from being overrun with people.
If you’re really looking for solitude, get an early start to your top destinations, try a longer hike, or target spring, fall, or even winter for your visit.
The lion’s share of visitors come to Redwood to marvel at the world’s tallest trees, and no wonder: Redwood groves are unlike any other place on Earth. Redwoods are visible right from the road in many spots, but the best way to appreciate them is to stroll through a wild grove. On the northern side of the parks, Stout Grove, Simpson-Reed Grove, and Grove of Titans all showcase enormous, old-growth trees towering over an understory of fern and redwood sorrel. On the southern side of the park, Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove (the latter requires an advance permit to visit) are magical destinations with ancient trees, too.
Wild, rugged beaches line the Redwood coast, perfect for hiking, scoping for birds and whales, tidepooling, and picnicking. Dip a toe into the Pacific at Crescent Beach, the backcountry Enderts Beach and Hidden Beach, False Klamath Cove, or Gold Bluffs Beach. The Coastal Trail also hugs the coastline for miles, featuring fantastic ocean views and access to quiet beaches.
Up north, the Smith River courses through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, making for a gorgeous setting for hiking, swimming, and fishing for the river’s legendary salmon and trout. When water conditions allow, park rangers even lead kayaking trips on the Smith (check with the park for details and schedules). The mighty Klamath River meets the sea near the middle of the Redwood parks, offering opportunities for fishing as well. Both the Klamath River Overlook and the Coastal Loop Drive lead to excellent views of the river from above.
Getting off the beaten path (and often, off the pavement altogether) grants visitors a glimpse at spectacular sites and remote attractions. Howland Hill Road bumps through the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, winding beneath old-growth redwoods and granting access to a few A-list hiking trails. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway bisects Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, leading to still more hiking trails. And Bald Hills Road climbs into the high country’s grassy meadows, with great views and California condor-watching opportunities.
Near the top of Bald Hills Road, a collection of farm buildings and orchards dating back to the mid-1800s called the Lyons Historic District perches two miles from the driving route. It’s a great spot to check out a unique barn built in a combination of Anglo and Indigenous Hupa styles.
A half-mile loop winds through this 44-acre stand of old-growth redwoods in an alluvial floodplain of the Smith River. As if that’s not enough of a draw, a short spur trail here also leads to a pebbly swimming beach on the river.
This 11.2-mile round trip is a twofer: Not only will you hike through old-growth redwoods, including its namesake double-trunked Boy Scout Tree, but you’ll also visit the serene Fern Falls. It’s considered moderately difficult.
For a longer hike under the old-growth trees, it’s hard to beat this one. Starting from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, the trail wanders through a primeval forest full of giant redwoods. Even better: Linking James Irvine Trail to Friendship Ridge Trail leads to Fern Canyon, which is an excellent way to get there if you don’t have a parking permit. That makes for a 12-mile out-and-back trip.
Short, sweet, and beautiful, the Trillium Falls Trail combines enormous redwoods with a multitiered waterfall. It’s just a mile round-trip to reach Trillium Falls, but hikers can add on a few more miles by continuing past it on the loop trail.
Picture this: narrow rock canyon walls smothered in leafy ferns, shaded by Sitka spruce, rising over a clear creek running right through the trail in parts. Fern Canyon is as popular as it is for good reason. On a mile-long lollipop loop up the canyon, hikers will splash through the creek, clamber over logs, and very likely see the Roosevelt elk herd that frequents the area, too.
The establishment of Redwood National Park in 1968 saved this stellar old-growth stand from the chainsaw (indeed, the park dedication ceremony took place right here). Explore the 1.5-mile loop trail through a conifer-redwood forest off of Bald Hills Road.
True to its name, some of the tallest trees in the world stretch more than 350 feet toward the sky in this well-known grove, which sits in the alluvial floodplain of Redwood Creek. At 4.5 miles long (round-trip) and with about 800 feet of elevation change, the trip down to the grove is somewhat strenuous. Apply for a free permit to visit this one ahead of time.
Unlike at some national parks, cyclists will find a variety of trail options at Redwood. Mountain bikers head for the 19-mile Ossagon Trail Loop, which descends from the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to Gold Bluffs Beach and back. A few old logging roads now allow both hiking and biking, including Cal-Barrel Road and Lost Man Creek Trail. And on the first Saturday of the month, October through May, the park shuts down the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to cars, allowing for a peaceful, unforgettable cruise under the big trees.
Miles of trails and beaches are open to horses in Redwood, from Little Bald Hills Trail in the south to Rellim Ridge and Mill Creek Horse Trail in the north, plus most of the major beaches. For even more adventure, spend a few nights in the backcountry on a pack trip by linking Elam Camp and 44 Camp. Several local outfitters offer guided rides in the parks.
Redwood is home to an astounding variety of wildlife—and your chances of seeing at least some of them are very good. Roosevelt elk gather in open meadows (like Elk Prairie and near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center) and beaches (try Gold Bluffs Beach), and black bears can be spotted anywhere with a considerable bit of luck. Seals and sea lions lounge offshore, and gray and humpback whales migrate past the parks twice a year. The recently reintroduced California condor is a particularly thrilling sight off of Bald Hills Road.
Kids of all ages love getting an up-close look at marine creatures like crabs, sea anemones, sea stars, and snails. Just don’t touch—not only could these wild animals hurt little fingers, but more likely, kids can easily injure delicate tidepool creatures. The hot spots for tidepooling are Endert’s Beach, Damnation Creek, and False Klamath Cove.
Sleeping under the stars creates indelible childhood memories. Besides its swimming beach, Jedediah Smith Campground has easy access to hiking trails like Stout Grove and the River Trail, plus campfire programs. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground offers the Pacific out your tent door and a short stroll to kid-friendly Fern Canyon, while Elk Prarie Campground has the best hiking access and ranger programs.
The National Park Service offers a fun Junior Ranger program at many parks, including Redwood. Pick up a workbook at any visitor center and help your budding naturalist complete the activities. When they’re done, kids can get “sworn in” and receive a special badge from a real park ranger.
Nothing beats a cool dip on summer day, and the Smith River is the best spot to do just that. The Jedediah Smith Campground has a lovely swimming hole in its day-use area, as does Myrtle Beach, technically just outside the park boundary where Highway 199 meets South Fork Road. Resist the urge to dive into the Pacific Ocean, though—the water is cold and rough here, with big waves and dangerous currents.
Extra layers: Even in a moderate climate like the one at Redwood, a couple of layering options come in handy for stiff ocean breezes and cooler mornings and evenings. Pack a midlayer made from wool or fleece (not cotton if you can help it, as that fabric takes a long time to dry if it gets wet) and a good windbreaker jacket. In cooler months, add a puffy jacket, waterproof gloves, and a warm hat.
Raingear: It rains a lot on the redwood coast in the fall, winter, and early spring. That’s no reason to hide indoors: Just make sure you’re outfitted in quality waterproof gear. You’ll need a rain jacket at the very least, but a wide-brimmed rain hat, rain pants, gaiters, and waterproof footwear are all great ideas, too.
Hiking Shoes: Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the trails and scampering over logs and rocks on the beach. Make sure they’re supportive, with good traction. Waterproof shoes are smart in the off season, but you probably won’t need them in the summer if you prefer a more breathable option.
Water Shoes: Sandals or water shoes are great for walking the beach and splashing through Fern Canyon, but “sturdy and supportive” should describe your footwear choice here, too.
Headlamp: Essential for camping, these hands-free light sources are also very smart to stash in your backpack for dayhikes in case you come home later than you’d planned.
Water bottles/Hydration system: Staying hydrated is essential for a comfortable trip, especially when you’re exerting yourself out on the trails. A durable, reusable water bottle or a soft water bladder that fits in your backpack are both great choices. Add a portable water treatment system (filter or UV pen) if you’re planning a very long hike, so you can purify river and stream water on the go.
Daypack: Keep all your essentials in a comfortable daypack. Choose one with a hipbelt and sternum strap for maximum stability. In rainy weather, add a waterproof pack cover to protect the contents from getting soaked.