15 Epic Things to Do in Redwood National Park and State Parks

Looking for the best things to do in Redwood National Park and Redwoods State Parks? These are our favorites.

Coastal redwoods can reach a height of 377 ft, and on average, they are from 200-240 ft. They are the tallest living things in the world, and the best places to see them are in Redwood National Park and State Parks.

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Last Updated: November 6, 2021

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About Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National Park and the adjoining 3 Redwood State Parks are located in northern California. They are 6 hours north of San Francisco and 6 hours south of Portland OR.

The first time we drove through, we were confused with so many parks and forests with Redwoods in the name.

Unlike other National Parks, Redwood National Park partners with 3 California Redwoods State Parks (RSP): Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park. Many people refer to the collective parks as Redwood National Park.

Combined, these parks cover over 130,000 acres with nearly 40,000 of them being old-growth redwood forests. That’s roughly half of the world’s old-growth redwoods!

In this post, we will cover top things to do in all 4 parks plus a few notable activities that stretch into nearby Redwood forests and surrounding communities.

Is your Redwoods trip part of a larger trip? We think you’ll also like these posts:

Continuing North?

15 Best Things to Do at the Redwood National and State Parks

1. Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek RSP

41.400661,-124.0665442, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park map

This was by far the most popular spot we visited in Redwood National Park. If you feel like you’re in a scene of Jurrasic Park while walking through Fern Canyon, that’s because you are. They filmed scenes from The Lost World here.

The roughly one-mile trail follows Home Creek through the forest. You walk through modest streams while the vertical walls are covered in a variety of ferns (there are five different kinds) and other moisture-loving plants and mosses.

You can hike as little as 0.5 miles to see the pretty parts or up to 5 miles through the whole canyon. You can even connect it to trails that take you out of the canyon to see it from above.

Getting to the easiest trailhead is straightforward, but you have to drive on a dirt road for about 6.5 miles. There are a few spots where you have to navigate over streams and holes, one of which looked sketchy. Our sedan was able to make it through but only after following the example of another smaller car.

Other people got out of their cars trying to suss out if they could make it. If it recently rained, the streams may be deeper and unpassable. Check out driving directions here and road/trail conditions here.

Local Tip: There is an $8 fee to get in, but there isn’t always an attendant at the pay station. If no one is there, you need exact change (or a check if you still have those) to put in the envelope you fill out.

Pro Tip: Have water shoes you don’t mind getting wet or good waterproof boots. We had our favorite Danners on and stayed dry.

2. Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood NP

41.3034279,-124.0203284, Redwood National Park, map

This is a popular first or last hike in the redwoods since it’s located on the southern end of the park. It’s an easy 1.5-mile loop trail and was named after Lady Bird Johnson, who promoted the protection of natural habitats as First Lady. Look out for the plaque dedicated to her.

Most of the Redwood hikes look similar, but we loved the big footbridge at the start of the hike here. There’s a patch of light that hits it through the thick canopy above.

Local Tip: The scenic drive up Bald Hills Road is narrow and windy. RVs and trailers are not recommended, and the parking area fills up quickly in the summer.

3. Tall Trees Grove, Redwood NP

41.2081242,-124.0106467, Redwood National Park, map

The Tall Trees Grove is another highly trafficked spot in Redwood National Park but also the most difficult to reach out of the major attractions.

To protect Tall Trees Grove, a permit is required to do the hike, and they limit it to 50 parties each day. In addition to that, the 4-mile hike has 1,600 feet of elevation change and the grove is only in the last section.

If you’re limited on time, I would skip this since it will take 3-6 hours. Only go if you’re in the area for longer or are particularly interested in former Tallest Trees.

The Libbey Tree, which is the only former Tallest Tree you can see is located in this grove. All other trees are kept secret to protect them.

Local Tip: Driving to the trailhead includes 7 miles on a dirt road, and the parking lot doesn’t accommodate vehicles over 21 feet.

More: 15 Least Crowded National Parks in the US to Visit Next

4. Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith RSP

41.7896912,-124.087016, map

Stout Grove was the furthest north we went. It’s a short 0.5-mile hike, but it was one of our favorite things to do in Redwood National Park. The fallen trees among the concentration of tall trees still standing made this hike more dramatic and unique.

We went around sunrise and were fortunate enough to have the trail to ourselves, but during the summer, it’s a very popular trail.

You can also pop out to check out Smith River or extend the hike by connecting other trails.

Local Tip: During the summer, visit between 4-5 PM for the best light. The sun is able to shine through a break in the canopy over Mill Creek. Other times of the year, the sun isn’t at the right angle for the light beams. I’ve also seen photos of morning light beams, but I’m not sure what time of year they took them.

Pro Tip: There are a lot of mosquitos in the summer, so have bug spray with you.

5. Klamath River Overlook, Del Norte Coast RSP

41.5544132,-124.0888776, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, map

At the divide, it looks like a large sandbar with the mouth of the Klamath River on the left and the Pacific Ocean on your right. You can follow a steep trail if you want to get a closer look.

This is also a great spot for birding and to look for marine life. You may even catch gray whiles migrating in the spring and fall. Just be sure to bring some binoculars.

Pro Tip: The view from the overlook wasn’t as nice as the one further down the road. There was a small pullout big enough for one car right above the “sandbar”.

6. Trillium Falls, Redwood NP

41.3215989,-124.0473848, Redwood National Park, map

Trillium Falls is a family-friendly hike in Redwood National Park. You hike through redwoods, maples, ferns, and half a mile in, you’ll find the small waterfall that you can see from a bridge.

You can turn around at the waterfall or do the full loop totaling 3.1 miles. If you’re quiet and lucky, you may even see the local Roosevelt elk herd.

7. Enderts Beach, Del Norte Coast RSP

41.705971,-124.1433535, map

We weren’t initially planning on doing this hike, but after seeing the beach from above, curiosity got the best of us. The 1.5-mile hike is easy to follow and passes under tree tunnels and wild berries. During our visit in October, there were a ton of berries that you can pick and eat.

Once you arrive at the beach, you are standing over a beautiful rock arch. During low tide, it’s a popular place to explore tidepools. Be sure to check out the tide chart before visiting.

We went right as the tide was coming in and cut it close. We were able to get through the arch but got owned by some waves when we weren’t paying attention.

I’m blaming Jacob for this one. He kept telling me he was watching the waves.

8. Crescent Beach Overlook, Del Norte Coast RSP

41.7071619,-124.1460039, map

Crescent Beach Overlook is right next to the Enderts Beach parking lot. It’s a quick stop and a popular place to look for whales. You can also see the harbor of Crescent City when it’s not foggy or have lunch at the picnic tables when it’s not too windy.

Local Tip: There’s only parking for two vehicles at the overlook, but you can easily walk from the Enderts Beach parking lot as well.

9. California Coastal Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP

41.4014367,-124.0673423, map

As you can tell, Redwood National Park is best known for the coastal redwoods, but you shouldn’t forget about the actual coast. You can explore up to 70 miles of Coastal Trail within the parks with opportunities to tidepool, enjoy sandy beaches, and awe at the jagged coastlines.

There are several access points, and it’s mostly continuous in the parks except for a detour over the Klamath River. There are a handful of backcountry camps that you can get permits for too.

Local Tip: Get more details about the backcountry camps here.

More: Your Ultimate California Coast Road Trip – All the Best Stops

10. Redwood Creek Overlook, Redwood NP

41.2580593,-123.9981536, map

I wouldn’t go out of the way for this viewpoint, but if you’re in the area, it’s a nice quick stop that lets you see expansive views of thousands of old-growth redwood forests. In the distance, you can see the Pacific Ocean too.

During our visit, the shrubs grew in so it was hard for me to get a good vantage point.

Local Tip: When it’s foggy or if there are a lot of low-hanging clouds, you won’t see much so check the weather before visiting.

Photo Tip: Use a tall tripod to get out of the shrubs.

11. Kayak on the Coast with Kayak Trinidad

1148 Big Lagoon Park Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570, map

We’ve kayaked in many places, and Trinidad Harbor is easily some of the most spectacular coastal paddling we’ve done. Kayak Trinidad has a few launching points for their guided paddles and has an amazing staff that walks you through everything you need to know.

They provided wetsuits, a quick lesson on how to paddle, and then helped us launch off the coast without getting wet. Once we were on the water, they guided us around different landmarks, and we saw pelicans, sea lions, and starfish.

They have wildlife tours, and if you go during the spring (late February to mid-May) you can even see whales. The peak season for whales is late April to early May.

Local Tip: Tepona Point at Luffenholtz Beach has a great viewpoint for sunset. – Nick from Kayak Trinidad

12. See Roosevelt Elk at Elk Meadow

41.3231692,-124.0471209, map

Head to Elk Meadow off the 101 for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Plus, there’s plenty of parking! It also leads to Trillium Falls Trail and Berry Glen Trail. The best times to see elk are during mating season in the fall or calving season in May-June. Be sure to keep your distance, they are wild animals and not as docile as they appear.

Other spots to see Roosevelt Elk:

Elk Prairie on Newton B Drury Scenic Drive
Gold Bluffs Beach
Ball Hills Road

Photography Tip: Have a long lens to shoot photos. Our recent favorite is the Sigma 150-600mm.

13. Redwood Sky Walk, Sequoia Park Zoo Eureka

3414 W St, Eureka, CA 95503, map

The brand new Redwood Sky Walk opened in 2021 at Sequoia Park Zoo, the oldest zoo in California. It’s the longest skywalk in the western US and gets you up to 100 feet above the ground below.

It’s a great way to see the redwoods from a different vantage point, and there’s a mix of static and swinging bridges. On the main platforms you’re right next to the trees but avoid touching them to preserve them.

Local Tip: If you’re visiting in the afternoon, head over to the Red Panda exhibit around 4:30. They are fed around that time so are most active. It was the first time we’d seen them awake!

More: Capilano Suspension Bridge – What You Need to Know

14. Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt RSP

40.3081995,-123.9110806, map

The Avenue of Giants isn’t part of the official four parks, but it’s a 31.59-mile scenic highway that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

There are multiple trailheads that can be found along the avenue, access points to the Eel River, and a beautiful outdoor fireplace in the Women’s Federation Grove built by Julian Morgan.

You’ll also find one of three Drive-Thru redwood trees in the Avenue of Giants (not to be confused with the drive-through Sequoia trees). It costs $10 to get in, and in addition, they have a drive on tree and other cute photos spots.

Local Tip: Fold in your side mirrors. We saw one larger vehicle with raised tires unable to make it through but most regular-sized vehicles are good to go.

More: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Sequoia National Park

15. Trees of Mystery, Klamath

15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548, map

Trees of Mystery is a tourist spot that is hard to miss because of the 50 ft Paul Bunyon statue that sits outside its entrance. Besides that, there is a gondola ride, an interpretive trail, multiple sculptures, and a canopy trail.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park

North of the Klamath River

Leiffer-Ellsworth Loop Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Easy 2.6 mi Loop
Simpson-Reed Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Easy 1 mi Loop
Hatton Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Easy 0.3 mi
Hatton-Hiouchi Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Easy 1.2 mi
Hiouchi, Jedediah Smith RSP – Moderate 2 mi
River Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Moderate 1 mi
Little Bald Hills Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Strenuous 4.8 mi
Stour Memorial Grove, Jedediah Smith RSP – Easy 0.5 mi Loop
Mill Creek Trail, Jedediah Smith RSPrate 2.6 mi
Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith RSPModerate 5.5 mi
Nickerson Ranch Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – Moderate 1 mi
Mill Creek Horse Trail, Redwood NP – Strenuous 7.75 mi
Rellim Ridge Trail, Redwood NP and Jedediah Smith RSP – Moderate 4.3 mi
Enderts Beach, Redwood NP – Moderate 0.6 mi
Mill Creek Campground Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Easy 0.7 mi
Hobbs-Wall Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Moderate 3.75 mi
Nature Loop Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Easy 1 mi Loop
Saddler Skyline Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Moderate 1.5 mi
Trestle Loop Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Easy 1 mi Loop
Alder Basin Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Easy 1 mi
Damnation Creek Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – Strenuous 2.2
Yurok Loop Trail, Redwood NP – Easy 1 mi Loop

More Hikes in Redwood National and State Park

We’ve listed notable hikes inside the parks and nearby.

Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary (15 minutes north of Eureka) – Great view of Arcata Bay and a popular spot for birding and hiking.
Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – 5.3 mi RT
Cheatham Grove, Grizzly Creek RSP – 0.8 mi hike
Damnation Creek Trail, Del Norte Coast RSP – 3.4 mi RT hike
Founders Grove Trail, Humboldt RSP – 0.5 mile hike
James Irvine Trail, Prairie Creek RSP – Most popular long-distance hike and includes Fern Canyon and Minder’s Ridge. Can be up to a full 12 mi loop
Prairie Creek to Foothill Loop, Prairie Creek RSP – 2.5 mi hike
Prairie Creek & Cathedral Loop, Prairie Creek RSP – 3.2 mi hike where you will see Big Tree Wayside and Elk Prairie
Simpson-Reed Trail, Jedediah Smith RSP – 0.8 mi hike
Sequoia Park, Eureka – Adjacent to Sequoia Park Zoo with almost 70 acres of redwoods, springs, and trails.
Trinidad Head, Trinidad State Beach – 1.7 mi loop hike. Great views of the ocean.

More Viewpoints & Drives in Redwood National Park

Bald Hills Rd – beautiful drive on the way to trailheads for Lady Bird Johnson and Tall Trees Grove
Cal Barrel Road – 3.5 mi gravel road
Coastal Drive – 9 mi road in Del Norte Coast RSP
Highway 36 in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
Hwy 199, Jedediah Smith RSP
Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith RSP – can stop at Stout Grove or Boy Scout Tree Trail from here
Lost Coast Scenic Drive – beautiful coastal wilderness
Newton B Drury Scenic Pkwy – scenic alternative to US 101
Trinidad to Patrick’s Point

Beaches in Redwood National Park

Gold Bluffs Beach & Campground, Prairie Creek RSP – 10-miles of beautiful golden beach where you can camp and hike. Elk are often seen on the beach too.
Sunset at Moonstone, Little River, or Clam Beach – You can also head to Moonstone Grill for overlooks of Moonstone Beach.

More Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum, Crescent City
Biking – On the first Saturday of each month between Oct and May, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway is a hike and bike trail.
Birding – Roughly 280 species of birds have been seen in Redwood National and State Parks (which roughly ⅓ of the species in the US). See what species here.
Dick Taylor Chocolate Factory Tour, Eureka – Currently closed due to covid.
Horseback Riding
Kayaking along Smith River
Klamath Drive-Thru Tree
Mendenhall Studios – where the artists live. There’s a fantastic group of glassblowers here. Did you know that Humboldt County has the most artists per capita in California?
Moonstone Beach – Has surfing and climbing.
Oyster Tours
Papa & Barkley Social (21+) – An elevated cannabis experience bridging cannabis and hospitality. It combines a dispensary, day spa with massages and beauty treatments with or without cannabis products, restaurant, boutique, and lounge.
Whale Watching – Nov to Dec and Mar to April from Klamath River Overlook, Crescent Beach Overlook, High Bluff Overlook, Gold Bluffs Beach
Willow Creek-China Flat Museum, Willow Creek – Unofficially the Bigfoot Museum.

Visitor Centers at Redwood National Park

Hiouchi Visitor Center
1600 US-199
Crescent City, CA 95531 (map)
Hours: Spring to Fall Daily 9AM to 5PM | Winter Daily 9AM to 4PM

Jedediah Smith Campground Visitor Center
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground
US Highway 199
Crescent City, CA
Hours: Mid-May to Labor Day Daily 9AM to 5PM

Crescent City Information Center
1111 2nd St
Crescent City, CA 95531 (map)
Hours: Spring to Fall Daily 9AM to 5PM | Winter 9AM to 4PM (closed Tues-Wed)

Prairie Creek Visitor Center
Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy
Orick, CA 95555 (map)
Hours: Spring to Fall Daily 9AM to 5PM | Winter Daily 9Am to 4PM

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
US-101 & Redwood Hwy
Orick, CA 95555 (map)
Hours: Spring to Fall Daily 9AM to 5PM | Winter Daily 9AM to 4PM

Best Places to Eat Near Redwood National Park

Cafe Brio, Arcata – European-style bistro with casual organic bites & baked goods, plus artisanal coffees & local wines.
Eel River Brewing, Fortuna – the oldest organic brewery in the US.
Ferndale Meat Company, Ferndale – Built in 1903, Guy Fieri worked in this building as a teenager. He purchased the building in 2021 but is leaving the current butcher Curt Terribilini to run everything.
Humboldt Bay Provisions, Eureka – Locally-made food and drink, which can be savored at the reclaimed redwood bar
Humboldt Bay Social Club, Eureka – Weren’t able to get in last minute, but we hope to check it out next time.
Lost Coast Brewery, Eureka – Barbara was the first California woman brewer.
Los Bagels, Eureka – They make their own bagels.
Salt Fish House, Arcata – You have to try all the oysters. Did you know Humboldt county produces over 70% of oysters eaten in California?
Tuyas Mexican, Ferndale
Richards Goat Tavern & Tea Room, Arcata – Afternoon tea and 20 seat cineplex.
707 Bar, Eureka – local dive bar

What’s the best way to get to Redwood National Park?

Redwood National and State Parks is located 6 hours north of San Francisco (roughly 325 miles). It starts on the south end in Orick, CA, and runs about 50 miles north to Crescent City, CA.

BY AIR
The closest airports are:

Del Norte County Airport/Jack McNamara Field (CEC) in Crescent City, CA
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Medford, OR
Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) in McKinleyville CA – where we flew in.

BY CAR

Redwood National Park is mostly oriented along the north-south US 101 between Orick and Crescent City, CA.

Where Should I Stay to See the Redwoods?

Redwood National and State Parks don’t have any lodging inside the parks other than basic campground cabins (four in Prairies Creek and four in Jedediah Smith). You must reserve these cabins months in advance.

During our visit, we stayed in Eureka because it had all the comforts we needed as a home base. We stayed at the Inn at 2nd & C (formerly the Eagle House). It’s a beautifully renovated historic hotel that has a lot of charm and is conveniently located in Old Town next to restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for the swankiest hotel in Eureka, check out Carter House Inn.

RV Camping?

You can also check out these spots if you’re looking for camping or RVing spots:

Elk Creek Campground
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Jedediah Smith State Park
Mill Creek Campground
Patrick’s Point State Park

What is the Closest City to Redwood National Park?

You won’t find any food options inside the parks, but. you can get supplies and food at grocery stores and restaurants in these nearby communities.

Trinidad, CA (23.6 mi)
Klamath, CA (32.8 mi)
McKinleyville, CA (32.1 mi)
Arcata, CA (39.1 mi) – second-largest city in Humboldt County
Eureka, CA (45.7 mi) – Eureka is the largest city near Redwood NP and the largest port city in Northern California. Amazing Victorian homes and buildings were built in the heyday of the logging industry.
Crescent City, CA (53.6 mi) – Seaquake Brewery
Ferndale (20 mi south of Eureka) – Beautiful Victorian homes and amazing small-town charm. It also has a history as a filming location for major movies.
Lost Coast, CA – One of the best backpacking destinations in the world.
Leggett (133 mi) – Has the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree.

What You Need to Know Before You Go / Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Redwood National Park?

You should spend at least 2-4 days in Redwood National Park depending on any hikes you want to do. We did everything in 2 days but felt rushed trying to pack as much in. Our goal was to do at least one hike/activity in each park. If you want to do longer hikes or go at a slower pace, I recommend 3-4 days.

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is open year-round, and summer is the best time to visit with low rainfall and warmer temps. You’ll find most ranger-led activities between June and August. It can be foggy, though, and it’s the busiest time to visit.

Spring is best for wildflowers, and Fall is the warmest and sunniest time. If you’re looking for solitude, winter will be the best, but it’s also cold and wet.

What are the Hours and Fees at Redwood NP?

Redwood National Park is free to visit, but Jedediah Smith RSP, Del Norte Coast RSP, and Prairie Creek RSP collect day use fees at developed campgrounds. They accept the America the Beautiful National Park Pass (be sure to get one) or Calfornia State Park Passes.

Also, you can get discounted camp prices if you have either of the two passes.

Where can I camp at Redwood National Park?

There are four developed campgrounds in Redwood National Park: Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach. Standard camping fees are $35 per night and cabins are available for $80-100 per night. Campsites book up quickly, so make reservations early.

Where can I find the Official Park Map and Hiking Map?

Download the official park map here. They have the overall park map, the northern half, and the southern half. They also include some of the major hikes, but stop by a visitor center for more detailed hiking maps.

Which state park is best?

Each state park is unique and has spots you should see, but Prairie Creek has the most iconic or popular hikes.

What should you not miss in Redwood National Park?

We covered the main highlights in this post. If we had even less time, we would only do Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Endert’s Beach, in that order.

Is Redwood National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely! There are a ton of must see spots in Redwood National Park including the massive trees, beautiful coastlines, and charming towns surrounding the park.

How long does it take to drive through the redwood forest? (Avenue of GIants)

It takes roughly 25 minutes to drive straight through the Avenue of Giants with no stops.

Can you drive through Redwood National Park?

Yes! Driving is one of the best ways to see Redwood National Park. There are portions that are on dirt or gravel roads, but it’s easy to avoid if you’re uncomfortable driving on them.

Are there bears in the redwoods?

Yes, there are American black bears in the redwoods. Unlike other parks we’ve been to, there didn’t seem to be much concern with them. But you should always use the bear safe bins to dispose of your trash and have a bear food canister if you’re camping. Otherwise, you should know basic bear safety. Never run and make a lot of noise and appear as large as possible.

Are there mountain lions in the redwoods?

Mountain lions have been spotted in the area, but are relatively rare. Review basic mountain lion safety here.

Do I need reservations for Redwood National Park? How much does it cost for one vehicle to enter Redwood National Park?

You do not need reservations to visit Redwood National Park, and there is no fee to enter. Some of the adjoining state parks have fees but honor the American the Beautiful pass or California States Park pass.

Is Redwood National Park crowded?

The busiest time at Redwood National Park is from May to September, but since still one of the least visited National Parks in the US, never gets as crazy as Yosemite, Zion, and Yellowstone.

The past year and a half is an exception with tons of visitors coming from the Bay area. During our visit (late October), the only busy spot was Fern Canyon.

Where is the giant redwood you can drive through?

There are three coastal redwood drive-through trees, not to be confused with Giant Sequoia drive-through trees. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Chandelier Tree in Leggett’s Drive-Thru Park, and Klamath Tour-Thru Tree.

What is the difference between giant sequoia and redwoods?

Sometimes giant sequoias are referred to interchangeably as redwoods, although they are different species. People refer to giant sequoias as giant redwoods. If that wasn’t confusing enough, they both belong under the same subfamily of conifers, Sequoioidea. Coastal Redwoods are Sequoia Sempervirens and Giant Sequoias are Sequoiadendron Giganteum.

Where else can I see Redwoods?

From North to South:

Humboldt Lagoons SP
Harry A Merlo SRA
Patrick’s Point SP
Fort Humboldt SHP
Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP
Humboldt Redwoods SP
John B Dewitt Redwoods SNR
Benbow SRA
Richardson Grove SP
Standish-Hickey SRA
Smithe Redwoods SNR
Sinkyone Wilderness SP
Admiral William Standley SRA
Jug Handle SNR
Russian Gulch SP
Mendocino Woodlands SP
Mendocino Headlands SP
Montgomery Woods SNR
Van Damme SP
Navarro River RSP
Hendy Woods SP
Maillard Redwoods SNR
Kruse Rhododendron SNR
Austin Creek SRA

Armstrong Redwoods SNR
Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Salt Point SP
Fort Ross SHP
Annadel SP
Sonoma Coast SP
Jack London SHP
Calaveras Big Trees SP
Samuel P Taylor SP
Muir Woods National Monument
Mount Tamalpais SP
Portola Redwoods SP
Castle Rock SP
Butano SP
Big Basin Redwoods SP
Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
Wilder Ranch SP
Garrapata SP
Andrew Molera SP
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
Limekiln SP

Tips for your Visit to Redwood National Park

Pad in extra time between activities since the drive between each park can be far and sometimes there is construction on the two-lane roads.
Check for trail and road closures here.
Map it out. With so many parks, it can be confusing to navigate and plan. After you know what you’re interested in doing, put it all into a map so you’re not going back and forth.
There are no hotels or restaurants in the park, but there are smaller towns nearby where you can grab food. Depending on the season, they are closed on certain days of the week. We picked up a bunch of snacks at the Target in Eureka so we wouldn’t have to worry about it.
Watch the tides. Tides can come in quickly and in some spots will close off access to areas. Check the tide charts here. Tsunamis can also occur so know where the high ground spots are. When you’re anywhere along the coast, beware of sneaker waves. They typically come out of nowhere and come much higher than other waves. Esther got nailed by a tiny one.
Fill up on gas. There are no stations in the park, and you don’t want to be stranded with no service.
Cell reception can be spotty. We downloaded google maps and Alltrails app while in town to ensure we could find our way around. Sometimes large storms can knock out cell service or power in small towns too.
Check out some sample itineraries here.

How Should I Pack for a Redwood National Park Trip?

What to wear hiking in the redwoods? Dress in layers since weather can vary.

Always bring a rain jacket in case there are unexpected showers.
Sweat-wicking layers
Sturdy hiking shoes – depending on what hikes you do they may not be necessary, but they’re always helpful especially if you’re on your feet all day. Some areas are wet and slippery, although most of the hikes were chill and flat. Some trails require you to cross through streams or puddles, so make sure they are waterproof like ours.
Daypack
Bring Water – there is potable water at the visitor center
Snacks and Food – there is none inside the park
Sunglasses – we love these
Sunscreen
Headlamp – in case you get lost or stay out later than expected
Sun hat is always helpful if you’re hiking exposed trails or heading to the beach.
Camera and Binoculars – don’t forget a long lens for birding and wildlife
Maps & guidebooks – we like Alltrails and downloading google maps ahead of time.
Bug Spray & First Aid Kit – There are mosquitos and other biting insects. We went in late October and didn’t need it.
Bag to pack out any trash
Hand sanitizer & mask (most places we visited don’t require or enforce masks indoors, but it’s always good to have in case)
Bear Spray – if you want to be extra cautious, but no one mentioned having to carry it
America the Beautiful Pass

What’s Nearby

Oregon Caves National Monument (1.5 hrs, 60 mi)
Samuel H Boardman State Park (68.4 mi N, 1 h 25 min, map)
Crater Lake National Park (3.5 hrs, 140 mi)
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (4.25 hrs, 215 mi)
Lassen Volcanic National Park (5 hrs, 230 mi)
Lava Bed National Monument (6 hrs, 262 mi)
San Francisco (313 mi S, 5 h 35 min, map)

More Resources

How many US national parks have you visited? Have you been to Redwood National State Parks? Any more unmissable things to do in Redwood National Park?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.