California’s Redwood National and State Parks, home to the world’s tallest trees, are a must-visit for nature lovers. Spanning 139,000 acres in the northwestern corner of California, these parks are a treasure of ancient coastal redwoods, old-growth forests, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife.
This guide will help you plan the best way to explore these national treasures, including tips for visiting popular spots like Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and the famous Tall Trees Grove.
Start at a Visitor Center
Redwood National and State Parks have several visitor centers that provide essential information, maps, exhibits and permits for exploring the parks. These centers are excellent starting points for your visit, offering valuable resources about the trails, scenic drives, and wildlife.
Here are the key visitor centers:
Crescent City Information Center
Located in Crescent City, this center is a hub for visitors entering from the northern part of the parks. It offers exhibits on redwood ecology, park maps, and general park information. It’s a great place to get recommendations on visiting Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and nearby attractions like the Smith River.
Hiouchi Visitor Center
Also near Crescent City, this center focuses on the Jedediah Smith Redwoods area and offers information on camping, hiking, and scenic drives. Rangers are available to provide advice on exploring the Boy Scout Tree Trail and the towering old-growth forests.
Prairie Creek Visitor Center
Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this center offers access to some of the most iconic redwood groves and popular spots like Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. It’s an excellent place to get permits for hikes, including those to Tall Trees Grove, and learn more about the park’s wildlife, including Roosevelt elk.
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Situated near Orick on Highway 101, this is the largest visitor center in the park system. It features exhibits on the redwood ecosystem, history, and the National Park Service’s role in protecting the area. With access to the Pacific Ocean and trails leading into the redwoods, it’s a great starting point for exploring Redwood National Park.
These centers not only provide key insights into the parks but also offer free permits for certain hikes and ranger-led programs to enhance your visit.
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Best Things to See and Do in Redwood National Parks California
The Redwood National and State Parks in California offer a wide range of activities that showcase the beauty of the towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the best things to do:
Hike Through Old-Growth Redwoods
Walking among the giant redwoods is a must. Trails like the Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Lady Bird Johnson Grove offer serene hikes through some of the most magnificent old-growth forests in the world.
Wildlife Watching
The parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including roosevelt elk, bears, and bald eagles. Elk Prairie is one of the best places to spot elk grazing in the meadows, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Visit Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a stunning spot where towering walls are draped in lush ferns. This unique location was even used as a filming site for Jurassic Park! It’s a great place for an easy hike or photography.
Drive the Scenic Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the towering redwoods. The parkway runs through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for hikes or scenic overlooks.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Avenue of the Giants
This scenic route in Humboldt Redwoods State Park runs parallel to Highway 101 and is one of the most beautiful drives in the area. You’ll pass through ancient redwood groves with plenty of spots to pull over and take short hikes.
Explore the Coastal Redwood Forests
The parks are not just about trees; they also feature miles of rugged coastline. Beaches like Gold Bluffs Beach offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a chance to spot sea lions and other wildlife.
Visit Tall Trees Grove
Home to some of the world’s tallest trees, the Tall Trees Grove requires a free permit to visit. The hike takes you deep into an isolated grove of towering redwoods, offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience.
Camp in the Redwoods
Camping is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the redwoods. Elk Prairie Campground and Jedediah Smith Campground offer the chance to sleep among the towering trees and enjoy the serenity of the forest at night.
Explore the Klamath River
For a different perspective, you can kayak or fish in the Klamath River, which winds through the parks. The river offers peaceful paddling with views of the surrounding forests and is a great way to experience the natural resources of the region.
Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy water activities, the Smith River near Jedediah Smith State Park is a great place for kayaking and fishing. Horseback riding is another popular activity in the parks, with trails available in areas like the Elk Prairie Campground and Bald Hills.
Coastal and Inland Adventures
The parks’ 40 miles of rugged coastline are perfect for those who love the outdoors. Hike along Gold Bluffs Beach, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the towering coastal redwoods. Inland, the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers a mix of redwood forests and open prairies. For a unique perspective, visit the oak woodlands near Bald Hills to see a different side of the park’s natural resources.
Shady Dell and Candelabra Redwoods
Shady Dell, located on the Lost Coast in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, south of Humboldt Redwoods, features a stunning mix of ancient redwoods and lush coastal ecosystems. The Shady Dell Trail winds through old-growth redwoods, including the unique Candelabra Redwoods, whose trunks curve like branches, creating a magical forest scene. About three hours from Redwood National and State Parks, it makes for a great day trip for those looking to explore a quieter, off-the-beaten-path redwood destination.
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Best Time to Visit the Redwood Forests of California
The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall.
Spring (March to May) offers mild weather and blooming wildflowers, with fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes. Rain is still common, but the waterfalls and creeks are fuller, making it a great time for wildlife viewing.
Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with warmer, drier weather that’s ideal for hiking and scenic drives. However, crowds are at their peak, especially in popular areas like Tall Trees Grove and Gold Bluffs Beach.
Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, making it a quieter time to explore the parks. The changing foliage adds extra beauty to the oak woodlands, and it’s a great season for hiking without the summer crowds.
Winter (December to February) is the least crowded but also the wettest. Frequent rain creates a mystical atmosphere in the redwood forests, perfect for peaceful walks. While some trails may be inaccessible, it’s a great time for solitude and photography.
Visiting Redwood National Parks in California is an unforgettable experience, offering an up-close look at some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. With its vast prairies, rugged coastline, and towering redwoods, this park system is not only a great place to explore but also a true national treasure.
From Fern Canyon to Avenue of the Giants, and the Tall Trees Grove, the best way to explore this World Heritage Site and international biosphere reserve is by taking scenic drives, hiking through old-growth redwoods, and immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of northern California’s coast.
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