plan your visit redwood national park

Redwood National Park Guide: Experience the Magic of the California Redwoods

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TL;DR: The key takeaways from my Redwood National Park guide are:

• Highway 101 is the easiest way to get to Redwood National Park, but the scenic route on Highway 1 is worth it if you have the time.
• Some of the popular trails, like the prehistoric-looking Fern Canyon hike, are very popular—so apply for your hiking permits early.
• Visiting during summer or fall is best, with later visits meaning less crowds.

Wandering through ancient redwood groves is both a humbling and uplifting experience. 

Coastal redwoods can live to be 2,000 years old and grow as tall as a 30-story skyscraper, which can make you feel pretty puny in comparison. 

But in a fast-paced world, it’s comforting to be in a place that has remained unchanged for millennia.

Redwood National and State Parks, the collection of redwood preserves located in the misty far north of California, hoards 45% of the world’s old-growth redwoods. 

These trees are unique to California and one of the state’s finest natural treasures. 

Hiking among these venerable giants is an unmissable California experience , and Redwood National and State Parks is the best place to do it. 

However, there’s more to this remote region than hiking. There are pristine beaches to explore, wild rivers to raft, and the legend of Bigfoot to discover.

Add Redwood National and State Parks to your bucket list right now and read on for the ultimate guide to this magical place.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Table of Contents

Practical Info

Address: Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, US-101 & Redwood Hwy, US-101, Orick, CA 95555 Entrance fee: Redwood National Park is free to enter. Parking at some of the trailheads at the state parks within Redwood National and State Parks incur day use fees of $12. Fees are waived with an America the Beautiful Pass . Year established: 1968 Size: 131,983 acres  Annual visitors: 435,879 in 2021 Redwood National Park hours: Open daily, year-round Phone numbers: (707) 464-6101

Redwood National Park History 

As long as there have been humans in California, redwood trees have been treasured. 

However, their value has been perceived in very different ways over the years–and almost led to the complete destruction of the coastal redwood forests.

While the trees themselves date back to the Jurassic period, human activity in the area began around 3,000 years ago. 

Indigenous Americans settled in the region, founding villages along the coast. There was no dominant tribe, but rather a network of separate communities with social, economic, and religious ties.

Typically, people in the region used the redwood trees to build their homes and hunted the deer, elk, and fish found throughout the area. 

They believed an ancient, divine spirit lived within the trees. At this time, old-growth redwood groves covered two million acres of Northern California coastline, from the Oregon border to Big Sur.

The first European known to thoroughly investigate the lands in this area was Jedediah Smith, in 1928. 

However, little interest was shown in this dense, hard-to-reach region until 1850, when gold was discovered at Trinity River.

The surge of Euro-Americans seeking their fortune drove the original inhabitants from their homes as they started taking the land for their settlements. 

Lumber was required in great quantities to house all these new people and soon the logging industry moved in. During this time, most of the Indigenous Americans had been forcibly removed from their villages.

Redwood timber was highly prized for its strength, beauty, and insect-resistant properties. It was also thought to be fire-proof, which sent demand into overdrive after the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires that devastated San Francisco.

By 1910, the two million acres had been reduced to a few hundred thousand. 

A group of concerned citizens formed the Save the Redwoods League and raised funds to buy what was left of old-growth groves in the far north of California.

These lands became Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park , Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park , and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park .

However, logging in the surrounding areas continued, and with motorized engines replacing traditional methods, the scale of destruction increased sharply. 

Environmental activists in the 1960s fought back, lobbying for more land to be preserved and convinced Congress to create a new national park in the area.

In 1968, Redwood National Park was established, securing the redwoods in Lady Bird Johnson Grove, those on the Trillium Falls Trail, and the Tall Trees Grove. 

More land was purchased by the government 10 years later, which the park service has since been working to restore.

In 1994, all four parks were combined, and are now jointly administered by the NPS and California State Parks. 

Today, only 5% of the old-growth coastal redwood forest remains–most of it located within Redwood National and State Parks. 

Some descendants of the original tribes who lived in Redwood National State Park still live within the park and have a large role in the preservation of the redwood groves.

Facts About Redwood National Park 

• It’s home to Hyperion, the tallest tree on the planet, whose location is kept secret by park rangers.
• Redwood National Park has the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in the world–almost half of all old-growth redwoods grow here.
• Logging had already wiped out almost all two million acres of coastal redwood forests in California by 1968 when Redwood National Park was established.
• Redwood National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
• Jurassic Park: The Lost World was filmed here.
• Redwood trees are the only trees that can absorb water through their leaves, as well as their roots. It’s how they’re able to grow so tall.

What is Redwood National Park Most Well-Known For? 

Redwood National Park is best known for its old-growth coastal redwoods. Half of all remaining old-growth redwoods are within the boundaries of Redwood National and State Parks. 

If you want to walk or drive for miles through ancient redwood forests, this park should be on your bucket list. 

Redwood National and State Parks is also home to the world’s tallest tree, Hyperion. At 380.81 feet, it’s the tallest of the world’s three trillion trees. 

National Park rangers prefer not to advertise the tree’s location, to keep this special tree safe from over-tourism (redwood roots are shallow and can be easily damaged simply by walking over them). 

You won’t find it on any park map, or easily accessible from a trail. Instructions on how to hike out to Hyperion can be found on the internet. 

With that said, I wouldn’t recommend straying from the trails. Getting lost or hurting yourself is a real danger in such a remote park. 

Hollywood has also been inspired by the otherworldly beauty of the redwoods, and several movies have been filmed in or around the parks. 

If you’re a Star Wars fan, keep an eye out for familiar spots: it’s said that some of the forest scenes from Return of the Jedi were filmed here.

Outbreak , the 1994 movie about a deadly virus, was filmed in the nearby town of Ferndale, and the forest scenes for Jurassic Park: The Lost World were captured here.

The redwoods are also home to mythical creatures, as well as fictional ones. The legend of Bigfoot took hold in this area, and a local industry has grown up around the hairy humanoid. 

Sightings have been recorded in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and in the forests nearby.

If you’re curious, make a trip to nearby Willow Creek, which has a Bigfoot museum . Or if you’re brave, go camping in one of the backcountry sites and watch out for unusually large footprints.

Aside from the redwoods, Redwood National Park has beaches, cliffs, meadows, elk, wildflowers, and the Smith River. 

How Many Days do you Need in Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is big, stretching across 50 miles of coastline on slow, winding roads. There are hikes, scenic drives, rivers to kayak, beaches to explore, and ranger tours to take.

Give yourself 2-3 days to explore Redwood National Park and consider staying longer to check out the surrounding state parks. 

Other parks that are very much worth a visit include Humboldt Redwoods State Park , Richardson Grove State Park , and Sue-meg State Park .

How Big is Redwood National Park? 

Redwood National and State Parks is made up of four separate parks adjacent to one another. 

In total, Redwood National and State Parks has 131,983 acres within its boundaries, and is about 60 miles long, north to south. 

It takes about one hour to drive from the southern entrance to the northern border on the 101.

Where is Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is located in the far north of coastal California, just below the border with Oregon. It’s about a six-hour drive from San Francisco , or a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Portland, Oregon.

From the north, Crescent City is the nearest large city, located five miles away from the park’s northern boundary. 

At the southern end, the cities of McKinleyville and Arcata are a 30-minute drive from the south entrance.

How to Get to Redwood National Park

Closest Airports to Redwood National Park

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is the closest regional airport, with flights operated by United Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo, a 30-minute drive away from Redwood National Park.

An alternative regional airport is Redding Airport, just under a four-hour drive away. 

Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Avelo Airlines service this airport, with direct flights available to San Francisco, Los Angeles , Las Vegas, Seattle, and Burbank.

Redding Airport is also close to Lassen Volcanic National Park, so this would be a great option if you wanted to see both parks in one trip.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) are all a six-hour drive south of the parks. 

Sacramento Airport (SMF) is a smaller international airport with non-stop flights to cities across North America.

Driving to Redwood National Park

Driving from the South: San Francisco to Redwood National Park

My favorite way to visit the redwoods is on a road trip. 

Don’t be in a hurry, or you’ll miss some of the best parts of Northern California. Visiting weird roadside attractions and staying overnight at sketchy motels are all part of the fun.

From San Francisco, pick up a rental car from the airport or the city and drive north on Highway 101 for 90 minutes toward Healdsburg. 

Healdsburg is one of the top wine destinations in Sonoma County, and the perfect place to indulge in a wine tasting, relax at a spa, or browse the boutiques and antique stores downtown.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park & Ferndale

After visiting Healdsburg, it’s a 2.5-hour drive up to Humboldt Redwoods State Park on Highway 101. 

Or, it’s a four-hour drive if you take the coastal route through Mendocino on the beautiful Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway )

Humboldt State Park is worth a stop for the famous scenic drive, the Avenue of the Giants, plus there are some great trails through the old-growth redwood forest. 

Make a quick detour to the charming Victorian town of Ferndale before heading north on Highway 101 again.

Mckinleyville or Arcata

Make a stop in McKinleyville or Arcata, a 45-minute drive north, to pick up supplies before making the 30-minute journey to the entrance of Redwood National Park.

Driving from the East: Redding or Sacramento to Redwood National Park 

From Redding, take Highway 299 for three hours and 40 minutes to Redwood National Park. 

It’s a scenic drive through mountains and forest, following the trail beaten by miners heading out to seek their fortune in the Trinity goldfields.

Weaverville

Make a stop at Weaverville, a charming Old West town about an hour west of Redding. 

Since most of the town’s 1850s buildings were constructed from brick instead of wood, it has survived wildfires better than most California gold-rush era communities.

Willow Creek

After driving another hour, stop again at Willow Creek, the tiny mountain community at the heart of the Bigfoot legend. 

Check out the Willow Creek China Flat Museum for Bigfoot artifacts and take a photo next to the 25-foot Bigfoot sculpture outside. 

Continue along the 399 until you hit Highway 101, then keep going north. It’s about one hour’s drive from Willow Creek to Redwood National Park.

Driving from the North: Oregon Border to Redwood National Park

From the Oregon border, it’s an hour and twenty minutes drive to Redwood National Park. 

Crescent City

Crescent City is the first big city along the way, about 30 minutes south of the state line. 

Crescent City is a pleasant seaside town, with restaurants, cafes, and hotels, making it a great base for a Redwood National Park trip. 

While you’re there, check out the beach, the lighthouse, the harbor, and the Smith River, which is fun to raft in the summer months.

Jedidiah Smith State Park & Del Norte Coast State Park

Just outside of Crescent City is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, one of the state parks included in Redwood National and State Parks. This is where you’ll find the Boy Scout Trail.

A further 15 minutes’ drive south on Highway 101 is Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, another of the three state parks within the group. This is where redwoods meet the sea, with eight miles of rugged coastline.

Next up is Klamath, where you’ll find the delightfully odd Trees of Mystery with a fun aerial tram ride through the canopy and nice trails through the trees. 

Prairie Creek State Park

After Klamath, you’ll find Prairie Creek State Park, the final state park before Redwood National Park. This is the location for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon.

Finally, Redwood National Park is located five minutes away at Orick. 

Driving from Yosemite to Redwood National Park

National Park road trip! If you want to see two of California’s most iconic national parks , combine Yosemite and Redwoods into one trip. 

You’ll see waterfalls, mountains, lakes, meadows, and forests, and you’ll probably use the word “majestic” a lot.

If you’re looking for an even more epic trip, you can check out our detailed California national park road trip guide. 

Start from San Francisco and drive four hours east to Yosemite National Park . I’d suggest at least three days here to enjoy the highlights of Yosemite. 

After Yosemite, drive back the same route to San Francisco, then take Highway 101 north and follow the San Francisco to Redwood National Park directions. 

This adds up to a total of 14 hours of drive time, and I’d suggest 7-10 days for this trip.

More Time? 

If you have more than a week, you’ll have time to see Lassen Volcanic National Park too. 

For this trip, start from San Francisco and head to Yosemite first, then after a few days in the park, go to Sacramento . This will take a little over two-and-a-half hours.

After seeing the sights in California’s capital, continue north on Route 99, then Route 32 to get to Lassen Volcanic National Park. 

It’s a four-hour drive to Lassen, which has caves, lakes, and trails across a stunning hydrothermal landscape. 

If you enjoyed the waterfalls of Yosemite, you’ll love nearby McArthur-Burney Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in California. 

From Lassen Volcanic National Park, turn west toward Redding, then follow the suggested itinerary from Redding to get to Redwood National Park. You could do this final stretch in four hours.

Complete the loop back to San Francisco by reversing the San Francisco to Redwood National Park route above by driving south on Highway 101 for an epic Northern California road trip. 

You could do this in ten days but 14 would give you more time for stops.

Public Transit to Redwood National Park

Taking a Greyhound bus is the best option for public transit. It takes about eight hours to get to Arcata bus station. Then, hop on a local bus to get to the park entrances.

If you don’t want to drive, another option is to take a tour. This three-day guided tour picks you up from San Francisco, provides all transportation, and includes hotel accommodation. 

How to Get Around Redwood National Park Once You Arrive

Unfortunately, there’s no shuttle service within Redwood National Park. Driving is the best way to get around. 

You can rent a car from nearby Arcata Airport, bring your own, or join an organized Redwood National Park tour.

Alternatively, you could get around by cycling. Redwood National Park has many great biking trails through the forest. If you don’t have your own bicycle, you can rent one from Wildtrail Tours in Arcata.

Driving in Redwood National Park

Although the park is large and spread out along the coast, most of the trailheads are easily accessible from Highway 101. 

Roads within the parks are in great condition and can easily accommodate trailers or RVs. There are also some great scenic drives in the area. 

Check out the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a ten-mile paved alternative to Highway 101. This is the place to slow down and pull over to appreciate the towering redwoods.     

Or, if you don’t mind getting dirt on your tires, Howland Hill is an amazing stretch of narrow, unpaved road where you can get extraordinarily close to old-growth redwoods.

Gas Stations in Redwood National Park

There are no gas stations in Redwood National Park – I advise fueling up in Crescent City on the north side or Arcata to the south. There’s also a small gas station in Orick, in between Redwood National Park and the state parks.

The closest gas stations to Redwood National Park are at 120025 US-101, Orick, CA 95555 and 101 Main St, Trinidad, CA 95570.

State Parks in Redwood National Park 

Redwood National and State Parks is unique among the country’s national parks because it’s made up of three state parks, plus Redwood National Park.

This patchwork approach developed as environmental activists pushed Congress to acknowledge that the ecological value of old-growth redwood trees outweighed their economic value over several decades.

Initially, the Save the Redwoods League secured the groves in Jedediah Smith State Park, Del Norte Coast State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in 1910. However, logging continued in the forest outside the preserves. 

The battle continued into the 1960s when Redwood National Park was established, and the nearby state parks were rolled into the new national park. Collectively, these parks are known as Redwood National and State Parks.

As a result, these are the only California state parks you can visit using an America the Beautiful National Park Pass , which I highly recommend you buy in advance of your trip.

From south to north, you’ll drive through Redwood National Park first. From there, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, followed by Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and finally, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Here’s a look at each of the state parks. 

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

This park is located on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off Highway 101, with the visitor center at the southern end. 

Prairie Creek is sandwiched between Redwood National Park to the south and Del Norte Coast State Park to the north.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is best known for the scenic parkway, Gold Bluffs Beach, and Fern Canyon. Camping is available at Gold Bluffs Beach, accessed from Davison Road.

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway is a ten-mile stretch of road running alongside Highway 101, where you can slow down to appreciate the redwoods. 

Between October and May, the road is closed to motorized traffic on the first Saturday of the month for its “Hike and Bike Days”. 

Fern Canyon is a must-do hike along a stream, through a lush, green canyon blanketed in ferns. 

It’s like stepping through a portal into a prehistoric past, a fact not lost on the producers of the Jurassic Park movie sequel, part of which was filmed in this location.

The one-mile trail is also massively popular. So much so that the National Park Service now limits access from May to September with a permit system. 

You can book your free Fern Canyon permit here in advance of your trip, or make a reservation at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. Day-use fees are payable at the trailhead unless you have a pass.

In addition to the beach and the forest, there are meadows with grazing Roosevelt elk. 

These are the largest variety of elk in North America. They were nearly hunted to extinction before President Theodore Roosevelt stepped in to preserve the species, which were subsequently named for him.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has two popular developed campgrounds at Gold Bluffs Beach and Elk Meadow Campground. 

If you’re looking for a hotel, Arcata is the biggest nearby city, a 30-minute drive south on Highway 101. Or check out Klamath, a smaller riverside community, less than 10 minutes to the north.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Del Norte Coast State Park is located seven miles south of Crescent City, just off Highway 101. The park has eight miles of rugged coastline, old-growth redwood groves, and mixed forest. 

Much of the park was significantly logged throughout the 20th century. Although the park was established in 1927, it wasn’t until 2002 that California State Parks was able to buy the upper portion of Mill Creek from the logging company.

Most of the old trees in this area are now gone, but the Park Service is embarking on a restoration project to bring back redwoods and re-establish the habitats of local wildlife. 

You can find out more about the ongoing work at Mill Creek Day Area on the east side of the park.

Although loggers destroyed many of the old trees in this park, there are some really beautiful parts to see. 

The dramatic-sounding Damnation Creek Trail leads through redwood forests to some spectacular cliffs. 

And if you’re visiting in May, look out for brightly colored rhododendrons massed around the base of towering redwoods.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park also has the largest campground of the four redwood parks: Mill Creek. It’s a great place to camp, with private sites tucked between ferns and under towering redwoods.

If you’re looking for a hotel, Crescent City is a ten-minute drive from the park’s entrance, so this would be the best town to find accommodation.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is located nine miles east of Crescent City on Highway 199. Highlights of the park include a 1,300-foot-long boardwalk through the Grove of Titans.

This brand new trail was created to protect the sensitive forest floor, which was in danger of being damaged by hikers seeking out the grove. 

The location of these ancient, enormous trees was known by indigenous people in the area but kept secret for thousands of years until researchers stumbled across it in 1998.

Although the researchers declined to reveal the exact location, the secret was out and people made their own paths to find the secret grove, trampling plants and damaging roots in the process. 

The National Park Service reacted by building a boardwalk above the forest floor, so everyone can now safely visit this incredible place.

The redwood trees in this park are some of the widest, tallest, and oldest. It’s probably the most undeveloped of the parks and the most scenic. 

Before the Grove of Titans boardwalk was opened, there were few easy trails in the park, but plenty of interesting hikes for intrepid explorers.

In addition to the Grove of Titans, you can walk the Boy Scout Tree Trail, go for a drive on Howland Hill Road, and visit Little Bald Hills. 

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park has a campground suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. 

The Hiouchi Motel is the closest hotel to the park. Plus, Crescent City is conveniently located just five minutes away from the park’s entrance, so you can easily use the coastal town as your base.

Best Hikes in Redwood National Park

James Irvine Trail

This is the most popular long-distance day-hike in Prairie Creek State Park, which takes you the long way around to Fern Canyon. If you can’t get a permit for Fern Canyon, this is an alternative route you can use to get there.

Cathedral Tree Trail 

This short trail in Prairie Creek State Park takes you to see some of the park’s tallest trees. It’s an ideal introduction to the area and perfect for kids or those short on time.

Tall Trees Grove Trail

This 4.5-mile, backcountry trail in Redwood National Park leads to a grove that once contained the world’s tallest tree before it lost its crown and was demoted. 

This is a popular hike through a sensitive area, so a permit is required . Only 50 are issued per day, so don’t sleep on this if you want to hit the Tall Trees Trail.

Fern Canyon Trail

This easy one-mile loop starts at the end of Davison Road in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and winds through a 50-foot, fern-covered canyon. You’ll need a permit to visit in the summer, which you can get online.

Boy Scout Tree Trail

Located in Jedediah State Park, this is a strenuous, five-mile out-and-back hike through groves of huge redwoods. The Boy Scout Tree itself is remarkable for its 23-foot width, created when two trees fused together.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove

This easy, one-mile loop is located in Redwood National Park at the top of a ridge, giving you views over the forest canopy below. 

If you’re visiting between May and September, look out for colorful rhododendrons along the trail. 

Backpacking Redwood National Park

There are seven backcountry camping sites , plus dispersed camping is allowed on Redwood Creek’s gravel bar, past the first creek crossing (upstream of McArthur Creek). A free backcountry permit is required. 

Redwood National and State Parks has more than 200 miles of backcountry trails, including the popular Tall Trees Trail, but you’ll need to snag a permit in advance.

If you want to do multi-day hiking through the parks, the Coastal Trail is the best option. 

Stretching out over 70 miles along the coastline, the path passes through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park.

Top Things to do in Redwood National Park Besides Hiking 

Hiking is a popular activity in the parks, but there are more things to do in Redwood National Park besides going for a walk.

Go horseback riding

Many of the trails are equestrian-friendly. Guided tours are available from Redwood Creek Buckarettes Horseback Rides in Orick.

Raft the river

Kayak the Smith River, the largest free-flowing river system in California, either on a ranger-led summer tour or with a local guide.

Take a ranger tour

Rangers lead free tours throughout the summer season, showcasing the park’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Explore the tidepools

Gold Bluffs Beach has some excellent tide pools, where you can explore an oceanic microcosm without getting your feet wet.

Watch dancing demonstrations

Indigenous communities still live within the park and are heavily involved in its preservation. If you’re lucky, you might catch a dance performance from tribe members in the summer.

Slow down on a scenic drive

There are several scenic drives you can take through the park where you can slow down and appreciate the forest from your car. 

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is the easiest to access. You can find it just off Highway 101, in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Check out a visitor center

There are five Redwood National Park visitor centers in the parks, all with information and exhibits on the redwoods. Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, a mile south of Orick, is the largest.

Where to Eat & Drink in & Near Redwood National Park

There are no restaurants or food vendors inside the parks. 

You’ll need to buy your snacks from towns outside the park boundaries and bring them with you as you explore Redwood National Park.

• Shoreline Market , Orick – Local store selling fresh produce, perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies.
• Edebee’s Snack Shack , Orick – This small diner is perfect for lunch – check out the Elk Burger!
• The Log Cabin Diner , Klamath – Cozy all-day breakfast spot with filling dishes to fuel your adventures.
• North Coast Co-op , Arcata – Get a fresh cup of coffee from the espresso bar, a pastry from the bakery, and a sandwich from the deli for later.
• The Historic Requa Inn , Klamath – Enjoy dinner at this upscale bed and breakfast overlooking the Klamath River.
• North Town Coffee , Arcata – Spice up your latte with one of North Town Coffee’s creative drinks, like the popular Super Shroom Mocha.

Where to Stay in Redwood National Park

Camping in redwood national park.

Camping is the only way to stay overnight in the park. There are four developed campgrounds: Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach. 

All of these sites allow RVs, tents, or trailers, except for Gold Bluffs Beach. RV hook-ups aren’t available, however.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and Elk Prairie Campgrounds are reservable year-round, through Reserve America . 

You can book a site at Jedediah Smith Campground in the summer between May 1 and October 1. Mill Creek is operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are also a limited number of basic cabins available in the parks if you want to camp but don’t have all the equipment. Whatever you pick, book six months in advance, especially for summer weekends.

Best Tent Campsites in Redwood National Park

The four developed campgrounds are Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Elk Prairie Campground, and Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. 

Showers and restrooms are available at these campgrounds. Each site has a parking spot, fire pit, picnic bench, and bear box.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is right on the beach, next to the Pacific Ocean. You have to drive down Davison Road to access this campground. It’s a narrow route unsuited to large vehicles.

Set in the dunes behind the beach, you’ll get more sunshine here but also a lot of wind, which can be annoying if your tent is flapping about at night. No potable water is available at this campground.

Mill Creek is the largest campground and is dotted with pines, firs, and enormous stumps of redwoods from its logging days. Although the campground is large, campsites have a private feel to them.

Elk Prairie Campground

Elk Prairie Campground is conveniently located in the center of the parks. You’re in a meadow, not a dense forest, so there are beautiful views of the night sky available. 

Elk roam this area, so you should get to see a few of these majestic animals during your stay. There’s no water available at this campground.

Jedediah Smith Campground

Jedediah Smith Campground, in the northernmost state park, is your best venue if you want to sleep under towering redwoods. 

The beautiful Smith River also flows by the camp. The downside to this campground is the noise from Highway 199, which runs nearby.

In addition to these sites, there are seven undeveloped campgrounds: Little Bald Hills Camp, DeMartin Camp, Flint Ridge, Gold Bluffs Beach, Elam Camp, 44 Camp, and Redwood Creek Gravel Bar. 

These are all hike-in campgrounds with primitive facilities, like a composting toilet. 

Best Cabin Rentals in Redwood National Park

There are eight ADA-accessible Redwood National Park cabins: four in the Elk Prairie Campground and four in the Jedediah Smith Campground. 

The cabins have heating and electricity, making them a good alternative to tent camping in the winter.

This Redwood National Park lodging option is pretty basic, however. 

You get two sets of bunk beds, with a double on the bottom. No mattress pads or bedding are provided, so you will need to bring your own. Outside, you’ll find a barbecue, fire pit, bear box, and picnic bench. 

Just like the campsites, you’ll need to book a cabin months in advance – I would strongly recommend making a reservation as soon as the dates are released, six months in advance.

Best RV Campsites in Redwood National Park

Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach are all good for RVs , although Gold Bluffs Beach has a 24’ long, 8’ wide limit on all vehicles and does not allow trailers.

These campgrounds were developed in the 1940s, so there are no hook-ups anywhere in Redwood National Park.

Free Camping in Redwood National Park

Redwood Creek Gravel Bar allows for dispersed camping along the gravel bar. It’s free, although you will need a free permit to camp here. There are no facilities, so you’ll need to take everything you need with you. 

Also, don’t forget to take an animal-proof container for your food. Otherwise, critters (or bears) will absolutely swing by to steal your snacks.

Best Hotels Near Redwood National Park

• Holiday Inn , Klamath – Comfortable, clean, central location, and great value for money. Breakfast is included. Klamath is located between Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
• Hotel Arcata , Arcata – This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located in the center of Arcata. It’s a charming hotel with a ton of character. Arcata is located to the south of Redwood National Park.
• Hiouchi Motel , Crescent City – Hiouchi Motel offers comfortable accommodation with an on-site restaurant and is conveniently located next to Jedediah Smith State Park. You’ll be surrounded by redwood forests in this secluded spot.

Best Vacation Rentals Near Redwood National Park 

• Meadowview – This sweet two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Klamath is close to the parks and has a beautiful view of the meadow.
• Requa House – If you’re looking for more space, this Klamath cabin sleeps up to six people. You’ll get ocean and redwood forest views, lots of privacy, plus a hot tub.
• Logan’s Landing – Relax in this three-bedroom, three-bathroom cottage with a wraparound deck in Orick.

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is beautiful all year round. In spring, you’ll get a lot of rain, but also lush meadows and wildflower-covered hills. If you want to see the colorful native rhododendrons, it’s best to visit in May.

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit when the weather is warmer and drier, making hiking conditions more comfortable. 

However, you’ll also get more crowds: half of the parks’ annual visitors arrive in June, July, and August.

Fall is my favorite time to visit the Northern California coastline. The crowds and the fog melts away, leaving quiet, sunny trails. 

However, there’s also an increased danger of fire. October is officially peak wildfire season in California, although it sadly seems to get earlier every year.

Winter brings the rain. Redwood National Park receives between 60 and 80 inches of rain a year, mostly between November and May. 

Some trails will be too muddy to attempt and seasonal bridges are removed from streams. However, you’ll have the forest to yourself, which is a nice upside.

Tips for Visiting Redwood National Park

• With four parks to visit, it makes sense to buy an America the Beautiful Pass , which gets you into all federal lands for one year. You can get these online or at REI. Don’t forget your permits too, as some popular areas require reservations. Permits are free and available online.
• Go on a ranger-led tour. Check out the schedule at the visitor centers for the events calendar and take part in a campfire program, nature walk, or Junior Ranger activity for more fun Redwood National Park facts.
• Plan a picnic. There are no restaurants in the park, so take all the snacks and water you will need for a day visiting Redwood National Park. The nearest cities from south to north are Arcata, Orick, Klamath, and Crescent City.
• Download maps ahead of time. Cell reception in the park is spotty, so don’t rely on your phone for directions. Download maps when you have WiFi or use a map from the visitor center. It’s also a good idea to download your favorite hiking app and trails ahead of time. 
• Dress for fog and rain. This is a rainforest, so Redwood National Park weather is often wet. Make sure you pack a light waterproof jacket and waterproof hiking shoes .
• Fill up on gas before heading into the park. As with snacks, there are few gas stations outside the cities. Arcata in the south and Crescent City in the north are the best places to find gas.

Looking for more redwoods? Read our guide to the best redwoods near San Francisco . 

What to Pack for Redwood National Park

• Hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Two liters of water per adult
• Hiking backpack with a hydration bladder
• Breathable hiking clothes
• Hiking Snacks
• Hat for hiking
• Light jacket
• Long pants and hiking socks
• Downloaded hiking app
• Outdoor watch (like a Garmin watch )
• Cash or credit card for parking
• Durable phone case
• America the Beautiful Pass
• National Park Passport
• First-aid kit
• Travel insurance

Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. She writes for the national parenting website Red Tricycle and on her own family travel blog, Tiny Trailblazers . She loves exploring California’s outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop.

Sarah enjoys sharing her Bay Area expertise with readers curious to try popular restaurants and off-the-beaten-path adventures in California. When she’s not writing reviews and travel guides, you’ll likely find her trying to keep up with her kids on a hiking trail or deciphering the menu at a new restaurant.

Looking for more Northern California and national park travel inspiration? Read our related articles below! 

Best Campgrounds in Northern California

Things to do in Death Valley National Park

Pinnacles National Park Guide

How to Get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Plan Your Trip to Redwood National Park | ULTIMATE Guide 2024

Jan 16, 2024

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Redwood National Park is a magical place nestled in the hard-to-reach Northwestern corner of California .—making it an almost untouched piece of Mother Nature’s beauty.

Sounds fabulous, right? It is! And if you’re already planning a Redwood National Park itinerary , this Redwood National Park guide will be the next best accessory that won’t go out of style during your trip planning.

In this write-up, I cover all the pesky details you’ll want to know before you go so your trip is smooth as butter. 

While its location helps preserve its beauty, making the park under-visited and underrated, Redwoods NP is more difficult to reach, making the planning process much more important!

So I want to make sure we don’t skip anything! That being said, we have a lot to cover in this blog. 

Let’s begin!

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Table of Contents

First, What is RNSP?

RNSP stands for Redwood National and State Parks. Unlike some other US national parks (like the best Utah National Parks ) Redwoods is a conglomerate of a national park and three state parks:

• Jedediah Smith State Park
• Del Norte Coast State Park
• Prairie Creek State Park

Together these make up what is known as RNSP (Redwood National and State Parks).

AND together, the parks protect about 45% of the remaining coast redwood. That’s about 139,000 acres. 

Truthfully, while 139,000 acres is a ton of ground, Redwood National Park itself is sparse.

That’s just my honest opinion.

I wasn’t lying when I said you should visit or that it’s magical. It’s a gorgeous area!

However, it doesn’t compare to parks like Yosemite , which offer many hikes, viewpoints, etc.

Also, Redwood National Park is a forest (like duh). So after a hike and a drive through some areas, you might find yourself going, “K, I get it.”

I found myself enjoying much more of the State Parks. They’re a bit more diverse in scenery, in my opinion.

Ultimate Redwood National Park Guide: Plan Your Trip

Before we get into a deep dive, here is a very quick rundown of some critical planning details:

• 🌲 Where is the Park: Northwestern California, in Crescent City
• 🌞 Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer
• ⏰ How Long to Go: 2 days is plenty!
• ✈️ Closest Airport: Rogue Valley Airport in Medford, Oregon. Use  KAYAK  to find tickets!
• 🚐 Campervan Rental:   Click here to rent a campervan !
• 🐕‍🦺 Are Dogs Allowed?: No, but you can bring your pets to Walker Road in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park
• 🎟 Park Fees: Free with the exception of an $8 fee at Jedediah Smith State Park

Where is Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is situated in the picturesque northwestern part of California, near the charming town of Crescent City. This region is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, lush forests, and, most notably, the towering redwoods that give the park its name. 

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

The best time to explore Redwood National Park is spring and summer. During these seasons, the park is adorned with a vibrant palette of greenery, and the mild weather provides comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

Spring brings the added bonus of blooming wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the verdant landscape. Summer offers longer days, allowing more time to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and partake in the various outdoor activities.

These seasons will offer the best weather and trail access (this is usually true for some of the best California national parks ).

However, you can expect the Redwood National Park and State Parks area to be damp year round.

Temperatures range from the mid-40s (F) to mid-60s (F).

But let’s review the different seasons:

• Winter —Temperatures range on the cooler side of the spectrum, and visitors should expect a good amount of rain. 
• Spring —Early spring (February to early March) still has cooler temperatures, but you can get great light rays. I’ll show you some pictures, don’t worry, but expect a good chance of rain, too. April can get the most rain. 
• Summer —Summer is a great time to visit and probably the safest choice for most folks! While you should still prepare for any chance of rain, temperatures can get in the mid-70s (F). The park can also be quite foggy in the summer. However, I find that this doesn’t matter TOO much considering you’ll be deep in a forest.
• Fall —Fall follows suit with what we’ve already discussed above. If you want to see fall foliage, I would probably go elsewhere (New England fall road trip instead? LOL.)

How Long to Visit Redwood National Park

You should visit Redwood National Park for two days. A visit of at least two days is recommended to truly appreciate the park. This duration allows enough time to explore the park’s main attractions, including the majestic groves of redwood trees, scenic drives, and diverse wildlife.

With two days, you can leisurely hike through the lush trails, take in the breathtaking vistas, and still have moments to pause and absorb the tranquil beauty of this extraordinary natural sanctuary.

Getting To Redwood National Park

You WILL need a car. So make sure that you rent a car ahead of time. Let’s talk about flying near the park because I assume that’s what most of you might be doing.

RNSP is difficult to get to because it is far from most major California airports. The parks go in a straight line along the coast. So if we went North to South, the park order would be:

Jedediah Smith State Park > Del Norte State Park > Prairie Creek State Park

Closest Airports to Redwood National Park

Knowing this will give you a sense of what a possible trip could look like. Here are the closest airports to consider:

• This will be the closest airport to the parking area, coming in at a 2 hour drive to Jedediah Smith State Park.
• If you fly in from here, you’ll be visiting the Redwood National Park and State Parks by driving south, starting in Jedidiah and ending with Prairie Creek State Park.
• About a 6.5hr drive to Crescent City and a 6hr drive to the Prairie Creek area.
• If you fly in from here, you’ll be visiting the Redwood National Park and State Parks by driving north, starting in Prairie Creek State Park and ending in Jedidiah.
• About a 7hr drive to Crescent City and a 6hr drive to the Prairie Creek Area.

Driving to the Park

Once you land, I recommend reading what the National Park Service says about driving to the park since they mention that GPS devices can take visitors to the wrong area. 

Here is a quick blurb taken directly from the NPS directions page :

“Redwood National and State Parks is generally oriented along the north-south U.S. 101 highway corridor between Crescent City and Orick, Calif (~50 miles). Numerous other roads and highways (including scenic drives) provide access to areas throughout the parks. Please note that there are no formal entrance stations along the access routes listed below-it is entirely possible to drive completely through the parks without realizing you have been in or close to some of the world’s most magnificent forests and tallest trees!”

Read Next: Yosemite to Redwood National Park Road Trip

Where to Stay Near Redwood National & State Parks

During your trip into RNSP, you’ll be primarily along the coast and in the forest. The two locations I recommend looking at for accommodations are Crescent City, CA and Trinidad, CA.

These two towns will put you in the best proximity to everything you’ll want to explore. HOWEVER, it’s worth noting that *decent* hotel options are a bit sparse. This applies to the entire area, not just Trinidad and Crescent City.

If this were my trip, I would plan on booking a decent vacation rental—the options in that field are A-PLENTY. I’ve already done some of the research for you. Take a look at these Vrbo properties:

Crescent City

Riverfront House ($$$)—A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house right on the Smith River—that water is BLUE. There is a hot tub, a BBQ, snorkeling gear, kayaks, BIKES. I mean, you name it, this property has it. This is the perfect place for a group or if you’re in the mood to treat yo self. It’s about 0.6mi away from Jedediah Smith State Park.

Beachfront Home in Crescent City ($$$)—This beachfront property has views of the ocean in every direction. I’d also like to note that they have an entire tea bar you can enjoy. Like can you imagine watching the sunrise while sipping a fresh Earl Grey? I can. About 18min from Jedediah Smith. 

Pet-Friendly Riverfront Home ($$)—This is a cute riverfront home that you can take Fido to! I love that it has such cute amenities like a fire pit. S’mores, anyone? About 2mi from Jedediah Smith.

Bungalow in the Heart of the Redwoods ($$)—This place is giving me cute cabin vibes all the way. It has a large outdoor area and lets visitors feel fully immersed in the beauty of the Redwoods. About 1mi from Jedediah Smith!

Cottage in the Redwoods ($)—Cute home that gives you cabin vibes without the price tag that some of the other options have! Furnished with antiques and nestled right in the middle of the forest. About 3mi from Jedediah Smith.

Trinidad, CA

Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel ($$$)—A charming property about 5 minutes from the beach. Guests have the option of enjoying a 3-course breakfast, which to me sounds like the perfect start to your day!

Charming Beach House ($$$)—Oh my. Someone, please take me here! This charming beach house is located right on the beach and Trinidad bay. It’s an adorable property that has everything you need plus a fantastic view to wake up to!

Pet-Friendly Home Near Beach ($$)—This cute home is both pet-friendly and within walking distance from the beach! The beach allows dogs, FYI. It’s in a great location to do additional excursions to Redwood National Park and State Parks if you want to!

Emerald Forest Cabins ($$)—Adorable cabins set in a beautiful section of the coastal Redwoods. When you stay here, you’ll be a short drive from the beach and state parks, making it the ideal adventure hub. Plus, the cabins are pet-friendly!

Redwood National Park Guide Packing List

What would a Redwood National Park guide be without a packing list? Packing for RNSP doesn’t have to be tricky!

Your main concern will need to be preparing for rain (even if that means packing a simple rain jacket ). Here are some suggestions on what to bring with you:

Electronics

• Camera — Canon EOSR  ;  Canon RF 24-70 f2.8
• Phone Charger — Amazon Basics Charger
• Sunscreen — Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40  ;  Supergoop! Resetting Powder SPF 35  
• Lotion — First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Accessories

• Sunglasses — Ray-Ban Round Metal Classic
• Hat — UO Hats  (women’s)
• Reusable Water Bottle — Hydro Flask Lightweight 32oz
• Daypack — Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack  (women’s);  REI Co-op Trail 25  (men’s)
• Sandals— Teva Ankle Strap Sandals  (women’s);  Teva Hurricane  (men’s)
• Hiking Boots — KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Boot  (women’s);  KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Boot  (men’s)
• Trail Running Shoes — Altra Lone Peak 5 Trail  (women’s);  Altra Lone Peak 5 Trail  (men’s)
• Lightweight Hiking Socks — Darn Tough Hiker Socks  (women’s);  Darn Tough Hiker Socks  (men’s)
• Shorts — Patagonia Baggies  (women’s);  Patagonia Baggies  (men’s)
• Rain Jacket —  REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket  (women’s);  REI Co-op Rainier Jacket  (men’s)

Keen Targhees

Trekking Poles

Osprey Pack

Things to Do in RNSP Once You’re There

Here is a quick list of notable attractions:

• Hike Karl Knapp Trail —2.5 mile trail in Prairie Creek that takes you deep into the Redwoods, through tree tunnels, and more!
• Drive Howland Hill Road —Scenic driving route in Jedediah Smith State Park features trails and other stops.
• Hike Boy Scout Tree Trail —A popular Redwood trail that starts from Howland Hill Road .
• Fern Canyon —A lush canyon covered head-to-toe in large ferns and looks like it belongs in Lord of the Rings.
• Hike Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail —1.5 mile loop into a vibrant Redwood forest.

There are so many amazing things to do in Redwood National Park — these are just some of them!

Read Next : In my Redwood National Park itinerary we go over how to put all of these together!

Redwood National Park Guide Map

Below is a map I created for you! Use this to reference the best things to do in the park and noteworthy landmarks.

You can click here to reference a live version of the map.

Redwood National Park Guide Wrapped

While this Redwood National Park guide is packed with info, that’s only half the battle!

Your next steps for planning your best Redwoods trip ever is to read my 2 day Redwood National Park itinerary blog!

You can also check out my Yosemite National Park guide !

See you there ;)!

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I'm a burrito loving explorer who got fired from corporate America and turned that into my dream career as a photographer and blogger. Now I'm here to help you explore life's magic. Thanks for stopping by!

Visiting Redwood National Park? This is the Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Trip

In this article, I will share everything you need to know about visiting Redwood National Park .

From camping and other lodging options to hiking, how to get there, how the park is organized, and a lot of great things to do in and around the park.

Visiting Redwood National Park

The majestic beauty of the redwoods at Redwood National Park is one you can’t match anywhere else in the world.

The world goes quiet and calm as you walk amongst these giants. Like grand elders surrounding you and guiding you on a journey through time to explore the generations of these grand trees.

If you are lucky enough while you explore Redwood National Park you might even come across “ Hyperion ”, the tallest coastal redwood and the world’s tallest known living tree , last measured at 115m tall (379 ft). The exact location of the tree is kept a secret, but you might just come across this secret gem during your visit to the redwoods.

So you are planning on visiting the Redwood National Park area? What the most interesting parts of the park are for your adventure will depend on what you are interested in.

I’ll explain more about that later and will tell you what the best things to do in Redwood National Park are, but let’s start with how to get here.

How to Get to Redwood National Park

You’ll need a car to access the beauty of the Redwood National Park.

This will be one of the most scenic road trips of your life , so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Getting from San Francisco to Redwood National Park

If you are coming from the San Francisco area, head straight up Highway 101 following along the California coastline. The drive will take you through scenic mountain landscapes, quaint little towns with delicious local food, and along coastal views of the Pacific Ocean .

Don’t be shy to stop at viewpoints and take it all in!

If you have the time, take the scenic side route along the way through the Avenue of the Giants which features some of the great Sequoias (the tree cousin of the redwoods). Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, as Sequoias don’t get as tall, but they end up getting extremely wide.

Local Tip: When driving through Arcata, if you are looking for one of the most delicious brunches you’ll ever have, check out Renata’s Creperie. As a previous local I can tell you it is a place you will not want to pass by! With nearly all locally sourced ingredients in their crepes and homemade whipped cream on their mochas, it is melt in your mouth AMAZING!

Also Read: 15 Must-See Places in San Francisco – An Insider’s Guide

Getting from Oregon to Redwood National Park

When coming down from Oregon to visit Redwood National Park, find your way to Crescent City, then head South on Highway 101.

Along the way you’ll see the giant Paul Bunyan and Blue Ox at the Trees of Mystery. This is a must-see for seeing truly unique redwood trees, but I’ll explain more about that later.

After the Trees of Mystery, you’ll get to Klamath, where you can find the drive-through redwood tree. It’s a great photo opportunity!

Tip: If you want to grab lunch and fuel then Klamath is your last opportunity to do so.

What to See at Redwood National Park

When visiting Redwood National Park you’ll have the chance to walk amongst some of the tallest trees in the world .

You’ll get to spend time in a temperate rainforest covered with many ferns and other flora. California is one of the most plant-diverse places in the world , so take some time to have a look at the amazing diversity of plants while visiting!

Being a temperate rainforest also means it is much cooler and can be wet/foggy weather at any time. I’d, therefore, recommend bringing a light jacket and wearing clothes suited for a cool day.

There is also a wide variety of wildlife you might see in the forest including elk, eagles, foxes, songbirds, skinks, bears, and deer. On the coast, you might see seals, sea lions, and whales.

As a wildlife biologist who studied in this particular area I can tell you there are an amazing amount of plants and animals you can see in this small area. Bring some binoculars if you can. You won’t be disappointed!

If you love photography , the scenery within Redwood National Park is unique and beautiful to capture. With landscapes of mist, mountains, and coastlines you’ll amaze family and friends when you share these snapshots. So don’t leave the camera in the car when going for a hike!

How Redwood National Park is Organized

Although Redwood National Park is one park it is often used to refer to ‘The Redwood National and State Parks’.

The Redwood National and State Parks comprises one national and three state parks, located along the coast of northern California :

• Redwood National Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah-Smith Redwoods State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The combined Redwood National and State Parks contain 139,000 acres (560 km2).

Whether you have to pay a fee or not depends on where you go. A good updated map of Redwood National and State Parks will help you assess the different zones.

The National Park zones are free of charge to visit, but California State Parks collect a day-use fee for visitors. At present, it costs US$8 or US$ 10 for a day pass to visit the above mentioned California State Parks.

To check for any changes in fees and for more information visit the California Parks & Recreation’s Fees page .

Fee Free Days:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 21
• National Park Week’s opening weekend in April
• National Park Service’s birthday, August 25
• National Public Lands Day, 4th Saturday in September
• Veterans Day Weekend in November

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

Summer is the best time to visit Redwood National Park.

The weather will be at its sunniest but it’s often still quite mild in temperature. This is also the busiest time of year to visit with kids on school holidays, and many people are out on vacation (June – Aug).

If you want to avoid the crowds and still have fairly good weather Spring and Autumn are also great times for visiting Redwood National Park (May, Sept, Oct).

As someone who lived here for over five years, I’d recommend wearing clothes you would normally wear in Autumn, no matter what month it is. And have a light rain jacket on hand.

Also, layers are your friend. You might be able to enjoy a T-shirt in the middle of the day, but mornings and late afternoon you’ll often need a flannel or a jumper.

Things To Do in Redwood National Park

If you are into hiking and going on nature walks then this is definitely the place for you! There are tons of options for hikes ranging from easy to multi-day hiking trails.

Getting an updated map from the National Park website or from the tourist center when you arrive is a great resource for finding a hike that will suit you best. Cell phone signal is not reliable in many of these areas, so I recommend using a paper map.

I’ll share more information about hiking in Redwood National Park later in this article.

Along Highway 101 there are some super fun tourist stops to see including local tree carvings, a drive through a redwood tree, and more.

Don’t hesitate to stop at many of these sites and have a look while you stretch your legs. 

Want to go camping in Redwood National Park? That is a great idea for getting the full experience of being among the redwoods.

With many great campgrounds scattered throughout the park to choose from you can choose whether you want to be close to the ocean, a stream, or in the mountains. Many of these campgrounds will give you the best opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife such as the Roosevelt Elk.

More of a glamping type person? Not to worry, there are plenty of lovely cabins within the Redwood National Park area. The folks that run these cabins are great resources for getting local advice on places to see within close proximity to your rental. They also might know of eagles’ nests nearby you could have a look at through your binoculars or the best swimming spot within walking distance.

Later in the article I’ll share some more detailed information about camping in Redwood National Park and other lodging options.

But first I want to highlight two fun things to do in Redwood National Park area , besides hiking and camping:

1. Trees of Mystery

This is a must see for anyone, especially those with kids , when planning a trip to Redwood National Park.

I have gone myself with friends in previous years, and this past year I took my Australian husband and our baby. My husband said it was his favorite part of our visit to the USA .

You’ll pull into a parking lot right off the main highway 101 and see a giant Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox (famous folklore characters), but it is what is behind that will amaze you.

There is a guided hiking trail that guides you along to some of the most unique, and unbelievable redwood trees you will ever see.

Halfway through the guided hike, there is an included gondola ride to a lookout platform at the top of the hill where you are able to see the ocean on one side, and beautiful mountain views on the other.

Once you’ve taken in those hilltop views and enjoyed the view-filled gondola ride back down the hill, you’ll continue the guided hike, past life-size wooden carvings explaining the folk story of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox. This part is especially great for the kids, as they’ll have a laugh at some of the silly humor.

You end up back at the main building with options of some fun souvenirs (a favorite souvenir hotspot of mine) and a free native American museum with artifacts of some of the local tribes in this area. A truly unique museum worth taking some time to look through.

2. Drive-Through Redwood Tree

The Klamath Tour Thru Tree in Klamath is a fun photo opportunity for your trip to Redwood National Park.

You can actually drive through the redwood tree! Carefully carved in 1976 this now tourist attraction is a great place to take a very unique family photo, including the car!

Hiking in Redwood National Park

One of the main reasons people visit this area is to go hiking in Redwood National Park.

You can find truly stunning hikes in the redwoods. I’ll share with you three of the favorite hiking trails in Redwood National Park and the State Parks. They’ll give you something to look at you won’t easily find anywhere else in the world.

If you would like more details about these specific hikes, or others this site is a great resource for redwood hikes.

Again, don’t forget to bring a light jumper or a coat for your adventure, as these magnificent trees block out most of the sunlight to the trails below and it can get quite chilly.

Also, look closely on your map to see whether the hike you choose falls within a California State Park. This will determine whether or not you’ll have to pay a day-use fee.

Quick note: there are not many food locations near Redwood National Park. So it’s a good idea to get picnic food from Arcata/Eureka or Crescent City before heading towards Redwood National Park.

Also Read: What to Bring on a Hike and Tips For Hiking Alone

3 Great Hiking Trails in Redwood National Park & State Parks:

1. fern canyon (prairie creek redwoods state park).

Distance: 0.7 mi loop (1.1 km) Difficulty: Easy

Scenes from the movies Jurassic Park II and Star Wars were filmed at this beautiful location!

After a short hike from the coastal parking lot the trail will lead you to the hanging gardens of ferns from the walls that come up around you which makes Fern Canyon.

These walls are covered by a grand variety of fern species . If you look close you can find small hidden waterfalls underneath their delicate green fronds as you hike further up the canyon. It feels like you’ve been transported into a fairytale land the further you get within the canyon.

A trickle of a stream runs through this small canyon that you follow along. It is wise to wear foot attire you don’t mind getting wet and has good traction.

Quick note: the road to this location is a bit rough and not great for small cars. It is also very influenced by recent weather and rain.

With significant rain, this area can quickly become inaccessible. Check with the local visitor center before trying to drive to this location.

2. Stout Grove Loop (Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park)

Distance: 0.5 mile loop (0.8 km) Difficulty: Easy

This hike takes you through a dense and old collection of redwood trees. The giants have shaded out any other trees, so you’ll be able to really experience the towering glory of a redwood forest.

You’ll think all other trees are small after this hike!

Stout Grove is a lovely loop that truly takes you through the land of the giants, and it is an easily manageable hike for a morning or afternoon.

3. Tall Trees Grove (Redwood National Park)

Distance: 4.0 mi (6.5 km) Difficulty: Moderate

Looking for a bit more of a moderate hike? Tall Trees Grove won’t disappoint.

Here you’ll find what used to be the tallest living redwood in the world for some years (taller redwoods have since been recorded).

Being further inland, if it is a truly cold/foggy day along the coast you might find sun and a bit warmer weather here at Tall Trees Grove. There is also a lovely little creek along the trail that is a great place to stop and have a picnic.

You NEED a permit and a CODE for this trail , so visit a visitor center BEFORE driving to Tall Trees Grove.

There is a gate at the beginning of the road to get to the trail where you need the code to unlock the gate. This makes it an extra special place to get to, so don’t let the permit scare you away!

Redwood National Park Camping

Camping in Redwood National Park is a great way to truly take your time and enjoy the beauty of the redwoods.

Four campgrounds are nestled within the forest for you to pick from, though they require a permit/fee in order to be enjoyed. These fees help with the upkeep of these magnificent places.

The four developed campgrounds in Redwood National and State Parks are all managed by the California State Parks. You can find more information about them here .

If you want to ensure you have a spot saved for your planned trip go to their official website to reserve a campground. Currently the cost is US$35.

Be prepared to rough it at most of these locations. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, water, food, and make sure to have a plan for taking your rubbish out with you.

Also, make sure you are informed on how to keep your camp food bear-proof. Yes, that’s a big deal in these areas. Curious black bears have no preference on whether they need to break a car window or scavenge through your belongings to find a yummy treat.

Check out these official bear tips from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to be best prepared for your trip.

Warning though, DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE. It only puts their life at risk by getting too used to humans. Please only take photos from a safe distance.

Quick note: there are not many food locations near Redwood National Park, so it is a good idea to stock up on food/water from Arcata/Eureka or Crescent City before heading towards Redwood National Park.

My 3 Recommendations for Camping in Redwood National Park:

1. elk prairie campground.

An easy to access campsite gem that will often reward you with views of the local elk herd and sounds of the evening owls. And it is within walking distance of Prairie Creek’s visitor center.

This campground has toilets and showers available for guests, it can accommodate tents and RV’s, and has a few cabins available to reserve through the state website.

2. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Want to camp and have a hike of Fern Canyon and the nearby trails?

Gold Bluffs Beach campground is a beautiful location right on the beach near the trailhead of Fern Canyon. It is a great spot for if you want to have both the beach and the forest within walking distance.

Be aware, the road to this location is rough and not great for small cars . It is also very affected by weather and rain. There are small water crossings, but with significant rain, this area can quickly become inaccessible.

Check with the local visitor center before trying to drive to this location.

3. Jedediah Smith Campground

Looking for a campground completely surrounded by redwoods, then this is your spot!

With toilets and showers available and over 100 campsites you should easily be able to have a comfortable stay during your visit.

The Smith River flows alongside the campground, so if it’s warm enough you can enjoy a refreshing swim midday.

Great hikes are not too far away such as the Stout Grove hike and a Visitor Center is also located at this location.

Cabins Near Redwood National Park

Some very cozy cabins can be found along Highway 101 near Redwood National Park.

Click here for an overview of cabins and other lodging options around Redwood National Park.

3 Redwood National Park Lodging Options I Want to Highlight:

1. elk meadow cabins.

Well known for being clean, cozy, and a great spot for elk sightings.

Eat breakfast on your front porch and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Easy to find and it puts you close to all the major sightseeing activities.

2. Elk Country R.V. Resort & Campgrounds

You can’t miss the bright red schoolhouse along the side of Highway 101.

If you want the highest chance of spotting the local elk herd in this area then make sure to stop and have a look around here, or book in and stay for the night!

As a local when driving by here I would often see the herd in front of this red schoolhouse.

It is an iconic spot for viewing wildlife, and it puts you close to many of the hiking trails in Redwood National Park. It’s quite close to Prairie Creek State Park.

3. State Park Campgrounds

Two of the aforementioned state park campgrounds have a few cabins available to rent through their website:

• Elk Prairie Campground
• Jedediah Smith Campground

So if you’d like to keep the real outdoorsy feel, but maybe don’t have access to all the gear to rough it, these campgrounds would be a great compromise.

What Are You Waiting For? Start Planning Your Trip to Redwood National Park!

It really is a one of a kind place in the world that should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list .

I feel so lucky to have lived among these giants for a few years. It certainly is an experience I’ll never forget.

I hope this guide helped you understand how this area works and gave you some good ideas for things to do in Redwood National Park.

And I hope you enjoy exploring this supersized world that is one of nature’s oldest and tallest wonders!

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This post about visiting Redwood National Park and Redwood National Park camping contains an affiliate link. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.

2 thoughts on “Visiting Redwood National Park? This is the Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Trip”

Great post with lots of great information, Hannah. Just wanted to clarify that, except for several specific day-use areas, Redwood National & State Parks have free admission every day, a rarity among national parks.

Redwood Ranger, Thank you for clarifying that. After looking on the official websites I could not find that stated and used the information provided. I know as a previous local I went on day-trips to Redwood National Park a lot without getting a pass, but was not sure if it was actually “free” for day use and didn’t want to misinform others. Do you by chance have the link to where that is stated on the park’s official page?

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Created by Mar y San Design

The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: April 17, 2023

Redwood National Park is far from just a national park, it is home to some of the tallest trees in the world – redwoods (scientifically known as sequoia sempervirens) .  Nature and hiking lovers will love walking the trails through old-growth forests and the hundreds and hundreds of redwood trees.

Redwood National Park is easily one of the  best places to visit in the United States  and has hiking trails to match. You’ll find some of the  best hikes in California  and the  United States  – with photo opportunities galore.

Table of Contents

A Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park

So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is definitely worth visiting. Its tall trees make it one of the most iconic national parks in the country. But what do you need to know before you go? This guide will cover all the essential details, plus a few bonus sections. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What is the history of Redwood National Park?

Every traditional story starts at the beginning, and Redwood National Park has quite the story. Initially, the national park was home to different groups of Native American Indians who had a thorough knowledge of the park and its flora and fauna. The tribes mostly lived off deer, fish, nuts, and berries. They also believed in the Spirit Beings, a predecessor race to the humans who acted as guides, showing people how to live on the land.

Redwood National Park first entered European colonizers’ radars when gold was discovered in the Trinity River around the 1850s. After that, flocks of Europeans came to settle in what is now Redwood National Park and its surrounding areas.

The Europeans were highly hostile to the existing Native American Indians, and many were paid by the state to conduct murders to push the native people off of the land. While the movement did result in tragic massacres, it failed its overall aim to wipe out all the Native American Indians in Redwood National Park. Yurok, Hupa, Tolowa, and Karuk communities still live on reservations across and around the national park.

It is essential to be aware of the socio-political history of Redwood National Park before visiting, just to comprehend the importance of the land and acknowledge its dark past.

Taking the story back to the 1850s gold rush, another industry that boomed at this time was logging. The tall trees were a gold mine for immigrants arriving in the park, as their size and durability made them prized and highly sought after. Just three years later, in 1853, the region already had nine sawmills.

By the turn of the century, people were beginning to become concerned about preserving the tiny remaining amount of redwood trees. Out of these concerns, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods were formed. The decision to create state parks hoped to counteract some of the impacts of logging, creating safe spaces for some redwoods to grow.

However, forming these three state parks was not enough to eradicate logging concerns. In 1930, chainsaws and bulldozers allowed for an even higher rate of destruction, and logging capacity increased tenfold. When it got to the 1960s, almost 90% of old-growth redwoods had been lost.

Partially in response to this, the Redwood National Park was officially created in 1968. Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls Trail, and Tall Trees Grove were all saved from further logging by giving the land an official title and protected status. Protected areas in the region were growing, and now Redwood National Park had a real, recognized name – an important step in the park’s history.

In 1978, the government purchased more than 10,000 acres from private logging companies – enlarging the national park boundaries and protecting even more land. Despite all these efforts, just 5% of the original old-growth redwood forest remains today across California.

Redwood National Park is vital in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are still fighting to restore lands damaged during logging events that often occurred over fifty years ago. Redwood National Park has a tragic history compared to other national parks.

The damage will take decades to heal – never mind beginning to reverse the damage. But its history is also a triumphant story and armed with all its backstory, visitors will appreciate the value of the Redwood National Park ten times more.

Best things to do in Redwood National Park

Now that you’ve got the history of the national park and its redwood trees let’s look at the best things to do in Redwood National Park. The park has so much to do – whether you want to hike, explore its smaller state parks, or cycle. Allow at least a full day to visit and tick off a few of these fantastic activities, and, if possible, stay for a few days to a week to experience the best of the park.

Ready to be inspired? This section will cover all the best things to do in the Redwood National and State Parks. The region includes four areas: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

We’ll split things up by each park, so you can get a clear idea of which activities best combine together.

Redwood National Park

Let’s start with the main park – Redwood National Park. You easily need a whole day just to appreciate Redwood National Park. If you are short on time, you’ll need to prioritize effectively to see the top attractions of your choice. These are our top five.

1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a beautiful reserve in Redwood National Park. The area is named after the former First Lady in recognition of her tireless environmental efforts. Visitors can walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove using the 1.4-mile scenic trail. You’ll find plenty of information boards and photo-worthy stops, so allow between an hour and two hours to complete the trail leisurely.

2. Visit Redwood Creek Overlook

Redwood Creek Overlook is a renowned sunset spot. This is the perfect spot if you want a romantic place to finish a busy day in Redwood National Park. The overlook is set on a slight vantage point, so you look down over a valley of trees. Often, a light mist cloaks most of the forest below, which is an incredibly stunning sight.

Don’t rush off after sunset, as the overlook is a brilliant place for star gazing. Bring a blanket and a warm drink, and settle in for the evening.

3. Visit Bald Hills

The Bald Hills sharply contrast Redwood National Park’s old-growth forests. As their name might suggest, the Bald Hills are almost entirely empty of trees. Instead, you’ll find meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is one of the best things to do in Redwood National Park to experience a contrasting landscape to old-growth redwoods.

One of the best ways to visit is to drive along Bald Hills Road. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is located on the first three miles of Bald Hills Road, so it is an excellent attraction to combine with a scenic drive through the prairies.

4. Walk Tall Trees Trail

Tall Trees Trail is a 4.5-mile return hike that whisks you away to Tall Trees Grove. The grove is one of the most famous locations within Redwood National Park, thanks to a National Geographic Magazine published in 1963. National Geographic covered Tall Trees Grove as the national park’s leading attraction, and the grove has attracted substantial crowds since.

Be aware that Tall Trees Trail is ranked as a challenging route. There is a 487-meter elevation change, and the trail can get wet and slippery to only tackle the route in good conditions and with adequate clothing.

5. Go on a horseback riding trail

Going horseback riding is an exciting way to explore Redwood National Park and offers a different perspective than exploring on foot.  Redwood Trails Horse Rides offer scenic trail rides through the national park and are highly rated as a reliable tour operator. Most tour operators allow you to get close to the redwoods and provide information about the local area. A guided tour and a horseback ride? It sounds like a win to us.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Next up is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park . Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is situated with part of its boundaries along the west coast. It is a hot spot for wildlife spotting (especially elk). It is the starting point of Redwood National and State Parks’ major backpacking trail. Excited? You should be.

1. See the Roosevelt Elk

Roosevelt elk are one of the best animals to spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the largest type of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They live in large herds and are incredible to spot and photograph. If you are visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, spotting Roosevelt elk should be at the top of your list.

Elk Prairie, Elk Meadow, and Gold Bluffs Beach are all top places to see Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

2. Hike the Coastal Trail

If you love multi-day hiking trips, the Coastal Trail is one of the best things to do when visiting Redwood National Park and State Parks. The trail is part of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail. But, unless you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, we recommend completing the Redwood National and State Parks section of the trail. It starts in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and stretches 70 miles along the coastline. You’ll spot redwoods, stunning beaches, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and maybe even whales.

Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is a beautiful section perfectly suited to a day hike.

3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Prefer to drive rather than walk? No problem. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a gorgeous ten-mile road that winds through old-growth redwoods. There are numerous places where you can get out to stretch your legs and snap photos if you wish. But, otherwise, it is just the perfect place to just cruise through for stunning views and minimal effort.

Allow a few hours to drive the parkway leisurely. A few hours should also be plenty of time to jump out occasionally for photographs, a short walk, or a picnic.

4. Hike Trillium Falls

Trillium Falls is a short, almost 3-mile loop that takes you through an old-growth forest, past a sawmill, and to a waterfall at the beautiful endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with a few easy switchbacks and extremely moderate elevation gain.

It is a photogenic and relaxing route, and Trillium Falls is the ultimate reward for your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a steel bridge – providing a beautiful vantage point to admire the crashing falls.

5. Visit Fern Canyon

Wave hello to Hollywood because Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you may have guessed) are covered in ferns, and the effect is mesmerizing. It is no wonder that Fern Canyon caught the eyes of movie producers. The canyon walls are 50 feet high.

You must complete a short mile-long loop trail to reach Fern Canyon. Allow around half an hour to complete the loop, plus a little extra time to stop, admire, and snap photos of Fern Canyon itself.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is one of the best places to admire the Redwood National and State Parks coastline. You’ll have scenic coastal drives and overlooks galore. With some luck, you’ll even spot whales if you visit Redwood National Park during winter or early spring. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is full of activities. Let’s get started.

1. Drive the Scenic Coastal Drive

This eight-mile scenic drive is stunning. The route winds along the California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll experience the beauty of the redwoods meeting the ocean. It is a beautiful thing to do, and it makes logistical sense, too, since it connects Del Norte State Park with Prairie Creek State Park.

If you plan to explore both state parks, just incorporate the Coastal Drive into your journey. Make sure to add it to your itinerary – even if it is just to take the scenic route from A to B.

2. Whale Watch at Klamath River Overlook

Who doesn’t love whale watching? Klamath River Overlook is a beautiful place to spot whales from through winter and early spring. At these times of the year, you mostly spot migrating Californian gray whales. Sometimes, you can also spot humpbacks and blue whales. We suggest bringing a warm blanket and drink – you’ll need to be patient, but the effort is worthwhile when you spot a pod.

3. Visit Enderts Beach

Enderts Beach is best known for its rock pools. Stop by to peer into the pools, and maybe you’ll spot starfish (or at least a few crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a great spot to have a classic beach experience and enjoy any warmer weather.

4. Hike the Damnation Creek Trail

While only around 4-miles in length, Damnation Creek Trail is one of the most challenging in the region. You can expect a steep elevation gain and will need a great fitness level to complete the trail in good time. The draw? A beautiful cliff-side redwood forest and the satisfaction of completing a tricky route.

5. Visit False Klamath Cove

False Klamath Cove is prime picnicking territory and has a romantic, wild-feeling atmosphere. The small beach is littered with stones in an effortless ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ way. There are also informative signposts with information on local marine life.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our final state park to cover. The park is home to the Smith River and is located further inland than the other two state parks. It gets its name from the explorer Jedediah Smith. It is home to some of the most impressive redwoods and forest trails in the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear more? We’ve got some great attractions lined up.

1. Drive Howland Hill Road

This scenic drive is for the adventurous only. The National Park Service warns that the road ‘is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods’. If that sounds exciting, the ten-mile drive is probably up your street. Allow around an hour to complete the route, plus a bit longer to account for any stops.

2. Walk Boy Scout Tree Trail

Boy Scout Tree Trail is a fantastic mid-length hike when visiting Redwood National Park. It is around 5.5 miles long and includes many points of interest, including Fern Falls. Get ready to snap lots of photos. It is of moderate difficulty, and you should allow around four to five hours to complete the hike.

3. Walk Stout Grove

Speaking of photographs, Stout Grove is one of the most photographed spots in all of the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is relatively small, but you can easily spend an hour or so there. Some trees grow to around 90 meters in height, and the forest scenery is breathtaking.

4. Go fishing on the Smith River

If you love fishing, Jedediah Smith State Park is the place to go. The state park is famous for salmon and steelhead from October to February, while summer is best for cutthroat trout. What could be better than a day of fishing along the riverside? It is one of the most relaxing things in the Redwood National and State Parks.

5. Mountain bike the Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road

The Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road is a 19.6-mile trail shared by bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. But, for a different experience after all the hiking trails, we suggest mountain biking the trail. You’ll pass plenty of local flora like bear grass and wind your way through beautiful redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods the best of all? We’ll let you decide.

Nearby parks to visit from Redwood National Park

So, those are the three state parks that are included in the national park boundaries. But plenty of other California state parks boast redwood groves, some of which are just a short drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.

These are the best nearby parks to visit from Redwood National Park.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California’s 3rd largest state park and encompasses a staggering 53,000 acres. It is most famous for the Avenue of Giants – a 31.5-mile scenic drive that takes drivers on tour through the best of the park.

Sue-Meg State Park

Just further down the coast, Sue-Meg State Park is a brilliant day trip from Redwood National Park. If you want nearby attractions, it doesn’t get more interesting than a visit to Sue-Meg. The state park has a lot of cultural attractions and historic sites, like a preserved traditional Yurok plank house.

Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area

Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area is located just outside Redwood National Park. The area is small enough to explore in an hour. However, it offers a different landscape than you typically find inside the national park. The area sits on the edge of the Big Lagoon and is predominately wetlands. If you get lucky, it also has a resident herd of elk that you may spot.

Redwood National Park FAQs

Now that we’ve covered all the exciting bits, what about the essential practical details? This is everything you need to know about visiting Redwood National Park – from exact location and transportation options to how to get a free permit and where to stay.

Where is Redwood National Park?

So, where is Redwood National Park? The national park and its state parks are located in Northern California, hugging a large section of the California coast and spreading inland toward Six Rivers National Forest. The national park and state parks are relatively spread out from each other, so be prepared to do a bit of driving to see them all.

Redwood National Park is located just south of Orick. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is close to Redwood National Park and immediately north of Orick.

Del Norte and Jedediah Smith State Parks are also located close together, about an hour’s drive north of Redwood and Prairie Creek. Del Norte Coast State Park is south of Crescent City (42 miles north of Orick). Prairie Creek is located immediately east of Crescent City.

How to get to Redwood National Park

The easiest way is to fly into Eureka-Arcata Airport or Crescent City Airport. You can rent a car from here and easily continue your journey with a short drive into the national park or to your accommodation. Those short on time should choose this method of getting to Redwood National Park. It will allow you to maximize your time exploring the park and reduce unnecessary travel time.

Of course, if you don’t mind a six-hour drive, you might find flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you are flying internationally, you may have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, rent a car and road trip your way to Redwood National Park – stopping at attractions and state parks along the way.

This option is best for those who have plenty of time, want to save money on flights, and are up for adding an extra adventure to the experience. It is also worth adding that many people add the redwood trees at Redwood National Park as one of the final attractions on a West Coast road trip .

Don’t drive? Not a problem. You can hop on a Greyhound bus. A Greyhound service runs between Crescent City and Arcata twice daily, six days a week (don’t try to catch it on a Sunday). It is quite feasible to travel to Redwood National Park using Greyhound buses. You’ll just need to plan ahead to avoid getting stranded and be confident with timekeeping.

Another option is to book a tour of Redwood National Park  that includes transfers. If you don’t mind a whistle-stop tour and are happy for the tour operator to set the pace, this is a great way to reach the park and fit a lot into a small amount of time without driving. This is probably the most expensive option, but it is definitely the easiest if you don’t drive.

Best time to visit Redwood National Park

As a quick answer, the best time to visit Redwood National Park is in spring. The temperatures are milder, the rain is starting to dwindle off, and you’ve got all the new forms of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is best for outdoor activities like hiking and all its main attractions are outdoors, these are all critical factors to consider.

The peak season to visit Redwood National Park is between May and September. While it isn’t like other national parks that get completely crowded, you might find visiting more relaxing outside of this period. Late March or April are considered good months to pick.

Are March and April off the table for some reason? Fall is the next best choice since it is also a shoulder season, and the weather is still relatively mild.

Last but not least, winter is cold and wet, so you’ll need to be hardy and well-prepared to visit then. We wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t like being outdoors in bad weather. It is the least popular time to visit Redwood National Park. But if you don’t mind the wet and the wind, then it can be an excellent choice to avoid crowds as much as possible.

What to pack to visit Redwood National Park

After talking about wet and cold weather, it might not surprise you that the first things on your packing list should be waterproof. You should have a waterproof coat, hiking boots, and perhaps even waterproof trousers (especially if you visit during winter). The last thing you want is to slip and get soaked on a trail or get caught halfway around a hike in a downpour.

For more packing recommendations check out our Ultimate Packing List!

Next, you want warm but breathable layers. Merino wool is a very popular choice, and you’ll find all sorts of base layers available in this material. Aim to have thermal leggings/trousers and a long-sleeved thermal top. You can then add or remove outer layers as necessary.

When hiking, a torch, bug spray, suncream (you never know), a hat, bear spray, and a portable charger are all must-brings. It might be a good idea to bring a first aid kit, too, especially if you want to tackle some of the longer, more remote hikes. And if you’re going to camp, you’ll also need all your camping equipment.

And what good are all these items without anything to carry them in? You should have two bags – a small hiking backpack and whatever bag you are happy to leave at your accommodation.

Last but not least, we’d really recommend a camera . After all, you’ll be getting up close with the world’s tallest tree species. You’ll need memories of your experience.

Where to stay in Redwood National Park

You’ve got all the information you need, except where to stay. These are the best budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Let’s take a look.

Budget: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

If backcountry camping is a bit out of your comfort zone,  Gold Bluffs Beach Campground  is a beautiful entry point. Plus, you’ll be camping directly on the beach, which surely has got to be one of the best budget-friendly accommodation choices in the US.

The facilities are also excellent; you’ll have showers, restrooms, fire pits, and even bear-proof lockers.

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park

This contemporary property is the perfect mid-range accommodation choice in Redwood National Park. It is situated in Klamath and has the ideal location to explore nearby attractions like the Coastal Drive and Klamath River Overlook.

Each room comes with an en-suite, seating area, and coffee-making facilities. Some options include extra features like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is a lot of flexibility within Holiday Inn Express’ room choices which fits a wide range of mid-range budgets. Check prices and availability on Tripadvisor.

Luxury: Oreq-W Ranch House

Oreq-W Ranch House  is a sole-use holiday home with two bedrooms and a sofa bed available in the living room. It is an ideal luxury getaway for a small group or family. Located in central Orick, guests will have easy access to the Redwood National and State Parks, plus all the comforts of a home in town.

The property comes with free wi-fi and a garden to enjoy. If you want that home away from home feel, you can’t find much more luxurious.

Don’t forget to stop by one of the park’s visitor centers. Hiouchi Visitor Center and Kuchel Visitor Center are two of the most built-up. However, all visitor centers are brilliant places to pick up a park map, get expert advice, and use the toilet and water facilities. Keep an eye out and use them as pit stops as you explore.

To Conclude

Visiting Redwood National Park is clearly one for your bucket list. The park is a fascinating place to visit, and seeing the world’s tallest trees up close is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll have realized how much more Redwood National Park has to offer besides its tall trees. The national park is diverse and exciting – packed with attractions, activities, and accommodation choices. Have an incredible time.

Plan Your California Road Trip With these Resources

• 16 Great Hikes in San Francisco, California
• 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
• Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
• 7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California
• Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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2 thoughts on “The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park”

So beautiful!Your guide is very useful.Hope I can go here one day.

I had a hard time deciding on the family vacation course this spring (between Redwood and Woodloch), but your article really helped. I thought Redwood is focused primarily on scenic routes and nature trips, but Woodloch is more suitable for a family who seeks both relaxation and engagement from their journey. But based on your post it`s far from the truth. Thank you for sharing it! Really helped to decide 🙂

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This National Park Has the World’s Tallest Trees — Plus Beaches, Fern-lined Canyons, and Great Camping

Find the world's tallest trees, lush canyons, and incredible hikes at Redwood National and State Parks.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Walking among the world’s tallest trees is a breathtaking experience, but the towering trees found within Redwood National and State Parks are just one of the many wonders waiting to be discovered. The parks’ 131,983 acres, managed by both the National Park Service (NPS) and California State Parks, include a mosaic of terrain, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. Travelers come from all over the world to walk along the lush Fern Canyon , made famous by "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," or to glimpse the California condor, a once-extinct species that returned to the park in March 2022.

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The various landscapes ensure there is truly something for everyone — hiking trails wind around ancient redwoods , scenic drives run up the coast, and bike trails cut through second-growth forests. The parks boast 200 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails that lead to remote backcountry campsites and seaside activities that include tide pools and lounging California sea lions.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Redwood National and State Parks — no matter which landscape you have your heart set on.

Related: The 25 Best National Parks in the U.S.

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Things to Do in Redwood National and State Parks

There’s plenty to do in Redwood National and State Parks, but for most people, two activities stand out: hiking the Tall Trees Trail and visiting Gold Bluffs Beach, home to Fern Canyon.

The Tall Trees Trail is a 4.5-mile round-trip hike that passes through a grove of impressively large trees in a more remote section of the park. The hike is considered to be moderate to strenuous. Permits are free, but limited, and can be reserved up to 180 days in advance on the NPS website .  

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Visitors who want to visit Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon between May 1 and September 30 must apply for a permit. Permits are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis here .

In addition to the parks’ more renowned sites, there are over 200 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails. The moderately difficult Trillium Falls Trail passes through old-growth redwoods and meanders past Trillium Falls. Roosevelt elk are often spotted along this almost three-mile loop. If you have your heart set on walking along the coast, hop on the Coastal Trail, which starts at the Crescent Beach Overlook. From there, the 13-mile round-trip trail parallels the ocean, offering endless views over the water and a visit to Enderts Beach.

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Redwood National and State Parks Camping

There are no hotels within the parks, so those looking for a more traditional night’s sleep should visit the neighboring communities. That said, two of the campgrounds within the parks — Jedediah Smith and Elk Prairie — have cabins to rent, and all four developed campgrounds — Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach — have tent and RV sites with flush toilets and showers. 

Camping at Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs is available year round, while Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek are only open in the summer. All four campsites cost $35 a night and require advance reservations (see here for Elk Prairie and Gold Bluff reservations and here for Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek reservations).

In addition to four developed campgrounds, the parks have seven designated backcountry camps that can be accessed by foot, bicycle, or horseback. All designated backcountry camps — except the dispersed campsites on Redwood Creek gravel bars — have picnic tables and food storage lockers. All but 44 Camp have toilets. All backcountry campers must apply for a backcountry camping permit in advance.

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When to Visit Redwood National and State Parks

The parks are open daily, year round, and thanks to Northern California’s mild weather, visitors don’t have to battle extreme cold or heat. January tends to be the coldest month, with average lows of 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit , while August and September tend to be the warmest, both averaging highs of over 67 degrees. 

At Redwood National and State Parks, rain tends to be the biggest deterrent. If you have your heart set on a hike or beach day, visit between May and September, when rain is less likely.

Related Articles

Redwood National Park: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

• Best Hike & Trails

Where to Camp

Where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, redwood national and state parks.

Stand in the middle of the vast redwood forests and you may feel like you have stepped back in time. Old-growth redwood forest used to cover more than 2 million acres of the California coast, but 96 percent of the trees were cut down for logging throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, nearly half of the coastal redwoods left in the world can be found in Redwood National Park and the neighboring state parks— Jedediah Smith , Praire Creek , and Del Norte—which are usually grouped together as Redwood National and State Parks.

Whether strolling along the beaches or hiking in the woods, visitors wander in awe of the natural surroundings, abundant wildlife, and quiet peace. Redwood National Park is a reminder of what can happen when we don’t protect our lands and why it is so important to continue to conserve them.

Temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees F year-round along the redwood coastline, making it a great place to visit any time of year. Summers tend to be mild with warmer temperatures inland, although the crowds are heavy this time of year and it's often foggy. Winters are cool and provide a different kind of visit, though there is a higher chance of precipitation. If you’re into bird watching, plan your visit during the spring to see migration at its peak. Fall usually sees the sunniest days, so look at a trip in September for ideal weather and to avoid summer crowds.

The redwoods are the big draw, of course, and one of the most famous trees in the park, Big Tree, is 304 feet tall, 21.6 feet in diameter, and 66 feet in circumference. Oh, and it’s about 1,500 years old.

Plan your trip during November and December or March and April for peak migration months for viewing gray whales . Bring your binoculars and watch for their spouting at Crescent Beach Overlook, Wilson Creek, High Bluff Overlook, Gold Bluffs Beach, and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.

Native American dance demonstrations are presented by members of the Tolowa and the Yurok tribes. Every summer, visitors learn about the significance of each Indigenous culture and view amazing dances.

Two in-park facilities are available by reservation for educational programs: Howland Hill Outdoor School and Wolf Creek Education Center. Programs are offered during the day and overnight with a primary focus on wetland, stream, prairie, and old-growth forest communities. Teachers are encouraged to call the numbers listed above. Visitors may also contact the parks' education specialist for information about ranger-guided activities for children.

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Best Hike & Trails

With more than 200 miles of trails, hiking is by far the best way to view the park. You will have a chance to view redwoods, spruce trees, beaches, and lots of native wildlife. Some trailheads are difficult to reach, so make sure you plan out where you want to hike before arriving (or ask a park ranger in one of the campgrounds for suggestions). Even in the summer, trails can be wet, muddy, and slippery, so wear appropriate clothing and watch your step.

• Coastal Trail : About 4 miles one way, the name of this trail lets you know that you'll get some amazing beach views. In the spring and fall, you may even see migrating whales.
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove : A great place to begin your journey in the park. The grove’s 1.5 mile-long trail showcases giant redwoods, hollowed-out trees that are still living, and amplifies how quiet and serene the park is.
• Trillium Falls : This family-friendly hike takes about 90 minutes, has easy parking, and arrives at a small waterfall after passing through redwood groves. Hikers can usually spot herds of grazing Roosevelt elk in the meadows along the way.
• James Irvine Trail : If you want a full-day hike, this 12-mile loop is one of the most rewarding in the park. After hiking through the old-growth forests of redwoods, you'll get to hike along the coast with the Pacific Ocean on one side and towering trees on the other.

There are four developed campgrounds—three in the redwood forest and one on the coast—that provide unique camping opportunities for families, hikers, and bikers. RVs are also welcome but please note that utility hookups are not available.

Even though all four of the campgrounds are considered part of Redwood National Park, they're technically located in state parks and reservations should be made through the California State Park system . They are very popular with campers and often book up months in advance, so make sure to look at dates early.

• Jedediah Smith Campground : This campground is located on the banks of the scenic Smith River with easy access to hiking trails, swimming, and fishing. It's open year-round, so you can enjoy Jedidiah Smith at any time.
• Mill Creek Campground : Camp out underneath young growth redwoods at this campground, which has 145 sites and is the biggest of them all. However, it's only open seasonally, usually from May to September.
• Elk Prairie Campground : As the name implies, you may spot some local elk hanging out around this campground in between the redwoods. It's also available for year-round camping.
• Gold Bluffs Beach Campground : The smallest and most rugged campground is located right on the beach, so you can sleep with the sound of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks. It's usually open-year round although may close at points throughout the year.

Visitors traveling on foot, bike, or horseback are also welcome to camp in the park’s extraordinary backcountry. Camping at one of the backcountry campsites requires a free permit, which is available online up to four weeks before your trip.

Although there are no lodges within the park, there are many hotels, lodges, and inns located in the area. If you want to be as close to the park as possible, look into accommodations in the small towns of Orick and Klamath. For more options, head south a few miles to Arcata or Eureka or north a few miles to Crescent City .

• Elk Meadow Cabins : These homey cabins in Orick come with one, two, or three bedrooms plus a full kitchen, so they're excellent for families. Apart from the foresty landscape around them, guests can also enjoy a firepit, outdoor hot tub, and guided tours through the park.
• Carter House Inn : Eureka is the biggest city in the area and has a great downtown with lots of bars, restaurants, and things to see. The Carter House Inn is located inside a historical Victorian-style home and the room options range from quaint and cozy to spacious cottages.
• Curly Redwood Lodge : For visits on the north end of the park, staying in Crescent City near the Oregon border is a convenient option. This 1950s style motel was built from the lumber of a single redwood tree and it is just minutes away from the Crescent City Harbor by foot.

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

The most popular way to visit the park is by driving along scenic Highway 101, known in these parts as the Redwood Highway . It takes about five and a half hours to get there by car from San Francisco or about six and a half hours if you're coming from Portland, Oregon, in the north. If you want to fly, these cities are also the nearest major airports. However, regional flights do fly into the Eureka-Arcata Airport and Crescent City Airport, so check flight availability if the drive is too long.

Local public transportation is also available into the park. Redwood Coast Transit travels between Smith River, Crescent City, and Arcata, stopping in downtown Orick.

Many parts of the park, including trails and picnic areas, are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges . The Simpson-Reed Grove Trail and Big Tree Wayside Trail both meet ADA standards. Wheelchairs are available to check out at designated visitor centers, including specially designed beach wheelchairs for getting around on the sand. The Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, and Elk Prairie campgrounds all offer accessible campsites.

• There is no entrance fee for Redwood National Park. However, if you plan on camping in the park, fees and reservations are required.
• Pets are not allowed on any of the hiking trails inside any of the national or state parks, apart from a couple of roads that are also open to vehicles like Cal Barrel Road and Walker Road.
• The famous "drive-through" redwood trees that many visitors want to see are not in the park. The closest one is in the town of Klamath, but the others are in forests about two hours south of Redwood National Park.
• Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, but identifying the tallest of them all is hard because it's constantly changing. Redwoods grow quickly—sometimes a few feet in one year—and the tops are frequently knocked off by the weather.

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Explore the Giants: The Perfect Redwood National Park Itinerary

Nestled in Northern California, Redwood National Park beckons with its towering giants among the ancient forests. With this Redwood National Park Itinerary we are sharing the perfect roadmap for your adventure. 

Join us as we navigate through the must-see attractions. We also share a few hidden gems, and a lot of practical tips to enhance your Redwood National Park adventure. In reality you could spend a lifetime discovering interesting things to do in Redwood National and State Parks. But if you only have 2 to 3 days, this itinerary for the Redwoods is perfect. 

This was our first stop on our California National Park Road Trip where we toured 8 National Parks. We spent almost 3 days exploring Redwood National Park. And without a doubt it was my favorite park on this road trip. Talk about setting the bar high right from the beginning!

About Redwood National Park

Redwood is a relatively young National Park, established in 1968. What makes it unusual is that the National Park surrounds 3 California State Parks that date back to the 1920s. Combined they create a unique National Park experience. Each California State Park is unique:

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is nestled in the North near the Oregon border. It protects 10,000 acres of old growth coastal redwood forests, some 2,000 years old and 350 feet tall. The Smith River flows freely through the park.
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is just to the south and encompasses dramatic coastlines and lush redwood forests.
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is home to the majestic Roosevelt elk who live in meadows surrounded by giant redwoods. The coastal beaches are gorgeous with nearby fern covered canyons. 

The National Park and State Parks are co-managed which is why you usually see the park area listed jointly: Redwood National and State Parks. When the National Park was established it allowed for greater preservation of ancient redwood forests by expanding the borders of the area already protected by the state of California.

Where is Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park, along with the three Redwood State Parks, are located in Northern California. They start near the California border and follow the coast along highway 101 about 70 miles. The two biggest areas of the park are:

• At the top of the state where you’ll find Jedediah Smith and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks.
• And at the Southern end of the park which also includes Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

The balance of the park follows the Pacific Coast connecting these two larger areas.

Fun Facts about Redwood National Park

Here are a few facts about Redwood National Park you should know before you go:

• Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth. The coast redwood can reach heights of over 300 feet. That’s the length of a football field!
• Some redwoods in the park are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, making them among the oldest living things on the planet.
• The tallest known living redwood, named Hyperion stands at 3 79.7 feet tall . Unfortunately due to past human abuse in the area, it is not accessible right now. The good news… there are a lot of nearly as tall trees that can be easily seen in this park.
• A popular destination within the park, Fern Canyon is a lush canyon with walls covered in ferns and mosses, featured in the movie “Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.”
• The park is a sanctuary for Roosevelt elk, with some of the largest herds in California roaming the area.
• Redwoods have thick, fire-resistant bark, which helps them survive wildfires, a crucial adaptation in the park’s ecosystem.
• Redwood National and State Parks, along with three other parks, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
• While Gold Bluffs Beach is surrounded by bluffs of golden colored stone, it is actually name for miners who sought their fortunes here during the California Gold Rush.
• The park’s remote location makes it an excellent spot for stargazing, with minimal light pollution.
• The cone of a redwood tree is the size of a large olive and the seed no bigger than a tomato seed. And from that grows a giant tree.

We’ve collected dozens of interesting facts about Redwood National Park in this post.

Entrance Fees, Reservations and Permits

There is no entrance fee to enter Redwood National Park. However there are several areas that require a permit or reservation before you can use the area. As fees change yearly, I’ll include the links so you can get the most current information.

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods Day Use Area: A day use fee per vehicle for the picnic area, beach and river access is required. Federal America the Beautiful passes or California State Park Annual pass can be used to wave the fee.
• Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon Day Use Area: To limit usage, reservations are required from May 15th to September 15th. Reservations can only be made on-line and in advance.  A day use fee per vehicle will also be charged unless you have a America the Beautiful or State Park pass. Note if you have a campground reservation at the beach you don’t need a separate Day Use.
• Tall Trees Trailhead Day-Use: A free permit is required to access the road that leads to the Tall Trees Trailhead all year around. The permit must be ordered online and in advance.

Maps for Redwood National Park

If you want to print a map at home, the most convenient is this PDF map that prints on an 8.5 x 14 (legal) paper. However be aware that because the park is long and narrow this map will be small. You might find it easier to read if you print the North Half of Redwoods map and the South Half of Redwoods map separately. 

The park warns that GPS based maps often take you off your planned path because there are so many logging roads (nearly impassable) and remote towns. I’d suggest taking a look at the route your GPS gave you and make sure it makes sense on a paper map before moving forward. 

Our Recommended 2 Day to 3 Day Itinerary for Redwood National Park

Any itinerary for Redwood National and State Parks has two goals: first embrace breathtaking views of the old-growth redwood forests and second discover the stunning coastline of Northern California.

We completed this itinerary over 3 days which I share in detail in the guide below. However, we also chose to move at a relaxed pace. If you have 2 full days you could easy complete this itinerary. Our recommended itinerary is a little bit different than what we actually did because after finishing our 3 days in the Redwoods there were a few things I do differently. You get to learn from our experience! 

Day 1 Itinerary

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

• If you spent the night in Crescent City (our recommendation for non-campers) follow hwy 199 to the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Northeast corner. If you camped in this state park (like we did) then you are already here.
• Start your day with a quick stop at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Day Use Area and get your first taste of these giant trees. Plus you can enjoy a bit of beach time on the Smith River.
• Stop at Hiouchi Visitor Center, including a short nature trail and picnic areas.
• Stout Memorial Grove is an easy 0.6 mile walk through stunning old growth Redwoods. 
• Grove of the Titans another easy walk through humongous trees, but a little longer at 1.7 miles round trip.
• Boy Scout Tree Trail is for the more adventurous. It’s a moderate 5.5 mile trail through insanely large redwoods ending at Fern Falls. 
• Howland Hill Road will end near Crescent City for hotel options. If you are camping, look at Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park or head further South to Prairie Creek State Park for camping.

Day 2 Itinerary

Elk Prairie State Park

• Ah Pah Trail is a short nature walk. 
• Big Tree Loop, a 3.2 mile walk in the woods is fairly easy that combines several trails (Prairie Creek and Cathedral Tree Trails) to create a loop along the scenic drive.
• Or for a more challenging 8 mile hike, the Rhododendron and Foothills Loop will share more diversity among the redwoods as you change elevation.
• Visit Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. Get your reservation well in advance as this area has limited access. It was one of my favorite places so in my opinion it is worth the effort to get a permit. If you camp at Gold Bluffs Beach, no additional permit is required.
• Settle in at the Elk Prairie Visitor Center in the early evening to watch for Roosevelt Elk in the open field.

Day 3 Itinerary (optional)

Make one last stop in the park on Bald Hills Road. It is not an easy road to drive. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are not allowed on this road. It tends to get rougher the further you go. But there are a couple pretty cools stops here:

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove on Bald Hills Road, a gorgeous 1.5 mile nature walk.
• If you have time for a truly memorable 4 mile hike, continue on to Tall Trees Trail . Note you need an advance permit to access the road that leads to the trailhead. 
• Finish your day at Humboldt Lagoons State Park . While not officially within the National Park, you shouldn’t miss the 32 mile scenic drive on the Avenue of the Giants home to the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. it’s a great place to end your trip exploring the coastal waters.

How many days do you need in Redwood National Park?

You can explore both the redwood groves and the coastal beaches in 2 to 3 days. That would include scenic drives and a few short hike. If you want to add in an epic hike like Tall Trees Trail or the James Irvine Trail , add another day to your trip.

How This Redwoods National Park Itinerary Played Out for Us

When it comes to an itinerary, the rule is to be flexible. And for us that was definitely the case in actually implementing this Redwood National Park itinerary. We left Crater Lake that first morning with plenty of time to get in a full day in the redwoods. Except for… forest fires!

Due to the Smith River Fire, we were delayed along the highway for quite awhile. So our first day was shortened which meant cramming in a lot on our second day. It all worked out! And it was interesting to pass through the fire zone and watch the clean up crews. That’s a hard working team.

First We Explored the Redwoods

Arriving from the North on highway 199 and our first stop was the day use picnic area near the Hiouchi Visitor Center. We stood back in awe at the size of the redwood trees in this little park. Little did we know that there were even bigger trees waiting for us. 

After a quick check in at our campsite and the visitor’s center we headed to the Stout Memorial Grove. Redwood trees tower over as you walk this easy ½ mile loop. It’s hard to process the size of one of these magnificent trees until you walk next to one that has fallen. Imagine a tree as long as football field lying there!

The next day we returned and drove Howland Hill Road. Brad declared this road to be one of the best National Park scenic drives, only second to Glacier’s Going to the Sun. Since we’ve explored over 40 National Parks, that was a very bold recommendation from him. As you weave between gigantic Redwoods, you can reach out your window and touch the trees. 

Then We Discovered the Beautiful Beaches

The afternoon of Day 2 found us heading for the coast. As much as I loved the earthy feeling of the Redwood forests, the beaches were my place of joy. The beaches of Northern California are a little different than the image you might have from the old beach party movies. The average temperature of the Ocean in this area is in the 50s year around so you might not want to take a swim. And most of the year the breeze is too cool for sun bathing. However, the beaches were perfect for a day of relaxing, sandcastle building and walking along the ocean.

Crescent Beach

There are dozens of places to access the beaches just off the famous Highway 101. We stopped for a picnic lunch at Crescent Beach, pausing to watch Roosevelt elk grazing along the entrance road. Since it was a weekday, not many people were around so it was easy to explore and walk Charlie (our pup) along the water. Surprisingly she did not freak out over the big waves as she had in Florida. Hmm… maybe there’s something different here?

Prairie Creek Redwood State Park

We spent the afternoon meandering along Highway 101, stopping at various overlooks. Arriving at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, we drove along the N ewton B. Drury Scenic Parkway .  This gorgeous 10 mile drive is meant to be taken at a meandering pace so you can embrace the beauty of the old growth grove.

You’ll find a lot of pull offs along this road with multiple hiking trailheads such as the popular Big Tree Trail and the more challenging James Irvine Trail . We also made a short stop at the visitor center, where crowds had gathered for an early evening chance to watch elk grazing in the meadow. 

Gold Bluffs Beach

We didn’t stay long to watch elk because I was completely focused on getting to nearby Gold Bluffs Beach Campground before sunset.

Well, we had to work for the prize. The road to the beach is narrow, steep and only one lane in most places. With lots of hairpin curves it took us about ½ hour to drive the 6 miles down to the beach.

We had the most amazing campsite, right on the beach with a full beach view. The campground only has 24 spacious sites so we felt as if we were on our own private beach. After a quick dinner, we grabbed a bottle of wine and chairs and moved closer to the water to await sunset. Our entertainment was birds searching for crabs, giant crashing waves, a couple crazy guys kayaking the waves (brrrr) and a single family digging in the sand. Paradise!

Alert: Gold Bluffs Beach and neighboring Fern Canyon have restricted access so if you are considering a stop here, make sure you have read the most recent reservation and vehicle limitations .  

Fern Canyon

A hike through Fern Canyon started our third day. Since dogs aren’t allowed on the trail, we started early so Charlie would be cool in the truck. First I must share that the road to get from the beach to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. Brad love putting the truck into 4 wheel drive and splashing through the creeks that cross right over the road.

Alert: If you don’t have a high clearance vehicle check with rangers on the water levels over the road before driving in. You can alternatively park at the beach day use area and hike in.

While you may have seen the canyon in one of the Jurassic Park movies filled with dinosaurs, in real life it is much more like a fairly land. The canyon walls are covered with ferns while trees tower over you. There is no marked path, instead you wade through streams and hop over downed tree trunks as you traverse the canyon. When the sun trickles over the canyon walls, you fully expect elves and fairies to appear out of the mist.

Insider Tip: Wear waterproof shoes as there is no avoiding getting your feet wet. I wore a pair of machine washable slip on shoes with a good tread, while Brad wore a pair of waterproof hiking boots. I wouldn’t suggest flip flops as the trail is rough. Hindsight I would have taken my Tevas, my favorite water sandal , but alas, due to limited camper space they were still at home.. 

At the end of the canyon you are greeted by an optional route with stairs that take you to a trail that looks over the canyon and loops back to the beginning of the trail. If you are up for a short climb, it’s worth it. 

Lady Bird Johnson Grove

We made one last stop to gaze at the enormous redwoods before heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park. That was at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. It’s located about 3 miles from Highway 101 on the Bald Hills Road. 

This is the spot where President Nixon dedicated the grove to Lady Bird Johnson in recognition to the conservation initiatives she led. The trail is a 1.5 mile nature hike through old growth redwood trees. It’s a beautiful family hike. 

There are markers along the way where you can listen to a narrative on your phone explaining the history and growth cycle of redwoods. Make sure you download the tour onto your phone from the NPS app before you head up Bald Hills Road as there was no cell service there. I was disappointed that I hadn’t planned ahead and missed the audio tour as I walked the trail.

Note, the 3 miles on Bald Hills Road to the grove is up a steep grade with sharp curves so not recommended for RVs or trailers. Also there is no parking for oversize vehicles. It was a challenge fitting our full size truck in the lot. 

If you are up for challenging scenic drive, continue on Bald Hills Road. At about the 7 mile marker you’ll find the entrance to the Tall Trees Grove trail. Make sure you get a permit from the visitor center before you start the drive as it is a locked gate. Time ran out for us so we skipped this extra jaunt. And we skipped the last stop in our recommended itinerary to Humboldt Lagoons State Park.

More About Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Redwood national park scenic drives.

There are 3 scenic drives in Redwood National Park and each is a little bit different. Let’s take a look:

Howland Hill Road

This is one of our all time favorite National Park scenic drives. Howland Hill Road weaves through gigantic old growth redwoods for 10 miles. You can reach out and touch the trees, they are that close to your vehicle. 

Most of this road is the original 1850 stagecoach trail. And even though Howland Hill Road is a two-way road, much of it is narrow and one lane. That means you’ll spend a lot of time backing up and pulling over to allow an on-coming car to go by. Plan at least an hour for this drive. 

Of course you should get out of your car and try a few of the hikes which could make this drive a full day adventure.

• Stout Memorial Grove is a must stop. It’s a very easy 0.5 mile loop walk where you’ll experience the peace of the redwoods.
• Grove of the Titans via Mill Creek Trail. Mill Creek is a longer all day hike. But you can pop onto the trail from Howland Hill and take the short hike to the Grove of Titans. And the name says it all. You’ll find giant trees!
• Boy Scout Trail to Fern Falls is about a 6 mile round trip hike that is moderately difficult. It is a gorgeous walk through the trees.

Because of the tight fit, RVs and vehicles pulling trailers shouldn’t attempt this drive. Seriously, there are too many places you just won’t fit. We felt a little cramped with our full size pick up.

Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway

For a modern drive that can accommodate any type of vehicle hop off Hwy 101 onto the Drury Scenic Parkway. Located in Prairie Creek State Park, this 10 mile drive wanders through huge redwoods. There are ample places to pull off and touch the trees. And you’ll find several amazing hikes that trailhead along this road.

Watch for Roosevelt Elk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. While they tend to gather in the open field at the visitor’s center on the South end of the drive it is possible to see them anywhere along this road.

From October through May, the road is closed on the first Saturday of each month for biking and hiking. The blacktop, wide road provides a very accessible opportunity for everyone to get close to the big trees!

Bald Hills Road

There are several memorable hikes along this road that make it worth the journey. However, if you are not planning to get out of your car, my recommendation is to skip this drive. You’ll have a better up close experience with redwoods on one of the other drives.

The best hikes include:

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove, where she dedicated the national park in 1968. It’s an easy 1.5 mile loop. Make sure you download the nature guide for this hike before you drive up here as there is no cell service.
• Tall Trees Trail, which requires an advance online reservation. 
• Lyons Ranch Trailhead where you’ll find an abundance of wildflowers in the spring.

Bald Hills Road is another one of those roads with tight spaces. So it’s also not recommended for vehicles over 22 feet or towing a trailer. At the beginning it has a steep 15% grade with very tight curves. You can leave your trailer at the Redwood Creek Trailhead if you want to give this road a try.

Highway 101

Even though it’s not an official scenic drive in the Redwood National Park, I have to include Highway 101 in the list. As you travel 101 between the larger areas of the park don’t hesitate to enjoy a pull off to a beach or overlook.

Where are the Tallest Redwood Trees

Coastal Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, with a large number well over 300 feet tall. The prize for the tallest tree of all varies from year to year because growing conditions allow one to grow faster than another. Also the tops of trees have been known to break off in high winds. 

According to the National Park Service. The current tallest Redwood tree is 379 feet tall, located in the Redwood Creek watershed. It’s exact location is not publicized in order to preserve the tree.

However, don’t be disappointed as you will see a lot of trees over 300 feet as you follow our Redwood National Park Itinerary!

What’s bigger? Sequoia vs Redwood

That seems to be a popular question! Redwood Trees are taller. Sequoia Trees are bigger in diameter and have greater total volume.

Beaches in Redwood National Park

Two beaches are within the park area. Both have a day use fee:

• Crescent Beach on the North end of the park, near Crescent City. The beach has easy access from Highway 101 with a fairly large day use parking area. We had a great lunch here and loved exploring.
• Gold Bluffs Beach near the Elk Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center.This beach has both a campground and day use area. However, you need an advance permit to enter the area. Permits are only available online. Warning… Davison Road to Gold Bluffs is narrow with a lot of switch backs. RVs and trailers are not allowed on this drive.

If you want to get away from the crowds, try hiking a section of the C oastal Trail . The trail follows the beach for most of the 70 miles of the park. You can walk a short section as a day hike and discover remote beaches. Or, get a back country permit to hike and camp longer distances. 

Add Wildlife Watching to Your Redwood Itinerary

Those big trees aren’t the only thing happening in the park. During our 3 days, we saw harbor seals playing in the ocean and Roosevelt elk leisurely walking across the road. I’m happy to report we missed the black bear that visited our campground the night before. We watched shore birds crabbing and discovered sand dollars at the beach. 

As you can imagine, birding is a favorite activity among the redwoods with 280 species recorded in the park. Just as popular is exploring tide pools , where you can find colorful sea creatures like anemone, seastars and a variety of crabs.

How to Get to Redwood National Park

Driving is your best way to thoroughly explore Redwood National and State Parks. There are a few small tours out of Crescent City if you don’t drive, but the choices are very limited. 

Where is the Closest Airport?

Crescent City is home to a small regional airport that only offers flights to San Francisco (Oakland). To fly to a major airport where you can then rent a car, check out San Francisco or Portland, Oregon. Each is about a 6 hour drive to the park. 

Road Trips to Redwood National Park

San francisco to redwood national park.

A lot of people make a 2 to 4 day road trip from San Francisco. It’s about a 6 hour drive from the city with gorgeous scenery along the way on the coastal Highway 101. San Francisco is an easy city for flights from around the country. Visitors can easily combine other California National Park Sites , such as Muir Woods, with their road trip for an amazing outdoors experience. 

Seriously consider renting a campervan in San Francisco for this road trip. We saw hundreds of rentals while we traversed the state’s National Parks. Our favorite is Tra vellers Auto Barn , which we used on our Arizona National Park Road Trip, because there is no additional mileage charge. We loved that camper!

Portland to Redwood National Park

The 6 hour drive from Portland to the Redwoods takes you through the mountainous Umpqua National Forest. Visitors choosing this route to the Redwoods often add a couple hours to their drive and swing through Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon. 

Nearby National Parks Road Trip

If you have 5-7 days to explore, consider doing a loop that includes Redwood National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Crater Lake National Park. That loop works well from either San Francisco or Portland airports. It’s only about 5 hours between each park.

Where to Stay When Visiting Redwood National Park

Lodging near the park.

The only lodging in the park are 8 camping style cabins , 4 in Jedediah Smith State Park and 4 in Elk Grove Redwoods State Park. If you are interested in those cabins, competition is fierce. You can only reserve online through the campgrounds and need to book as soon as they open up. 

The largest selection of lodging options are in Crescent City. That puts you right in the center of everything you’ll want to see on your Redwood National Park Itinerary! See all the lodging options here . There are some really cool local inns just steps from the beach, like 

• Anchor Beach In n which couples have highly rated for a weekend get away.
• Cresce nt Beach Motel with a location to die for, you can step out your door onto the beach!

You might also want to check out local home rentals. My top recommendation is this dog friendly cabin a short walk from the beach.  Or check out this eco-friendly Sunset Sanctuary , where you can have your morning coffee on the terrace with a full view of the sea!

Camping in Redwood National Park

Out all of our 26 nights of camping on our California Road trip, 2 of our best campsites were in Redwood National Park. There are 4 campgrounds, all within the three California State Parks where you can make camping reservations . While all 4 campgrounds do allow walk up camping if there are open sites, they are usually fully reserved in the summer months. 

If you don’t have a camper, think about a camperva n rental . We saw these rentals in every campground throughout our trip. The nice thing about using one for Redwood National Park is that it fits on the narrow roads we mentioned above and in the smaller sized campsites that are prevalent. 

Without a doubt Gold Bluffs Beach was my overall favorite campground. It might just be my favorite National Park campground ever. Why? Because we spent a gorgeous night on the beach sleeping to crashing waves only 100 yards away. The beach is dog friendly. The campground is spacious. It even had nice toilets and solar powered showers which is pretty amazing for a remote campground.

But it might not be for you. Here’s why:

• It’s primarily a tent campground. They do allow campervans and small RVs that can fit in a normal parking space. But definitely no trailers or larger RVs. So our truck camper just fit. 
• A related point… trailers and large RVs are not allowed on the road that leads to the campground. Davison road is a steep narrow, often one lane road with sharp switch backs. So even if you are a tent camper, if you aren’t prepared to drive this challenging road you might not want to camp here. 

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground

This campground is in my top 10 list of favorite campgrounds in National Parks. I loved sleeping deep in the redwood forest. In this campground you are surrounded by these giants. The camp sites are fairly private with bushes and trees separating you. This campground had really nice bathrooms and modern hot showers. 

Be aware of the size limit. It can only handle RVs up to 25 feet and trailers up to 21 feet. There is plenty of space for tent campers. There are no hookups, but water pumps for drinking water are available throughout the campground. 

Mill Creek Campground

Because of it’s centralized location, Mill Creek Campground is a good choice for your visit to the Redwoods. It’s located near Hwy 101 in the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Here you will sleep underneath towering maples and new growth redwoods. One of the rangers told us that Mill Creek is the most likely to have last minute campsites available. 

Mill Creek has 145 campsites, many of which can handle an RV up to 28 feet and a trailer up to 24 feet. You’ll find hot showers and modern toilets as well as potable water. However there are no hook ups.

Elk Prairie Campground

Open all year, Elk Prairie campground is a gorgeous spot to spend the night. It’s tucked in behind the visitor center where you are highly likely to find elk wandering through the campground in the evening. 

This is a smaller campground with only 76 sites. You will still find modern toilets and hot showers available. The maximum vehicle size is 27 feet for RVs and 24 feet for trailers.

Redwoods Camping For Bigger RVs and Trailers

As you can see, the park is not very accessible to bigger rigs. Your best bet for longer campers is to check out the RV parks in Crescent City where you can get full hook ups and have the perfect home base for your adventures into the Redwoods. 

Where to Eat While Visiting RNP

Bring a cooler. Places to buy food were few and far between on our Redwood National Park Itinerary. So pack a cooler with drinks, snacks and sandwiches and embrace a picnic under giant trees or on a beach.

• Crescent City is the best place to stock up on lunch supplies. They have a variety of restaurants, from fast food to great dining, in town. 
• Near the Hiouchi Visitor Center on Hwy 199 there was a cute diner, Hiouchi Cafe , with lots of outside seating. The ranger at the Visitor Center recommended them for a great breakfast.
• And you’ll find a couple of stops along Hwy 101 near Klamath River. 

What to Pack for Your Redwood National Park Itinerary

What clothes should you take.

Any trip to the Redwoods should start with a good rain jacket. After all you are in a rain forest here. October through April can bring 60-80 inches of rain. Summer is much drier, which is why we occasionally hear about fires in August and September. 

You’ll also want a good pair of hiking shoes with waterproof soles. Many of the trails are rough and it’s not uncommon to walk through shallow water. If you head to Fern Canyon, sturdy water shoes are a must.

Beyond that, think layers. Temperature during the days is usually in the 60s and nights in the 40s. Winter might be a few degrees cooler, but temperatures don’t vary much with the seasons. We had slightly warmer weather during our September trip and I was comfortable in a t-shirt and fleece jacket. It’s going to be windy at the beach so you’ll definitely need a good jacket there.

You will not need a swim suit. That ocean is cold with water temperatures ranging between 49 and 56 degrees. Yes, that’s fahrenheit so no exactly bikini conditions. 

Hiking Gear

What you need for hiking will depend upon what type of hikes you plan. Keep in mind that hiking in the woods means you may need long pants to protect your legs. You’ll also want sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces. 

Check out our complete checklist for what to pack for day hikes . With that packing list you can match your plans to the right gear. 

Other Gear for Your Redwoods Road Trip

• Folding Chairs because you are going to want to chill on the beach for awhile. You might also want to sit near the open meadow by the Elk Prairie visitor center so you can watch the elk that come out in the early evening.
• Cooler of drinks, snacks and lunch. As I mentioned earlier there aren’t a lot of eating options in the Redwoods. We have a lot of unique lunch ideas here. 
• Mosquito Spray. They can be vicious during the rainy season.
• Sunscreen. Even though the water is cold on the beach the sun is still intense reflecting off the sand. Protect yourself.
• Cash. The day use areas that charge a fee are cash only.

Best Time to Visit Redwoods State and National Parks

Because the temperatures are moderate all year, you can visit the Redwoods any season. 

Winter: You may run into snow in the winter months, which only means you have to be flexible then. Winter is also the wet season so bring a good rain coat and nothing can stop you from enjoying this gorgeous rain forest.

Summer means more people. But the crowds here aren’t nearly as crazy as you’d find in Yellowstone or Sequoia. It does mean you should get reservations for camping or hotels as early as possible. 

Fall and Spring are great times to visit. The number of people visiting are greatly reduced and the weather is amazing. Do check that places you want to visit are open. Some will close seasonally and others may close for seasonal repairs.

More Tips for Your Redwood National Park Itinerary

• Download the NPS app before you go. Then download the self guided tours to your phone. Once you are in the park there usually isn’t cell service and you won’t be able to access the tours. I really missed out at Lady Bird Johnson Grove when I didn’t know what each of the stops were all about.
• Maps. Either paper maps or pre-downloaded maps to your phone/GPS system. The National Park Service warns in multiple places to not trust a GPS unless you look at the map to verify it makes sense.

A visit to Redwood National Park promises a journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur. You’ll embrace its towering giants, lush landscapes, and pristine coastline. Redwood National Park caters to every nature lover’s soul.

This Redwood National Park itinerary serves as a roadmap to help you make the most of your time. Remember, this itinerary is just a starting point. You’ll discover unexpected wonders around every bend. We hope you fall in love with this park. We did!

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!

The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Redwood National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Sarah Dittmore

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Located along the coast of Northern California , Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth. With a 1 to 2 days in Redwood National Park itinerary, you will not only see these impressive giants, but have a chance to explore the rivers, woodlands, and prairies that cover the 40-mile coastline of this luscious park.

For day-trippers and weekend warriors alike, this route covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

California is known for a variety of breathtaking natural wonders. From white sand beaches to snow-capped mountains, it’s a state of incredible biodiversity with endless opportunities for the adventurous traveller to experience sites that will stop them in their tracks.

Even so, nothing compares to the towering presence of the ancient redwoods. So if you’re planning to visit Redwood National Park, follow this guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Redwood National Park?

Compared to the other National Parks scattered across California (such as Joshua Tree , Yosemite , Death Valley or Sequoia ), Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is much smaller and easier to conquer in a couple of days.

When trying to figure out how many days to spend in Redwood National Park, one or two days should be plenty. One day is perfect for people passing through Northern California or looking for a quick day trip, and one day is really all you need to immerse yourself in the trees.

However, if you want to see some of the other natural features that make up this beautiful park, you’re going to want 2 days in the park.

This will give you time to explore the redwood groves while also visiting the rivers, woodlands, and prairies that make up the rest of the 40-mile park.

Getting To & Around Redwood National Park

This coastal park is located just an hour south of the California-Oregon border off of US-101. If you’re coming along the coast, whether heading south or north, you’ll take US-101 to get there. It also makes for a great stop when driving from San Francisco to Portland or even from San Francisco to Seattle .

It’s worth noting, however, that the area actually encompassed a complex of parks in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, which consists of one national park and three California state parks. The latter three are Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.

There are no formal entrance stations as it is free to enter, but once US-101 changes to Redwood Highway, you’re there. Coming from the east, you’ll take CA-299 W to Bald Hills Road, which will lead you straight to the park! You can also take Howland Hill Road from Crescent City. Regardless, this means there is no need to purchase a National Park Pass.

Navigating the area is fairly easy. The roads are well-marked and easy to find. The bigger challenge is making sure you have the right car for the job. Many of the roads are narrow, winding, unpaved roads that weave through the forest.

The unpaved roads are in pretty good condition and doable for most cars; it’s motorhomes, RVs, and trailers that need to be careful about which route they take. For many of the narrow, winding roads, motorhomes/RVs and trailers are prohibited, but even where they are technically allowed, they’re often discouraged.

If you’re driving a larger vehicle like this, make sure to research the roads you plan to take through the park and plan accordingly. The scenic drives covered in this Redwood National Park itinerary are not accessible to these kinds of vehicles, but most regular cars, SUVs, etc. will be fine.

If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across a number of companies.

1 to 2-Day Redwood National Park Itinerary

Whether you’re a day tripper planning one day in Redwood National Park or a weekender planning a 2-day vacation, there’s a ton to do in this park. Day one of this itinerary focuses on seeing the forest and exploring the giant redwood trees.

For those who have 2 days, the second day focuses on all the other things to do in Redwood NSP beyond the stunning forests of towering evergreens. 

Day 1 – Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Cal-Barrel Road & Gold Bluffs Beach

Newton b. drury scenic parkway.

Whether you have one day or two, taking a scenic drive through the park is a great way to cover a lot of ground and take in the beauty and natural diversity of this stunning park.

The following route starts from the north-western end, but if you’re coming from the south or east, just flip the order! Coming down US-101 S, you’ll hit a turn-off called Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The name says it all: the scenery is incredible.

This 10-mile route runs alongside US-101 and takes at least 20 minutes (more if you plan to stop along the way). This route will immerse you in the towering trees as you take the gentle curves that wander past the old-growth redwood forests.

While the road itself doesn’t go into the groves, there are plenty of walking trails off the parkway that take you into the heart of these ancient forests. 

Cal-Barrel Road

When you get off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a short backtrack up US-101 N will take you up to Cal-Barrel Road.

This narrow, 3.5-mile, unpaved road can be explored via foot year-round or car only in the summer. It also connects to lesser-known trails like Cathedral Tree Trail and Rhododendron Trail, but even if you choose not to hike, there is plenty to see on this short drive alone.

It’s very narrow and winding, but the reward for making the effort is a dense forest of lowland redwoods with a pristine, needle-covered trail.

Hike Near Gold Bluffs Beach

After these two routes, head over to Gold Bluffs Beach. The beach itself is a beautiful opportunity to see the California coast, but continue to the end of the road and you’ll find some easy and beautiful hiking trails that take you through the redwoods.

Fern Canyon Loop Trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop that takes you to Fern Canyon, a 50-foot-deep canyon filled with ferns straight out of Jurassic Park (literally; this was a filming location used for several scenes in Jurassic Park 2: Lost Worlds).

Another great trail in the area is Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop . This 2.4-mile loop trail will let you get up-close-and personal with the giant redwood trees.

Those looking for a longer, more challenging hike might enjoy the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon (9 miles), Friendship Ridge Trail to Davidson Trail Loop (8.5 miles), or Miner’s Ridge Trail, Clintonia Trail, and Gold Bluffs Beach Loop (7.1 miles).

Day 2 – Bald Hills Road & Crescent City

Bald hills road.

One of the most popular scenic drives of Redwood National Park is Bald Hills Road. This mostly unpaved road is 31.7 miles long and offers chances to see elk, explore the redwoods, and check out the woodlands and prairies.

It takes about 1-2 hours to drive without stops (however, make sure to stop for a moment at the beautiful Redwood Creek Overlook) and crosses from the west side of the park to the eastern end. It’s a great drive to take on your way out of the park as it covers so much ground in such a beautiful environment.

If you’re heading west to return home, start on the eastern end and hit Crescent City on your way out. If you’re leaving via US-299, then flip this day 2 itinerary upside down and start with Crescent City, then drive the Bald Hills Road on your way out.

This incredible drive takes you past a ton of the historic sites and gorgeous hiking trails that make up Redwood National Park, such as Lady Bird Johnson Grove (an easy 1-mile loop trail through a ridgetop redwood forest), Tall Trees Grove Trail (a 3.6-mile loop trail through a remote part of the park that requires a permit to hike), Lyons Ranch Historic District (a 19th-century ranch with a wealth of history), and more.

Crescent City

Though not technically part of the National Park, if you have 2 days here, a visit to Crescent City is well worth your time. This coastal town offers tons of stunning views of the California coastline, complete with picturesque lighthouses and, depending on the time of year, a chance to see the local sea lions.

The Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City is both a historic lighthouse with stunning vistas and a fascinating museum where you can learn a ton about the area’s storied past.

Not far from the lighthouse is the harbor district. The sea lions come and go as they please but can often be found sunbathing on the seal docks visible from the Crescent City Harbor. While you’re here, you can also get some fresh, delicious seafood for lunch at Crescent Seafood .

From here, head about 15 minutes north to Point St. George. This rocky point is a great place to get views of the rocky bluffs that reach out into the ocean and the abandoned St. George Reef Lighthouse. You can see both California and Oregon from this point and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales.

Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park

Lighthouse Inn – This centrally-located inn is an excellent base in Crescent City. They have a great location for exploring the town and Redwood National Park along with plenty of clean and comfortable rooms available. Breakfast is also included each morning.

Private Rental – Opting for a private vacation rental — such as this lighthouse-view beach cottage — is another great choice in Crescent City. There are tons of properties to choose from across a number of platforms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Crescent City!

Redwood National Park is a beautiful enclave in Northern California featuring the tallest trees in the world. But a visit to the redwoods is about more than just the ancient forests. With this itinerary, you can see the old-growth forests, sprawling prairies, stunning coastline, and more. 

Are you planning a trip to the redwoods? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Northern California Coast Road Trip

The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in San Diego Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary

About Sarah Dittmore

Sarah is a writer for The World Was Here First. A California native, she loves travelling around her home state as well as visiting places further afield. She has spent over a decade travelling the world and writing stories inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way.

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Ultimate Redwood National Park Itinerary and Guide

Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees on the entire planet. How cool is that? In addition, Redwood has almost 40 miles of rugged California coastline and plenty of beautiful rivers running through forests. There are even dry prairies to the east. In this Redwood National Park guide, I’m sharing my must-see places in northern California, as well as my recommended itinerary for visiting Redwood!

Disclaimer : This blog post is in collaboration with  Backcountry.com and features some affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry order (some exclusions apply). You can also learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

Redwood National Park and the surrounding state parks are incredibly scenic with amazing hiking trails. But there’s quite a bit of history in this part of California, too! According to the National Park Service, only 5% of old-growth redwood forests remain since logging in California took off in the mid-1800s.

Fortunately, Redwood was established as a national park in 1968 and protections remain in place to keep the last sections of the old-growth forests alive for many years to come. It’s so important that we practice Leave No Trace Principles when visiting Redwood National Park and on all our adventures. Being a good steward of the natural world helps protect the environments we love to visit, without risking harm to the natural ecosystems.

Where is Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is located in Northwestern California, not far from the Oregon border.  Click here for Google Maps Directions . The closest town is Crescent City and the park sits almost exactly in between the two major cities of San Francisco (312 miles away) and Portland (318 miles away).

Is Redwood a National or State Park?

That’s a trick question since the answer is both! Redwood is made up of a national park and 3 state parks – Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The 4 park area is managed jointly by California Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service. The National Park Service has free maps available if you want to use them to orientate yourself.

Getting to the Redwoods

Redwood National and State Parks are quite remote, and not really close to any large population hubs. The best way to visit Redwoods is on a road trip, visiting from either Portland (OR), Sacramento (CA), or San Francisco (CA). Many visitors add the Redwoods to their Highway 1 road trip when traveling from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest.

Closest Airport to Redwood National Park

The closest major airports in California are San Francisco and Oakland, and Portland, OR, which are all about a 6-hour drive from Redwood National Park. Additionally, there is a small, regional airport in Humboldt County, just less than an hour from the park.

My recommendation is to book a flight into San Francisco and spend a day enjoying all the city has to offer. From there, rent a car or camper van and begin driving the coastline north to Redwood National Park!

Getting Around Redwood National and State Parks

You’ll need a car or vehicle to get around Redwood National Park. Between the national park and three state parks, you’ll be covering a lot of ground! If you’re going to fly in from a farther destination, be sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time for pick up at the airport.

Redwood National Park Entrance Fee

You will need a National Park Pass to visit Redwood National Park, year-round. I recommend the  Annual National Park Pass  which is valid at all National Parks for 12 months. This is a great way to get out and visit more national parks on your bucket list once you purchase the pass! This pass is also valid for entry to the California state parks. If you only plan on visiting state parks on your trip, you can also use a California State Park Pass .

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

In my opinion, spring is one of the best times to visit Redwood National Park. Spring typically isn’t quite as rainy as winter in this area. But you will still get to see some of the fog and mist that makes the park feel like another planet. The summer heat tends to dry things out a bit, so visiting in spring guarantees you’ll experience the area at its greenest and most lush. You might even be able to see the rhododendrons blooming, bringing a gorgeous pop of color to the emerald forests.

What To Pack to Visit Redwoods

What you pack for your visit to the California Redwoods will depend on what time of year you choose to visit. For example, if you visit during winter you will need to pack more layers and wet weather gear. Whereas if you visit during summer then a sun hat is a must!

This packing guide is also tailored towards people who enjoy hiking. If you don’t plan to hit the trails, simply leave off the hiking-specific items when using the guide. For those choosing to camp, I have an entire guide and packing list for car camping essentials , so make sure to check that out!

Don’t forget to use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry.com order! (some exclusions apply) Click here to shop my favorites .

Hiking shoes :

It can get pretty wet and muddy in the Redwoods, so you’re probably best to bring a pair of waterproof hiking boots. The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots are a great choice. We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes , so don’t forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots!

Merino wool socks :

Wool socks are the best for preventing blisters and also letting your feet breathe. Recommended hiking socks .

Hiking pants, leggings, shorts, Skorts , Dresses:

I generally reach for leggings and I have also been loving skorts lately, but choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you! Recommended hiking pants ; hiking shorts ; hiking skort , hiking dress , hiking leggings .

Quick-dry top :

Merino wool tops are my favorite due to their breathability and odor resistance. Recommended short-sleeve hiking top ; long-sleeve hiking top .

Day pack/hiking backpack :

Choose something with hip and chest straps for optimal comfort and practicality. Recommended backpack .

When taking short walks or exploring roadside stops I often prefer to opt for a small hip pack instead of a backpack. Just something to fit my phone, lip balm , sunglasses , and any other essentials. Recommended hip pack .

Trekking poles :

Optional but I personally swear by them for hiking! Recommended trekking poles .

Mid-layer :

Perfect for chilly mornings and evenings. So opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Recommended mid-layer .

Insulated jacket :

You will want something warmer for chilly days and during the mornings and evenings when visiting in summer. Recommended insulated jacket .

Rain jacket :

It rains a lot in the Redwoods, that’s why it’s so lush and green! Be sure to pack a rain jacket, even during summer. Recommended rain jacket .

Casual clothes :

Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. This is of course optional though! Check out my Favorites page on Backcountry for some recommendations.

Navigation :

When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. For hiking, carry a physical map and a compass , and download offline maps onto your phone. I use Gaia GPS – click here to get 20% off a Premium membership!

Emergency beacon :

Optional, but can give you and your loved ones some peace of mind when hiking or traveling without phone service. Recommended emergency device .

Headlamp + batteries :

For hiking in the dark, camping, or in emergency roadside situations. Recommended headlamp .

Pack either a cap, bucket hat, or wide brim hat to protect your face from the sun. Recommended cap ; bucket hat ; wide brim hat .

Sunscreen :

Self-explanatory. This one is reef safe and doesn’t contain any chemicals that will harm you or the environment. Don’t forget a lip balm with sunscreen too.

Sunglasses :

Polarized sunglasses are best for eye protection.

First aid items :

Always carry a small first aid kit with essential items like blister plasters and emergency supplies. Recommended lightweight first aid kit .

Phone + driver’s license/ID :

Always best to keep these on you in case your car is broken into. Recommended lightweight wallet (or you can simply use a small binder clip!)

Camera + batteries :

Optional but trust me, you will want a camera to capture these beautiful parks! Check out the camera gear I use to capture my travel photos and the camera bag I pack it all in!

Every road trip requires snacks! Bring whatever your favorite snacks are or factor in time to stop at a grocery store / gas station. My go-to snacks .

There aren’t a lot of places to buy food near Redwood National Park, so you might want to pack a cooler and bring along your own food and drinks. For a cooler, you can opt for a small/day trip size, or a larger cooler that’s more conducive to car camping and longer road trips. Recommended day trip cooler ; larger cooler .

Drink bottle + Water Jug:

Pack a reusable water bottle and you could also consider using a water bladder inside your backpack when hiking. I like to keep a larger water jug in my car so that I don’t have to rely on finding water fillup stations. Lastly, I also like to hike with a lightweight water filter to ensure I don’t get sick when drinking from streams.

Reusable coffee mug :

If you enjoy drinking coffee then it’s best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Recommended mug ; insulated tumbler .

Reusable utensils :

Similar to above, having your own travel utensils / cutlery is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics when ordering take-out food.

National Parks Pass :

If you have one already, make sure to pack it! If not you can buy one when you arrive at the park or online before you go .

Road trip playlist + Podcasts:

Don’t forget to download some good tunes and podcasts for your road trip. For music, check out my playlists on Spotify . For podcasts, we have an entire guide on the best road trip podcasts !

Want more packing & gear tips?  Check out our guides on what to wear hiking , car camping gear essentials , how to plan a national parks trip , and the best hiking shoes .

Where To Stay at Redwood National Park

There are no lodging options in Redwoods National & State Parks apart from 8 campgrounds. I recommend staying nearby in the closest population hubs, Crescent City or Eureka/Arcata. Note that there is no hotel lodging in the Orick area.

Redwood Hotel Lodging

You can find quite a lot of traditional  accommodation and dining options in the surrounding area. The Oceanview Inn is a standard 2.5 star hotel located just outside of Crescent City. Further north in Brookings, OR is the Beachfront Inn , another 2.5 star waterfront hotel.

Vacation Rentals Near the Redwoods

Here are a few I recommend:

• Twin Trees Retreat : Cozy cabins located in the forest right near Jedediah Smith State Park. These cabins have all the amenities you need and can host larger parties.
• Jed Smith Cabin:  Spacious riverside cabin with tennis courts and a jacuzzi bathtub.
• The “Garage” House : Adorable coastal home with a well stocked and panoramic ocean views from the bedroom!

Best Camping In Redwood National Park

There are 8 developed campgrounds in the national park area for those who enjoy tent camping or sleeping in their car . Four are located at the campground in Jedediah Smith State Park and four at the campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It would be a really fun adventure to rent an RV or camper van for your trip to Redwood National Park.

Interested in backpacking in the Redwoods? There are backcountry camping opportunities in Redwood National Park, though keep in mind that permits need to be requested online no more than 24 hours prior to your planned camping date (and up to 160 days in advance). Apply for a backcountry permit online.

How Many Days to Spend in the Redwoods?

You can explore the California Redwoods in as little as half a day, or you could spend a week seeing every nook and cranny of the parks. Two days is probably the sweet spot in terms of experiencing the main highlights. See further down this guide for a suggested two-day Redwood National Park itinerary.

Best Things To Do in Redwood National Park

There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Redwood National and State Parks. The most well-known is probably the park’s epic hiking trails that traverse through acres of old-growth Redwood forest. We highly recommend you try to walk at least one trail while you’re exploring the Redwoods. Numerous of the park’s trails are accessible (see notations in the next section).

Redwood National and State Park Hiking

There are over 200 miles of hiking trails in Redwood National & State Parks! I highly recommend downloading offline maps from Gaia GPS before you go. Certain areas of Redwood do not have the best signage, and maps are always a great resource. There are a few ADA accessible trails in Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek State Parks.

Fern Canyon Loop Trail

• Area : Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Roundtrip distance : 1.1 miles
• Elevation gain : 118 feet
• Difficulty rating : Easy
• Tip : Can access via the 10-mile James Irvine Trail
• Trailhead location on Google Maps
• Nearby : Check out Gold Bluffs Beach while you’re in the area

Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop (via ‘Big Tree Wayside’)

• Roundtrip distance : 2.6 miles
• Elevation gain : 95 feet
• Difficulty rating : Easy. ADA accessible in parts.
• Tip : Can combine with the Cathedral Tree Trail Loop

Stout Memorial Grove

• Area : Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Roundtrip distance : 0.7 miles
• Elevation gain : 32 feet
• Caution : Dirt road access, check conditions before you go

Boy Scout Tree Trail

• Roundtrip distance : 5.3 miles
• Elevation gain : 938 feet
• Difficulty rating : Moderate

Simpson-Reed Trail

• Roundtrip distance : 0.9 miles
• Elevation gain : 52 feet
• Difficulty rating : Easy. ADA accessible.
• Tip : For a longer walk, you can add on the Peterson Loop Trail

Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail

• Area : Redwood National Park
• Roundtrip distance : 3.3 miles
• Elevation gain : 748 feet
• Permit required : Apply online here
• Nearby alternative trail : The Lady Bird Johnson Grove (1.4 miles)

Fun fact : Tall Trees Grove is home to the world’s tallest tree. Standing at 379 feet tall, ‘ Hyperion ‘ is a true natural wonder.

Redwood National Park Scenic Drives

Redwood National and State Parks offer some truly incredible scenic drives. From the heart of the tallest redwoods to the roaring Pacific coastline to the rolling northern California prairies, these scenic drives are a fantastic and accessible way to see a variety of ecosystems within the parks. I suggest checking current conditions before you plan your route since some roads can be closed for detours, repair, inclement weather, etc.

Bald Hills Road

For a more diverse view of the park, spend an hour or so driving the Bald Hills Road. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and mountains to the east, it’s hard to beat the views across the prairies and redwood forests. The further east you drive on this 15+ mile stretch, the higher elevation you’ll gain! This section of the road tends to be less busy and is great for wildlife sightings. Parts of Bald Hills Road are windy and narrow with unpaved sections, so it’s not recommended for RVs or trailers.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

The paved Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway provides a smoother ride as it winds through thousands of old-growth redwoods in the center of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This is a must-see when visiting Redwood!

Plan ahead : The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is closed to vehicles on the first Saturday of the month from September-May for “Hike and Bike Days”. You can’t drive your vehicle here at these times, but you’ll be able to enjoy the park by foot or bicycle without any motorized traffic.

Howland Hill Road

Howland Hill Road is an incredible dirt road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. You will get up close with the Redwoods on this very narrow 10-mile drive! I suggest taking at least an hour to truly enjoy this scenic drive through the world’s tallest trees and incredible ferns. Since this is an unpaved dirt road, conditions can vary, especially in springtime. Check-in with the National Park Service for current road conditions before you go. Not recommended for RVs and trailers.

Enderts Beach Road

This shorter coastal drive is one of my favorites in the park at just over 2 miles in length. With stunning ocean views, whale watching, and epic overlooks, Enderts Beach Road is a must! But keep in mind the ocean along the coastline here is intense. Huge waves and currents can be really dangerous, so swimming is not recommended at Enderts Beach. Instead, I recommend packing a picnic, enjoying the views, and exploring the tidepools.

Klamath Beach Road

This scenic drive hugs the northern California coastline for about 9 miles. The road can be pretty narrow and steep, with sharp curves, so keep your eyes on the road. You must stop at the High Bluff Overlook and spend some time enjoying the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean! Keep your eyes peeled for whales and pelicans in the surf, and you might even see osprey with fish in their talons for lunch.

Wildlife Spotting in the California Redwoods

Northern California and Redwood National Park are home to incredibly diverse wildlife, both on land and in marine ecosystems. On any given day in the park you can see Roosevelt Elk (which were once almost extinct!), sea lions, migrating whales (gray whales, humpbacks, orcas), bald eagles, salmon, and river otters! Be sure to check out the tide pools on the coast for anemones, sea stars, crabs, and more marine critters.

Redwood National Park 2 Day Itinerary

There are many ways to explore the California Redwoods, but this two day itinerary is the BEST approach in our opinion. You can customize the itinerary to suit your needs. For example, this itinerary includes lodging in Crescent City, but if you are camping in the park then you can move things around. Also, you may want to change the order of things if you are coming from Oregon versus from Southern California.

Redwoods Itinerary – Day 1

This itinerary starts in the Southern end of Redwood National Park. Choose how many miles you want to hike today. My top suggestions are Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop via ‘Big Tree Wayside’ (2.6 miles), Fern Canyon Loop Trail (1.1 miles), and Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail (3.3 miles).

If you’re game, you could hike all 3 trails by starting with Tall Trees Grove and ending with Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop. This would make for a total of 7 miles of hiking and you will have seen some of the most magical areas in the entire country! If you are looking for a less strenuous option I would opt to hike Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop via ‘Big Tree Wayside’ and Fern Canyon Loop Trail – a total of 3.7 miles roundtrip. Keep in mind that Tall Tree s Grove Loop Trail requires an online permit – apply online here .

Even if you don’t hike in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, I definitely recommend driving the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway for beautiful views of old-growth redwoods (~ 15 minute drive). Keep an eye out for Roosevelt Elk! Keep driving north and end your day in Crescent City.

Photographers Tip : Check the weather forecast and consider backtracking to Bald Hills Road for sunset photos. This area is at a higher elevation and feels almost like an entirely different park.

Redwoods Itinerary – Day 2

Day two of this Redwood itinerary will focus on Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Start your day by walking the beautiful Simpson-Reed Trail (0.9 miles). After this drive to the southern end of Howland Hill Road and begin a scenic drive northeast through stunning Redwood groves and incredible ferns.

Stop and hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail. It’s 5.3 miles roundtrip if you hike the entire way, or you can hike just the first portion of it (the most beautiful in my opinion!) Continue on Howland Hill Road until you get to the Stout Memorial Grove Trail, where you will enjoy your last walk of the day (0.7 miles).

After this you will have seen the BEST sights in the California Redwoods and can continue on to your next destination. Keep in mind that the above order of activities is presuming you will be driving north into Oregon after the Stout Memorial Grove Trail. If you are driving south or ending in Crescent City, I recommend beginning with Boy Scout Tree Trail and ending with the Simpson-Reed Trail (anticlockwise loop).

Places to See Nearby Redwood National Park

There are some amazing destinations nearby Redwood National Park. Here are two of my favorite half-day adventures to add on to any trip to visit California’s Redwoods.

Avenue of the Giants

Located a little over an hour south of Redwood National Park, the Avenue of the Giants is 30 miles of gorgeous, forest-lined driving through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. There’s lots of access to hiking trails that will take you deeper into the redwoods, as well as some incredible swimming and paddling spots. This scenic drive has been on many travelers’ bucket lists for years, and I definitely recommend taking the time to visit!

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Hopping across the California/Oregon border to visit the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on the southern Oregon coastline is well worth it. This state park features 12 miles of rugged coastline with sharp cliffs, quiet beaches, and incredible rock formations in the ocean. It’s even more picturesque in person!

There are many amazing hiking trails here that overlap with the Oregon Coast Trail. Whether you hike 15+ miles or opt for a picnic on the beach, I recommend spending at least an afternoon here watching waves crash against the rocky sea stacks and scouting for ocean wildlife.

Tips for Visiting the Redwoods

Whether it’s your first national park trip or your hundredth, there are always ways to plan ahead to make the adventure more enjoyable! I prefer to buy my America the Beautiful National Parks Pass in advance. You’ll need to receive the physical copy in the mail, so plan early and leave yourself at least 5-10 business days. This is a good way to save time and avoid the hassle of purchasing it when I’m actually traveling.

Like most parks, the weather in northern California can change quickly and drastically, during all seasons. Come prepared with warm layers , rain gear , sunscreen , hats , etc. When you’re walking amongst the planet’s tallest trees, there won’t be very strong cell service. Make sure you download any maps you want to use while in the park before you go. My favorite method is using the Gaia GPS app for offline maps. I share more of my top tips for planning a great national parks trip in this complete guide .

There are not many amenities inside the park, so it’s a good idea to bring food and lots of water when you visit, especially if you’ll be camping. The National Park Service is a great resource to check current trail and road conditions before (and during) your trip. You can always check in with a ranger at a local visitor center, too! As always, be a responsible traveler and observe Leave No Trace principles. The more we minimize our impact on the outdoors, the longer we will be able to preserve and enjoy these natural environments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Redwood National Park

These are some of the popular questions I get asked when I talk to people about visiting Redwood National & State Parks.

Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?

Yes! Redwood National Park is such a unique part of the country, and really, there’s nowhere else like it in the world. It truly feels like you’re on another planet when you wander amongst these 2000 year old giant redwoods. It’s magical to think about all the different people that have wandered around the world’s tallest trees during their long lifetime.

Where is the tallest Redwood Tree?

At 379 feet tall, Hyperion is the tallest redwood tree in the park. In fact, it’s the tallest tree in the world! There is currently no trail to see Hyperion. Visitors to Hyperion have damaged the area so badly there are no longer any ferns growing at the base of the tree. Due to the fragile nature of the surrounding environment, the park service asks visitors to respect Leave No Trace principles and stay on established trails. There are many other giant trees to visit in the park!

Is It Worth Visiting the Coast in Redwood National Park?

Absolutely! The rugged California coast is spectacular, rain or shine. I love exploring the rocky beaches and exploring tide pools. You could even see a Killer Whale! They tend to be in the area when Chinook Salmon are entering the Klamath River.

Where are the Best Places to Take Photos in the Redwoods?

There are so many great spots to take photos in Redwood National and State Parks! A particularly photogenic area is the Boy Scout Tree Trail (there’s an opening about halfway along the trail that has MASSIVE trees and it’s very picturesque).

Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail has a tree bridge/tunnel that makes for great photos! It can be found about 15 minutes into the trail if you walk in a clockwise direction. Bald Hills Road is beautiful at sunset and Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a good option for a selfie with a really large tree.

Can you See Redwood National Park in One Day?

Yes, you can definitely experience Redwood National Park in one day! On my most recent visit, I only spent about 6 hours in the park and still managed to hike Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail (including seeing Big Tree Wayside), Simpson-Reed Trail, and Stout Memorial Grove Trail. Redwood is actually one of the best national parks to visit if you’re short on time.

Is Redwood or Sequoia National Park Better?

While this isn’t technically the answer to that question, I say visit both! Redwood is a great option to link onto a Pacific Northwest road trip, exploring Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is a drier and more mountainous climate. Visiting Sequoia is convenient when you’re in southern California, and can be added to a road trip to Death Valley , Joshua Tree , or Yosemite .

While both have species of redwood forest, the trees in Sequoia tend to be a bit wider and larger in volume. General Sherman is the world’s largest tree by volume, measured at over 36 feet in diameter! While in Redwood National Park the trees tend to be taller and skinnier.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Redwood national park

Have I convinced you that Redwood National Park is worth a visit? I love these national & state parks, and I hope I’ve inspired you to plan a trip. Let me know what you think once you visit California’s tallest trees!

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At the redwoods right now!! Loving it so much. Thanks for all the useful tips.

Note the driving conditions to see Fern Canyon-intensely zig-zagged single lane gravel road

We are planning a road trip in October and the main goal is to visit the redwoods. This blog is very helpful and I’m glad I found it!

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Visiting Redwood National and State Parks: The Complete Guide for 2024

Jennifer melroy.

• Last Modified January 24, 2024
• First Published on October 31, 2020

Post Summary: Visiting Redwood National Park

If you are planning a trip to Redwood National Park and need some help planning your trip, this is our started guide for visiting Arches National Park. We often have detailed in-depth guides reached to Redwood National Park trip planning and will link to these where appropriate to make your trip planning as easy as possible.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with trip planning and would like a national park expert to help plan your trip, we offer a Custom National Park Itinerary Planning Service . Fill out a simple questionnaire and let us do the planning for you.

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The Quick Guide to Visiting Redwood National and State Parks

Map of redwood national park.

Click on the Redwoods Map above to download the official brochure map. If you’d like a PDF copy of this Redwoods Map  click here .

RELATED: The Best Maps of Redwood National Park for 2022

Redwood National and State Parks Basics

Region: Pacific-West / West Coast / Pacific Northwest

State: State of California

Park Size: 138,999 acres (217.19 sq miles) (562.51 sq km)

Location: Humboldt and Del Norte counties

Closest Cities: Crescent City, California

Busy Season: April to October

Visitation: 504,722 (in 2019)

Official Website: NPS.gov

How much does Redwood National and State Parks Cost?

Redwoods National Park is free, but several of Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks charge an entrance fee.

When is Redwood National and State Parks Open?

Redwoods National and State Parks is open year-round.

Are dogs allowed in Redwood National and State Parks?

Yes, pets are welcome in Redwood National Park but are allowed in developed areas such as roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. They are also allowed on Freshwater, Gold Bluffs and Crescent Beach. Pets are not allowed on trails. Please review the Redwoods Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Redwoods.

Where are Redwood National and State Parks’ visitor centers?

Hiouchi Visitor Center – Open Year Round

Jedediah Smith Visitor Center – May to September

Crescent City Information Center – Open Year Round

Prairie Creek Visitor Center – Open Year Round

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center – Open Year Round

Land Acknowledgment for Redwood National and State Park

The National Park known as Redwood National and State Parks sits on Monacan and Manahoac land.

Thank you to the  Native Land Digital  for making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know.

Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together.

When was Redwood National Park Created?

Redwood National and State Parks share in the perpetual stewardship of ancient coast redwood forests, streams, coastal ranges, and coastline; for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of people forever; with a commitment to watershed scale restoration of damaged landscapes. Redwood National and State Park Foundation Document

Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book in Redwood National Park?

The National Park Passport Book is the BEST and cheapest National Park souvenir. Every National Park Obsessed person should have one of these books.

If you are new to the National Parks, you can learn more about the National Parks Passport program here or jump right in by ordering the ever-popular Classic National Parks Passport or get the National Park Obsessed’s National Park Passport & Journal

IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government-issued passport.

There are seven official Stamps for Redwood National Park. Here is the list of National Park Passport Stamps you can get in Redwood National Park:

• Crescent City Visitor Center
• Hiouchi Visitor Center
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP
• Kuchel Visitor Center
• NPS Centennial
• Passport 25th Anniversary
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Bonus Stamps

• Image Of Cooking On A Campfire
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park World’s Tallest Trees
• Junior Ranger
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park World’s Tallest Trees
• Redwood National Park Established October 2, 1968

Redwood National Park Passport Stamp Locations

Here are all the locations where you can find the Redwood National Park Passport Stamps.

• Crescent City Information Center
• Hiouchi Information Center
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP – Visitor Center
• Prairie Creek Redwoods SP – Visitor Center
• Thomas H Kuchel Visitor Center

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Welcome to the wonderful world of National Parks. I'm here to help you plan your NEXT amazing adventure through the United States National Parks and beyond. I want the national parks to be accessible to all.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND

On this site, we promote travel to the United States and beyond that are the traditional lands of  Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

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To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land .

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How to Visit Redwood National Park: Best 3-Day Itinerary

On one of our road trips to Oregon a few years back, we made a quick stop at the Redwood National & State Park in California. This place was so beautiful that we wanted to come back and spend more time here. Since it is quite large (over 38,982 acres), the trip planning was a bit tricky, especially because we only have 3 days to see everything. After tons of research, we came up with the best road trip itinerary that would allow us to experience most of what these parks have to offer. This weekend-sized itinerary features lush green forests, giant redwoods, breathtaking coastal trails as well as beautiful hidden beaches. Redwood National and State Park is absolutely worth visiting!

About Redwood National and State Parks

A lot of people, including us, are under the impression that the redwood forest in California is inside one big Redwood National Park. However, this place actually consists of four different parks: Del Norte Coast, Jebediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks along with Redwood National Park. These parks spread over 38,982 acres along Northern California’s coastline, edging toward the border of Oregon. They were created to protect the remaining Redwood. Most people know Redwood Forest as home to the tallest trees on Earth, however, the parks are also comprised of rivers, vast prairies, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of rugged coastline.

What is the Tallest Tree in Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) and Where can I See It?

Since 2006, Hyperion was discovered to be the tallest tree on Earth. However, there is no official trail to get there. In fact, the parks strongly discourage visitors to go to see it. To go see Hyperion, you will have to do heavy bushwhacking along with trampling on the shallow Redwood roots. This has resulted in the devastation of the habitat surrounding Hyperion. And really, the view of Hyperion doesn’t match its hype. Its trunk is small compared to other old-growth redwood trees and you can’t tell how tall it is from the ground. From below, it just looks like any normal redwood tree.

What’s the Difference Between Redwoods and Sequoias?

Even though the coastal redwoods and giant sequoias look similar and belong to the same family, the cypress family, they live different lifestyles in different places. The cypress family has seven different subfamilies. The coastal redwood in Redwood National Park shares the same subfamily with the giant sequoias and the dawn redwood. Once upon a time, these species covered much of the Northern Hemisphere. Currently, the coastal redwood is limited to just along the central/northern California coast and southwest Oregon coast, while the giant sequoia is only available to the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The dawn redwood can only be found in Lichuan County in China.

Coastal Redwoods or Giant Sequoias? Which Park Is Better?

Both are equally amazing and different and you need to see both of them! The sequoias are bigger width-wide, which makes them look more impressive from the ground. However, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are also a lot more crowded. Since Redwood National and State Parks is further up North, it is considerably less busy. Even though the coastal redwoods are not as wide, since it is near the coast, you can see the dramatic rolling fog through the giant tree’s canopy. Also, with Redwood National and State Parks, besides the redwoods, you can also hike the coastal trails along the rugged coastline and visit beautiful beaches.

Important Things to Know When Visiting

• Redwood National and State Parks are free to visit . In fact, there are no entrance gates. However, there are a few day-use areas that require a fee within the Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks. With these areas, you can use either state park day-use passes or Interagency Federal Passes instead. 
• Make sure to check for road conditions here before heading out. It’s a long drive and there are many natural occurrences such as fire, landslides, fallen trees, etc. that can happen here.
• Phone reception isn’t very good in the Parks , therefore, make sure to plan in advance by downloading or printing any required maps, permits, or notes before going.

Where Should You Stay While Visiting Redwood National Park?

As we said above, Crescent City and Trinidad are the two closest cities. You’ll find more lodging options within those two cities, especially Crescent City. There are a few hotels and cabins in between. However,  there really aren’t a lot of amenities in the middle except for a couple of gas stations. Unless you’re staying close to these two cities, we recommend filling up your gas while you can and making sure to pack your groceries or anything you need with you. Camping is also another choice if you’re looking for a cheaper lodging option. Mill Creek Campground is our favorite campground here, however, it’s only open from May through September.

California’s Redwood National Park 3-Day Itinerary

Our trip starts from Trinidad, CA. Since we went toward the end of Fall/Winter, it got dark a lot shorter. So, the itinerary was based on how much daylight we had.

Elk Head Trail to College Cove

Distance:   1.5 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain:   187 ft | Level:   Easy | Level:  1-2 + hours

Our first stop for the first day is actually in Trinidad. Elk Head trail is not part of the Parks, however, it is local’s favorite and for good reason. This coastal trail is short, easy yet beautiful. And did we mention that it will take you to a beautiful, secluded beach as well as epic viewpoints of gorgeous California’s coastline? If you’re lucky, you can even spot dolphins or whales from here. This trail is definitely a worthy addition to your itinerary.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive

Distance: 10 miles | Time: 45 mins to at least a whole day, depending on what you want to do

After finishing our hike to College Cove, we turned off Highway 101 to start the beautiful Newton B. Drury scenic drive through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This road is where you’ll get to see impressive giant redwoods lining the road. It is particularly beautiful in the foggy mornings. Along this road, there are plenty of hiking trails as well as interesting spots to stop. One of our favorite hiking trails here is the   Prairie Creek Trail. This trail starts at the visitor center and loops over the Big Tree Trail. If you don’t want to hike, you still can stop and visit the famous Big Tree as well as the super cool Big Tree Wayside. Another cool spot along the road is the Corkscrew Tree, a big redwood that all twisted up like a giant corkscrew.

Tall Trees Grove Trail

Distance:   4 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain:   748 ft | Level:   Moderate | Level:  4-6 hours

Our second day at the Redwood National & State Parks started at Tall Trees Grove trail . To attempt this trail, you MUST apply online for a FREE permit up to 4 weeks in advance, but not less than 48 hours. These permits are NOT available in person. It is also NOT guaranteed that you will get the permit. This trail is really beautiful. It has everything from scenic drive, giant redwoods, beautiful creek as well as mystical green forest. While the redwoods You will need at least 4-6 hours here.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Distance:   1.5 mi loop | Elevation Gain:   101 ft | Level:   Easy | Time:  45 – 60 mins

Since Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail is located on the same road as Tall Trees Grove trail, we decided to stop here after finishing with Tall Trees Grove. Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail is a much shorter and easier hike than Tall Trees Grove. Even though it is not as beautiful as its sister trail, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail has its own unique character. It’s also full of history as the trail is dedicated to Lady Bird Johnson, the first lady who actively promoted and encouraged the protection of natural habitats. This hike will take you around 1 hour, max.

Yurok Loop to Hidden Beach

Distance:   2.5 mi R.T. to Hidden Beach, 8 mi to Overlook | Elevation Gain:   147 + ft | Level:   Easy | Time: 2+ hour

For a change in scenery, for our third day, we decided to hike the Yurok Loop trail instead of another redwood hike. And we would totally do this again! This hike is breathtaking. It runs along the rugged coastline, weaves through lush green forests, and takes you to one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches that we’ve seen. It’s also pretty cool that the sand at this hidden beach is almost black. It is an easy hike with the option of stretching it longer.

Fern Canyon Loop Trail

Distance:   1.1 mile Loop| Elevation Gain:   150 ft | Level:   Easy | Time: 45 mins – 2 hours

After spending tons of time at the Yurok Loop trail, we finished our last day at Redwood National & State Parks at the Fern Canyon Loop Trail. We definitely save the best for last. Even though Fern Canyon is a popular trail, it’s definitely worth it dealing with the crowd. This place is a hidden paradise with towering fern walls and dripping waterfalls. It reminds you of the Jurassic era. In fact, this is why the movie Jurassic Park was filmed here. If you get here toward the evening, you’ll also get to see the Roosevelt Elk, grazing near the trailhead. Don’t forget, since it is in a canyon, Fern Canyon gets dark a lot faster than the surrounding area. There is also a fee to enter, however, you can use your “America the Beautiful” passes.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on  Instagram  and subscribe to our  Youtube channel ! We’ll love you forever!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our  Recommended Gear section as well. 

adventure gear

Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots

Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are  Targhee III Waterproof

There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.

Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.

You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E .

For shorter hikes, the  Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials. 

Sedona can get very cold in the winters and springs. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here , and Dustin’s version here .

If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

other things to bring

• Depending on where you’re staying, make sure to pack groceries and other essentials ahead of time.
• Lunch and snacks are recommended for longer hikes. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes .

camera gear

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The Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park: Season by Season Guide

If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Redwood National Park, there isn’t one clear and simple answer to that question. When to go will depend upon what you want to see, how much rain you can handle and whether you can tolerate crowds.

We’ve visited the redwoods in various seasons and regardless of when  you  go, it’s so worth it. The redwood forests, epic ocean views and extra large elk are all waiting for you. But certain seasons have their advantages. So this guide for when to visit Redwood National Park will give you weather information, tips on how to avoid crowds, the best and worst times to go, and a whole slew of travel tips.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

What and Where is Redwood National Park

If you got here searching when to visit “Redwoods National Park” specifically, I need to explain a bit about Northern California’s coastal redwood parks. The redwoods are actually spread around in a multi-jurisdictional collection of state parks, preserves and, yes Redwoods National Park.

Visualize a national park boundary with state parks residing within and adjacent to it. Redwoods National Park starts just northeast of Trinidad but it extends disconnected blobs of land north to Crescent City. Jedediah State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park are co-managed with the National Park Service. And getting there from SF (we have an itinerary for that ), includes a bunch of other state parks, reserves and scenic drives that feature these huge trees.

This NPS map helps to illustrate what I’m talking about. But, don’t get hung up on the National Park part. Just follow the advice below, regardless of jurisdiction.

This map shows you where all of the major redwood groves are in California, including the North Coast groves that are in/near Redwood National Park.

Weather in Redwood National Park (and Thereabouts)

For this purpose of this article, the weather map above shows average precipitation and temps for Crescent City, which is near Jedediah State Park. But everything north of Trinidad has similar weather.

Redwood National Park is cool, and I don’t just mean the trees. The trees thrive in chilly, foggy coastal weather and this regional has plenty of that. Average high temperatures range from 55-55′ F with lows of 42-50′ F.

In addition, this region is one of the wettest in CA, receiving an average of 9″ of rain during peak winter. So, regardless of when you go, be prepared with lots of layers.

When is the Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park?

For weather, the best time to visit Redwood National Park is May to mid-October. Rain will be negligible and the temps will be (slightly) warmer.

But if you want some quietude for your forest bathing, then April/May and Sept/Oct are the best.

When is the Worst Time to Visit the Redwoods?

For weather, December through March will be extremely wet. Low cloud cover can obscure the views and trails may be muddy. And some areas, like Fern Canyon aren’t accessible at all.

When is the Busiest Time to Visit the Redwoods?

Like anywhere, summer weekends and holidays will be particularly busy. Trailhead parking lots fill up and the shorter, easier trails get very busy.

If that’s the only time you can visit, you can avoid some of the crowds by visiting less popular areas like Del Norte State Park or Lost Man creek in the National Park. And be sure to book accommodation in advance.

If you have a flexible schedule, weekdays are better and shoulder season is best.

The Best Time to Visit the Redwoods: Season by Season

December, january, february.

Weather is fickle in California and it seems that we’re either having floods or droughts. If, God forbid, we are having a drought year, winter can be a great time to visit the redwoods. Many of the more popular trails could be clear and the scenic drives will be on point.

March, April, May

The rain usually dies off toward the third week of April, making the following 4 weeks a great shoulder season in the redwoods. Before Memorial Day, lodging options will be pretty good and the campgrounds should have good availability.

That said, expect soft and muddy trails. And keep an eye out for blooming rhododendrons.

Do you remember those plucky Ewoks from Star Wars: A New Hope? Well, Crescent City remembers them too. And in late May they host the Forest Moon festival with various Star Wars themed events.

The Avenue of the Giants marathon usually happens on the first Sunday in May. So, unless you’re running it, you may want to avoid the scenic drive during the event.

June, July, August

How about warmer and sunny? Well, you’ll get that during the summer. The trails will be dry and access on some of dirt roads (like to Fern Canyon), should be great.

It will also be much busier, so book ahead.

July boasts the Northern Lights Music Festival , which occurs near Leggett, as well as a variety of fun small-town 4th of July celebrations.

Every August, Eureka hosts a street art festival . And Trinidad has an art and music festival.

September, October, November

My last trip up to the redwoods was in early October and it was glorious. The weather was clear and the trails were empty. One caution is to pay attention to wildfire season.

Eureka hosts the Redwood Coast music festival in October.

Plan Your Trip to the Redwoods

Here are some additional resources for visiting the redwoods.

Here’s a 5 day road trip from SF to the coast redwoods . It includes all key stops and wacky roadside attractions. As for where to overnight, if you are doing hotel/motels, we recommend stopping in/near Trinidad and Eureka.

Trinidad has a few  oceanfront vacation rentals . Or check out the well-rated  View Crest Lodge , which is near Sue-Meg (Patrick Point) State Park. Or you can glamp in the woods at the  Emerald Forest cabins . For camping, find campgrounds at Sue-Meg (Patrick Point) State Park, Big Lagoon campgrounds, or at the Arcata KOA. Emerald Forest RV and Cabin campground also has tent sites.

In Eureka, The Lighthouse Inn  is a full-service hotel with ocean views. It’s walkable to downtown Crescent City and the lighthouse viewpoint.  The Westward Inn  is a well-rated, conveniently located budget option.

The Redwood Meadows RV park  is right near all of the top spots in the park. In addition to RV sites, they have a glamping tent and a yurt. They also offer regular tent spots if the nearby Jedediah State park campground is full. The same outfit runs the Crescent City KOA, which is a little further away. The KOA has RV and tent slots as well as cabins.

Other camping options include the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park campground, Ramblin’ Redwoods campground, Ruby van Deventer County Park campground, Florence Keller County Park campground and disbursed camping along the Smith River national recreation area.

More Trips Featuring Redwoods

If this is part of a larger California road trip, we’ve got an article that will tell you where to find ALL of the major redwood groves .

We have a weekend getaway in Guerneville , which is near Armstrong Woods. We have a winter getaway to Yosemite , with advice about accessing groves in snow conditions.

And we have a bunch of resources for accessing redwoods in Big Sur, including when to visit Big Sur , a day-trip itinerary and Big Sur campground overview.

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Planning the Perfect Visit to Redwood National Park

Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Grant

If you’re planning a visit to Redwood National Park, you probably already know that it preserves redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. What you may not know is that it also preserves 40 miles of Pacific coastline, inland forest and more. While seeing the redwood trees should certainly be your first priority, allowing time for a few other sights will complete your experience at Redwood National Park.

Additionally, the park lies right along the famed US Highway 101, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). If you’ve ever dreamed of driving the PCH, you will certainly do that when visiting Redwood National Park.

One of the best ways to plan a visit to any national park is to look at the map. When looking at the Redwood National Park map, you’ll see that several state parks are included. In 1994, the National Park Service and California State Parks decided to jointly manage the redwoods parklands. Thus, you’ll often see the park named as Redwood National and State Parks.

So, when visiting Redwood National Park, you’ll also (likely) visit Prairie Creed Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Don’t worry too much about whether you are in the National Park or a state park, though. It really is basically all the same.

For simplicity, I will refer to the park as Redwood National Park. Understand that will include parts of the state parks as well.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

How Much Time to Spend at Redwood National Park

When we visit a National Park, we often try to spend as much time as possible to ensure that we fully experience all that the park has to offer. That is especially true when visiting a park that we think we might not return to. Additionally, if you get bad weather or other unexpected wrinkles, it allows you flexibility. So, when I looked at the Redwood National Park map, my first thought was that we’d want four or five days at the park.

The park stretches roughly 50 miles, north to south, along the California coast. You’ll see quite a few places of interest and hiking trails on the park map. Knowing that we like to do at least a couple of longer hikes and build in some rest time, I worried that only having a day or two wouldn’t be enough.

Ultimately, I ended up arranging our itinerary to have four full days at Redwood National Park. We really only spent about 2.5 days exploring, though. And, honestly, we probably could have been perfectly content with just one to two days.

So, I’d say give yourself at least one full day at Redwood National Park. Two days would give you a little more time to get in more scenic drives or time exploring the coast. If you are interested in doing any long hikes or just want flexibility, add a third day. 

Honestly, though, you can get a good sense of what this park offers in as little as half a day. That said, I don’t think that is enough time to fully appreciate everything the park offers. Still, if that’s all the time you have, you can see and experience quite a bit.

What to See and Do at Redwood National Park

Since Redwood National Park is “long and skinny” along the coastline, you’ll explore the park either northbound or southbound. Either direction would be just fine – it really just depends on where you are staying (more about that below). 

From the north end, start your visit at the Hiouchi Visitor Center, which is 9 miles northeast of Crescent City. On the south end of the park, stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center, which is right on the beach. Be sure to pick up a park map and newspaper, check out the exhibits and talk to a ranger about your plans for your visit.

Even if you’ve done your research ahead of time, the rangers will always have the most up-to-date information. In our case, we were able to get the full details on a large road closure on Hwy 101. Only basic information was available online. Getting the details from a ranger certainly made our visit a lot more enjoyable, as we were able to plan around the road closure.

A ranger can also help you determine which sights to prioritize based on the amount of time you have and your particular interests. As much as I aim to do that in this article, conditions change and your interests may be different from mine. And, I can admit, that the rangers are definitely the true experts on the park!

Once you have a map and updated information, it’s time to start exploring!

Simpson-Reed Grove (and Walker Road)

Just down the road from the Hiouchi Visitor Center, within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, be sure to check out Simpson-Reed Grove Trail and other redwood groves along Walker Road.

The Simpson-Reed Grove is right at the corner of Hwy 199 and Walker Road. There is a nice figure-8 loop through the redwood forest that is very easy to walk. Each loop is about a 1/2-mile, making for an easy one-mile stroll altogether. While the loop is not paved, we did see a couple of visitors in wheelchairs who seemed to be navigating the terrain just fine.

We also enjoyed the drive farther down the unpaved Walker Road. The road takes you through additional redwood groves. You’ll find several places that you can park and explore along the way. While unpaved, most of the road is fairly easy to navigate, until you get to the very end. At the far northern end, by the Smith River, the turnaround point had some extremely large divots that were difficult to maneuver even in our four-wheel-drive F-150. 

If you have limited time, this is a grove that is very easy to reach and can be explored fairly quickly. 

Drive Howland Hill Road and Explore Stout Grove

In terms of unpaved scenic drives, Howland Hill Road is a nice one that is very easy to handle in any vehicle. If you’re short on time, just driving the road will give you more great views of the redwoods.

If you’re ready for another stroll, check out Stout Grove, near the east end of Howland Hill Road. Be careful, though, and make sure you’re actually at the correct trailhead. We accidentally started at the trailhead for the River Trail, which does eventually take you to Stout Grove but adds on about a 1/2-mile of rocky, uneven terrain that just wasn’t worth the effort to us.

Stout Grove should be easily accessible directly from Howland Hills Road – just look for the turnout, it should be clearly marked. Here, a 1/2-mile trail leads you through an impressive stand of redwoods. The trail through the grove is clearly marked and easy to navigate. Take as long as you want to wander through and marvel at these impressive trees! 

Overall, we liked Stout Grove a bit better than Simpson-Reed. Something about it just seemed a bit more open and had more variety.

Coastal Drive

As you head south on Hwy 101 towards the southern end of the park, take a detour over to the coast and drive the Coastal Drive. You’ll exit the Pacific Coast Highway on Klamath Beach Road, just south of the small town of Klamath. Watch the signs, which will loop you onto Alder Camp Road and the one-way Coastal Road, before returning to Klamath Beach Road.

At the intersection of Alder Camp Road and Coastal Drive, be sure to stop at High Bluff Overlook. This really is an impressive view of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky coastline. There’s even a few picnic tables if it’s time for lunch or a snack.

Continuing north on Coastal Road, take a few minutes to check out the World War II Radar Station. From the outside, these buildings appear to just be a homestead and barn. Inside, radar equipment monitored the area and anti-aircraft machine guns stood ready to defend against enemy attack.

As you continue down Coastal Drive, you’ll get a few more fantastic views of the coast and the mouth of the Klamath River.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

As you approach Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park be sure to exit Hwy 101 and take the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This is yet another opportunity to explore more redwood trees up close and see a few specific trees that are uniquely interesting.

Even if you don’t have time to stop, this really is a fantastic drive. As wonderful as the PCH is, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway wins for this particular stretch. 

Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail

At the northern end of the Scenic Parkway, the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail provides an interesting overview of the logging that was previously done in this area. In fact, it was the outcry over the amount of logging in the area that eventually led to the creation of Redwood National Park.

Several exhibit signs along the 1/2-mile out-and-back trail show how the park has removed old logging roads and is doing what they can to encourage regrowth of the forest. This is a fairly quick and easy trail that not only features several redwood groves but also provides good insight into the logging of redwood trees.

Corkscrew Tree

As you continue down the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, you’ll find several pullouts with trails that you can get out and explore. Stop at as many or as few as you like. Roadside signs point out several areas of interest and the trails that connect them to help you plan your exploration.

One quick and easy stop is at the Corkscrew Tree. With just a very short walk from the road, you’ll find several trees wound around each other in a corkscrew. I’ll be honest, the pictures of this really don’t do it justice, so hopefully, you will be able to stop and see it for yourself.

Of course, there are plenty of other interesting trees in the area. Explore for as long as you’d like! If you’re short on time, though, you can see the Corkscrew Tree with just a 5 minute stop.

Big Tree Wayside and Circle Trail

Just a minute or two down the road, you’ll find another magnificent tree, aptly named the Big Tree. The Big Tree measures 286 feet tall, with a diameter of almost 24 feet! It is estimated to be about 1500 years old. A large platform partially surrounds the tree, offering plenty of space to take pictures.

Of course, the Big Tree is not alone in this grove, as it is surrounded by plenty of other big trees! Take the Circle Trail for a short walk through this grove. The Cathedral Trees Trail and Foothills Trail provide longer hikes and connect to several other trails.

As I’ve said before, there are plenty of opportunities for both short and long walks through the redwoods.

Elk Prairie Visitor Center

At the southern end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, you’ll find the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. If you haven’t had a chance to stop at a visitor center yet, or just want more information on the southern end of Redwood National Park, be sure to stop and chat with a ranger. There are also a few exhibits and a small bookstore.

Several hiking trails start here at the Visitor Center. One short trail that connects the visitor center with the far end of the parking lot is the Revelation Trail. The park developed this trail specifically for the visually impaired but is a great trail for everyone. Various exhibit signs encourage you to use all your senses as you explore the park.

This area at Prairie Creek is also a good place to search for Roosevelt elk. While they look very similar to the Rocky Mountain elk that you may have seen at other parks, Roosevelt elk actually are the largest subspecies of North American elk. These once-endangered mammals are now abundant in the area and are commonly seen around Redwood National Park.

Fern Canyon 

If there is one thing you should do at Redwood National Park where redwood trees are not the main attraction, it is to hike Fern Canyon. The hike itself is an easy-moderate one-mile loop down by the coast. Getting to the canyon takes a little effort, though.

We chose to drive to the trailhead, which is at the end of Davison Road. This is an unpaved road off Hwy 101, just south of the southern end of the Newtown B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Most of the drive is fairly easy to navigate. There are a couple of places where you have to ford a small creek, though. 

If you are driving a vehicle with very low clearance, this may not be a road you want to attempt. When we visited in 2021, water levels were fairly low, though, so we saw plenty of sedans in the parking lot. Definitely check with a ranger on the road conditions but from our experience, most cars should be able to make it.

The other option is to hike to the canyon from the Elk Prairie Visitor Center. This requires a 10-12 mile roundtrip hike, which will likely take you the better part of a full day. Honestly, in hindsight we kind of wish we had done the long hike. We ran into some hikers at another trail who said this was the easiest long hike they had ever done. If we ever return to Redwood National Park, that will probably be first on our list of things to do.

Hiking through Fern Canyon

The hike through Fern Canyon kind of felt like a baby version of hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park. Of course, I say that having never actually hiked the Narrows! Still, you are following a small creek up into the canyon. Basically, the water is the trail and you have canyon walls, covered with ferns and other plants, on either side of you.

Get our tips for visiting Zion National Park in the winter.

Note, though, that I said a “baby version” of the Narrows. First, you are following a creek, not a river. So, while your feet might get a little wet, it shouldn’t be anything to worry about, especially during the summer months.

In the summer, the park actually puts down “footbridges” to guide the path up the canyon. That means that you really don’t have to worry about getting wet at all. In fact, after talking to a ranger, we decided to just wear our waterproof hiking shoes rather than sandals or water shoes and did just fine.

As you reach the “end” of the canyon, the trail loops uphill and you can return via a trail that looks down on the canyon. Of course, you could always just turn around and return the way you came.

While viewing the redwood trees should certainly be your first priority at Redwood National Park, hiking Fern Canyon should be your second priority. We both really enjoyed this easy hike. It is not only interesting and unique, but it is also a nice contrast to the inland redwood groves. 

If you have extra time, I think it would be fun to do this as a full-day hike from the Visitor Center. Driving out to the trailhead certainly saves you time, though.

Trillium Falls Trail

Most of the trails at Redwood National Park are relatively flat and easy. If you are looking for something slightly more strenuous, check out Trillium Falls Trail. The trailhead is located off Davison Road, not far from Hwy 101. 

We hiked the full loop, which is nearly three miles. For a shorter hike, you can go straight to the waterfall and back, which would be about a mile roundtrip. If you complete the loop clockwise so that the waterfall is at the end, you’ll have a long section of uphill but it’s generally not too steep. 

Throughout the hike, you’ll see several different redwood groves and a nice variety of other plants. In particular, we saw quite a few thriving nurse logs. If you aren’t familiar with the term “nurse log,” it’s basically a dead log that supports other plants. 

The waterfall is not large but is still nice. And it adds a little variety to the hike instead of just looking at redwoods. Overall, we really enjoyed this hike as something slightly more strenuous but still relatively short. 

Bald Hills Road

Continuing south on Hwy 101, Bald Hills Drive is another scenic drive that we encourage you to take. The real draw here is not the redwood trees, though there are plenty of them along the first half of the road. Keep going until you reach the “bald hills,” which are rolling hills that are NOT covered in trees!

What we enjoyed here are the views! It’s just amazing how quickly the view changes from thick forest to open meadow. And, of course, with that, the temperature increased about 10 degrees almost immediately.

Continue driving as far as you like. The farther you go, the better the views.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove

About 2.5 miles down Bald Hills Road you’ll find another nice redwood grove, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. The 1.5-mile loop trail winds through yet another impressive stand of redwoods and Douglas fir, along with other lush undergrowth.

The grove is named for First Lady Lady Bird Johnson because she visited this site in November 1968 for the dedication of Redwood National Park. About halfway through the loop, you’ll find a marker for the dedication and a couple of exhibit signs.

This particular trail felt a bit lusher and rainforest-like than some others. Of course, that could be because we did the hike in the morning while it still had a nice layer of coastal fog. Either way, it’s a great hike that is slightly more strenuous than some of the others, having about 200 feet of elevation gain.

I don’t know that this particular grove is necessarily better or worse than any of the others. But, its proximity to other highlights of the park makes it a good grove to visit if you have limited time. 

Tall Trees Trail

Continuing down Bald Hills Road, you’ll find the access road for the Tall Trees Trail. The location of this grove, along Redwood Creek, allows for plenty of water and protection from winds. As a result, many trees exceed 350 feet in height.

But, you have to plan ahead for this hike. This road and trail are only accessible with a permit. The park issues 50 permits per day, so be sure to apply as far in advance as you can. All requests must be made by 9:00 am two days in advance. 

To access the Tall Trees Grove, you’ll hike downhill about 1.3 miles, dropping roughly 700 feet in elevation. At the bottom, a one-mile loop trail meanders through the grove. You’ll then have to hike back up those 700 feet! 

The information online makes this elevation change sound much more difficult than it actually is. Of course, we’ve learned that difficulty level varies greatly in different parks. In a park where most trails are very flat and easy, even a little bit of elevation change is noteworthy. Still, if you are used to hiking with elevation change, you should be able to handle this trail.

I’ll be honest, we enjoyed this hike but it really was nothing special. Yes, the trees are tall… in fact, the tallest tree in the world is here. But it really is difficult to tell that these trees are any taller than any other grove of redwood trees. For us, perhaps the best part of this hike is that it wasn’t terribly crowded.

If you have the time and you want a more strenuous hike, this is a good option. If you can’t get a permit or just don’t have time, there are plenty of other options that are just as good, if not better.

Tidepooling

If you’re ready for a break from all the redwood trees, head over to the coast and do some tidepooling. If you’re not familiar with tidepooling, it’s where you look for marine invertebrates in the small pools of water that are left among the rocky coastline at low tide. 

There are several places to do some tidepooling at Redwood National Park. Check the park website or ask a ranger for suggestions. Also, be sure to look up a tide chart. We got one at our campground. I’m sure you could get one online or at one of the visitor centers. 

We chose to head over to the lighthouse in Crescent City. This was the easiest location for us to get to at low tide. And, it is a large, easy to reach area. We found several starfish, tons of snails and a few crabs. 

Honestly, we had better finds a few years ago in Olympic National Park but we also didn’t spend a lot of time tidepooling at Redwood National Park.

Read more about visiting Olympic National Park.

Safety is the biggest concern when tidepooling. The rocks can be very slippery, so move slowly and carefully. You don’t want to injure yourself or the animals. Also, be sure to watch the tide carefully. The hour before low tide is the best time for tide pooling. Once the tide starts coming in, the waves can be dangerous.

Tidepooling really is a great activity, though! If you can time it right, I encourage you to add it to your Redwood National Park itinerary.

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

If you have extra time, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway north or south as far as you want. Or, Redwood National Park could be just one stop on your PCH road trip!

We ended up driving south on the PCH one afternoon. We made it down to somewhere near Trinidad. Along the way, we found a few scenic vistas and overlooks. At one of them, near Trinidad, we spotted a large group of sea lions on the beach!

This was the first time we’ve seen sea lions out in the wild and it was really fun to watch them! Thankfully, we had binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens.

Construction on the Pacific Coast Highway

Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway, is the only road through Redwood National Park. There are a few side roads to various stops, but the main thoroughfare is Hwy 101. Most of the road is just a two-lane highway. As such, when there is road construction you’ll likely experience delays.

During our visit, there were several small areas where the road was limited to just one lane, with either a flagger or a traffic signal monitoring traffic flow. These offered only small delays of maybe a few minutes. 

Unfortunately, there was one section, between Klamath and Crescent City, where crews were working to repair the road after a large landslide. The landslide actually caused a complete closure of the PCH for at least a couple of months in early 2021. 

During our visit, we had to be prepared for a minimum of a 30-minute delay. And, the road was completely closed for up to two hours at a time several times throughout the day. After we left, the California Department of Transportation adjusted the work times to have closures up to four hours at a time! 

Obviously, this is only a temporary work zone, though I have no idea when they expect work to be complete. That said, with only one road running North to South, this could easily happen again in the future.

As always, just be sure to check the park’s website for alerts and information before you arrive.

Where to Stay 

When planning a visit to Redwood National Park, figuring out where to stay is not necessarily an easy task. While there are a few campgrounds inside the park, none offer RV hookups. There are no lodges in the park.

We stayed in Crescent City, which is on the north end of Redwood National Park. Crescent City is not a large town but it does have decent options for lodging, restaurants and other supplies. And, it is very convenient to visit the northern end of the park. Of course, it’s a bit of a drive to the southern end, especially with the massive construction project during our visit.

The smaller town of Klamath is reasonably close to the center of the park. And, we did see a couple of hotels and several RV parks that looked decent. This is a small town, though, and I’m not sure what kind of options there are for food or other supplies.

On the southern end, Orick is closest to the park. Trinidad, McKinleyville and Eureka are a bit farther away. Of these, Eureka is the biggest city but also the farthest.

If your itinerary is taking you through the park, you might do one night on the north end and another night on the south end. For those with more time, staying in Crescent City or Eureka will offer the most options but also will require the most driving.

Read TripAdvisor Reviews and book a hotel in Crescent City.

Village Camper Inn

We spent five nights camping at the Village Camper Inn in Crescent City. The campground had several different areas, with a couple of them obviously housing permanent residents. The area we were in appeared to be mostly short-term visitors. 

Overall, we enjoyed the campground. The sites were fairly close together, with no trees or other separation from your neighbors. Honestly, though, the weather was so cool and misty that we didn’t spend a lot of time outdoors. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in an RV or even a tent, Village Camper Inn is a good option. Just be prepared to do a bit of driving to get to the south end of the park. It’s a nice drive, though, so we didn’t mind it too much. I wouldn’t want to do it more than two days, though.

Read our in-depth campground reviews here.

Where to Eat

There are no dining options within the campground. I don’t think we even saw snacks for sale at any of the visitor centers. If you are planning a full day in the park you’ll definitely need to bring lunch and some snacks with you.

We did find a couple of good restaurants in Crescent City, though.

Since you’re on the coast, you might as well get some seafood. The Chart Room is a good place to do just that. Grant really enjoyed the grilled crab sandwich and clam chowder. I opted for fish tacos, filled with Pacific cod and topped with cabbage. Also be sure to check the floating docks just outside the restaurants, as they are a popular hangout for sea lions. 

If seafood isn’t your thing, head over to SeaQuest Brewing for a drink and/or a meal. SeaQuest offers a good variety of beer, which I sampled with a flight. In terms of food, the cheese curds appetizer was fantastic! 

There is also a good grocery store and a Walmart so you can get what you need for a picnic lunch in the park.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is one of those interesting parks that you can get in a fairly thorough visit in just one day. You could also keep yourself occupied for three or four days (or more) if you really wanted to. 

The park has a wide variety of places to see redwood trees, all of which are great. Do you necessarily need to visit all of them? I don’t think so. While the redwoods never get old, one grove of trees really is not all that different from another grove. Just explore however many you can in the time that you have.

In addition to walking through a couple of redwood groves, hiking through Fern Canyon should be at the top of your Redwood National Park itinerary. With additional time, enjoy the drive down Bald Hills Road and along the coast as well. There certainly is no shortage of good views along the Pacific Coast Highway!

Whether you spend a few hours or a few days, Redwood National Park is an interesting park with a lot more variety than you might initially think.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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A Guide to Visiting White Sands National Park in New Mexico

W hen flying into El Paso, we could see the glistening white sands of New Mexico from the sky. She beckoned to us. We had to see her firsthand!

It is a place you must see to believe. We will cover everything you need to know to plan your White Sands National Park visit.

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Miles with McConkey going!

White Sands National Park: Basic Information

God's giant sandbox offers beautiful scenery and unique recreational opportunities.

White Sands is a national park in southern New Mexico comprising a massive pocket of shimmering white sands sitting between two mountain ranges in the heart of the Tularosa Basin:

• San Andres Mountains
• Sacramento Mountains

The world's largest gypsum dune field spans 275 square miles, with the national park preserving over half of this natural wonder in the Chihuahuan Desert.

What is the Sand Made of?

Yes, tiny particles can make a difference. What’s inside matters.

Most beach sands contain quartz, but these sands consist of gypsum. Unlike your typical beach sand, gypsum does not absorb heat. It feels cool and comfortable, even on a scorching hot day.  

If you take off your shoes, keep an eye out for scorpions. They are hot to the touch.

A Beach Without an Ocean

It is surreal to see all this beautiful white sand and no ocean. You will not hear crashing waves or smell salt in the air. It does not matter. This place is special.  

The sea of dunes between the mountains and an infinite blue sky is breathtaking. Playing in God’s giant sandbox brings sheer joy.

A beach without an ocean does have a nice perk. There is less mess. Yes, sand still gets everywhere. It will be in your shoes and on your clothes. But, it brushes off quickly.

Fees and Passes

The park entrance fee is $25 per car, and your pass is good for seven days, starting at the date of purchase.

Consider an America the Beautiful park pass for $80. This annual pass is good for one year, starting at the date of purchase, and is valid at all our national parks.

Operating Hours and Seasons

White Sands National Park is open daily year-round except for Christmas Day. However, hours vary throughout the year. The park always opens at 7:00 am, but the closing time changes seasonally.

Note that the park is in the Mountain time zone. Visit the White Sands National Park website for current information on operating hours.

White Sands National Park Visitor Center

Be sure to stop at the White Sands National Park Visitor Center. It is at the very front of the park. 

The center has excellent educational videos and exhibits. We found the park rangers here to be very helpful. They answered all our questions and offered suggestions to help us maximize our time.

You will find a gift shop and restroom facilities next to the visitor center. The gift shop has quite a few souvenir options.  

 Dunes Drive

There is no path least taken here as there is only one road. If you want to see the park, you must take it.

Dunes Drive is 8 miles long through the core of rolling dunes, making your tour a 16-mile round-trip journey. The road surface is paved for the first five miles but consists of hard-packed sand for the final three.

We found the hard-packed sand portion of the drive suitable for cars. It can feel like you are driving in snow in a few spots. The wind can also blow mounds of sand onto the road. Just take it slow, and you will be fine.

Will it Be Crowded?

Lots of people were at the park during our time. Despite this, we never felt cramped for space. You are not required to stay on designated trails. So, there is plenty of room even with many visitors.

Who Will Enjoy White Sands National Park?

White Sands has something for everyone. We encountered: 

• Couples enjoying a leisurely beach day
• Families playing and laughing together
• People snapping pictures of the gorgeous vistas 

A few yards away, serious hikers were huffing and puffing as they made their way up and down the dunes. The contradiction was comical at times. There is something for everyone. Let’s dig into that now.

Things To Do in White Sands National Park

Activities at white sands national park.

• Photography
• Observing wildlife
• Searching for animal tracks
• Watching the sunset
• Camping 
• Riding horses

Let’s dig deeper in the sand and explore these activities.

Trail System

There are five hiking trails in the park. Each is well-marked and offers beautiful scenery.

I like the way the trails are marked. The National Park Service (NPS) uses colored trail markers and symbols, making it easy to identify paths and find your way. 

Four of the five courses utilize the system. The fifth path, a boardwalk, does not need it.

Whoever designed the system must be a card shark. The symbols are those found on standard playing cards. It is simple but clever.

Keep Your Bearings

Maintaining your bearings in the desert is critical for survival. A park ranger told us that people occasionally get lost and need help finding their car.

You can walk freely up and down the dunes without sticking to a path. However, it is easy to lose your way. That is why the trails have a marker system.

The best advice is to always have the next marker in your sights before proceeding. As long as you do that, you will find your way.

Weather can change quickly in this park, and it is often windy. Temperatures can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. The thermometer can dip below freezing at times in the winter months. Storms can also pop up suddenly.

Weather conditions may impact you more than you realize. Sun and wind can have a dehydrating effect. Walking in the sand can be exhausting, especially when climbing dunes of loose sand. Your skin can quickly burn in these conditions. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and protect your skin from the sun.

I worry about drinking a lot of water and later need restroom facilities. This park has you covered. There are restrooms at the park entrance, picnic areas, and trailheads.

What to Bring for Hiking

Always have a hiking buddy. It is recommended not to hike alone. We suggest you bring the following items:

• Fully charged cell phone
• Portable phone charger
• Water (minimum of two 32-ounce bottles per person on every trail)
• High-energy snacks (fruits and nuts)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Mini first-aid kit
• Whistle or signal mirror

Playa Trail

The  Playa Trail  is a level, easy 0.5-mile round-trip hike with green markers with the heart symbol. Not all of the sand is white here. You will find sizable sections of brown sand. 

There is considerable vegetation in this area. We discovered several holes in the ground that animals made. Unfortunately, we did not see the animals themselves, but we saw their tracks. 

Dune Life Nature Trail

Dune Life Nature Trail is a moderate 1-mile loop with blue trail markers bearing the club symbol. The trail contains quite a bit of vegetation and a few steep dunes to climb.

Animals, birds, and reptiles all inhabit the area. We saw several birds, a couple of beetles, and many tracks. The views at the top of the steep dunes will reward your climbing efforts.

Interdune Boardwalk

As the name implies, Interdune Boardwalk is a boardwalk. It is an easy, level 0.4-mile round-trip walk that makes you feel at the beach. Admittedly, it seems odd not to find an ocean at the end of the path.

The wheelchair-accessible path has a few bench seats along the way and a shaded canopy. It is an excellent chance for a stroll or a rest to enjoy the beautiful view. There is some vegetation here as well. We spotted birds and several sets of tracks.

Backcountry Camping Trail

The Backcountry Camping Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike with orange markers bearing the spade symbol. In full disclosure, we did not hike this trail. We spent time on all the courses except this one.

There are several steep dunes of loose sand. You will find less vegetation here and beautiful views of the horizon.

Alkali Flat Trail

The Alkali Flat Trail is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike with red trail markers with the diamond symbol. This trail is a workout! It feels like you are on a StairMaster machine in quicksand. You will be trudging up and down dunes the whole way.  

Little vegetation showcases the white sands standing out against the blue sky. Each time you ascend a steep dune, you get rewarded with a beautiful view.

Sledding at White Sands National Park

Feel like a kid again.

Would you like to feel like a kid again? Do yourself a favor and go sledding in White Sands. It is a blast! You will see adults and kids alike wearing wide grins.

Climbing up the dunes is a bit of work. But it is rewarding to glide down a mountain of white sand.

You can purchase a plastic saucer at the park gift shop. As of March 2022, the cost is $24.99. When done, you can return your sled for a souvenir drink koozie. Used sleds cost less. Unfortunately, they did not have any when we visited.

If feasible, bring your sled. Consider purchasing one at a local store before visiting the park. We should have thought of this ahead of time. I suspect you can find them in the Alamogordo stores for a better price.

You will need to apply a thin wax layer to the saucer's bottom to make it down the hill. The park gift shop sells bars of wax for $2.99. For best results, apply wax before every sled run. One bar should be sufficient.

It is odd to go sledding without snow and without being bundled up in thick winter gear. Your sled runs likely will be slower than those in snow. But, it is a great time. We even saw a woman sledding with her dog in her lap. 

Pro Tip: Head for the back of the park for the best sledding dunes. The last two miles of Dunes Drive have less vegetation, yielding more spots for clean runs.

Playing in the Sand

The simple pleasures in life are the best.

Dip Your Toes

Walking barefoot in the cool, soft sand feels so good. It just gives you a sense of calm.

Bring a Pail and Shovel

We saw many young kids excitedly digging in the sand. It will be the biggest sandbox they have ever seen! Adults are welcome to join in.

Bring the Family Dog

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Every dog we saw seemed to love the sand. Tails were wagging every step of the way.

Photo Opportunities

It is such a beautiful place you will want to take pictures. The scene is picturesque, with dazzling white sand, sprawling blue skies, and mountains in the distance. Cheese!

Observing Wildlife

It’s a wild life.

There are many types of critters in this desert habitat. Most tend to be nocturnal so sightings can be a challenge. Your best bet is to stay close to the visitor center and on the hiking trails in the first half of the park. More vegetation in this area means food and shelter for animals.

Ten Common Birds of White Sands

• Cactus wren
• Northern Mockingbird
• Loggerhead shrike
• Western kingbird
• Horned lark
• Greater Roadrunner
• Chihuahuan raven
• Swaison's hawk
• Red-tailed hawk
• Northern harrier

We spotted wrens and mockingbirds. Observing a roadrunner in the wild is a dream of mine. I asked a ranger about improving our odds of a sighting. She laughed, indicating she had only seen two in the past five months, and those were outside of Starbucks. 

Roadrunners are in the park, but they are not easily spotted. I will not give up on my quest. We will go back to the southwestern U.S. and try again.

Ten Common Reptiles of White Sands

• Bleached earless lizard
• Common side-blotched lizard
• Desert box turtle
• Long-nosed leopard lizard
• Little white whiptail
• Prairie rattlesnake
• Sonoran gopher snake
• Southwestern fence lizard
• Western coachwhip
• Western diamondback rattlesnake

Ten Common Mammals of White Sands

• American badger
• Apache pocket mouse
• Black-tailed jackrabbit
• Desert cottontail
• Merriam's kangaroo rat
• Pocket gopher

Last but not least, we need to acknowledge that scorpions live in White Sands. Scorpions in this area have mild venom. Their sting is painful but not dangerous to humans.

Searching for Wildlife Tracks

Footprints in the sand.

In addition to observing wildlife, you can search for their tracks. The sand captures perfect imprints until the wind blows away the evidence. 

 Spotting various tracks throughout the park can be a fun challenge. We detected many sets of tracks during our visit. I tried to make Scooby and Shaggy proud. You can find more information about common tracks here.

Watching the Sunset

Sunset stroll.

Each day about an hour before sunset, the park offers a stroll led by a ranger. You can learn about the park and end your day with a spectacular panoramic view. Be sure to verify the time and location with a ranger at the visitor center.

Backcountry Camping

Camping is one of the more popular things to do at White Sands. Sleeping under the stars in this wide-open world is such a treat. There is little to no light pollution, and you can watch the Milky Way come to life before your eyes.

Unfortunately, backcountry camping is currently closed. The park is rehabilitating the campsites, and a target date still needs to be provided. Monitor the White Sands National Park website for updates as you plan your trip.

Camping in the park would provide plenty of stargazing opportunities. Since that is not an option, you still have two alternatives for observing the night sky.

Full Moon Nights

Park closing times are extended for each full moon night from May through October. It is a great chance to stay later in the park as the moon illuminates the dunes. 

Since most desert animals are nocturnal, your chances of spotting wildlife will be better. It also allows you to stargaze. Watching the black sky light up with millions of white stars brings pure joy.

Full moon nights for 2023 are:

• September 29

Full Moon Hikes

The park offers full moon hikes one day before the full moon from April through October. You can hike the dunes beneath the moon's glow and hear the desert come to life as the nocturnal animals emerge from their hiding places.

There are additional fees for this ranger-guided program, and capacity is limited. Tickets become available two months ahead of the scheduled date. Those tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or over the phone. 

Full moon hikes for 2023 are:

• September 28
• November 27

Picnic in the Park

With gorgeous vistas, the park is a fantastic place to enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch. There are three designated picnic areas around mile markers 6 to 7 on Dunes Drive:

• Primrose Picnic Area
• Roadrunner Picnic Area
• Yucca Picnic Area

These sections provide shaded tables and grills. The picnic shelters conveniently sit near dunes, perfect for family play. There are restrooms in each area as well.

Ride the Wind

Do you like to bike? You can ride on Dunes Drive right through the heart of the dunes. This scene feels like something you would see on a Peloton. Only you will be doing it for real.

Remember you will share a narrow, winding, sand-covered road with cars, trucks, and RVs. Rangers recommend you wear a helmet. 

Off-road biking is not permitted. Stay on the road and in parking areas only.

Mountain bikes and beach bikes with wide tires should be fine. Road bikes with skinny street tires are not suited for these road conditions.

Note you will need to bring your bike since the park does not offer bike rentals. If you enter the park on a bicycle, the entrance fee is $15 a person.

Riding Horses

Horseback riding.

Do you have a horse? If so, you can go horseback riding in the park.

You must submit a special permit at the park entrance upon arrival. The NPS recommends you complete the form before your visit. You can find more information about riding horses and the permit here. What a fantastic way to experience this unique park!

Planning Your Visit to White Sands National Park

Where to start.

• Check the White Sands National Park website for information, current updates, and closures.
• Watch our video for additional travel tips.
• Use the map below to view the area.
• Plan your activities based on our list of top things to do.
• If you plan to take a full moon hike, reserve your spot(s).
• Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Bring a camera to capture beautiful memories.

When visiting national parks, we take our Venture Pal backpack to carry necessities like those listed above. This light pack is perfect for day hikes and exploration. It has various pockets, including a waterproof wet pouch. We take it with us everywhere we go!

*** White Sands Missile Range regularly conducts missile tests. Dunes Drive will be closed during these times. Monitor the website for closures when planning your trip. The dates typically get published in advance. You can find current closure information here . ***

Where to Stay

Alamogordo is only 15 to 20 minutes from the park. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area. You can also stay in Las Cruces, about an hour away.

We stayed at Hampton Inn Alamogordo , conveniently located next to U.S. Highway 70, which will take you directly to White Sands. Hampton Inn provides clean rooms, hot breakfast, and helpful service.

Attractions in Alamogordo

Are you nuts? If you like nuts, especially pistachios, you must stop at PistachioLand . It is a touristy but fun place.  

At PistachioLand, you will find:

• World's Largest Pistachio
• Pistachio Tree Farm
• McGinn's Country Store
• Arena Blanca Winery

They have a little bit of everything here. There are tons of souvenirs and snacks, among many other things. They even offer wine tastings and food samples. The main focus is pistachios, of course. 

You will see PistachioLand billboards all across the state of New Mexico .

Make the Loop

Residents asked if we were making the loop. Yes, we are!

There are two other national parks close by. You can complete the circle, making for an excellent road trip. Each park is unique and offers something very different.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park , located in Salt Flat, Texas, is about 3 hours from White Sands. There are beautiful mountains with many great hikes.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park , located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is about 3 1/4 hours from White Sands. You will find an enormous, spectacular underground world, unlike anything you have seen.

Visiting White Sands National Park

Surrounded by rolling dunes and mountain vistas, you will find joy in White Sands National Park whether you take a stroll, play in the sand, sled, or hike. Playing in God's giant sandbox is a thrill.

Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey

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