The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is way from only a nationwide park. It is residence to a number of the tallest bushes on this planet – redwoods (scientifically often known as sequoia sempervirens). Nature and climbing lovers will love strolling the paths by means of old-growth forests and the a whole lot and a whole lot of redwood bushes. Redwood National Park is well one of many greatest locations to go to within the United States and has climbing trails to match. You’ll discover a number of the greatest hikes in California and the United States – with picture alternatives galore.

So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is certainly value visiting. Its tall bushes make it probably the most iconic nationwide parks within the nation. But what do you want to know earlier than you go? This information will cowl all of the important particulars, plus just a few bonus sections. We’ve obtained loads to cowl, so let’s get began.

What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?

Every conventional story begins at first, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was residence to completely different teams of Native American Indians who had a radical data of the park and its wildlife. The tribes largely lived off deer, fish, nuts, and berries. They additionally believed within the Spirit Beings, a predecessor race to the people who acted as guides, exhibiting individuals how to reside on the land.

Redwood National Park first entered European colonizers’ radars when gold was found within the Trinity River across the 1850s. After that, flocks of Europeans got here to settle in what’s now Redwood National Park and its surrounding areas.

The Europeans had been extremely hostile to the present Native American Indians, and lots of had been paid by the state to conduct murders to push the native individuals off of the land. While the motion did end in tragic massacres, it failed its general purpose to wipe out all of the Native American Indians in Redwood National Park. Yurok, Hupa, Tolowa, and Karuk communities nonetheless reside on reservations throughout and across the nationwide park.

It is crucial to concentrate on the socio-political historical past of Redwood National Park earlier than visiting, simply to comprehend the significance of the land and acknowledge its darkish previous.

Taking the story again to the 1850s gold rush, one other business that boomed right now was logging. The tall bushes had been a gold mine for immigrants arriving within the park, as their measurement and sturdiness made them prized and extremely wanted. Just three years later, in 1853, the area already had 9 sawmills.

By the flip of the century, individuals had been starting to change into involved about preserving the tiny remaining quantity of redwood bushes. Out of those considerations, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods had been fashioned. The choice to create state parks hoped to counteract a number of the impacts of logging, creating secure areas for some redwoods to develop.

However, forming these three state parks was not sufficient to eradicate logging considerations. In 1930, chainsaws and bulldozers allowed for an excellent greater charge of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it obtained to the Sixties, nearly 90% of old-growth redwoods had been misplaced.

Partially in response to this, the Redwood National Park was formally created in 1968. Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls Trail, and Tall Trees Grove had been all saved from additional logging by giving the land an official title and guarded standing. Protected areas within the area had been rising, and now Redwood National Park had an actual, acknowledged title – an essential step within the park’s historical past.

In 1978, the federal government bought greater than 10,000 acres from non-public logging firms – enlarging the nationwide park boundaries and defending much more land. Despite all these efforts, simply 5% of the unique old-growth redwood forest stays right now throughout California.

Redwood National Park is significant in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are nonetheless preventing to restore lands broken throughout logging occasions that always occurred over fifty years in the past. Redwood National Park has a tragic historical past in contrast to different nationwide parks.

The injury will take many years to heal – by no means thoughts starting to reverse the injury. But its historical past can be a triumphant story and armed with all its backstory, guests will respect the worth of the Redwood National Park ten occasions extra.

Best issues to do in Redwood National Park

Now that you just’ve obtained the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood bushes let’s take a look at one of the best issues to do in Redwood National Park. The park has a lot to do – whether or not you need to hike, discover its smaller state parks, or cycle. Allow no less than a full day to go to and tick off just a few of those implausible actions, and, if potential, keep for just a few days to every week to expertise one of the best of the park.

Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all one of the best issues to do within the Redwood National and State Parks. The area contains 4 areas: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

We’ll cut up issues up by every park, so you may get a transparent concept of which actions greatest mix collectively.

Redwood National Park

Let’s begin with the primary park – Redwood National Park. You simply want an entire day simply to respect Redwood National Park. If you’re brief on time, you’ll want to prioritize successfully to see the highest sights of your selection. These are our prime 5.

1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a ravishing reserve in Redwood National Park. The space is known as after the previous First Lady in recognition of her tireless environmental efforts. Visitors can stroll by means of Lady Bird Johnson Grove utilizing the 1.4-mile scenic path. You’ll discover loads of info boards and photo-worthy stops, so permit between an hour and two hours to full the path leisurely.

2. Visit Redwood Creek Overlook

Redwood Creek Overlook is a famend sundown spot. This is the proper spot if you need a romantic place to end a busy day in Redwood National Park. The overlook is about on a slight vantage level, so that you look down over a valley of bushes. Often, a light-weight mist cloaks many of the forest beneath, which is an extremely beautiful sight.

Don’t rush off after sundown, because the overlook is a superb place for star gazing. Bring a blanket and a heat drink, and settle in for the night.

3. Visit Bald Hills

The Bald Hills sharply distinction Redwood National Park’s old-growth forests. As their title would possibly counsel, the Bald Hills are nearly solely empty of bushes. Instead, you’ll discover meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Redwood National Park to expertise a contrasting panorama to old-growth redwoods.

One of one of the best methods to go to is to drive alongside Bald Hills Road. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is positioned on the primary three miles of Bald Hills Road, so it is a wonderful attraction to mix with a scenic drive by means of 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 without doubt one of the most well-known places inside Redwood National Park, thanks to a National Geographic Magazine printed in 1963. National Geographic coated Tall Trees Grove because the nationwide park’s main attraction, and the grove has attracted substantial crowds since.

Be conscious that Tall Trees Trail is ranked as a difficult route. There is a 487-meter elevation change, and the path can get moist and slippery to solely deal with the route in good situations and with satisfactory clothes.

5. Go on a horseback driving path

Going horseback driving is an thrilling approach to discover Redwood National Park and affords a special perspective than exploring on foot. Redwood Trails Horse Rides provide scenic path rides by means of the nationwide park and are extremely rated as a dependable tour operator. Most tour operators permit you to get shut to the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback experience? It feels like a win to us.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Next up is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located with a part of its boundaries alongside the west coast. It is a scorching spot for wildlife recognizing (particularly elk). It is the start line of Redwood National and State Parks’ main backpacking path. Excited? You ought to be.

1. See the Roosevelt Elk

Roosevelt elk are among the finest animals to spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the most important sort of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They reside in massive herds and are unimaginable to spot and {photograph}. If you’re visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk ought to be on the prime of your checklist.

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

2. Hike the Coastal Trail

If you’re keen on multi-day climbing journeys, the Coastal Trail is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do when visiting Redwood National Park and State Parks. The path is a part of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail. But, except you’ve obtained a whole lot of time in your fingers, we suggest finishing the Redwood National and State Parks part of the path. It begins in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and stretches 70 miles alongside the shoreline. You’ll spot redwoods, beautiful seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and perhaps even whales.

Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is a ravishing part completely suited to a day hike.

3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Prefer to drive relatively than stroll? No downside. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile highway that winds by means of old-growth redwoods. There are quite a few locations the place you may get out to stretch your legs and snap images if you want. But, in any other case, it’s simply the proper place to simply cruise by means of for beautiful views and minimal effort.

Allow just a few hours to drive the parkway leisurely. Just a few hours also needs to be loads of time to leap out often for images, a brief stroll, or a picnic.

4. Hike Trillium Falls

Trillium Falls is a brief, nearly 3-mile loop that takes you thru an old-growth forest, previous a sawmill, and to a waterfall on the stunning endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with just a few straightforward switchbacks and very reasonable elevation achieve.

It is a photogenic and stress-free route, and Trillium Falls is the final word reward on your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a metal bridge – offering a ravishing vantage level to admire the crashing falls.

5. Visit Fern Canyon

Wave hiya to Hollywood as a result of Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you will have guessed) are coated in ferns, and the impact is mesmerizing. It is not any marvel that Fern Canyon caught the eyes of film producers. The canyon partitions are 50 ft excessive.

You should full a brief mile-long loop path to attain Fern Canyon. Allow round half an hour to full the loop, plus a bit of additional time to cease, admire, and snap images of Fern Canyon itself.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to admire the Redwood National and State Parks shoreline. You’ll have scenic coastal drives and overlooks galore. With some luck, you’ll even spot whales in the event you go to Redwood National Park throughout winter or early spring. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is filled with actions. Let’s get began.

1. Drive the Scenic Coastal Drive

This eight-mile scenic drive is beautiful. The route winds alongside the California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and also you’ll expertise the fantastic thing about the redwoods assembly the ocean. It is a ravishing factor to do, and it makes logistical sense, too, because it connects Del Norte State Park with Prairie Creek State Park.

If you propose to discover each state parks, simply incorporate the Coastal Drive into your journey. Make positive to add it to your itinerary – even whether it is simply 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 ravishing place to spot whales from by means of winter and early spring. At these occasions of the 12 months, you largely spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, it’s also possible to spot humpbacks and blue whales. We counsel bringing a heat blanket and drink – you’ll want to be affected person, however the effort is worth it if you spot a pod.

3. Visit Enderts Beach

Enderts Beach is greatest identified for its rock swimming pools. Stop by to peer into the swimming pools, and perhaps you’ll spot starfish (or no less than just a few crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a superb spot to have a traditional seaside expertise and luxuriate in any hotter climate.

4. Hike the Damnation Creek Trail

While solely round 4-miles in size, Damnation Creek Trail is without doubt one of the most difficult within the area. You can count on a steep elevation achieve and can want an excellent health degree to full the path in good time. The draw? A wonderful cliff-side redwood forest and the satisfaction of finishing a tough route.

5. Visit False Klamath Cove

False Klamath Cove is prime picnicking territory and has a romantic, wild-feeling ambiance. The small seaside is suffering from stones in a simple ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ approach. There are additionally informative signposts with info on native marine life.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our closing state park to cowl. The park is residence to the Smith River and is positioned additional inland than the opposite two state parks. It will get its title from the explorer Jedediah Smith. It is residence to a number of the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear extra? We’ve obtained some nice sights lined up.

1. Drive Howland Hill Road

This scenic drive is for the adventurous solely. The National Park Service warns that the highway ‘is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods’. If that sounds thrilling, the ten-mile drive might be up your avenue. Allow round an hour to full the route, plus a bit longer to account for any stops.

2. Walk Boy Scout Tree Trail

Boy Scout Tree Trail is a implausible mid-length hike when visiting Redwood National Park. It is round 5.5 miles lengthy and contains many factors of curiosity, together with Fern Falls. Get prepared to snap a lot of images. It is of reasonable problem, and you need to permit round 4 to 5 hours to full the hike.

3. Walk Stout Grove

Speaking of images, Stout Grove is without doubt one of the most photographed spots in all the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is comparatively small, however you possibly can simply spend an hour or so there. Some bushes develop to round 90 meters in peak, and the forest surroundings is breathtaking.

4. Go fishing on the Smith River

If you’re keen on fishing, Jedediah Smith State Park is the place to go. The state park is legendary for salmon and steelhead from October to February, whereas summer season is greatest for cutthroat trout. What may very well be higher than a day of fishing alongside the riverside? It is without doubt one of the most stress-free issues within 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 path shared by bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. But, for a special expertise after all of the climbing trails, we propose mountain biking the path. You’ll move loads of native flora like bear grass and wind your approach by means of stunning redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods one of the best of all? We’ll allow you to resolve.

Nearby parks to go to from Redwood National Park

So, these are the three state parks which might be included within the nationwide park boundaries. But loads of different California state parks boast redwood groves, a few of that are only a brief drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.

These are one of the best close by parks to go to from Redwood National Park.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California’s third largest state park and encompasses a staggering 53,000 acres. It is most well-known for the Avenue of Giants – a 31.5-mile scenic drive that takes drivers on tour by means of one of the best of the park.

Sue-Meg State Park

Just additional down the coast, Sue-Meg State Park is a superb day journey from Redwood National Park. If you need close by sights, it doesn’t get extra attention-grabbing than a go to to Sue-Meg. The state park has a whole lot of cultural sights and historic websites, like a preserved conventional Yurok plank home.

Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area

Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area is positioned simply outdoors Redwood National Park. The space is sufficiently small to discover in an hour. However, it affords a special panorama than you usually discover contained in the nationwide park. The space sits on the sting of the Big Lagoon and is predominately wetlands. If you get fortunate, it additionally has a resident herd of elk that you could be spot.

Redwood National Park FAQs

Now that we’ve coated all of the thrilling bits, what concerning the important sensible particulars? This is every little thing you want to learn about visiting Redwood National Park – from actual location and transportation choices to how to get a free allow and the place to keep.

Where is Redwood National Park?

So, the place is Redwood National Park? The nationwide park and its state parks are positioned in Northern California, hugging a big part of the California coast and spreading inland towards Six Rivers National Forest. The nationwide park and state parks are comparatively unfold out from one another, so be ready to do a little bit of driving to see all of them.

Redwood National Park is positioned simply south of Orick. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is shut to Redwood National Park and instantly north of Orick.

Del Norte and Jedediah Smith State Parks are additionally positioned shut collectively, 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 positioned instantly east of Crescent City.

How to get to Redwood National Park

The easiest method is to fly into Eureka-Arcata Airport or Crescent City Airport. You can lease a automotive from right here and simply proceed your journey with a brief drive into the nationwide park or to your lodging. Those brief on time ought to select this technique of getting to Redwood National Park. It will permit you to maximize your time exploring the park and scale back pointless journey time.

Of course, in the event you don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you would possibly discover flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you’re flying internationally, you will have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, lease a automotive and highway journey your approach to Redwood National Park – stopping at sights and state parks alongside the way in which.

This choice is greatest for individuals who have loads of time, need to lower your expenses on flights, and are up for including an additional journey to the expertise. It can be value including that many individuals add the redwood bushes at Redwood National Park as one of many closing sights on a West Coast highway journey.

Don’t drive? Not an issue. You can hop on a Greyhound bus. A Greyhound service runs between Crescent City and Arcata twice day by day, six days every week (don’t attempt to catch it on a Sunday). It is sort of possible to journey to Redwood National Park utilizing Greyhound buses. You’ll simply want to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.

Another choice is to guide a tour of Redwood National Park that features transfers. If you don’t thoughts a whistle-stop tour and are completely satisfied for the tour operator to set the tempo, this can be a wonderful means to attain the park and match loads right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the costliest choice, however it’s undoubtedly the simplest in the event you don’t drive.

Best time to go to Redwood National Park

As a fast reply, one of the best time to go to Redwood National Park is in spring. The temperatures are milder, the rain is beginning to dwindle off, and also you’ve obtained all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is greatest for out of doors actions like climbing and all its primary sights are outside, these are all essential components to take into account.

The peak season to go to Redwood National Park is between May and September. While it isn’t like different nationwide parks that get fully crowded, you would possibly discover visiting extra stress-free outdoors of this era. Late March or April are thought of good months to decide.

Are March and April off the desk for some cause? Fall is the subsequent best option since it’s also a shoulder season, and the climate remains to be comparatively gentle.

Last however not least, winter is chilly and moist, so that you’ll want to be hardy and well-prepared to go to then. We wouldn’t suggest it in the event you don’t like being outside in unhealthy climate. It is the least common time to go to Redwood National Park. But in the event you don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a wonderful selection to keep away from crowds as a lot as potential.

What to pack to go to Redwood National Park

After speaking about moist and chilly climate, it may not shock you that the primary issues in your packing checklist ought to be waterproof. You ought to have a water-proof coat, climbing boots, and maybe even waterproof trousers (particularly in the event you go to throughout winter). The very last thing you need is to slip and get soaked on a path or get caught midway round a hike in a downpour.

Next, you need heat however breathable layers. Merino wool is a very talked-about selection, and also you’ll discover all types of base layers accessible on this materials. Aim to have thermal leggings/trousers and a long-sleeved thermal prime. You can then add or take away outer layers as vital.

When climbing, a torch, bug spray, suncream (you by no means know), a hat, bear spray, and a conveyable charger are all must-brings. It is perhaps a good suggestion to convey a primary support equipment, too, particularly if you need to deal with a number of the longer, extra distant hikes. And in the event you’re going to camp, you’ll additionally want all of your tenting tools.

And what good are all these things with out something to carry them in? You ought to have two luggage – a small climbing backpack and no matter bag you’re completely satisfied to depart at your lodging.

Last however not least, we’d actually suggest a digital camera. After all, you’ll be getting up shut with the world’s tallest tree species. You’ll want recollections of your expertise.

Where to keep in Redwood National Park

You’ve obtained all the data you want, besides the place to keep. These are one of the best price range, mid-range, and luxurious choices. Let’s have a look.

Budget: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

If backcountry tenting is a bit out of your consolation zone, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a ravishing entry level. Plus, you’ll be tenting straight on the seaside, which absolutely has obtained to be among the finest budget-friendly lodging decisions within the US.

The amenities are additionally glorious; you’ll have showers, restrooms, fireplace pits, and even bear-proof lockers.

Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park

This up to date property is the proper mid-range lodging selection in Redwood National Park. It is located in Klamath and has the best location to discover close by sights just like the Coastal Drive and Klamath River Overlook.

Each room comes with an en-suite, seating space, and coffee-making amenities. Some choices embrace additional options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is a whole lot of flexibility inside Holiday Inn Express’ room decisions which inserts a variety of mid-range budgets. Check costs and availability on Tripadvisor.

Luxury: Oreq-W Ranch House

Oreq-W Ranch House is a sole-use vacation residence with two bedrooms and a settee mattress accessible in the lounge. It is a perfect luxurious getaway for a small group or household. Located in central Orick, visitors may have easy accessibility to the Redwood National and State Parks, plus all of the comforts of a house on the town.

The property comes with free wi-fi and a backyard to get pleasure from. If you need that residence away from residence really feel, you possibly can’t discover way more luxurious.

Final Tip

Don’t neglect to cease by one of many park’s customer facilities. Hiouchi Visitor Center and Kuchel Visitor Center are two of essentially the most built-up. However, all customer facilities are sensible locations to decide up a park map, get skilled recommendation, and use the bathroom and water amenities. Keep a watch out and use them as pit stops as you discover.

To Conclude

Visiting Redwood National Park is clearly one on your bucket checklist. The park is an enchanting place to go to, and seeing the world’s tallest bushes up shut is a reminiscence that can final a lifetime.

Hopefully, after studying this information, you’ll have realized how way more Redwood National Park has to provide moreover its tall bushes. The nationwide park is various and thrilling – full of sights, actions, and lodging decisions. Have an unimaginable time.