Towering forests, misty coastlines, and ancient trees create a landscape that feels almost prehistoric. Walking beneath these enormous redwoods has a way of making everything else suddenly feel very small.
Stretching along the coast of northern California, Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. Yet the region is far more than just giant redwoods, with rivers, rugged coastline, and vast stretches of wilderness adding to its remarkable scenery.
Whether hiking through quiet forest trails or driving along the North California coast, the parks leave a lasting impression that’s difficult to describe until you experience them for yourself.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a favorite place to visit at Redwood National and State Park. You’ll find it in the Redwood National Park, about an easy three-mile drive north along Highway 101 from the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
It is named after the former first lady, who was a renowned conservationist. The trail here takes you on a 1.5-mile loop through some very picturesque redwoods.
Be sure to stop at the numbered zones to learn more about the grove and its flora and fauna.
Bald Hills
You’ll see plenty of bosky landscapes in Redwood National Park. However, you should make a point of driving to the Bald Hills area for a goosebump-inducing overview of the region’s redwoods. Make sure you have your camera ready because you are sure to capture an Instagram-worthy shot.
While there, check out the Redwood Creek Overlook. There, you can learn more about the efforts of Redwoods Rising, which has restored over 70,000 acres of coastal redwood forest that had previously been decimated by logging.
Big Tree
Big Tree is a major tourist attraction at Prairie Creek State Park. It is estimated to be at least 15,000 years old and rises to a height of 290 feet with a circumference of 75 feet.
If you are traveling with young children or older adults, this is an excellent site to visit as the trail from the car park is only about 0.3 miles in length. It does get busy, though, so it’s best to arrive very early or just before the sun starts to set.
Klamath River Overlook
It’s not all trees at Redwood National Park; there are some fantastic water views to take in as well.
One of the best is the Klamath River Overlook, which you can reach from Requa Road, a turning just past the town of Klamath. This leads uphill to a lookout point that is a noted spot for gray whale watching.
If you aren’t visiting during the prime viewing months of November, December, March, and April, don’t worry — you’ll still get spectacular views of where the sea and river meet.
Smith River
This waterway cuts through Jedediah Smith and is one of the only rivers that freely flows to the Pacific Ocean from its source.
One of its most distinctive features is its striking green appearance, which results from the serpentine bedrock beneath it.
Apparently, it is California’s premier fishing destination for salmon, particularly steelhead — a 27-pound whopper was once caught here.
If the fish aren’t biting, you can still enjoy the stunning views of the coast redwoods.
Stout Grove
Not far from the majestic Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the equally compelling Stout Grove. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful redwood groves you could ever hope to see, with trees reaching upwards of 300 feet in height.
To get there, you’ll need to drive up a dirt road. However, once parked, it’s only a short walk to these towering giants.
Trillium Falls
Nestled within the redwoods at Redwood National Park is the scenic Trillium Falls.
Many people rave about the waterfall itself, though the real highlight is the trail leading there, which takes you on a beautiful hike through a lovely mix of ferns and redwoods.
Along the way, you can cross bridges, take in picturesque views, and photograph fallen tree structures whose massive circumference gives a real appreciation of their size. Look out for elk and the spectacular trillium flowers as you explore the trail.
Fern Canyon
If you have ever watched The Lost World: Jurassic Park, you may recognize Fern Canyon, as some scenes were filmed there.
Two short trails at Prairie Creek State Park take you through the canyon, which really does feel like a landscape where Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, and Dilophosaurus roam freely.
Once you get over the prehistoric atmosphere, you can marvel at the stunning canyon walls cloaked in ferns and the quaint waterfalls that trickle down them.
Howland Hill Road
If you want an up-close and personal view of the magnificent redwoods without leaving your vehicle, then Howland Hill Road is the place to visit.
Formerly a stagecoach line, this twisty road allows you to drive among some very tall trees. Extending for 10 miles in Jedediah Smith State Park, it leads to other popular stops, such as Stout Grove and Boy Scout Tree.
Just be aware that this is a dirt road, and it is not wide enough for RVs.
Beach Time
There are several beach areas along the Northern California Coast within Redwood National and State Parks.
Gold Bluffs Beach is a fantastic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a beautiful sunset. If you are traveling with children, Crescent Beach is a good option, while the tide pools at Enderts Beach should keep them entertained for quite a while. (Bring spare clothes!)
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or motels within the parks boundaries. However, nearby towns such as Klamath, Requa, and Orick provide small hotels and inns, with extensive lodging options available in the regional trading centers of Crescent City on the northern end of the park and Arcata and Eureka located to the south. The park is about 260 miles (420 km) north of San Francisco, and 300 miles (480 km) south of Portland, Oregon. US Route 101 passes through it from north to south.