Located in Northern California, Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth, the coastal redwoods. However, the parks are much more than tall trees. In this vast parkland of woodlands, rivers and miles of spectacular coastline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun outdoor activities.
I am ashamed to say I had never heard of Redwood National and State Parks before my first proper visit to the USA in 2004. It wasn’t somewhere I was planning to visit during my six months of travel in America.
However, a chance conversation with the guy sitting next to me on my flight from London to LA changed all that. He spent about 20 minutes waxing lyrical about the forested wonders of this part of the North Californian Coast, which painted such a vivid picture in my mind that I simply had to go there.
I am glad I did because I instantly fell in love with the place. Here is what I love most about it.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is my 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 the Redwood National Park. However, you should make a point of driving to the Bald Hills area for a goose-bumping-inducing overview of the region’s redwoods. Make sure you have your cameras ready because you are sure to take an Instagram-worthy shot.
While here, I recommend checking 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 folk, 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 I suggest getting here 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 get to from Requa Road, a turning just past the town of Klamath. This will take you uphill to a lookout point that is a noted spot for grey 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.
What I like most about it is its distinctive green appearance, which results from the serpentine bedrock that lies beneath it.
Apparently, it is California’s prime fishing destination for salmon, and in particular steelhead (a 27-pound whopper was once caught here).
If the fish aren’t biting, you can always enjoy the stunning views of the coast redwoods, like I did.
Stout Grove
Not far away from the majestic Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the equally compelling Stout Grove. This is undoubtedly one of the comeliest redwood groves you could ever hope to see, with trees reaching upwards of 300 feet in height.
To get to it, I had to drive up a dirt road. However, once I parked the car, it was only a short walk to these bad boys.
Trillium Falls
Nestled within the redwoods at Redwood National Park is the scenic Trillium Falls.
Many people rave about them, but in my opinion, the cascade itself isn’t a huge drawcard. However, the trail there certainly is, as it takes you on a beautiful hike through a lovely mix of ferns and redwoods.
Along the way, you will be able to cross bridges, take in picturesque views and photograph fallen tree structures, whose circumference gives a good appreciation of their size. Look out for Elk and the spectacular Trillium flowers as you traverse it.
Fern Canyon
If you have ever watched The Lost World: Jurassic Park you may recognise Fern Canyon, as some scenes were filmed here.
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.
However, once you get over the disconcerting thought, you can marvel at the stunning canyon walls, which are 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 having to leave your vehicle, then Howland Hill Road is the place for you 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 you 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 to drive down.
Beach Time
I am a real beach guy, and I always like to check out the coastline wherever I go. In Redwood National and State Parks, there are several beach areas along the Northern California Coast.
My personal favourite was Gold Bluffs Beach, where I enjoyed swimming and sunbathing, while also seeing a beautiful sunset. If you are travelling with children though, Crescent Beach is a good option, while the tidepools at Enderts Beach should entertain them for 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.
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