15 Best Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks
From the fog-draped shores along the rugged coast of Northern California to the towering old-growth giants, pristine creeks, and dense forest understory filled with beautiful sword ferns and blooming Rhododendron trees, the California Redwoods are renowned as one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth!
That said, visiting California’s iconic Redwood giants is a very different experience compared to most U.S. National Parks, as the majority of the Redwoods and accessible trails are not located within Redwood National Park. Rather, they are in one of the four main state parks, with the most popular among these being Prairie Creek Redwoods.
This is because Redwood National Park was established relatively late, compared to the nearby state parks that were created to protect these same trees. As a result, much of what visitors experience in the National Park today is a recovering landscape, with very few accessible trails in comparison.
All this to say, there is really no difference between the National and State Parks in terms of how they are managed. They are both treated as interagency parks, which means there is no entrance fee to visit either Redwood National Park or the various California State Parks.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the California Redwoods?
The answer to this question is very easy: June, and let me explain!
Both the Oregon Coast and the California Redwoods are known for being one of the best year-round roadtrip destinations in the country. This is why I wouldn’t put too much thought into trying to visit at the perfect time of year, like I would suggest for both Lassen Volcanic and Crater Lake National Park nearby.
I say this because during the winter, it never gets too cold, and during the summer, it never gets too hot.
The Coastal Redwoods in both southern Oregon and Northern California are located in one of the most mild climates in the country, so really trying to compare the seasons mainly comes down to rainfall.
In the winter, visitors can expect rainier, moodier weather, while in the summer, the skies are typically clearer and sunnier. Now, by 'rainier,' I don’t mean downpours—at least not usually. In the Redwoods, cool, rainy winter weather often means heavier fog and light rain, which can make hiking and enjoying the coast quite pleasant.
That said, I mentioned June at the beginning because it is generally the best month for sunny, comfortable weather. However, June is also the same time of the year that kids get out of school, which is exactly when visitor traffic picks up considerably in the Redwoods.
For that reason, May and September are often considered to be the two best months of the year in order to avoid the busy summer travel season, though June is my number one recommendation in terms of the weather alone.
Why are the Redwoods Broken Up into State Parks?
As mentioned previously, visiting the California Redwoods is unlike most other U.S. National Parks, and it’s all because of how the state and federal government responded to save these old-growth forests from being logged.
What this really means is that in the 1920s, the State of California stepped in long before the federal government by establishing four state parks to protect the Redwoods.
They were the Humboldt Redwoods in 1921, the Prairie Creek Redwoods in 1923, the Del Norte Coast Redwoods in 1925, and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods in 1929.
However, it wasn’t until decades later that Congress established Redwood National Park in 1968, which is what makes visiting the Redwoods such a weird patchwork of parks today.
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
There are Black Bears found throughout the Coastal Redwoods, but whether to hike with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level in Black Bear territory.
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in both Redwood National and the various state parks.
15 Best Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst.
More importantly, since the California Redwoods are spread out between the National and State Parks, I labeled each recommendation below with the corresponding park to help you best plan out your trip!
1. Bald Hills Road (Redwood National Park)
I put Bald Hills Road first on this list because it is truly the most accessible part of Redwood National Park.
I mention this because if it’s your goal to visit all of the U.S. National Parks, then you will want to drive Bald Hills Road, as all of the other places on this list are found within the surrounding state parks.
That said, Bald Hills Road climbs high in elevation from U.S. 101, meaning it is not the best place to see the Redwoods compared to the state parks.
This is because Redwood trees do not grow well toward the salty coast, and they thin at the higher elevations off Bald Hills Road. To add to this, much of the land that was acquired to establish Redwood National Park had previously been logged because Congress was so late to act.
Nevertheless, Bald Hills Road is still worth the visit, as it’s interesting to learn about the history of logging in the Redwoods, as well as the struggle to protect the forests that we have today.
All that being said, if you come to Bald Hills Road to explore the trails, such as the Tall Trees Trail, there are still Redwoods to be seen in Redwoods National Park, as the Tall Trees Access Road drops significantly in elevation before reaching the trailhead, meaning the loop traverses through a beautiful old-growth forest, unlike Bald Hills Road at the top.
Google Maps Directions: Bald Hills Road
2. Fern Canyon Loop Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance (Full Loop): 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Fern Canyon Loop Trail is a stunning day hike through a beautiful, narrow gorge, where visitors wind their way up a gentle, flowing creek before looping back around to the beginning.
That said, the Fern Canyon Trail has grown in popularity in recent years, which is what prompted the National Park Service to implement an advanced reservation system in the spring of 2022 in order to help manage the crowds that were making their way up the short 0.3-mile (0.5 km) canyon.
For this reason, I highly recommend reading my separate post to learn all about the hike, the reservations required to access Gold Bluffs Beach Road, as well as the best times of day to hike Fern Canyon in order to have the best opportunities for beautiful photos!
Read My Separate Post: Fern Canyon Loop Trail
3. Grove of the Titans Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
The Grove of the Titans Trail is a very short out-and-back hike along a 0.9-mile (1.4 km) stretch of the Mill Creek Trail that leads to a beautiful, towering cluster of giant Redwoods named the 'Titans' for obvious reasons!
Similar to Fern Canyon, the Grove of the Titans Trail has become one of the most popular day hikes throughout the Redwoods, due in large part to the rise of social media and the inevitable creation of social trails throughout this period. Over time, this prompted the National Park Service, along with the help of other agencies, to construct a boardwalk to the hidden grove in order to preserve the trail and the delicate root systems of the towering trees in the area.
This all means that the Grove of the Titans Trail has since become one of the easiest and best-maintained trails across the Redwoods, allowing visitors relatively easy access to the stunning, beautiful grove, which you can learn all about in my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Grove of the Titans Trail
4. Stout Memorial Grove Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a short, easy, kid-friendly loop trail on the north end of Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful pocket of towering old-growth Redwoods along the Smith River, while having the option to branch off the popular loop and explore other less-busy side trails.
That said, Stout Grove is just as, if not more, popular than the Grove of the Titans Trail mentioned above, which is why I recommend visiting both early in the day in order to enjoy the best of Jedediah Smith before the park gets busier by mid-morning.
Read My Separate Post: Stout Memorial Grove Trail
5. Hope Creek–Ten Taypo Loop Trail (Prairie Crk.)
Distance: 3.7 miles / 6.0 km
The Hope Creek–Ten Taypo Loop Trail is a beautiful, quiet, and fairly moderate loop trail adjacent to the Ossagon Trail off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in the Prairie Creek Redwoods that I see as the best and most practical day hike for those looking to venture out into a secluded part of the Redwoods without committing to something too long.
By this, I mean that the Hope Creek–Ten Taypo Loop is not too long nor too short, allowing visitors the best opportunity to escape the crowds and get into the big trees, while never venturing too far as some of the park’s longer loops do, such as the Rhododendron–West Ridge Loop Trail just down the road.
It’s for all these reasons that I think the Hope Creek–Ten Taypo Loop is one of the best trail-running hikes in the Prairie Creek Redwoods—especially during the most beautiful, drier summer months!
Read My Separate Post: Hope Creek–Ten Taypo Loop Trail
6. Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
The Avenue of the Giants is a 31.5-mile (50.7 km) scenic drive in the Humboldt Redwoods that passes through some of the best and most beautiful giant trees that Northern California has to offer!
That said, the Avenue of the Giants—beginning from the north entrance near Pepperwood and ending at the south entrance near Phillipsville—is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic and iconic drives in America, comparable to only a few others, like the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana, as well as the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado!
This is why I highly recommend planning to drive the Avenue of the Giants with the intention of taking it slow, pulling off for photos, and perhaps considering one of a few easy adventures off the road, as the scenic byway really is an easy place to kill a few hours with a hot cup of coffee in hand!
Google Maps Directions: North Entrance / South Entrance
My Print - Avenue of the Giants
7. Big Tree (Prairie Creek)
The Big Tree is a roughly 1,500-year-old gigantic Redwood tree located only a short distance off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in the Prairie Creek Redwoods.
That said, the Big Tree is a must-see, iconic destination, especially because the walk is so quick and easy, and hikers can continue farther to explore much less busier areas by continuing up the Foothill Trail from the popular stop!
Google Maps Directions: Big Tree
8. Boy Scout Tree Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km
The Boy Scout Tree Trail in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods is arguably the best day hike in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods because it is the only day hike within the park that heads directly into the heart of the old-growth Redwood interior!
By this, I mean that all the other day hikes within Jedediah Smith closely follow Howland Hill Road, but the Boy Scout Tree Trail is the one exception, as it quickly leaves the business of the road behind and heads into the park’s backcountry.
On top of this, the Boy Scout Tree Trail is most remarkable for a specific double-trunk giant Redwood tree near the end of the trail. This is why hiking the full 2.8-mile (4.5 km) distance is absolutely worth the effort, though some of the best trees and areas for beautiful photos are certainly within the first 1.0 mile (1.6 km) of the trailhead!
Read My Separate Post: Boy Scout Tree Trail
9. Drive Howland Hill Road (Jedediah Smith)
Howland Hill Road is the beautiful, unpaved 5.8-mile (9.3 km) drive that cuts through the heart of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, passing countless massive trees as the slow drive winds its way from south to north!
This is why I like to say that, even if you don’t plan to hike any of the trails within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, the drive along Howland Hill Road is worth the visit on its own!
Before visiting, it’s important to know that Howland Hill Road is only suitable for smaller passenger vehicles, and the National Park Service prohibits large recreational vehicles and trucks with trailers.
Google Maps Directions: Howland Hill Road
10. Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance (One Way): 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
The Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is a great, easy day hike for those who want to learn about the history of logging in the Redwoods and what subsequent restoration efforts have done to bring back a once-degraded area into the beautiful, recovering forest we have today!
For this reason, the Ah-Pah Trail is great for hiking slowly, reading the signs, and learning about how these old-growth forests recover from human activity, specifically related to logging in the Redwoods.
Read My Separate Post: Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail
11. Corkscrew Tree (Prairie Creek)
The Corkscrew Tree is a one-of-a-kind twisted Redwood within Prairie Creek Redwoods, located no more than a one- to two-minute walk off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway!
That said, the Corkscrew Tree and the parking area have become much easier to find in recent years, as the tree was once a locally known secret and could only be found by knowing the specific mile marker to locate the right place to park and hike.
However, the National Park Service has improved the signage in the area, making the Corkscrew Tree easier to find than it was in years past!
Google Maps Directions: Corkscrew Tree
12. Redwood Drive-Thru Trees
Throughout the Redwoods of Northern California, there are a number of drive-thru trees scattered throughout, none of which are associated with any of the parks. Instead, they are privately owned, and they are something you may have to go out of your way to see, though it depends on what direction you are driving from.
That said, there are three drive-thru Redwood trees, all in very different locations, with the Klamath Tree being the most accessible to the majority of National and State Parks between Crescent City and Eureka.
Shrine Tree
Located just outside Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the Avenue of the Giants, the Shrine Tree is one of the easiest drive-through Redwoods to add to a southern Redwoods itinerary because it sits right off this iconic, must-see drive!
Google Maps Directions: Shrine Tree
Chandelier Tree
The Chandelier Tree in Leggett is the southernmost and most iconic of the three, as it sits outside the boundaries of all the main Redwood parks, which makes it more of a destination than a quick stop.
Carved in the 1930s, the tunnel is large enough for most cars and small RVs, and it’s arguably the most photographed drive-through Redwood in the state because of its classic California roadtrip vibe!
Google Maps Directions: Chandelier Tree
Klamath Tree (Tour Thru Tree)
Often called the "Tour Thru Tree," the Klamath Tree is located in the small town of Klamath, making it the most convenient option if you’re spending time in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, as it’s only a 20-minute drive north of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center!
Google Maps Directions: Klamath Tree
13. Damnation Creek Trail (Del Norte Coast)
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
Elevation Change (Highest Point to Ocean): 1,170 ft. (357 m)
The Damnation Creek Trail in the Del Norte Coast Redwoods is an outlier among most day hikes in the Redwoods because it is one of the few with a significant amount of elevation change!
By this, I mean that the relatively steep day hike off the Redwood Highway between Crescent City and Eureka is one of the most beautiful, in terms of giant Coastal Redwood giants up and away from the salty ocean air, as well as stunning when it finally reaches the dramatic cliffs along the Northern California Coast at the very end.
However, only those who are prepared for an all-downhill hike on the way there, followed by an all-uphill hike on the way back, should attempt the Damnation Creek Trail, as there really are few places to take a break from the constant elevation change in either direction.
Read My Separate Post: Damnation Creek Trail
14. Moorman Pond Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance (One Way): 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
Little trails, like the Moorman Pond Trail, are often overlooked compared to other, more popular trails near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, which is why I think it’s truly such a hidden gem in terms of escaping the crowds in busier areas!
For this reason, if you want to enjoy a quiet trail that very few visitors choose to explore, I highly recommend the Moorman Pond Trail, as it really is such a quick, easy, kid-friendly, out-and-back adventure off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in the Prairie Creek Redwoods!
Read My Separate Post: Moorman Pond Trail
15. Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach is a stunning 10.8-mile (17.4 km) beach within the Prairie Creek Redwoods that stretches from the Ossagon Trail on the northern end to Redwood Creek near Orick to the south.
That said, Gold Bluffs Beach is renowned for its wide-open coastline, beachfront camping, countless trails that begin in the Redwoods and end on the the beach, and, most of all, its stunning sunsets, which are best enjoyed during the sunniest summer months!
However, it’s important to know that Gold Bluffs Beach Road, like the Fern Canyon Loop Trail, is only accessible with an advance reservation during the busiest and most beautiful times of the year (May 15–September 15).
Reservations can be made using the link below and should be secured as soon as you know your travel dates, as they can be quite competitive given the limited parking available in the small lots off the dirt road.
Google Maps Directions: Gold Bluffs Beach
Book Here: Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use Area (Fern Canyon Trail)
10 Best Things to Do Near Redwood National Park
1. Oregon Redwoods
On the southern Oregon Coast near Brookings, there are two small pockets of Redwoods that few people visit compared to the California Redwoods.
Of the two, the Redwood Nature Trail is the closest to Brookings, and it’s easily the most accessible because the entire road to get there is paved.
Additionally, there is the Oregon Redwoods Trail, which is the much better of the two options. However, the road to reach the Oregon Redwoods Trailhead is not paved, meaning that during the wetter times of the year, a 4x4 may be necessary to drive the road safely.
Read My Separate Posts: Redwood Nature Trail / Oregon Redwoods Trail
2. Driving the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast and the California Redwoods are seemingly synonymous when it comes to a West Coast roadtrip, meaning one isn’t typically visited without seeing the other.
That said, the Oregon Coast on its own is without a doubt one of the best and most beautiful road trips across the western U.S., as there are countless world-class hikes, stunning beaches, and amazing places to eat dotted throughout the small towns up and down the coast.
If you’re already planning to visit the California Redwoods and the Oregon Coast on one trip, I highly recommend reading my separate post, as I have made this drive countless times—not to mention, I used to call the Oregon Coast home!
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park
In this part of the country, both the California Redwoods and Lassen Volcanic National Park are often paired together into one roadtrip.
In fact, it’s only a 4-hour, 19-minute drive from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to the Manzanita Lake entrance on the north side of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
This is why, if you enjoyed reading everything I’ve written about the Redwoods, I recommend checking out my separate article about Lassen Volcanic National Park, where I share the same inside information about everything there is to see and do on all sides of the park.
Read My Separate Post: Lassen Volcanic National Park
4. Crater Lake National Park
In addition to Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake National Park is also a very practical addition to an Oregon Coast–California Redwoods roadtrip, as it’s only a 4-hour, 21-minute drive from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to the Steel Visitor Center near the south entrance of Crater Lake.
That said, I have also written an entirely separate, detailed article about Crater Lake National Park, where I again share the same inside information about everything there is to see and do on all sides of the park.
Read My Separate Post: Crater Lake National Park
5. SeaQuake Brewing
After a long day exploring the California Redwoods, there’s nothing better than stopping at SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City to grab a beer and some great food!
I say this because I believe their locally brewed beer and fun outdoor games make SeaQuake the best choice for dinner when passing through Crescent City!
Yelp: SeaQuake Brewing
6. Burney Falls
Distance: 1.1 miles / 1.8 km
Between Crater Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique waterfall and California State Park that, in my mind, can only be compared with the waterfalls at the end of the Havasupai Trail in Arizona.
Before visiting, know that Burney Falls is a very popular summer destination, which is why I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning. This way, you can enjoy the best of Burney Falls without the crowds—not to mention, the early morning light, as shown below, is the best time to take beautiful photos at the waterfall!
Read My Separate Post: Burney Falls Loop Trail
7. Mount Saint Helens
Distance (One Way): 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
If you’re starting your Redwoods roadtrip from Portland, I think it’s important to mention that Mount Saint Helens is only an hour and 52-minute drive from the airport.
I mention this because Mount Saint Helens is often considered to be the easiest of the Washington Cascade summits to climb, which is why it can be a great and somewhat challenging adventure on either the front or back end of your trip.
To learn more about the full climb up the easiest and most straightforward route, including the best time of year to go and how to secure permits, I recommend reading all the details in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Mount Saint Helens (Ptarmigan Trail & Monitor Ridge)
8. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful and iconic hiking and climbing destination in central Oregon, less than 40 minutes north of Bend, where visitors can enjoy one of many short but stunning trails around the towering volcanic rock spires that make up the majority of the park.
Before arriving, be aware that there is a small entrance fee, but I can confidently say it’s well worth it, as Smith Rock State Park is certainly worth spending a few hours exploring one or more trails, whether on your drive to or from Crater Lake or the California Redwoods.
Google Maps Directions: Smith Rock State Park
9. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Combining both the tallest trees in the world on the Northern California Coast, along with the biggest trees in the world in the southern Sierra Nevadas, is a very common road trip across California.
That said, the two parks are not what I would consider to be a convenient drive from one another, as the Prairie Creek Visitor Center in the Redwoods and Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park are a 10-hour, 30-minute drive between the two!
Nevertheless, out-of-state visitors make the long drive all the time, which is why I also wanted to say that if you enjoyed reading about the Northern California Redwoods, I have also written a very detailed separate post about both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in the southern Sierras.
Read My Separate Post: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
10. Yosemite National Park
If visiting both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is on your list when exploring the Coastal Redwoods, it’s hard not to add Yosemite to that list!
That said, I’ve also spent quite a bit of time exploring Yosemite over the years, both in and around the popular Yosemite Valley, which is why I believe my separate article on the best things to do in Yosemite is some of the best recommendations you will find for this iconic destination!
Read My Separate Post: Yosemite National Park
3 Things to Know Before Visiting Redwood National Park
1. Redwood National and State Parks are a great year-round road trip.
I often like to say the best time of year to visit the Oregon Coast and the California Redwoods is June, as early summer is easily one of the best and most beautiful times of the year to enjoy sunny weather on the coast!
However, the cooler, wetter winter months are equally as amazing, being that the weather never gets too cold, and putting on a few layers and a rain jacket is a really fun way to experience the southernmost reaches of the Pacific Northwest!
2. Come prepared with a good rain jacket, even during the summer.
It’s certainly no secret that the Pacific Northwest is very wet and rainy, which is why I think it’s best practice to visit at all times of the year with a quality rain jacket for long days outside.
This should be something you feel comfortable hiking in, but also a jacket that will work well as a good insulator for the cooler times of the year.
3. Don’t be cheap when booking hotels.
There’s a lot of detail I could provide on this one, but to keep it simple, use your better judgment when booking hotels in Crescent City, Arcata, or Eureka.
Don’t book the cheapest option just to save money, and I can guarantee that you’ll have a much better, more comfortable experience on the Northern California Coast!
