Hiking the Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
Just like the Grove of the Titans, the Stout Grove Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods.
In my opinion, the short loop is absolutely a must-see. Therefore, I recommend starting early, or you may have trouble finding parking when Stout Grove is at its busiest.
Stout Grove Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Stout Grove Trail is off Howland Hill Road in a small parking lot that tends to fill up quickly during peak summer season.
Google Maps Directions: Stout Grove Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
There are black bears found throughout the Redwoods, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level in black bear territory.
Hiking the Stout Memorial Grove Trail
Overall, the hike through Stout Grove is very straightforward, with very little elevation change throughout the entire loop.
Stout Grove Loop Trail
At the split for the Stout Grove Loop, I like to go left because I think it’s the much more beautiful side of the loop.
If you’re looking for beautiful photos in Stout Grove, I think the left is where you’ll find them!
Stout Tree (Big Tree)
After a short walk from the split, the Stout Grove Trail comes to the biggest tree in the grove, known as the Stout Tree, sometimes nicknamed the Big Tree.
To protect the forest understory, please stay on the platform around the tree.
Hiouchi Junction
Then, just after the Stout Tree, the Stout Grove Loop will come to another split with the Hiouchi Trail.
Go right to stay on the Stout Grove Loop Trail, as the Hiouchi Trail is typically an out-and-back hike that begins off the Redwood Highway.
This next stretch is my favorite stretch of Redwoods on the entire Stout Grove Memorial Loop.
River Trail Junction
At the back of the Stout Grove Loop, the trail will come to one last split with the much longer River Trail, which eventually turns into the Little Bald Hills Trail.
The River-Little Bald Hills Trail goes on for a little less than 20 miles (32.2 km), which is truly an adventure for another day!
If you hiked in the same direction as this post, go right at this split to complete the Stout Grove Loop.
As you can see, the Stout Memorial Grove Trail connects with a number of different trails, meaning that this beautiful must-see hike could begin from a number of different trailheads, like the Hiouchi or River Trailhead.
I say this to suggest that if you're looking for a slightly longer and less crowded experience, I recommend exploring the Stout Grove Loop from one of these other trailheads.
