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Redwood National and State Parks wilderness guide
National and State Parks · CA
Hiking Guide

Redwood National and State Parks

Cloaked in an emerald embrace, Redwood National and State Parks offer a journey through ancient wonder and natural grandeur. As you step onto the well-trodden paths, the air is rich with the scent ...

National and State Parks139,0004+ Trails

Designation

National and State Parks

Total Wilderness Area

139,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth, offering unparalleled experiences of lush forests, diverse ecosystems, and rich biodiversity.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Redwood National and State Parks, located along the coast of Northern California, encompass over 139,000 acres of lush old-growth forest, pristine rivers, and rugged coastline. It serves as a sanctuary for the iconic coast redwood trees, some of which reach heights exceeding 370 feet. The parks offer spectacular opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Not only a natural wonder, the parks also contain significant cultural heritage sites of the local Native American tribes. Visitors can explore the meandering trails that lead through silent groves of towering giants, past lush ferns and vibrant wildflowers. Historical exhibits within the parks portray the rich history of the region, including the logging industry that once threatened these majestic trees. Outdoor adventurers are drawn to the parks not only for the forests but also for the chance to see animals such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, and the endangered marbled murrelet. The blend of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife makes Redwood National and State Parks a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Field Guide · National and State Parks
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Redwood National and State Parks

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Majestic Redwoods of Tall Trees Grove★ 9.4⌖ 1 miHiking
Tall Trees Grove Trailhead

Majestic Redwoods of Tall Trees Grove

Explore Tall Trees Grove in Humboldt County, a serene forest with soaring redwoods. Ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. Best visited in spring or fall to enjoy peaceful beauty and diverse wildlife.

Tall Trees and Tranquility: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail★ 8.5⌖ 6 miHiking
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Tall Trees and Tranquility: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Explore the 1.5-mile Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National and State Parks near Orick, CA. This easy loop offers peaceful walks among ancient towering redwoods, ideal for families and photographers. Enjoy solitude year-round among majestic trees and vibrant undergrowth.

Trillium Falls Trail: A Forest Wonderland★ 8.2⌖ 8 miHiking
Trillium Falls Trail

Trillium Falls Trail: A Forest Wonderland

Explore the 2.6-mile Trillium Falls Trail near Orick, CA. This moderate loop features stunning views of a waterfall and towering redwoods, ideal for hikers and photographers. Enjoy a peaceful hike with wildlife sightings in Redwood National and State Parks.

Coastal Beauty at Sue-meg State Park★ 8.5⌖ 9 miHiking
Sue-meg State Park

Coastal Beauty at Sue-meg State Park

Explore Sue-meg State Park in Trinidad, CA. With moderate trails, scenic vistas, and cultural exploration opportunities, this coastal park is great for families. Visit in fall for fewer crowds and don't miss the views from Wedding Rock.

Giants of the Redwood Coast: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park★ 9.2⌖ 13 miHiking
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Giants of the Redwood Coast: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Explore Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick, CA. Wander through towering redwoods offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Perfect for families during spring and summer. Drive-in access, not handicapped accessible, consistent tranquility welcomes visitors year-round.

Redwood National and State Parks★ 9.3⌖ 13 miHiking
Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks

Explore the stunning beauty of Redwood National and State Parks. Located near Crescent City, California, this iconic destination offers hiking among ancient redwoods and vibrant ecosystems. Enjoy year-round access to lush forests and wildlife viewing in a family-friendly environment.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Tall Trees Grove✦ The stunning coastline at Enderts Beach✦ Wildlife viewing at Elk Meadow✦ Exploring the scenic route of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Redwood National and State Parks

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideRedwood National and State Parks

Hiking in Redwood National and State Parks

Embark on the Enchanted Trails of Redwood National and State Parks

Cloaked in an emerald embrace, Redwood National and State Parks offer a journey through ancient wonder and natural grandeur. As you step onto the well-trodden paths, the air is rich with the scent of earth and foliage, whispering tales of eons past. Towering redwoods stand like timeless guardians, their colossal trunks stretching heavenward, casting speckled shadows on the forest floor. The allure of these ancient sentinels draws adventurers from all walks of life, inviting them to traverse landscapes that blend breathtaking beauty with rugged challenge.

This dynamic ecosystem unfurls a realm of exploration where each trail charts a unique course through untamed beauty. Here in this vibrant enclave, practicality meets wonder. Lace up your weather-worn boots as each mile introduces a new chapter of discovery. The stout heart of the forest invites you to wander the Tall Trees Grove Trail, where the silence is punctuated only by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant melody of rushing streams. You'll feel the earth's pulse as the trail weaves through colossal giants, their canopies sweeping the sky far above.

Progressing through this living canvas, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail welcomes you with open arms. As mist lingers in the morning hours, ethereal light dances through the forest, creating a hypnotic interplay of shadow and glow. The air is thick with history, every step resonating with the whispers of conservationist champions who breathed life into this sanctuary. Trail guides encourage you to tread lightly, reminding all adventurers of the sacredness of these grounds.

For those craving a more rigorous trek, the Boy Scout Tree Trail offers a hearty challenge. It is a path that beckons the intrepid with its promises of solitude and profound beauty. The journey meanders across creeks and through dense fern-clad undergrowth, demanding a kindred spirit of perseverance and longing for authenticity. No trail through these regal woods is akin to a straight line; instead, it twists and turns, molding itself into the landscape like a river charting its timeless course.

As you plan your venture, practical preparation is key. Gear up with durable footwear designed to grip mud and resist moisture. The weather here often rides the fine line between fog and drizzle, so pack layers to accommodate sudden shifts in temperature. Proper hydration is non-negotiable; the verdant oasis is a siren's call, and the effort spent exploring its depths requires sustenance to match.

The Redwood National and State Parks extend beyond just alpine redwoods. Coastal trails beckon adventurers to witness the interplay of forest and sea, where waves crashing upon jagged rocks harmonize with the chirping of distant seabirds. Seek out the scenic marvels of the Coastal Trail, where the crisp ocean air invigorates the soul, and towering cliffs provide vantage points rarely found elsewhere.

Let your journey be punctuated by moments of quiet reflection, lost among the majestic old-growth trees or staring at the infinite horizon over a roaring Pacific Ocean. Redwood National and State Parks create not only a pilgrimage for the heart but a challenging invitation to those willing to embrace adventure in its most elemental form. This is a domain where each trail beckons with tales untold, waiting for those who tread with an open mind and a fervor for exploration. Let the grandeur of nature's arena captivate your spirit and guide your every step into the heart of these hallowed woodlands.

Other Available Activity Guides in Redwood National and State Parks:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Redwood National and State Parks.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees are required, but certain facilities and areas may charge for parking.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Redwood National and State Parks

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Jedediah Smith Campground

Set in an ancient redwood grove along the Smith River, offering both tent and RV sites.

Elk Prairie Campground

Located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this campground is perfect for spotting elk and accessing beach trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Redwood National and State Parks

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Orick
⌖ 5.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orick, California

A serene coastal town offering unparalleled access to breathtaking redwood forests, rugged beaches, and diverse ecosystems perfect for exploration.

Summer and FallExplore Town
McKinleyville
⌖ 19.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

McKinleyville, California

A peaceful coastal town offering diverse outdoor activities amidst the stunning landscapes of Northern California.

Klamath
⌖ 22.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Klamath, California

A rugged coastal gateway offering wild river canyons, old-growth forests, and Pacific Ocean access for year-round outdoor adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Blue Lake
⌖ 22.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blue Lake, California

A small, scenic town offering forested river landscapes and outdoor activities centered around the Mad River and surrounding nature areas.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Korbel
⌖ 23.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Korbel, California

A quiet, forested community surrounded by dense redwoods offering peaceful outdoor adventures along the Eel River corridor.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Arcata
⌖ 24.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arcata, California

A vibrant town on California's rugged North Coast where the redwoods meet the ocean; perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Redwood National and State Parks

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.