The Redwood National Park astounds with some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees. Additionally, there are other natural features to admire. A day’s drive or short flight from San Francisco, this national park is one of the most remarkable destinations on the West Coast — or anywhere in the country!
With so much to see and do at this landmark, we compiled our guide to Redwood National Park. We’ve done the heavy lifting to provide you with an information-rich resource to better plan your getaway.
The Amazing Redwood Trees
The biggest draw to this iconic park is the Redwoods. While they grow along the coasts of Northern California and Oregon, those at the Redwoods National Park are astounding. They date back to BCE times, are coniferous, and can reach 300′ in height with a circumference of 20′!
Another reason the redwood attracts visitors is because it’s the tallest tree in the world. But you probably figured that out based on the 300′ height. Equally impressive is the root system. A typical redwood’s roots are only 6 to 12 feet deep, which isn’t deep considering their height. To create the strength to withstand windstorms and floods, it extends its roots up to 100′ outward.
Did you know redwoods grow in circles called “fairy rings” or “family circles”? This phenomenon is a result of younger trees sprouting from the parent. The intertwining roots provide additional strength and nutrients, enabling the “family” to grow.
Naturalists and biologists flock to the redwoods to witness the ecosystems within the branches high off the ground. Due to the redwood’s size and age, its shed leaves collect on the branches where dust and water accumulate. Eventually, this becomes soil and is the genesis of a mini-ecosystem. Scientists have discovered ferns, moss, lichen, huckleberries, and even other full-sized trees thriving in the canopies of redwoods.
All these amazing facts add to the redwood’s allure, attracting visitors worldwide.
Getting to Redwood National Park
The park is located along the Northern California coast, approximately equidistance from Portland, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
If you decide to drive from either city, plan on the trip taking 5.5 hours, not including rush hour traffic.
The flights from either city are short, and the closest airport to Redwood National Park is Eureka/Arcata Regional Airport (ACV). United Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo service this regional airport.
Once you secure your rental car, plan on a half-hour drive from ACV to Redwood National Park.
Lodging in Redwood National Park
Camping is the only lodging available in the park, with four developed campsites and seven designated backpacking sites along the 200 miles of trails.
The developed sites are Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Gold Bluffs Beach, and Elk Prairie Campground. Each has unique features and amenities, with some accommodating RVs. To protect the bark, hammocks and ropes are not allowed in the trees, so plan accordingly.
Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during the busy summer season. Contact information is on any of the above links.
The seven backpacking sites along the extensive trail system let you immerse yourself in nature away from the busier developed sites. These are for those seeking a rugged, off-the-grid experience with limited cell service. Be advised that these sites are in bear and mountain lion country and are far from help. They also don’t have drive-up access, so you’ll need to hike, bike, ride horseback, or raft to your site.
Before heading out, you’ll need a free permit and should review the safety guidelines.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are hotels in Eureka, Arcata, and Trinidad. Additionally, Casago offers several short-term rentals in Eureka and Arcata.
Trinidad is further north and on the coast. It offers higher-end hotels, bread and breakfasts, small resorts, and several Casago rentals.
Whether you stay in an RV, tent, hotel, or Casago rental, visiting the Redwood National Park will be one of the highlights of your vacation.
Getting Around Redwood National Park
The best way to explore Redwood National Park is by car!
Your first stop should be at any of the five visitor centers: Hiouchi, Jedediah Smith, Crescent City, Prairie Creek, and Thomas H. Kuchel.
Here, you can get a map and talk with park rangers, who are a wealth of information. They have insight regarding what areas are closed, must-visit places to see, and animal and flora updates.
Next, select any of the eight top drives at Redwood National Park! These include:
- Howland Hill Road
- Enderts Beach Road
- Requa Road
- Coastal Drive (Loop)
- Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Cal-Barrel Road
- Davison Road
- Bald Hills Road
Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
The best time to visit Redwood National Park is whenever you’re able to. The park is always impressive, and there are things to do in Redwood National Park year-round.
Nonetheless, summer is the most popular time of year. The weather is sunniest during June through August, while the coastal climate and trees keep temperatures moderate. For a less crowded experience, May, September and October have fewer crowds. The Redwood National Park weather is still generally beautiful during these months as well.
Things To Do in Redwood National Park
There’s no shortage of things to do in the redwood national and state parks if you enjoy nature. You can spend several days exploring, and still not see everything that just the national park has. All of these ideas are in the national park.
See the Redwoods by Car
Spend a day seeing the redwoods exclusively by car, not getting out except for short walks to viewpoints. The park is quite large, and a vehicle will let you see the highlights within a day. Get your Redwood National Park map, and drive:
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Howland Hill Road: Redwoods so close that you’ll be nervous about scraping the car. The 10-mile drive on a one-lane unpaved road is surprisingly quiet for a drive.
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Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: A 10-mile paved road that takes you through the heart of the park. You’ll go past some of the largest trees. (You can also bike the parkway.)
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Bald Hills Road: A very different drive, Bald Hills Road takes you across the park’s open prairies, high hills and more arid regions. Go in the early morning or during the evening, as this is a great place to see wildlife.
See the Redwoods by Foot
Spend another day or two on foot, for a more close-up view of these trees. The following are some of the most trodden trails. They’ll take you to beautiful sights, and some smaller offshoots of paths where you can get away more. Consider any of these:
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Stout Memorial Grove Trail: A redwood grove along the Smith River makes for the perfect picnic setting. The trail is only a half-mile long, but you could easily spend most of the day here. Bring a swimsuit for when you’re hot — there’s a short offshoot down to the actual river.
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Boy Scout Tree Trail: A moderate hike of 5.5 miles will take you past numerous old-growth redwoods. You’ll also see “fern falls,” where ferns and water are in approximately equal amounts.
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Grove of Titans: The park’s newest trail, Grove of Titans is a 1.5-mile metal boardwalk that protects the forest floor. There are a particularly high number of “reiterations” among the branches, where one branch gives rise to others.
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James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop: One of the longest trails within the park is also one of the most enjoyable. You’ll pass by redwoods and spruces, before you get to the ocean. It’s a 12-mile out-and-back, so you can see all of the picturesque features twice.
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Trillium Falls: One of the most family-friendly hikes, Trillium falls is an easy mile. Old-growth redwoods, maples, firs, ferns and flowers keep the path interesting, and you’ll eventually reach a 200-foot waterfall.
Hyperion: Closed to Public
Hyperion is considered the tallest tree in the world. It’s in an undisclosed location within Southern Redwood National Park, well away from trails and closed to the public. The tree is in a vulnerable state.
The other redwood trees in the park are remarkable themselves. There’s no need to seek out Hyperion when so many trees that you drive and hike past are immense.
Enjoy the Tallest Trees
The redwoods are some of the tallest trees in the world, and they’ll astound you every time you visit. However you arrive, wherever you stay, and whatever you do, there’s one sure thing. You’ll greatly enjoy your time among these living natural marvels.
[…] miss Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon for their beauty. These spots show off the trees’ grandeur and unique […]