Redwood National & State Parks Guide
Welcome to Redwood National and State Parks!
Use this guide to plan your perfect trip through the four incredible parks that encompass Redwood National and State Parks. From hiking and camping recommendations, to swimming holes and the best road food, this guide has you covered.
This information was posted in winter 2021, so check the Redwood National and State Parks website for the most current information before you go.
ABOUT REDWOOD NATIONAL & STATE PARKS
Redwood National and State Parks are located along the north coast of California. Unique among our national parks, Redwood consists of four individual parks working together as one park system, collectively known as Redwood National and State Parks. The four parks, from south to north, consist of Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
If this sounds confusing, don’t worry! The important thing to know is that both a valid National Parks Pass, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, or a qualifying California State Parks Pass will cover entry fees. In fact, many sights within in the Redwoods are free, so depending on where you go, you may not even need one. For information about fees within these parks, visit the National Park Service website. It’s still well worth purchasing a national parks pass if you plan to visit other national parks or monuments, or do much hiking in national forest lands. The standard annual pass costs $80. Check to see if you qualify for a free or less expensive pass. For example, fourth graders can get a free pass to use together with their families. Seniors can purchase a one-time lifelong pass.
While the Redwoods are an iconic part of the American West, this area sees fewer visitors than many other national parks, such as Yosemite or Yellowstone. The fight to preserve redwood groves began in the early 1900s, after much of these ancient forest lands had been heavily logged. In the 1920s, the three state parks that we know today were created. Still, the struggle between the timber industry and preservationists continued for decades, and in 1968, Redwood National Park was founded. Since then, new regulations limiting logging beyond the parks’ borders have been created to further protect this unique habitat. In 1994, Redwood National and State Parks began operating jointly to better manage this legacy for generations to come.
All this is recent history in the land of the redwoods. The trees of these forests have witnessed hundreds, and in some cases as much as 2,000, years of life together. Many Native Americans made their home here, living primarily in villages spread along the coastline and rivers, where natural resources were plentiful. Sadly, their way of life was disrupted, often violently, when settlers flocked to the area in the last half of the 1800s. To learn more about this history, please visit the National Park Service website.
If you plan to hike, the book Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks by John Soares is a great guide. It’s pocket-sized and easy to stash in a day pack, ideal for a location with little cell phone coverage. For a more general guidebook to help plan your time, I recommend Moon Northern California Road Trips by Kayla Anderson and Stuart Thornton. It’s a great book for trip planning, as it includes information about many other places in Northern California. If you plan to visit more national parks, I also recommend Moon USA National Parks by Becky Lomax. It’s the book I turn to for a really solid introduction to any of our national parks.
WHEN TO GO
Redwood National and State Parks are accessible year round. With a temperate coastal climate, winters and summers tend to be mild. You should expect cold, wet weather in winter, and moderate, wet weather in summer. With that said, summer is generally warmer, and also the most popular time to visit. Spring or Fall are great alternatives, as there is often less fog. Fog is undeniably frequent — it’s what enables the redwoods to thrive — but foggy conditions can change rapidly. In my experience, foggy mornings are often followed by clear skies in the afternoon. Also, if one section of the park is shrouded in fog, another area may well be bright and sunny. The coast sees the most fog, while inland areas receive less. No matter when you plan to visit, check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
HOW TO GET THERE
Located along Highway 101 on the Northern California Coast, Redwood National and State Parks are easy to explore by car. Public transportation is limited, as these parks are far from any major cities. The largest town in the area is Crescent City, but please take the moniker of “City” with a grain of salt. Park visitor centers, as well as many trails and viewpoints, are easily accessible form the highway. Gas stations and food are readily available, and Crescent City is the best place to stock up on supplies.
NATIONAL PARK PASSPORTS
Are you planning to visit more national parks? If so, collecting National Park cancellation stamps is a fun way to remember and track your visits. The parks offer a wide range of passport books and guides for purchase, enabling you to collect cancellation stamps and park stickers. Of course, you don’t need to buy a book to get a cancellation stamp – these are free to obtain at most park visitor centers. Create your own journal or keepsake for a low cost alternative. Fortunately, the passport books aren’t too expensive and the profits go toward the parks themselves. I also recommend purchasing your souvenirs from the America’s National Parks Stores when you visit a national park. Unlike the commercial gift shops at the parks, these shops are part of a non-profit organization that helps support the parks. They offer a well-curated selection of memorabilia, books, and gifts.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
Traveling with kids? The National Park Junior Ranger program is a must! It’s always a hit with my older son, J. My younger one, T, is starting to age into some of the programs and is absolutely thrilled. It’s also great for parents, as it helps the kids engage more with the park experience.
When you first arrive at the park, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet from one of the visitor centers. Activities vary by age, and many parks require that a specific number of activities in the booklet be completed to earn a badge. Some activities can be done simply by filling in the pages in the booklet, while others may require you to take a hike, record your observations, or attend a ranger program (although in 2020, these requirements were removed since ranger programs were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic). Many parks now offer the option to earn Junior Ranger badges online as well.
Once your child completes their required activities, return to the visitor center or other designated location so they can be sworn in as a Junior Ranger. They’ll receive their badge, which they can wear as a point of pride for the rest of the trip!
At Redwood National and State Parks, kids have the added bonus of earning both the Redwood National Park badge and the California State Park badge! You don’t have to visit each individual park, either. Since they operate jointly, kids can complete the activities in any of the four parks. We visited during the coronavirus pandemic in summer of 2020, so to minimize contact, the visitor centers gave out both badges together with the activity books. This eliminated the need to return to the center and be sworn in prior to receiving the badges. They made us promise, however, that the kids would complete their activity booklets as required before getting those badges. We promised — and not even a cheeseburger could keep J from completing his mission!
WHAT TO DO
Redwood National and State Parks are a choose-your-own adventure kind of place. Like to hike? You’re covered! Only have an hour or two to stop by? No problem! Want to spend several days? There’s plenty to keep you occupied! It’s really up to you to decide which activities appeal to you most. Don’t feel you have to see it all; hikes through redwood groves can start to feel eerily similar if you do too many. Instead, decide on a home base and pick a variety of activities that fit your time and interests. I’ve listed a number of highlights below. As you can imagine, with four parks it’s impossible to cover everything there is to see and do, but this list will see you off to a great start!
- Stop by a visitor center to view exhibits covering the region’s flora and fauna, get hiking recommendations, check out the gift shop, and more. Each park has its own center, so pick the one that’s most convenient for your travel plans. When traveling with kids, don’t forget to pick up your Junior Ranger supplies!
- Take a scenic drive. The easiest option is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which takes you through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It’s slower going than 101, but well worth the detour. Plus, it’s a paved road open to all vehicles. Another option is Howland Hill Road, which takes you on a narrow, twisting trip through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Please note that trailers and RVs are not allowed on Howland Hill Road. It’s not uncommon for the road to close due to storm damage, particularly in the winter, so check current conditions before you go. For sweeping ocean views, try the Coastal Drive. As with Howland Hill Road, always check beforehand to see if there are any closures or restrictions. Looking for more options? Check the full list of scenic drives on the Redwood National and State Parks website.
- Take in a coastal view or two. As I’ve noted elsewhere, the Redwoods aren’t only about the trees! Drive to the Crescent Beach overlook, which is also the site of the Enderts Beach trailhead. The Klamath River Overlook is another great spot, and you don’t have to hike to enjoy a picnic with a stunning view (although there are trails here if you’re interested). Please note that the road to the overlook isn’t suitable for RVs or trailers. For an easily accessible beach right off Highway 101, check out Wilson Creek Beach. Located south of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, this is also a great picnic spot.
- See some elk! Several herds of Roosevelt Elk make their home in Redwood National and State Parks. A couple of popular spots to view them include the Elk Meadow Day Use Area and the meadows across from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center. But you never know when you might spot these majestic animals. In our case, we saw only a few bucks at Prairie Creek, but caught sight of a herd just before the turnoff for Enderts Beach Road, where we pulled over for a closer look. Please remember that elk are large, powerful, and territorial animals. Keep a distance of at least 75 feet from any elk, and stay even further back during the fall mating and spring calving seasons.
- Say hi to Paul Bunyan and Babe! Technically, this stop is not part of Redwood National and State Parks, but it is along the Highway 101 corridor between Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. As mascots for the Trees! Of! Mysteryyyy! (my personal punctuation) roadside attraction, Paul and Babe have been greeting travelers to the Redwoods for decades. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but it’s also a classic, and who doesn’t want a photo with the famous duo? Also, the free End of the Trail Museum showcases an excellent collection of Native American artifacts. It’s definitely worth a look. There are ticketed activities here as well, such as the SkyTrail gondola ride through the forest and hiking trails featuring unusual tree formations. Is it worth the money? To be honest, we didn’t try it. But the SkyTrail is a good option for those with limited mobility, and the trails look pretty fun. If it’s in your budget, why not check it out?
- Take a hike! The Redwoods have so many wonderful trails for all levels of hiking, including a few accessible options. See the “Hike” section below for some great suggestions.
- Check out the Smith River. Flowing south from Oregon through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park as it winds its way to the Pacific, the Smith River offers recreational activities including fishing, white water kayaking, low-key paddling, and swimming. More information can be found in the “Swim & Paddle” section below.
WHERE TO STAY
Redwood National and State Parks offer several good campgrounds. The region also boasts numerous National Forest Service campgrounds. For hotel stays, look into Crescent City at the north end of the parks, or stay in Trinidad to the south. Crescent City gives you easy access to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Trinidad is a fun little beach town that’s worth a visit in its own right, and is closer to Redwood National Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
We chose Elk Prairie Campground as our home base; a full review is available here. Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Elk Prairie is a great central location from which to explore the Redwoods. It also offers a few small cabins for rent. It’s the closest campground to Fern Canyon, and offers easy access to many enjoyable trails.
Another good choice is Jedediah Smith Campground. This is an ideal location for exploring the northern region of Redwood National and State Parks, and gives you easy access to Stout Grove and Myrtle Beach. Located on the banks of the Smith River, it’s a great place to swim and float in the summer.
There are two other developed campgrounds within Redwood National and State Parks: Mill Creek in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Gold Bluffs Beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Backcountry camping is also available for those wanting a more secluded, back-to-nature experience.
For any of the developed campgrounds, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially in spring, summer, and fall, and can be made online through the California State Parks reservation website. If these options are full, other good choices include campgrounds in the Smith River National Recreation Area to the north and Patrick’s Point State Park to the south, as well as private campgrounds.
FOOD & DRINK
While you won’t find restaurants or cafes within the parks themselves, there are a number of good road food stops along Highways 101 and 199. We visited the Redwoods toward the end of a two-week camping trip, and relished the chance to chow down on burgers, tacos, and mashed potato cones (yes, you read that right)! Below is a list of the places we tried and heartily recommend. Click on the link for each restaurant for further information. For groceries, head to the Safeway in Crescent City, the largest town in the region.
The Lighthouse, Trinidad
Located south of Redwood National Park, the coastal town of Trinidad is cute as a button and offers several fine eateries. But there is only one that offers the world famous mashed potato cone — The Lighthouse! Yes, you read right, The Lighthouse serves mashed potato cones (and regular ice cream cones for you purists). It’s a savory cornmeal cone filled with mashed potatoes and your choice of additional toppings. Michael and I found it delicious, but the kids weren’t impressed. Fortunately the other food here, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more, is quite good. Be aware that this place is popular and service can be slow.
Edebees Snack Shack, Orick
This tiny burger joint in the tiny town of Orick isn’t exactly fast food; expect to wait a bit for your burger and fries. The good news is everything is made to order, fresh and hot. Try the elk burger if you’re looking for something different, or maybe the “elk plop” (tater tots smothered in nacho cheese sauce). EdeBees is located on Highway 101 south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. All seating is outdoors.
SeaQuake Brewing, Crescent City
As native Northwesterners of a certain age, Michael and I find it hard to resist a brewpub, so when I came across SeaQuake Brewing while researching our trip, I knew we had to make a stop. It’s family friendly, with a spacious outdoor patio. The beer selection varies seasonally; during our visit several delicious sour beers were on tap. The “Land Before Lime “was a real standout. Plus, you can get four- or six-packs to go and bring them back to your campsite.
Hiouchi Cafe, Hiouchi
Only a couple minutes down the road from the Hiouchi Visitor Center and Jedediah Smith Campground, the Hiouchi Cafe has a large lawn filled with picnic tables and happy eaters. On the menu is a wide range of classic breakfast and lunch items, from pancakes to burgers to salads. You can swap out the meat for a veggie burger if you prefer. You can also get food to go for a lovely picnic on the Smith River.
HIKE
Where to even begin? Redwood National and State Parks are blessed with an abundance of beautiful forest and beach hikes. There are so many options, it’s hard to recommend only a few. Below, I’ve listed four hikes we took in August, 2020, as well as a few others to pique your interest. Click on the links for further information on each hike. If you plan to spend a few days or longer in the Redwoods, I recommend the book Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks by John Soares. The Redwood National and State Parks website also has great suggestions for hikes based on how much time you have available.
Important Note: Pets are not allowed on any trails at Redwood National and State Parks. For detailed information about bringing your pet to Redwood National and State Parks, please refer to the park website.
- Fern Canyon
Possibly the most popular hike in the Redwood National and State Parks system, Fern Canyon is worth the hype. The trail is located down a rough and winding 10-mile dirt road, so don’t even think about taking a trailer or RV. If you can make it, you’ll be rewarded with a walk through a magical fern-draped ravine unlike any other. - Prairie Creek Loop
There are so many trail options starting from the Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor Center or neighboring Elk Prairie Campground! Our hike took us along the creek, past Big Tree and Cathedral Trees, and so much more. This is the perfect place to customize your own hike through the Redwoods, whether you only have time for a glimpse or are looking for an all day challenge. - Revelation Trail
Starting from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, this special trail was created for the visually impaired, with interpretive signs enabling visitors to experience the Redwoods through touch, sound, and smell. - James Irvine Trail
For an all day hike, this trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park delivers on all fronts — amazing redwoods, a trip through Fern Canyon, and the salty air of Gold Bluffs Beach. And since many visitors stick to the shorter hikes, you’ll have much of this trail to yourself. Different loop options are possible. - Trillium Falls
This easy 2.5 mile hike near the Elk Meadow Day Use Area takes you to a lovely small waterfall surrounded by a wonderland of ferns and moss-covered rocks. During summer, you may find flowers in bloom, including graceful trillium. - Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Not far from Highway 101 in Redwood National Park, Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a popular 1.5 mile loop through a beautiful stand of redwoods. Interpretive brochures are available for a self-guided tour. Please note that trailers and RVs are not allowed on the narrow road to this grove. - Enderts Beach
Take a break from redwood groves with a trip to the beach — and what a beach this is! A fairly easy, but sometimes precarious, trail leads down to a graceful stone arch over the sand. Plan to spend some time here, especially if the tide is low enough to visit the tide pools.
- Stout Grove
This pristine grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is connected to Jedediah Smith Campground in summer by a footbridge. Otherwise, take a short drive on gorgeous Howland Hill Road and park at the grove (and yes, this is another road where trailers and RVs are not advised). - Simpson-Reed Trail
This accessible one-mile loop takes you through beautiful redwood groves in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Be aware that it’s yet another trail that doesn’t allow trailers or RVs on the road. Looking for another accessible trail? Try the 2.6 mile Lieffer Loop Trail.
SWIM & PADDLE
Looking to swim in the Redwoods? Or maybe do some paddle boarding or kayaking? Get thee to the Smith River! Passing through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park at the far north of the Redwood National and State Parks complex, the Smith River offers swimming holes and (in some locations) peaceful water that’s perfect for paddling.
On our visit, we enjoyed swimming at Myrtle Beach, one of several swimming holes along the river. You can read a full review of our experience here. Suffice it to say, on a sunny day, this is an ideal place to take a break from hiking and enjoy a refreshing dip. This spot is also perfect for those looking for a laid back place to float or take out a paddle board.
The Smith River is also famed for fishing, kayaking, and even boasts a former fire lookout that you can rent for an overnight stay. For a host of information about the Smith River National Recreation Area, download this online brochure.
For information about guided kayaking tours in and near Redwood National and State Parks, see the National Park Service website. In the past, the parks offered free ranger-led kayak tours on the Smith River. How cool is that? Naturally, those tours were put on hold in 2020 due to coronavirus, but hopefully they will be up and running again in 2021.
How about other options? On our trip, we did see some brave souls playing in the surf at Enderts Beach. Keep in mind that the Pacific Ocean, and the climate of the Northern California Coast, isn’t especially warm. Wading and splashing in the waves can still be fun, but always stay alert and use caution. Don’t turn your back to incoming waves and obey any posted warning signs. Stay by the shore and don’t venture into deep water unless you are a strong, experienced swimmer familiar with ocean currents.
NEARBY & NOTABLE
The Northern California Coast offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. South of Redwood National and State Parks, a number of State Beaches beckon. Humboldt Lagoons, Patrick’s Point, and Trinidad State Beach (pictured) offer breathtaking scenery and sandy shores to explore.
The tiny hamlet of Trinidad, considered by some to be California’s cutest seaside village, is a great place to stroll, take a little hike to the lighthouse, and enjoy a lovely meal.
North of Redwood National and State Parks lie the fabulous beaches of Southern Oregon, including the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. To the northeast, Oregon Caves National Monument offers a completely different experience. Whichever option you choose, natural beauty abounds!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Redwood National and State Parks!
This region is a wonderful example of how our parks can provide outdoor access for everyone, whether you’re a hard-core hiker, looking for an accessible trail, or just want some alone time on a beautiful beach. Please feel free to share your personal adventures and tips below!
Hairstyles Women
Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Ruth Ann
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!