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
1968NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS
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 60 miles.
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 Visuals & Gallery
Visual Guide to Redwood National and State Parks
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.
Gateway Towns Near Redwood National and State Parks
Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.
⌖ 5.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp
Orick, California
Orick, CA offers adventurers access to some of the most majestic redwood forests and rugged coastlines. With diverse ecosystems to explore, it's an excellent base for nature lovers.
McKinleyville offers diverse outdoor adventures, from beachcombing along scenic coastal stretches to hiking through lush forests. Experience wildlife viewing and vibrant natural beauty in this quiet town.
Klamath, California offers rugged river canyons, towering redwoods, and Pacific coast access. Outdoor lovers enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing amid wild landscapes and protected parks year-round.
Blue Lake, California, is a peaceful town set along the Mad River with great hiking, fishing, and paddling. Surrounded by lush forests and protected lands, it’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking nature and outdoor recreation off the main routes.
Korbel is a tranquil small town surrounded by towering redwoods and the scenic Eel River. It’s perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping lovers seeking peaceful outdoor adventures away from crowds.
Arcata offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of hiking through redwoods, kayaking in Humboldt Bay, and birdwatching at the marsh. Enjoy California's rugged North Coast in this eco-friendly town.
A 6.5-hour, naturalist-guided outing through Redwood National and State Parks that visits towering old-growth redwoods and the moss-draped Fern Canyon, with practical notes on what to expect.
A hands‑on, low‑tide exploration of Pacific Coast tide pools near Orick that reveals intertidal life, adaptations, and the conservation challenges shaping these fragile communities.
Embark on a full-day guided journey through the towering redwoods of Orick, California, and experience the awe of walking among some of the tallest trees on the planet. Discover the history, ecology, and conservation of these ancient giants in an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
A 3-hour guided coastal hike from Elk Meadow Cabins that delivers panoramic views of sea stacks and — when tides cooperate — hands-on tidepool exploration.
A 6.5-hour, naturalist-led day hike that traces a rare coastal arc — beginning beneath ancient redwoods and finishing on the windswept shores of Hidden Beach — this guide explains what to expect and how the tour is run.
Discover the lush beauty of Fern Canyon on this guided half-day adventure with Redwood Adventures. Walk through walls of ferns and waterfalls, and immerse yourself in nature's masterpiece in Orick, California.
A three-hour guided e-bike outing from Elk Meadow Cabins that combines gentle electric cycling, a naturalist guide, and a short hike to stand beneath redwoods more than 1,000 years old.
Discover the breathtaking height and beauty of the world's tallest trees on this half-day guided tour in Orick, California. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this experience offers a chance to connect with ancient giants and learn about their ecological importance.
A 2–3 hour, naturalist-led walk through coastal redwoods that ends with a curated picnic of local seasonal ingredients — a concise field primer on forest ecology and local stories.
A small‑group, multi‑day halibut fishing experience run from Crescent City by Western Outfitting & Guide Company, led by a guide with more than 40 years of experience.
Walk Trinidad’s dramatic headlands and sheltered coves on a small-group coastal tour that blends ocean vistas, tidepools, and local maritime history. Perfect for photographers, families, and first-time visitors to California’s North Coast.
Sightseeing TourThe Jewel of the North Coast: A Guided Walk Through Trinidad’s WondersCertified Outfitter