Redwood National Park is much from only a nationwide park. It is dwelling to among the tallest bushes on the planet – redwoods (scientifically generally known as sequoia sempervirens). Nature and mountaineering lovers will love strolling the paths by old-growth forests and the a whole lot and a whole lot of redwood bushes. Redwood National Park is definitely one of many finest locations to go to within the United States and has mountaineering trails to match. You’ll discover among the finest hikes in California and the United States – with picture alternatives galore.
So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is unquestionably value visiting. Its tall bushes make it some of the iconic nationwide parks within the nation. But what do it’s good to know earlier than you go? This information will cowl all of the important particulars, plus a couple of bonus sections. We’ve bought so much to cowl, so let’s get began.
What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?
Every conventional story begins originally, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was dwelling to completely different teams of Native American Indians who had a radical information of the park and its wildlife. The tribes principally lived off deer, fish, nuts, and berries. They additionally believed within the Spirit Beings, a predecessor race to the people who acted as guides, exhibiting folks how one can dwell on the land.
Redwood National Park first entered European colonizers’ radars when gold was found within the Trinity River across the 1850s. After that, flocks of Europeans got here to settle in what’s now Redwood National Park and its surrounding areas.
The Europeans have been extremely hostile to the present Native American Indians, and lots of have been paid by the state to conduct murders to push the native folks off of the land. While the motion did end in tragic massacres, it failed its general goal to wipe out all of the Native American Indians in Redwood National Park. Yurok, Hupa, Tolowa, and Karuk communities nonetheless dwell on reservations throughout and across the nationwide park.
It is crucial to pay attention to the socio-political historical past of Redwood National Park earlier than visiting, simply to grasp the significance of the land and acknowledge its darkish previous.
Taking the story again to the 1850s gold rush, one other business that boomed right now was logging. The tall bushes have been a gold mine for immigrants arriving within the park, as their measurement and sturdiness made them prized and extremely wanted. Just three years later, in 1853, the area already had 9 sawmills.
By the flip of the century, folks have been starting to change into involved about preserving the tiny remaining quantity of redwood bushes. Out of those issues, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods have been fashioned. The resolution to create state parks hoped to counteract among the impacts of logging, creating secure areas for some redwoods to develop.
However, forming these three state parks was not sufficient to eradicate logging issues. In 1930, chainsaws and bulldozers allowed for a good increased fee of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it bought to the Sixties, nearly 90% of old-growth redwoods had been misplaced.
Partially in response to this, the Redwood National Park was formally created in 1968. Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls Trail, and Tall Trees Grove have been all saved from additional logging by giving the land an official title and guarded standing. Protected areas within the area have been rising, and now Redwood National Park had an actual, acknowledged identify – an vital step within the park’s historical past.
In 1978, the federal government bought greater than 10,000 acres from non-public logging firms – enlarging the nationwide park boundaries and defending much more land. Despite all these efforts, simply 5% of the unique old-growth redwood forest stays right now throughout California.
Redwood National Park is important in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are nonetheless combating to revive lands broken throughout logging occasions that always occurred over fifty years in the past. Redwood National Park has a tragic historical past in comparison with different nationwide parks.
The harm will take many years to heal – by no means thoughts starting to reverse the harm. But its historical past can be a triumphant story and armed with all its backstory, guests will respect the worth of the Redwood National Park ten instances extra.
Best issues to do in Redwood National Park
Now that you just’ve bought the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood bushes let’s take a look at the most effective issues to do in Redwood National Park. The park has a lot to do – whether or not you need to hike, discover its smaller state parks, or cycle. Allow at the very least a full day to go to and tick off a couple of of those implausible actions, and, if doable, keep for a couple of days to per week to expertise the most effective of the park.
Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all the most effective issues to do within the Redwood National and State Parks. The area contains 4 areas: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
We’ll cut up issues up by every park, so you will get a transparent thought of which actions finest mix collectively.
Redwood National Park
Let’s begin with the primary park – Redwood National Park. You simply want an entire day simply to understand Redwood National Park. If you might be quick on time, you’ll have to prioritize successfully to see the highest sights of your selection. These are our prime 5.
1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is an exquisite reserve in Redwood National Park. The space is called after the previous First Lady in recognition of her tireless environmental efforts. Visitors can stroll by Lady Bird Johnson Grove utilizing the 1.4-mile scenic path. You’ll discover loads of info boards and photo-worthy stops, so permit between an hour and two hours to finish the path leisurely.
2. Visit Redwood Creek Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook is a famend sundown spot. This is the right spot if you would like a romantic place to complete a busy day in Redwood National Park. The overlook is about on a slight vantage level, so that you look down over a valley of bushes. Often, a lightweight mist cloaks a lot of the forest beneath, which is an extremely beautiful sight.
Don’t rush off after sundown, because the overlook is a superb place for star gazing. Bring a blanket and a heat drink, and settle in for the night.
3. Visit Bald Hills
The Bald Hills sharply distinction Redwood National Park’s old-growth forests. As their identify may counsel, the Bald Hills are nearly totally empty of bushes. Instead, you’ll discover meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is likely one of the finest issues to do in Redwood National Park to expertise a contrasting panorama to old-growth redwoods.
One of the most effective methods to go to is to drive alongside Bald Hills Road. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is positioned on the primary three miles of Bald Hills Road, so it is a wonderful attraction to mix with a scenic drive by the prairies.
4. Walk Tall Trees Trail
Tall Trees Trail is a 4.5-mile return hike that whisks you away to Tall Trees Grove. The grove is likely one of the most well-known areas inside Redwood National Park, due to a National Geographic Magazine revealed in 1963. National Geographic coated Tall Trees Grove because the nationwide park’s main attraction, and the grove has attracted substantial crowds since.
Be conscious that Tall Trees Trail is ranked as a difficult route. There is a 487-meter elevation change, and the path can get moist and slippery to solely deal with the route in good circumstances and with ample clothes.
5. Go on a horseback using path
Going horseback using is an thrilling approach to discover Redwood National Park and presents a distinct perspective than exploring on foot. Redwood Trails Horse Rides supply scenic path rides by the nationwide park and are extremely rated as a dependable tour operator. Most tour operators help you get near the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback trip? It feels like a win to us.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Next up is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located with a part of its boundaries alongside the west coast. It is a scorching spot for wildlife recognizing (particularly elk). It is the place to begin of Redwood National and State Parks’ main backpacking path. Excited? You needs to be.
1. See the Roosevelt Elk
Roosevelt elk are among the finest animals to identify in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the most important kind of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They dwell in massive herds and are unbelievable to identify and {photograph}. If you might be visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk needs to be on the prime of your listing.
Elk Prairie, Elk Meadow, and Gold Bluffs Beach are all prime locations to see Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
2. Hike the Coastal Trail
If you’re keen on multi-day mountaineering journeys, the Coastal Trail is likely one of the finest issues to do when visiting Redwood National Park and State Parks. The path is a part of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail. But, until you’ve bought a whole lot of time in your fingers, we advocate finishing the Redwood National and State Parks part of the path. It begins in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and stretches 70 miles alongside the shoreline. You’ll spot redwoods, beautiful seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and perhaps even whales.
Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is an exquisite part completely suited to a day hike.
3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Prefer to drive relatively than stroll? No downside. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile highway that winds by old-growth redwoods. There are quite a few locations the place you will get out to stretch your legs and snap photographs if you want. But, in any other case, it’s simply the right place to simply cruise by for beautiful views and minimal effort.
Allow a couple of hours to drive the parkway leisurely. Just a few hours also needs to be loads of time to leap out often for images, a brief stroll, or a picnic.
4. Hike Trillium Falls
Trillium Falls is a brief, nearly 3-mile loop that takes you thru an old-growth forest, previous a sawmill, and to a waterfall on the stunning endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with a couple of simple switchbacks and intensely average elevation acquire.
It is a photogenic and enjoyable route, and Trillium Falls is the last word reward on your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a metal bridge – offering an exquisite vantage level to admire the crashing falls.
5. Visit Fern Canyon
Wave whats up to Hollywood as a result of Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you could have guessed) are coated in ferns, and the impact is mesmerizing. It is not any surprise that Fern Canyon caught the eyes of film producers. The canyon partitions are 50 ft excessive.
You should full a brief mile-long loop path to succeed in Fern Canyon. Allow round half an hour to finish the loop, plus somewhat additional time to cease, admire, and snap photographs of Fern Canyon itself.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is likely one of the finest locations to admire the Redwood National and State Parks shoreline. You’ll have scenic coastal drives and overlooks galore. With some luck, you’ll even spot whales in the event you go to Redwood National Park throughout winter or early spring. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is stuffed with actions. Let’s get began.
1. Drive the Scenic Coastal Drive
This eight-mile scenic drive is beautiful. The route winds alongside the California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and also you’ll expertise the great thing about the redwoods assembly the ocean. It is an exquisite factor to do, and it makes logistical sense, too, because it connects Del Norte State Park with Prairie Creek State Park.
If you propose to discover each state parks, simply incorporate the Coastal Drive into your journey. Make certain so as to add it to your itinerary – even whether it is simply to take the scenic route from A to B.
2. Whale Watch at Klamath River Overlook
Who doesn’t love whale watching? Klamath River Overlook is an exquisite place to identify whales from by winter and early spring. At these instances of the 12 months, you principally spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, it’s also possible to spot humpbacks and blue whales. We counsel bringing a heat blanket and drink – you’ll should be affected person, however the effort is worth it if you spot a pod.
3. Visit Enderts Beach
Enderts Beach is finest identified for its rock swimming pools. Stop by to see into the swimming pools, and perhaps you’ll spot starfish (or at the very least a couple of crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a superb spot to have a traditional seaside expertise and luxuriate in any hotter climate.
4. Hike the Damnation Creek Trail
While solely round 4-miles in size, Damnation Creek Trail is likely one of the most difficult within the area. You can anticipate a steep elevation acquire and can want an amazing health stage to finish the path in good time. The draw? A gorgeous cliff-side redwood forest and the satisfaction of finishing a tough route.
5. Visit False Klamath Cove
False Klamath Cove is prime picnicking territory and has a romantic, wild-feeling environment. The small seaside is affected by stones in an easy ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ manner. There are additionally informative signposts with info on native marine life.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our ultimate state park to cowl. The park is dwelling to the Smith River and is positioned additional inland than the opposite two state parks. It will get its identify from the explorer Jedediah Smith. It is dwelling to among the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to listen to extra? We’ve bought some nice sights lined up.
1. Drive Howland Hill Road
This scenic drive is for the adventurous solely. The National Park Service warns that the highway ‘is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods’. If that sounds thrilling, the ten-mile drive might be up your avenue. Allow round an hour to finish the route, plus a bit longer to account for any stops.
2. Walk Boy Scout Tree Trail
Boy Scout Tree Trail is a implausible mid-length hike when visiting Redwood National Park. It is round 5.5 miles lengthy and contains many factors of curiosity, together with Fern Falls. Get able to snap a number of photographs. It is of average problem, and you need to permit round 4 to 5 hours to finish the hike.
3. Walk Stout Grove
Speaking of images, Stout Grove is likely one of the most photographed spots in the entire Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is comparatively small, however you’ll be able to simply spend an hour or so there. Some bushes develop to round 90 meters in top, and the forest surroundings is breathtaking.
4. Go fishing on the Smith River
If you’re keen on fishing, Jedediah Smith State Park is the place to go. The state park is legendary for salmon and steelhead from October to February, whereas summer time is finest for cutthroat trout. What may very well be higher than a day of fishing alongside the riverside? It is likely one of the most enjoyable issues within the Redwood National and State Parks.
5. Mountain bike the Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road
The Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road is a 19.6-mile path shared by bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. But, for a distinct expertise after all of the mountaineering trails, we recommend mountain biking the path. You’ll cross loads of native flora like bear grass and wind your manner by stunning redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods the most effective of all? We’ll allow you to resolve.
Nearby parks to go to from Redwood National Park
So, these are the three state parks which might be included within the nationwide park boundaries. But loads of different California state parks boast redwood groves, a few of that are only a quick drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.
These are the most effective close by parks to go to from Redwood National Park.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California’s third largest state park and encompasses a staggering 53,000 acres. It is most well-known for the Avenue of Giants – a 31.5-mile scenic drive that takes drivers on tour by the most effective of the park.
Sue-Meg State Park
Just additional down the coast, Sue-Meg State Park is a superb day journey from Redwood National Park. If you need close by sights, it doesn’t get extra fascinating than a go to to Sue-Meg. The state park has a whole lot of cultural sights and historic websites, like a preserved conventional Yurok plank home.
Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area
Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area is positioned simply exterior Redwood National Park. The space is sufficiently small to discover in an hour. However, it presents a distinct panorama than you usually discover contained in the nationwide park. The space sits on the sting of the Big Lagoon and is predominately wetlands. If you get fortunate, it additionally has a resident herd of elk that you could be spot.
Redwood National Park FAQs
Now that we’ve coated all of the thrilling bits, what in regards to the important sensible particulars? This is every thing it’s good to find out about visiting Redwood National Park – from precise location and transportation choices to how one can get a free allow and the place to remain.
Where is Redwood National Park?
So, the place is Redwood National Park? The nationwide park and its state parks are positioned in Northern California, hugging a big part of the California coast and spreading inland towards Six Rivers National Forest. The nationwide park and state parks are comparatively unfold out from one another, so be ready to do a little bit of driving to see all of them.
Redwood National Park is positioned simply south of Orick. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is near Redwood National Park and instantly north of Orick.
Del Norte and Jedediah Smith State Parks are additionally positioned shut collectively, about an hour’s drive north of Redwood and Prairie Creek. Del Norte Coast State Park is south of Crescent City (42 miles north of Orick). Prairie Creek is positioned instantly east of Crescent City.
How to get to Redwood National Park
The simplest way is to fly into Eureka-Arcata Airport or Crescent City Airport. You can lease a automotive from right here and simply proceed your journey with a brief drive into the nationwide park or to your lodging. Those quick on time ought to select this methodology of attending to Redwood National Park. It will help you maximize your time exploring the park and scale back pointless journey time.
Of course, in the event you don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you may discover flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you might be flying internationally, you could have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, lease a automotive and highway journey your approach to Redwood National Park – stopping at sights and state parks alongside the way in which.
This choice is finest for many who have loads of time, need to lower your expenses on flights, and are up for including an additional journey to the expertise. It can be value including that many individuals add the redwood bushes at Redwood National Park as one of many ultimate sights on a West Coast highway journey.
Don’t drive? Not an issue. You can hop on a Greyhound bus. A Greyhound service runs between Crescent City and Arcata twice each day, six days per week (don’t attempt to catch it on a Sunday). It is sort of possible to journey to Redwood National Park utilizing Greyhound buses. You’ll simply have to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.
Another choice is to guide a tour of Redwood National Park that features transfers. If you don’t thoughts a whistle-stop tour and are pleased for the tour operator to set the tempo, this can be a nice approach to attain the park and match so much right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the most costly choice, however it’s positively the best in the event you don’t drive.
Best time to go to Redwood National Park
As a fast reply, the most effective time to go to Redwood National Park is in spring. The temperatures are milder, the rain is beginning to dwindle off, and also you’ve bought all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is finest for outside actions like mountaineering and all its most important sights are open air, these are all important components to contemplate.
The peak season to go to Redwood National Park is between May and September. While it isn’t like different nationwide parks that get utterly crowded, you may discover visiting extra enjoyable exterior of this era. Late March or April are thought-about good months to select.
Are March and April off the desk for some cause? Fall is the following most suitable option since it’s also a shoulder season, and the climate remains to be comparatively delicate.
Last however not least, winter is chilly and moist, so that you’ll should be hardy and well-prepared to go to then. We wouldn’t advocate it in the event you don’t like being open air in dangerous climate. It is the least widespread time to go to Redwood National Park. But in the event you don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a wonderful option to keep away from crowds as a lot as doable.
What to pack to go to Redwood National Park
After speaking about moist and chilly climate, it won’t shock you that the primary issues in your packing listing needs to be waterproof. You ought to have a water-resistant coat, mountaineering boots, and even perhaps waterproof trousers (particularly in the event you go to throughout winter). The final thing you need is to slide and get soaked on a path or get caught midway round a hike in a downpour.
Next, you need heat however breathable layers. Merino wool is a very fashionable selection, and also you’ll discover all kinds of base layers accessible on this materials. Aim to have thermal leggings/trousers and a long-sleeved thermal prime. You can then add or take away outer layers as mandatory.
When mountaineering, a torch, bug spray, suncream (you by no means know), a hat, bear spray, and a transportable charger are all must-brings. It is likely to be a good suggestion to carry a primary assist package, too, particularly if you wish to deal with among the longer, extra distant hikes. And in the event you’re going to camp, you’ll additionally want all of your tenting gear.
And what good are all this stuff with out something to hold them in? You ought to have two luggage – a small mountaineering backpack and no matter bag you might be pleased to go away at your lodging.
Last however not least, we’d actually advocate a digicam. After all, you’ll be getting up shut with the world’s tallest tree species. You’ll want reminiscences of your expertise.
Where to remain in Redwood National Park
You’ve bought all the data you want, besides the place to remain. These are the most effective funds, mid-range, and luxurious choices. Let’s have a look.
Budget: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
If backcountry tenting is a bit out of your consolation zone, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is an exquisite entry level. Plus, you’ll be tenting instantly on the seaside, which certainly has bought to be among the finest budget-friendly lodging selections within the US.
The services are additionally glorious; you’ll have showers, restrooms, fireplace pits, and even bear-proof lockers.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park
This modern property is the right mid-range lodging selection in Redwood National Park. It is located in Klamath and has the best location to discover close by sights just like the Coastal Drive and Klamath River Overlook.
Each room comes with an en-suite, seating space, and coffee-making services. Some choices embrace additional options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is a whole lot of flexibility inside Holiday Inn Express’ room selections which inserts a variety of mid-range budgets. Check costs and availability on Tripadvisor.
Luxury: Oreq-W Ranch House
Oreq-W Ranch House is a sole-use vacation dwelling with two bedrooms and a settee mattress accessible in the lounge. It is a perfect luxurious getaway for a small group or household. Located in central Orick, visitors can have easy accessibility to the Redwood National and State Parks, plus all of the comforts of a house on the town.
The property comes with free wi-fi and a backyard to get pleasure from. If you need that dwelling away from dwelling really feel, you’ll be able to’t discover rather more luxurious.
Final Tip
Don’t overlook to cease by one of many park’s customer facilities. Hiouchi Visitor Center and Kuchel Visitor Center are two of probably the most built-up. However, all customer facilities are sensible locations to select up a park map, get professional recommendation, and use the bathroom and water services. Keep an eye fixed out and use them as pit stops as you discover.
To Conclude
Visiting Redwood National Park is clearly one on your bucket listing. The park is an enchanting place to go to, and seeing the world’s tallest bushes up shut is a reminiscence that may final a lifetime.
Hopefully, after studying this information, you’ll have realized how rather more Redwood National Park has to supply in addition to its tall bushes. The nationwide park is various and thrilling – full of sights, actions, and lodging selections. Have an unbelievable time.