Redwood National Park is much from only a nationwide park. It is dwelling to a few of the tallest bushes on the planet – redwoods (scientifically often known as sequoia sempervirens). Nature and mountaineering lovers will love strolling the paths by means of old-growth forests and the tons of and tons of of redwood bushes. Redwood National Park is well one of many finest locations to go to within the United States and has mountaineering trails to match. You’ll discover a few of the finest hikes in California and the United States – with photograph alternatives galore.
So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is certainly value visiting. Its tall bushes make it one of the crucial iconic nationwide parks within the nation. But what do you want to know earlier than you go? This information will cowl all of the important particulars, plus just a few bonus sections. We’ve received quite a bit to cowl, so let’s get began.
What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?
Every conventional story begins in the beginning, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was dwelling to totally 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, displaying individuals how to reside 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 had been extremely hostile to the present Native American Indians, and lots of had been paid by the state to conduct murders to push the native individuals 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 reside on reservations throughout and across the nationwide park.
It is important to concentrate on the socio-political historical past of Redwood National Park earlier than visiting, simply to comprehend the significance of the land and acknowledge its darkish previous.
Taking the story again to the 1850s gold rush, one other trade that boomed at the moment was logging. The tall bushes had been a gold mine for immigrants arriving within the park, as their dimension 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, individuals had been starting to develop 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 had been shaped. The determination to create state parks hoped to counteract a few of the impacts of logging, creating protected 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 an excellent larger charge of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it received to the Sixties, virtually 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 had been all saved from additional logging by giving the land an official title and guarded standing. Protected areas within the area had been rising, and now Redwood National Park had an actual, acknowledged title – an essential step within the park’s historical past.
In 1978, the federal government bought greater than 10,000 acres from non-public logging corporations – enlarging the nationwide park boundaries and defending much more land. Despite all these efforts, simply 5% of the unique old-growth redwood forest stays immediately throughout California.
Redwood National Park is significant in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are nonetheless preventing to restore lands broken throughout logging occasions that usually occurred over fifty years in the past. Redwood National Park has a tragic historical past in contrast to different nationwide parks.
The harm will take a long time to heal – by no means thoughts starting to reverse the harm. But its historical past can also 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 received the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood bushes let’s have a look at the very best 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 no less than a full day to go to and tick off just a few of those improbable actions, and, if attainable, keep for just a few days to every week to expertise the very best of the park.
Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all the very best issues to do within the Redwood National and State Parks. The area consists of 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 may 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 respect Redwood National Park. If you’re brief on time, you’ll want to prioritize successfully to see the highest sights of your alternative. These are our high 5.
1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is an exquisite reserve in Redwood National Park. The space is known as after the previous First Lady in recognition of her tireless environmental efforts. Visitors can stroll by means of Lady Bird Johnson Grove utilizing the 1.4-mile scenic path. You’ll discover loads of data boards and photo-worthy stops, so permit between an hour and two hours to full the path leisurely.
2. Visit Redwood Creek Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook is a famend sundown spot. This is the right spot in order for you a romantic place to end a busy day in Redwood National Park. The overlook is ready on a slight vantage level, so that you look down over a valley of bushes. Often, a light-weight mist cloaks a lot of the forest under, which is an extremely gorgeous sight.
Don’t rush off after sundown, because the overlook is an excellent 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 title would possibly recommend, the Bald Hills are virtually solely 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 very best methods to go to is to drive alongside Bald Hills Road. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is situated on the primary three miles of Bald Hills Road, so it is a wonderful attraction to mix with a scenic drive by means of 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 places inside Redwood National Park, thanks to a National Geographic Magazine revealed in 1963. National Geographic lined 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 sort out the route in good situations and with satisfactory clothes.
5. Go on a horseback using path
Going horseback using is an thrilling means to discover Redwood National Park and provides a unique perspective than exploring on foot. Redwood Trails Horse Rides provide scenic path rides by means of the nationwide park and are extremely rated as a dependable tour operator. Most tour operators permit you to get shut to the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback journey? It seems 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 must be.
1. See the Roosevelt Elk
Roosevelt elk are top-of-the-line animals to spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the biggest kind of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They reside in massive herds and are unbelievable to spot and {photograph}. If you’re visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk must be on the high of your listing.
Elk Prairie, Elk Meadow, and Gold Bluffs Beach are all high locations to see Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
2. Hike the Coastal Trail
If you like 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 received quite a lot of time in your fingers, we suggest 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, gorgeous seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and possibly 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 moderately than stroll? No downside. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile highway that winds by means of old-growth redwoods. There are quite a few locations the place you may get out to stretch your legs and snap pictures if you want. But, in any other case, it’s simply the right place to simply cruise by means of for gorgeous views and minimal effort.
Allow just a few hours to drive the parkway leisurely. A couple of hours must also be loads of time to soar out sometimes for pictures, a brief stroll, or a picnic.
4. Hike Trillium Falls
Trillium Falls is a brief, virtually 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 just a few straightforward switchbacks and very average elevation acquire.
It is a photogenic and stress-free 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 howdy to Hollywood as a result of Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you might have guessed) are lined in ferns, and the impact is mesmerizing. It isn’t any marvel that Fern Canyon caught the eyes of film producers. The canyon partitions are 50 toes excessive.
You should full a brief mile-long loop path to attain Fern Canyon. Allow round half an hour to full the loop, plus just a little additional time to cease, admire, and snap pictures 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 should you go to Redwood National Park throughout winter or early spring. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is filled with actions. Let’s get began.
1. Drive the Scenic Coastal Drive
This eight-mile scenic drive is gorgeous. The route winds alongside the California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and also you’ll expertise the fantastic 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 intend to discover each state parks, simply incorporate the Coastal Drive into your journey. Make positive 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 spot whales from by means of winter and early spring. At these instances of the 12 months, you principally spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, you too can spot humpbacks and blue whales. We recommend bringing a heat blanket and drink – you’ll want to be affected person, however the effort is worth it while you spot a pod.
3. Visit Enderts Beach
Enderts Beach is finest recognized for its rock swimming pools. Stop by to peer into the swimming pools, and possibly you’ll spot starfish (or no less than just a few crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a superb spot to have a basic seashore 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 count on a steep elevation acquire and can want an excellent health stage to full 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 seashore is suffering from stones in an easy ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ means. There are additionally informative signposts with data 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 situated additional inland than the opposite two state parks. It will get its title from the explorer Jedediah Smith. It is dwelling to a few of the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear extra? We’ve received 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 road. Allow round an hour to full the route, plus a bit longer to account for any stops.
2. Walk Boy Scout Tree Trail
Boy Scout Tree Trail is a improbable mid-length hike when visiting Redwood National Park. It is round 5.5 miles lengthy and consists of many factors of curiosity, together with Fern Falls. Get prepared to snap a lot of pictures. It is of average problem, and you must permit round 4 to 5 hours to full the hike.
3. Walk Stout Grove
Speaking of pictures, 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 peak, and the forest surroundings is breathtaking.
4. Go fishing on the Smith River
If you like 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 could possibly be higher than a day of fishing alongside the riverside? It is likely one of the most stress-free 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 unique 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 means by means of stunning redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods the very best of all? We’ll allow you to determine.
Nearby parks to go to from Redwood National Park
So, these are the three state parks which are included within the nationwide park boundaries. But loads of different California state parks boast redwood groves, a few of that are only a brief drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.
These are the very best 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 means of the very best of the park.
Sue-Meg State Park
Just additional down the coast, Sue-Meg State Park is an excellent 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 quite a 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 situated simply exterior Redwood National Park. The space is sufficiently small to discover in an hour. However, it provides a unique panorama than you sometimes 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 lined all of the thrilling bits, what in regards to the important sensible particulars? This is every thing you want to learn about visiting Redwood National Park – from actual location and transportation choices to how to get a free allow and the place to keep.
Where is Redwood National Park?
So, the place is Redwood National Park? The nationwide park and its state parks are situated 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 situated simply south of Orick. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is shut to Redwood National Park and instantly north of Orick.
Del Norte and Jedediah Smith State Parks are additionally situated 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 situated 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 hire a automotive from right here and simply proceed your journey with a brief drive into the nationwide park or to your lodging. Those brief on time ought to select this methodology of getting to Redwood National Park. It will permit you to maximize your time exploring the park and cut back pointless journey time.
Of course, should you don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you would possibly discover flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you’re flying internationally, you might have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, hire a automotive and highway journey your means 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 get monetary savings on flights, and are up for including an additional journey to the expertise. It can also 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 every week (don’t attempt to catch it on a Sunday). It is kind of possible to journey to Redwood National Park utilizing Greyhound buses. You’ll simply want to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.
Another choice is to e-book 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 smart way to attain the park and match quite a bit right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the most costly choice, however it’s undoubtedly the simplest should you don’t drive.
Best time to go to Redwood National Park
As a fast reply, the very best 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 received all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is finest for out of doors actions like mountaineering and all its principal sights are outside, these are all vital elements 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 would possibly discover visiting extra stress-free exterior of this era. Late March or April are thought-about good months to choose.
Are March and April off the desk for some purpose? Fall is the subsequent best option since it’s also a shoulder season, and the climate continues to be comparatively delicate.
Last however not least, winter is chilly and moist, so that you’ll want to be hardy and well-prepared to go to then. We wouldn’t suggest it should you don’t like being outside in unhealthy climate. It is the least widespread time to go to Redwood National Park. But should you don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a superb alternative to keep away from crowds as a lot as attainable.
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 must be waterproof. You ought to have a water-resistant coat, mountaineering boots, and even perhaps waterproof trousers (particularly should you go to throughout winter). The final thing you need is to slip 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 highly regarded alternative, and also you’ll discover all kinds of base layers out there on this materials. Aim to have thermal leggings/trousers and a long-sleeved thermal high. You can then add or take away outer layers as vital.
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 convey a primary support equipment, too, particularly in order for you to sort out a few of the longer, extra distant hikes. And should 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 carry them in? You ought to have two luggage – a small mountaineering backpack and no matter bag you’re pleased to depart at your lodging.
Last however not least, we’d actually suggest a digital camera. After all, you’ll be getting up shut with the world’s tallest tree species. You’ll want recollections of your expertise.
Where to keep in Redwood National Park
You’ve received all the data you want, besides the place to keep. These are the very best price range, 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 immediately on the seashore, which absolutely has received to be top-of-the-line budget-friendly lodging decisions within the US.
The amenities are additionally glorious; you’ll have showers, restrooms, hearth pits, and even bear-proof lockers.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park
This modern property is the right mid-range lodging alternative 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 amenities. Some choices embrace additional options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is quite a lot of flexibility inside Holiday Inn Express’ room decisions 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 out there in the lounge. It is a perfect luxurious getaway for a small group or household. Located in central Orick, company could have quick access 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 far 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 choose up a park map, get professional recommendation, and use the bathroom and water amenities. Keep a watch 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 a captivating 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 far more Redwood National Park has to provide moreover its tall bushes. The nationwide park is various and thrilling – full of sights, actions, and lodging decisions. Have an unbelievable time.