Redwood National Park is way from only a nationwide park. It is residence to among the tallest timber 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 lots of and lots of of redwood timber. 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 certainly price visiting. Its tall timber make it some of the 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 acquired loads to cowl, so let’s get began.
What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?
Every conventional story begins at the start, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was residence to totally different teams of Native American Indians who had a radical information of the park and its natural world. 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 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 have been extremely hostile to the present Native American Indians, and plenty of have 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 total purpose 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 business that boomed right now was logging. The tall timber have 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 have been starting to change into involved about preserving the tiny remaining quantity of redwood timber. Out of those considerations, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods have been shaped. The choice to create state parks hoped to counteract among the impacts of logging, creating protected areas for some redwoods to develop.
However, forming these three state parks was not sufficient to eradicate logging considerations. In 1930, chainsaws and bulldozers allowed for an excellent increased fee of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it acquired to the Nineteen 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 title – an essential step within the park’s historical past.
In 1978, the federal government bought greater than 10,000 acres from personal 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 injury will take a long time to heal – by no means thoughts starting to reverse the injury. But its historical past can also be a triumphant story and armed with all its backstory, guests will recognize the worth of the Redwood National Park ten instances extra.
Best issues to do in Redwood National Park
Now that you simply’ve acquired the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood timber let’s take a look at the perfect 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 not less than a full day to go to and tick off just a few of those implausible actions, and, if doable, keep for just a few days to every week to expertise the perfect of the park.
Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all the perfect 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 will get a transparent concept of which actions finest mix collectively.
Redwood National Park
Let’s begin with the principle park – Redwood National Park. You simply want an entire day simply to recognize Redwood National Park. If you’re quick on time, you’ll want to prioritize successfully to see the highest points of interest of your alternative. These are our high 5.
1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a ravishing 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 full 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 end 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 timber. Often, a lightweight mist cloaks many 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 may recommend, the Bald Hills are nearly totally empty of timber. Instead, you’ll discover meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Redwood National Park to expertise a contrasting panorama to old-growth redwoods.
One of the perfect 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 superb 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 without doubt one of the most well-known areas 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 sufficient clothes.
5. Go on a horseback using path
Going horseback using is an thrilling manner to discover Redwood National Park and gives a special 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 permit you to get shut to the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback journey? It appears 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 sizzling spot for wildlife recognizing (particularly elk). It is the start line 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 spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the most important sort of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They reside in giant herds and are unimaginable to spot and {photograph}. If you’re visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk needs to be on the high of your record.
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 without doubt 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, except you’ve acquired plenty of time in your arms, 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, gorgeous seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and possibly even whales.
Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is a ravishing part completely suited to a day hike.
3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Prefer to drive relatively than stroll? No drawback. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile street 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 gorgeous views and minimal effort.
Allow just a few hours to drive the parkway leisurely. Just a few hours must also be loads of time to leap out often for pictures, 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 lovely endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with just a few straightforward switchbacks and intensely average elevation acquire.
It is a photogenic and stress-free route, and Trillium Falls is the final word reward on your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a metal bridge – offering a ravishing 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 will have guessed) are lined in ferns, and the impact is mesmerizing. It is not any marvel 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 attain Fern Canyon. Allow round half an hour to full the loop, plus slightly further time to cease, admire, and snap photographs of Fern Canyon itself.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is without doubt 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 if you happen to 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 a ravishing 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 certain 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 a ravishing place to spot whales from by winter and early spring. At these instances of the yr, you principally spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, you may as well 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 once 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 not less than just a few crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a superb spot to have a traditional seaside expertise and revel in any hotter climate.
4. Hike the Damnation Creek Trail
While solely round 4-miles in size, Damnation Creek Trail is without doubt one of the most difficult within the area. You can anticipate a steep elevation acquire and can want an ideal health stage to full the path in good time. The draw? A stupendous 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 a simple ‘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 closing state park to cowl. The park is residence 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 residence to among the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear extra? We’ve acquired some nice points of interest lined up.
1. Drive Howland Hill Road
This scenic drive is for the adventurous solely. The National Park Service warns that the street ‘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 full 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 consists of many factors of curiosity, together with Fern Falls. Get prepared to snap a lot of photographs. It is of average issue, and you must permit round 4 to 5 hours to full the hike.
3. Walk Stout Grove
Speaking of pictures, Stout Grove is without doubt 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 timber 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 known 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 without doubt 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 special expertise after all of the mountaineering trails, we advise mountain biking the path. You’ll go loads of native flora like bear grass and wind your manner by lovely redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods the perfect 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 perfect 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 perfect 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 points of interest, it doesn’t get extra attention-grabbing than a go to to Sue-Meg. The state park has plenty of cultural points of interest 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 outdoors Redwood National Park. The space is sufficiently small to discover in an hour. However, it gives a special 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 little thing you want to find out about visiting Redwood National Park – from precise 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 easiest method is to fly into Eureka-Arcata Airport or Crescent City Airport. You can lease a automobile 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 getting to Redwood National Park. It will permit you to maximize your time exploring the park and cut back pointless journey time.
Of course, if you happen to don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you may discover flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you’re flying internationally, you will have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, lease a automobile and street journey your manner to Redwood National Park – stopping at points of interest and state parks alongside the best way.
This possibility is finest for individuals 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 also be price including that many individuals add the redwood timber at Redwood National Park as one of many closing points of interest on a West Coast street journey.
Don’t drive? Not an issue. You can hop on a Greyhound bus. A Greyhound service runs between Crescent City and Arcata twice every day, six days every 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 want to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.
Another possibility is to ebook a tour of Redwood National Park that features transfers. If you don’t thoughts a whistle-stop tour and are comfortable for the tour operator to set the tempo, this can be a smart way to attain the park and match loads right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the costliest possibility, however it’s positively the best if you happen to don’t drive.
Best time to go to Redwood National Park
As a fast reply, the perfect 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 acquired all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is finest for outside actions like mountaineering and all its primary points of interest are outdoor, these are all crucial elements to take into account.
The peak season to go to Redwood National Park is between May and September. While it isn’t like different nationwide parks that get fully crowded, you may discover visiting extra stress-free outdoors of this era. Late March or April are thought of good months to decide.
Are March and April off the desk for some motive? Fall is the subsequent most suitable option since it is usually a shoulder season, and the climate remains to be comparatively gentle.
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 advocate it if you happen to don’t like being outdoor in unhealthy climate. It is the least fashionable time to go to Redwood National Park. But if you happen to don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a wonderful alternative 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 record needs to be waterproof. You ought to have a water-proof coat, mountaineering boots, and even perhaps waterproof trousers (particularly if you happen to go to throughout winter). The last item 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 extremely popular alternative, and also you’ll discover all types 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 essential.
When mountaineering, a torch, bug spray, suncream (you by no means know), a hat, bear spray, and a conveyable charger are all must-brings. It could be a good suggestion to deliver a primary help equipment, too, particularly if you would like to sort out among the longer, extra distant hikes. And if you happen to’re going to camp, you’ll additionally want all of your tenting tools.
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 comfortable 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 keep in Redwood National Park
You’ve acquired all the data you want, besides the place to keep. These are the perfect 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 a ravishing entry level. Plus, you’ll be tenting instantly on the seaside, which absolutely has acquired to be among the finest budget-friendly lodging decisions within the US.
The services are additionally wonderful; 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 perfect location to discover close by points of interest just like the Coastal Drive and Klamath River Overlook.
Each room comes with an en-suite, seating space, and coffee-making services. Some choices embody further options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is plenty 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 residence 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, friends could 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 residence away from residence really feel, you’ll be able to’t discover way 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 decide up a park map, get skilled 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 record. The park is a captivating place to go to, and seeing the world’s tallest timber up shut is a reminiscence that may final a lifetime.
Hopefully, after studying this information, you’ll have realized how way more Redwood National Park has to supply in addition to its tall timber. The nationwide park is numerous and thrilling – full of points of interest, actions, and lodging decisions. Have an unimaginable time.