If you want to see some of the tallest trees on earth, Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California is one of the best places to explore. You can hike through ancient redwood forests, walk along peaceful trails like Fern Canyon and Stout Memorial Grove, and visit unique spots such as Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove. There are plenty of ways to take in the views, from scenic drives beneath huge trees to quiet moments by coastal cliffs.

Besides walking beneath the giant redwoods, you can spend your days kayaking calm lagoons, watching for Roosevelt elk in sunlit meadows, tidepooling on rugged beaches, or camping under the stars. There’s even a chance to spot waterfalls hidden in the mist or bike through the forest. You’ll find visitor centers with cool exhibits and picnic spots surrounded by green, shady trees.

With so many options, every day at the park is a new adventure. Whether you want a short easy trail or a tough hike, these parks offer something special for everyone who loves the outdoors.

Overview of Redwood National & State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks in northern California are home to the world’s tallest trees and a unique mix of forests, wild rivers, prairies, and rugged coastline. Here, you can explore vast groves, learn about conservation, and visit several different park areas, all protected for their special wildlife and natural beauty.

Park Structure and Location

Redwood National and State Parks are made up of four main parks managed together: Redwood National Park and three California State Parks—Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. These parks are located along the northern California coast, stretching from south of Crescent City down toward the town of Trinidad.

The National Park Service and California State Parks work together to manage the whole area. You’ll find that the parks cover nearly 140,000 acres and protect almost half of the world’s remaining coastal redwoods. Main roads like Highway 101 and Highway 199 make it easy to drive between the parks, with each offering its own special experiences, trailheads, and visitor centers.

UNESCO World Heritage and Conservation Status

This park system has global significance. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 because it safeguards much of the world’s ancient coast redwood forests, which are rare and ecologically important. Only about 5% of the original old-growth redwood forests remain in the world today, and you’ll find a large portion of them here.

The redwoods aren’t just trees—they support unique plant and animal communities. The National Park Service and California State Parks focus on protecting these forests, restoring habitat, and maintaining clean, wild rivers. Conservation programs address challenges like erosion, invasive species, and the effects of climate change, all to keep these areas healthy for generations.

Major Parks Within the Complex

Each park in the complex has its own personality and highlights. Redwood National Park is the largest and includes miles of the wild Pacific coast and major redwood groves. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is famous for its lush, dense forests and the Smith River—great for hiking and seeing truly massive trees.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park stretches along the coast, offering towering cliffs and ocean views, as well as forest trails. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is known for open prairies, elk herds, and areas like Fern Canyon, with vertical walls of ferns and streams. Visitor centers, scenic drives, campgrounds, and well-maintained trails make each park easy to explore and enjoy.

Iconic Trees and Must-See Groves

Redwood National and State Parks are known for their towering coast redwoods and legendary groves. Here, you’ll walk beneath record-breaking trees and experience forests that have stood for thousands of years.

Tallest Trees and Ancient Giants

The parks protect some of the tallest living things on the planet. The coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) here can reach over 350 feet high. A few, like the Hyperion tree, are recognized as the tallest trees on Earth, though their exact locations are kept secret to protect them.

While you might not see Hyperion itself, you can easily marvel at other redwoods nearly as tall along marked trails throughout the park. Take time to look up—the sheer height of these ancient trees is almost hard to believe. Many stand in forests that have never been logged, called old-growth redwoods. Here, you’ll find not just size, but also centuries of history in every trunk.

Stout Grove

Stout Grove is one of the most photogenic and peaceful redwood groves in the entire park system. You’ll find it inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, just off a scenic dirt road. The grove is not very large, but every tree here is massive and old, giving it an ancient feel.

Walking the easy half-mile loop, you’ll find the forest floor sprinkled with ferns and bright green sorrel. Sunlight slips through the tall, open canopy. The famous Stout Tree, the largest one in the grove, is especially impressive. There’s also a viewing platform to get a closer look without disturbing the roots. Stout Grove feels quiet even on busy days—a perfect spot for photos and a true sense of peace.

Tall Trees Grove

Tall Trees Grove requires a little more effort to reach, which makes it even more special. You’ll need a free permit and drive down a gated road, then hike about four miles round-trip. The hike descends about 800 feet to the banks of Redwood Creek, passing through thick forests along the way.

Once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by giant redwoods, some topping 350 feet. The grove is less crowded than other locations, which makes the encounter feel more private. The air is cool and the ground is soft with redwood needles. This land helped researchers find the tallest trees ever recorded, marking the area as a hub for tree-lovers and anyone wanting a quiet adventure.

Grove of Titans

The Grove of Titans is a hidden gem inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. For years, it was a local secret because it protects some of the largest coast redwoods by volume, not just by height. Recent trail improvements now let you visit the grove without damaging the fragile environment.

As you follow the raised boardwalk, you’ll pass under locally famous trees like “Gandalf” and “Lost Monarch.” These trees aren’t just tall—they’re thick and massive, showing the power and age of true redwood giants. Keep your eyes open for lush ferns and mosses covering downed logs. The boardwalk preserves delicate roots and makes for an easy, respectful walk. This grove offers a close encounter with the true Titans of the forest.

Scenic Trails and Nature Walks

Redwood National & State Parks have some of the most memorable walking and hiking paths anywhere in California. You’ll get to wander through fern-filled canyons, old-growth redwoods, and peaceful forest trails packed with the sights, sounds, and even smells of the wild.

Fern Canyon Adventure

Fern Canyon is one of the most impressive short hikes you can take in these parks. The canyon walls are 30 to 50 feet high and completely covered with lush ferns and mosses. In summer, the trail can be wet and slippery, so waterproof shoes or sandals help a lot.

Walking through the narrow canyon, you’ll hear Prairie Creek bubbling alongside the boardwalk. Kids and adults love hopping along the simple wooden bridges and logs. Jurassic Park 2 even filmed a scene here. The canyon is usually about a mile round-trip and is easy enough for most visitors, though some climbing over small logs is required.

Quick Facts Table:

Lady Bird Johnson Grove

This grove sits high on a ridge, which means you’ll walk under the cover of fog and giant trees. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and mostly flat, with many huge old-growth redwoods. It’s named for the former First Lady, who helped protect these forests.

You’ll pass by interpretive signs explaining the forest’s ecology and history. Expect cool temperatures and a mix of sunlight and mist. The elevated path also gives you unique viewpoints over the forest canopy at some spots.

The trailhead is easy to find and usually not too crowded. Parking is available, but it can fill up during peak times.

What You’ll See:

• Towering redwoods
• Sword ferns and lichen
• Occasional wildlife like squirrels and birds

Boy Scout Tree Trail

If you’re looking for a longer hike deep into the redwoods, this is for you. The Boy Scout Tree Trail is about 5.5 miles (round-trip) and travels through untouched sections of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The trail is mostly shaded, passing through a forest full of enormous trees with thick roots and a soft, fern-covered floor. It ends at the “Boy Scout Tree,” a massive double redwood. There’s also a short spur at the end leading to Fern Falls—a gentle, peaceful spot to take a break.

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 5.5 miles (moderate hike)
• Features: Hidden groves, Boy Scout Tree, Fern Falls
• Best for: Quiet hikes and great photos

Trillium Falls Trail

The Trillium Falls Trail offers a perfect balance between scenery and a manageable hike. It’s a 2.5-mile loop starting near the Elk Meadow Day Use Area. The main highlight is Trillium Falls, which is a small but pretty waterfall surrounded by moss and ferns.

You’ll walk through a mixed forest with both tall redwoods and leafy maples. In spring, trillium flowers bloom along the trail. You may spot Roosevelt elk grazing in the nearby meadow, especially early in the day.

This trail is popular, so mornings or late afternoons are more peaceful. You’ll also find picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead for convenience.

Trail Tips:

• Look for wildflowers around the falls
• Bring water and a camera
• Watch for elk and birds along the way

Coastal Views and Unique Drives

Redwood National and State Parks offer some spectacular drives along with breathtaking spots to take in rugged coastlines, redwood forests, and river views. Each scenic road or viewpoint shows you a different side of this wild, beautiful area.

Howland Hill Road Experience

If you want to get up close with old-growth redwoods, Howland Hill Road is a must. This narrow, 6-mile dirt road cuts straight through dense forests, making you feel like you’re in another world. You’ll want to drive slowly, not just because of the bumpy road, but because the giant trees line both sides, sometimes only inches from your car.

Pull-offs along the way let you get out and walk short trails. Stout Grove, famous for its tall, straight trees, is especially worth a stop. Elk, deer, and even black bears might cross the road in early mornings or late evenings, so keep your camera ready.

Howland Hill Road isn’t suitable for trailers or large RVs, so plan ahead. Still, if you’re in a regular car, this road offers a true “redwoods up close” experience that’s hard to beat.

Redwood Creek Overlook

Redwood Creek Overlook gives you a wide, sweeping view of Redwood Creek as it winds through a sea of green forest below. If you get up early or visit at sunset, you can see fog curling up from the coastal redwoods—a classic Northern California scene.

There’s a small parking area, and a short path leads right to the viewpoint. Bring binoculars to spot birds or look out for Roosevelt elk, which sometimes graze in the open spaces beneath. This spot is also popular with photographers because of the changing colors and moods as the light shifts throughout the day.

If you like long walks, several trails start nearby, including routes that head down to the creek for a closer look at the water and the giant trees along its banks.

Klamath River Overlook

Klamath River Overlook offers a dramatic view where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. The viewing area sits high above the river mouth, so expect wide-open coastal views and fresh ocean breezes.

During late summer and fall, you might catch gray whales passing by just offshore. The overlook is a great place for a picnic or just to stare out at the rocky coastline and crashing waves.

There’s a paved path leading from the parking lot to several viewpoints. On a clear day, bring a jacket since strong coastal winds are common here. If you time it right, sunsets from here are some of the most colorful on the entire north coast.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is a famous drive about an hour south of the main Redwood National Park area, but it’s worth including on your trip. This scenic byway stretches over 30 miles and passes right through groves of huge trees known as the Humboldt Redwoods.

Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, short walking trails, and several places where you can step out and touch the ancient bark of these giants. Some trees are over 2,000 years old here.

Don’t miss stops like Founders Grove or the “Drive-Thru Tree,” which lets you actually steer your car through the base of a living redwood. It’s a laid-back road trip route that’s easy to explore at your own pace, with plenty of places to pull off, stretch your legs, and soak in the views.

Wildlife Watching, Beaches, and Recreation

Redwood National and State Parks are full of wildlife, sandy coastlines, and outdoor fun. You can spot elk in meadows, walk along wide beaches, paddle in a clear river, and take in ocean views.

Roosevelt Elk and Elk Meadow

One of the best places to see Roosevelt elk is at Elk Meadow, just off Davison Road near the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Here, large herds of elk are often visible from your car or while standing by the roadside. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for wildlife viewing, especially in spring and fall.

The wide grassy area gives you plenty of space to observe these giant animals safely. Sometimes you’ll see them relaxing at Elk Prairie Campground or grazing by Elk Meadow Cabins. Use binoculars if you have them, and keep a safe distance—these elk are wild and can be unpredictable.

During the rutting season in late summer, males compete for attention, and their bugling sounds echo through the fields. Bring a camera and patience, and you might see a whole herd up close.

Gold Bluffs Beach

Gold Bluffs Beach is a long stretch of coast tucked below tall cliffs, hidden within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. You can drive right up to the sand and park at the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground if you want to spend the night. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and easy trails to Fern Canyon.

This beach feels remote, with crashing surf, driftwood piles, and open views. It’s great for walks, beachcombing, and relaxing by the ocean. Seals sometimes lounge on the sand, and seabirds glide over the water. Because it’s less crowded, you can feel like you have the whole beach to yourself.

Fog often rolls in, so dress in layers. Fires are allowed in provided grates at the campground, making it easy to enjoy the sound of the waves in the evening.

Smith River and Water Activities

The Smith River is the cleanest river in California and flows right through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It’s perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling. You can launch a kayak or canoe and drift through jade-green water with giant redwoods rising above the banks.

Local outfitters sometimes offer guided trips on the river, and many families enjoy tubing or wading at the river’s access points. Anglers come for salmon and steelhead fishing. The cool water feels great on hot summer afternoons.

The river banks are great picnic spots, too. Bring water shoes and be mindful of swift currents after rain.

Enderts Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook

At Enderts Beach, you’ll find tide pools filled with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, and small fish. A short walk from the trailhead leads you down to the rocky shoreline. Low tide is the best time to explore the pools and look for bright sea life.

Above the beach, Crescent Beach Overlook is an easy stop with a big view of the Pacific Ocean. The overlook has picnic tables and a parking area. It’s a popular spot for whale watching in spring and fall.

You can often spot brown pelicans, cormorants, and sometimes even harbor seals from the viewpoint. The sunsets here are bold and colorful, making it a great place to end your day.

Camping and Practical Information

Redwood National and State Parks have several great options for camping, as well as key rules and tips to make your stay comfortable and safe. Knowing where to camp, where to get maps, and how to respect the environment can help you enjoy your visit even more.

Best Campgrounds in the Parks

You can choose between developed campgrounds and cabins in different areas of the parks. Some of the most popular campgrounds include:

• Jedediah Smith Campground
  Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this spot sits right along the Smith River and is surrounded by old-growth redwoods. You’ll find flush toilets, hot showers, and picnic tables. It’s great for tent or RV camping.
• Mill Creek Campground
  Found in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Mill Creek is larger and more secluded than others. It offers more than 100 sites, showers, and easy access to hiking trails. The campground is open seasonally, so check dates before planning.
• Elk Meadow Cabins
  If cabins are more your style, Elk Meadow Cabins are located near the town of Orick, close to the Prairie Creek Redwoods. These cabins offer modern comforts like kitchens and bathrooms, and you might even spot wild elk grazing nearby.

All campgrounds require reservations, especially during the summer. Backcountry camping is also allowed in certain areas, but you’ll need a free permit for those.

Visitor Centers and Park Passes

Visitor centers are the best places to start your trip. The main centers in the parks are:

• Hiouchi Visitor Center (Jedediah Smith area)
• Kuchel Visitor Center (near Orick)
• Prairie Creek Visitor Center (inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)

You can pick up maps, talk with rangers, and get info about weather, wildlife, and trail conditions. Some centers have small exhibits and restrooms, too.

Entrance to Redwood National and State Parks is free, but if you visit other California State Parks nearby, there may be parking or entrance fees. The America the Beautiful Pass covers national park admission and many state park fees, so it’s worth considering if you plan to visit other locations.

Leave No Trace Principles

Practicing Leave No Trace is key to keeping the redwoods healthy for everyone. Key principles include:

• Pack out everything you bring in. This means all trash, food wrappers, and leftover food.
• Stay on marked trails. This protects fragile plants and reduces erosion.
• Respect wildlife. Stay at least 100 feet from elk and never feed any animals.
• Only camp in designated sites unless you have a permit for backcountry camping.

Always use marked campfire rings in developed campgrounds. In dry summer months, fire restrictions are common, so check with rangers before starting any fire. Following these steps helps preserve the parks’ forests and wildlife for the future.