Redwood National Park is way from only a nationwide park. It is house to a few of the tallest bushes on the planet – redwoods (scientifically referred to as sequoia sempervirens). Nature and climbing lovers will love strolling the paths by way of old-growth forests and the lots of and lots of of redwood bushes. Redwood National Park is well one of many greatest locations to go to within the United States and has climbing trails to match. You’ll discover a few of the greatest hikes in California and the United States – with photograph alternatives galore.
So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is unquestionably price visiting. Its tall bushes make it one 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 a number of bonus sections. We’ve obtained rather a lot to cowl, so let’s get began.
What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?
Every conventional story begins firstly, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was house to totally different teams of Native American Indians who had a radical information of the park and its wildlife. The tribes largely 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 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 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 intention 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 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 presently was logging. The tall bushes 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 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 have been shaped. The resolution 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 greater charge of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it obtained to the Nineteen 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 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 necessary 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 at present throughout California.
Redwood National Park is significant in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are nonetheless combating 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 many years 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 simply’ve obtained the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood bushes let’s have a look at one of the 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 a minimum of a full day to go to and tick off a number of of those implausible actions, and, if potential, keep for a number of days to per week to expertise one of the best of the park.
Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all one of the best 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 concept of which actions greatest mix collectively.
Redwood National Park
Let’s begin with the principle park – Redwood National Park. You simply want a complete 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 selection. These are our prime 5.
1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a wonderful 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 way of Lady Bird Johnson Grove utilizing the 1.4-mile scenic path. You’ll discover loads of data boards and photo-worthy stops, so enable 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 proper spot if you would like 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 lightweight mist cloaks many 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 title would possibly counsel, the Bald Hills are virtually solely empty of bushes. Instead, you’ll discover meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Redwood National Park to expertise a contrasting panorama to old-growth redwoods.
One of one of the 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 way 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 without doubt one of the most well-known places inside Redwood National Park, thanks 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 sort out the route in good circumstances and with ample clothes.
5. Go on a horseback driving path
Going horseback driving is an thrilling manner to discover Redwood National Park and provides a unique perspective than exploring on foot. Redwood Trails Horse Rides provide scenic path rides by way of the nationwide park and are extremely rated as a dependable tour operator. Most tour operators enable you to get shut to the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback journey? 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 start line of Redwood National and State Parks’ main backpacking path. Excited? You must 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 dwell in giant herds and are unbelievable to spot and {photograph}. If you’re visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk must be on the prime of your checklist.
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 like multi-day climbing journeys, the Coastal Trail is without doubt one of the greatest 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 obtained a number 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, beautiful seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and perhaps even whales.
Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is a wonderful part completely suited to a day hike.
3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Prefer to drive reasonably than stroll? No drawback. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile street that winds by way of old-growth redwoods. There are quite a few locations the place you will get out to stretch your legs and snap images if you want. But, in any other case, it’s simply the proper place to simply cruise by way of for beautiful views and minimal effort.
Allow a number of hours to drive the parkway leisurely. A couple of hours also needs to be loads of time to soar out often for images, 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 lovely endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with a number of straightforward switchbacks and very reasonable elevation acquire.
It is a photogenic and stress-free route, and Trillium Falls is the final word reward to your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a metal bridge – offering a wonderful vantage level to admire the crashing falls.
5. Visit Fern Canyon
Wave hiya to Hollywood as a result of Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you will have guessed) are coated 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 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 slightly further time to cease, admire, and snap images of Fern Canyon itself.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is without doubt one of the greatest 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 for those who 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 beautiful. 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 wonderful 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 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 wonderful place to spot whales from by way of winter and early spring. At these instances of the 12 months, you largely spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, you can too spot humpbacks and blue whales. We counsel bringing a heat blanket and drink – you’ll want to be affected person, however the effort is worth it if you spot a pod.
3. Visit Enderts Beach
Enderts Beach is greatest identified for its rock swimming pools. Stop by to peer into the swimming pools, and perhaps you’ll spot starfish (or a minimum of a number of crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a good spot to have a basic seashore 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 amazing health stage to full the path in good time. The draw? A stupendous cliff-side redwood forest and the satisfaction of finishing a difficult route.
5. Visit False Klamath Cove
False Klamath Cove is prime picnicking territory and has a romantic, wild-feeling environment. The small seashore is affected by stones in an easy ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ manner. There are additionally informative signposts with data on native marine life.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our closing state park to cowl. The park is house 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 house to a few of the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear extra? We’ve obtained 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 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 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 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 prepared to snap plenty of images. It is of reasonable problem, and you need to enable round 4 to 5 hours to full the hike.
3. Walk Stout Grove
Speaking of images, Stout Grove is without doubt one of the most photographed spots in all the Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is comparatively small, however you may 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 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 season is greatest for cutthroat trout. What might 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 unique expertise after all of the climbing trails, we recommend mountain biking the path. You’ll go loads of native flora like bear grass and wind your manner by way of lovely redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods one of the 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 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 brief drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.
These are one of the 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 way of one of the best 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 number 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 coated all of the thrilling bits, what in regards to the important sensible particulars? This is the whole lot you want to find out 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 easiest method 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 brief on time ought to select this methodology of getting to Redwood National Park. It will enable you to maximize your time exploring the park and scale back pointless journey time.
Of course, for those who don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you would possibly 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 automotive and street journey your manner to Redwood National Park – stopping at sights and state parks alongside the way in which.
This possibility is greatest 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 price including that many individuals add the redwood bushes at Redwood National Park as one of many closing sights 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 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 want to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.
Another possibility is to e book a tour of Redwood National Park that features transfers. If you don’t thoughts a whistle-stop tour and are completely satisfied for the tour operator to set the tempo, it is a smart way to attain the park and match rather a lot right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the most costly possibility, however it’s undoubtedly the best for those who don’t drive.
Best time to go to Redwood National Park
As a fast reply, one of the 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 obtained all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is greatest for outside actions like climbing and all its major sights are open air, these are all vital components to think about.
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 of good months to choose.
Are March and April off the desk for some motive? Fall is the subsequent best option since it’s also 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 suggest it for those who don’t like being open air in dangerous climate. It is the least standard time to go to Redwood National Park. But for those who don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a superb selection to keep away from crowds as a lot as potential.
What to pack to go to Redwood National Park
After speaking about moist and chilly climate, it may not shock you that the primary issues in your packing checklist must be waterproof. You ought to have a water-proof coat, climbing boots, and maybe even waterproof trousers (particularly for those who 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 very talked-about selection, and also you’ll discover all types of base layers obtainable 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 essential.
When climbing, 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 package, too, particularly if you would like to sort out a few of the longer, extra distant hikes. And for those who’re going to camp, you’ll additionally want all of your tenting gear.
And what good are all these things with out something to carry them in? You ought to have two baggage – a small climbing backpack and no matter bag you’re completely satisfied to go away at your lodging.
Last however not least, we’d actually suggest 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 obtained all the knowledge you want, besides the place to keep. These are one of the best 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 a wonderful entry level. Plus, you’ll be tenting immediately on the seashore, which absolutely has obtained to be among the finest budget-friendly lodging decisions within the US.
The amenities are additionally wonderful; you’ll have showers, restrooms, fireplace pits, and even bear-proof lockers.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park
This up to date property is the proper mid-range lodging selection in Redwood National Park. It is located in Klamath and has the perfect 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 further options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is a number 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 house with two bedrooms and a settee mattress obtainable in the lounge. It is a perfect luxurious getaway for a small group or household. Located in central Orick, friends can 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 take pleasure in. If you need that house away from house really feel, you may’t discover far more luxurious.
Final Tip
Don’t neglect 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 good locations to choose up a park map, get knowledgeable recommendation, and use the bathroom and water amenities. Keep an eye fixed out and use them as pit stops as you discover.
To Conclude
Visiting Redwood National Park is clearly one to your bucket checklist. The park is an interesting 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 in addition to its tall bushes. The nationwide park is various and thrilling – full of sights, actions, and lodging decisions. Have an unbelievable time.