Redwood National and State Parks

Ancient Forests, Wild Coastlines & the Giants of California

California’s Cathedral of Giants

Est. 1968 (National Park) – Partnered with State Parks

On California’s far northern coast, where mist drifts through fern-filled canyons and the Pacific pounds against rocky shores, Redwood National and State Parks protect the last remaining stands of the world’s tallest trees. Rising more than 350 feet, these ancient coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are living timekeepers — some standing since the Roman Empire.

Spread across 130,000 acres of forest, river, and coastline, the park system is a partnership of national and state lands: Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, and the National Park itself. Together they form a seamless landscape of towering groves, wild elk meadows, and fog-shrouded trails that feel almost sacred.

Beneath the canopy, sunlight filters through red-gold trunks and the forest floor glows with moss, ferns, and silence. It’s a place that humbles and restores — where every step feels like walking through deep time.

Featured Experiences

Redwoods are not a park you visit — they’re a world you enter. Guided hikes, scenic drives, and kayak tours reveal hidden groves, coastal vistas, and the ecosystems that depend on these towering trees.

Suggested Itineraries

From misty morning walks to sunset drives along the Pacific, Redwood itineraries balance wonder, nature, and peaceful immersion. Whether you have one day or an entire week, here’s how to make every moment unforgettable.

1 Day Itinerary

Morning: Begin at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick for maps and tide information.
Midday: Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, where morning fog glows among the trees.
Afternoon: Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, stopping at Big Tree Wayside for scale and serenity.
Evening: End your day at Gold Bluffs Beach, watching the sun dip into the Pacific beside grazing elk.

👉 Perfect for first-time visitors who want forest and coast in one day.

3-4 Day Adventure

Day 1: Explore Fern Canyon and the coastal dunes of Prairie Creek Redwoods.
Day 2: Head north to Jedediah Smith Redwoods, hiking the Boy Scout Tree Trail to a cathedral-like grove.
Day 3: Visit Del Norte Coast, combining cliffs and redwood forest in one breathtaking panorama.
Day 4: Spend a slow morning kayaking or joining a guided photography walk before returning south.

👉 Ideal for travelers seeking immersion, variety, and quiet wonder.

Let Us Plan Your Vacation

Find Experiences, Plan Your Days & Book It All With Us!

Redwood National and State Parks stretch over 50 miles of coastline — planning ahead ensures you see it all. We’ll help arrange tours, scenic routes, and lodging that suit your schedule, from rustic cabins beneath the canopy to oceanfront inns.

Tell us your travel dates, interests, and preferred pace, and we’ll create a personalized itinerary that connects the groves, beaches, and wildlife that make this landscape unforgettable.

What to Expect Each Season

Open Year-Round • Peak Season: May–September

Redwoods thrive in rhythm with the coast — misty mornings, mild afternoons, and seasons that shift more by fog than by temperature. Knowing what to expect helps you find your ideal blend of solitude and scenery.

Winter (Nov–Feb)
Cool and wet, with emerald moss, full waterfalls, and near-empty trails. A dream for photographers.
Best for: Solitude seekers and off-season adventurers.

Spring (Mar–May)
New ferns unfurl, wildflowers brighten the meadows, and Roosevelt elk graze along the parkways. The forest feels reborn.
Best for: Hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Summer (Jun–Aug)
Dry and temperate. Mornings bring coastal fog, afternoons clear for sweeping views. Expect crowds near main trails.
Best for: Families and first-time visitors.

Fall (Sep–Oct)
The forest glows amber and gold; ferns fade into copper tones and the air turns still. Quiet and deeply peaceful.
Best for: Photographers and reflective travelers.

Plan your trip by the season — each reveals a different mood of the redwoods.

PLAN YOUR VACATION

Redwood National and State Park Tours

View All Redwood Tours & Activities

Guided tours open the forest’s hidden dimensions — its science, its scale, and its sense of timelessness. From walking beneath trunks wider than cars to kayaking through mirror-still rivers, every journey deepens the connection.

Sightseeing Tours

Let the experts lead the way through one of America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Sightseeing tours in the redwoods combine the best of land and sea — from Avenue of the Giants and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to rugged coastal overlooks and quiet groves few travelers find on their own. Travel by van, bus, or private vehicle as guides share the stories of conservation, wildlife, and the redwoods’ connection to the wider Pacific ecosystem.

Hiking Tours

Step off the road and into a world that feels untouched by time. Hiking through Redwood National and State Parks is like entering a living cathedral — where light filters through towering trunks, and every step carries the scent of earth and ocean mist. From gentle strolls through Lady Bird Johnson Grove to all-day treks along James Irvine Trail or Boy Scout Tree Trail, these guided hikes connect you to the forest’s quiet heart. Knowledgeable naturalists share stories of ecology, fire, and resilience, revealing what makes this ancient ecosystem thrive.

Biking Tours

Ride through landscapes where coastal fog meets sun-dappled forest and open meadows echo with the calls of Roosevelt elk. Biking tours in and around the redwoods blend freedom and discovery — from scenic forest roads winding through towering groves to ocean-view rides along the California Coastal Trail. Whether you’re pedaling a gentle e-bike path or tackling a rugged backcountry route, each turn delivers a new perspective on this timeless landscape.

E-Bike Tours
Guided e-bike adventure through towering redwoods and coastal... More
- 3 Hours • Orick, CA
- Perfect for all skill levels
- Glide effortlessly beneath the redwoods
- Guided by expert naturalists
from $159.00

Horseback Rides

There’s no more timeless way to experience the redwoods than from the saddle. Guided horseback rides meander through fern canyons, grassy ridges, and shaded trails once used by early settlers and rangers. The steady pace lets you soak in the forest’s quiet beauty — sunlight glancing off moss-covered trunks, the soft crunch of hooves on pine needles, and the cool coastal air drifting through the trees. Perfect for families and first-timers, these rides blend adventure with serenity.

Redwood Forest Ride
Peaceful horseback journey through redwood groves with local... More
- 1.75–3 Hours • Crescent City, CA
- Perfect for beginners & families
- Discover towering redwood groves
- Guided ride with gentle horses
from $129.00

Not sure where to start?

Our team can suggest the best itineraries.

GET EXPERT HELP

Visitor Centers At The Park

Each visitor center in the Redwood system tells a different chapter of the story — from the coast to the canyons, from conservation history to hands-on interpretation.

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center (Orick)

Set on the beach at the park’s southern entrance, this center focuses on coastal ecology, tidepooling, and the park’s marine wildlife. Rangers offer daily updates and beach safety tips.

Prairie Creek Visitor Center (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)

A classic redwood lodge nestled beneath the canopy, featuring exhibits on elk, forest ecosystems, and local hiking trails.

Jedediah Smith Visitor Center (Hiouchi)

The northern hub, highlighting the park’s river systems, backcountry routes, and nearby groves. Excellent stop before exploring Stout Grove.

Get a better picture of your travel plans.

VIEW PARK MAPS

Visiting On Your Own

Independent exploration is easy here — scenic drives, short trails, and hidden beaches await around every curve. All groves are open year-round and most require no permits.

Entrance Fees: None for the national park; state parks honor the same day pass.
Permits: Required for Fern Canyon (summer) and overnight backcountry camping.
Access: Highway 101 and scenic parkways connect all major groves and beaches.
Cell Service: Limited; download maps and tide charts in advance.

Tip: Early morning is magical — the forest glows with fog-filtered light, and the air smells of earth and salt.

Park Information & Details

The redwoods invite stillness, but a little planning helps you experience their full grandeur. Here’s what to know before you arrive.

Food & Drink

Dining inside the parks is limited. Nearby towns like Orick, Trinidad, and Crescent City offer cafés, seafood grills, and local breweries. Pack snacks and water before entering remote areas.

What to Bring

Waterproof layers, hiking shoes, refillable bottle, camera, and curiosity. Expect fog, occasional rain, and cool evenings even in summer.

Safety Tips

Watch for slippery trails and falling limbs (“widowmakers”) during storms. Never climb or lean on redwoods — their roots are shallow. Keep wildlife at a respectful distance.

Shuttle / Transport Info

Private vehicles are essential; the parks span over 50 miles. All major roads are paved, but some back routes require clearance.

Accessibility For All

Many short trails and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible, including Big Tree Wayside and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

Maps Of The Park & Region

The redwoods stretch for more than fifty miles of coast and canyon. Maps help link the scattered groves, beaches, and visitor centers into one continuous journey.

Park Map – South

Park Map – North

Current Redwood Range

Browse guided hikes, biking adventures, sightseeing tours, and more.

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Park Gateway Towns

The redwoods are remote, but nearby coastal towns provide charm, comfort, and local color. Each serves as both a launch point and a retreat after long forest days.

Crescent City, CA

The northern gateway, Crescent City pairs coastal adventure with small-town warmth. Visit Battery Point Lighthouse, dine on local Dungeness crab, or stroll the harbor as sea lions bark in the distance.

Tip: Stay here for easy access to Jedediah Smith Redwoods and Del Norte Coast hikes.

Orick, CA

A quiet, rural hub surrounded by towering trees, Orick sits at the heart of the park system. Roosevelt elk often graze the meadows beside Highway 101, and trailheads to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach begin nearby.

Tip: Ideal for travelers seeking a base within minutes of multiple groves.*

Eureka, CA

Historic and vibrant, Eureka offers Victorian architecture, galleries, and lively dining along its Old Town waterfront.

Tip: Stay here if you want urban comfort with short drives to Humboldt Redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants.*

Trinidad, CA

An artsy seaside town known for coastal hikes and oceanfront lodges. With dramatic sea stacks and misty coves, it’s the perfect balance between forest and beach.

Tip: Choose Trinidad for romantic getaways or sunset photography along the coast.*

San Francisco, CA

The northern crown of California’s coast, San Francisco is both a destination and a starting point for redwood adventures. Travelers can depart the city by Highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge toward towering forests just beyond the skyline. From world-class dining and waterfront views to the art and energy of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco pairs urban creativity with quick access to nature.

What Visitors Say About The Park

The redwoods made me feel both tiny and infinite — like standing in a living cathedral.

Visitor from Oregon

Fern Canyon was straight out of a movie — green walls, mist, and silence.

Visitor from Texas

Driving the Avenue of the Giants at sunrise felt like traveling through time.

Visitor from Washington

Our kids couldn’t stop whispering — even they sensed it was sacred.

Visitor from California

Where the Forest Meets the Sea

The redwoods remind us how time can stand still.
Walk beneath trees older than empires, breathe the salt air, and feel the peace that only the wild coast can give.

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Redwood National and State Parks

California’s Cathedral of Giants

Featured Experiences