Yes, you should visit Redwood National and State Parks. The parks protect nearly 40,000 acres of ancient coast redwoods, including some of the tallest trees on Earth, and offer a rare combination of old-growth forest, rugged coastline, and quiet trails that you cannot experience anywhere else.
Why These Trees Are Different
Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is a joint federal-state unit along the northern California coast, about 300 miles north of San Francisco. The star species is the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), which grows only in a narrow, foggy strip from southern Oregon to central California. Unlike giant sequoias, which grow thicker, coast redwoods grow taller. The park is home to Hyperion, the world’s tallest known living tree at 379.7 feet, though its exact location is kept secret to protect it from trampling. Even without seeing Hyperion, you will find dozens of trees over 300 feet tall along easy trails. The trees thrive because of the fog that rolls in most summer mornings, providing up to 40% of their water through their needles.
How the Parks Are Organized
RNSP is actually four parks managed together: Redwood National Park, plus Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods state parks. They are strung along US 101 from Crescent City in the north to Orick in the south. There is no single entrance gate or fee station for the federal portion; most access is free. The state parks have day-use fees ($8 per vehicle in 2024), but the federal areas and many trailheads are free. The parks are open 24 hours a day, year-round, though visitor centers have limited hours. The main visitor centers are at Hiouchi (near Crescent City), Prairie Creek, and Orick.
What You Can Do There
Most visitors come for the hiking, but the parks offer more than just forest walks. You can:
- Hike the 32-mile James Irvine Trail, which connects Prairie Creek to Fern Canyon, a narrow gorge with walls covered in ferns.
- Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10-mile road through old-growth redwoods that is closed to trucks and RVs over 8 feet wide.
- Walk the Coastal Trail for ocean views, tidepools, and seasonal whale watching (gray whales pass December through April).
- Ride a horse on designated trails, or kayak on the Smith River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in California.
- Camp at one of the four developed campgrounds, all first-come, first-served except Jedediah Smith, which takes reservations.
How to Choose Your Route
If you only have one day, focus on the “Big Three” areas: Lady Bird Johnson Grove (a flat, 1.5-mile loop), the Newton B. Drury Parkway, and Fern Canyon (requires a short, unpaved road; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended but not required in dry weather). If you have two days, add the Tall Trees Grove, which requires a free permit from the Orick visitor center (limited to 50 vehicles per day). For a longer stay, explore the Jedediah Smith area in the north, where the Howland Hill Road is a 10-mile gravel route through enormous trees, and the Stout Grove trail is a short, spectacular loop. Most visitors spend 4–6 hours in the park, but a full day is better if you want to hike more than one trail.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The biggest issue is fog and rain. The coast is one of the foggiest places in the US; summer mornings are often overcast, and rain is possible any month. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket even in July. The second issue is crowds: Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Fern Canyon get busy by 10 AM, so start early. Third, the roads: many are narrow, winding, and unpaved. The Howland Hill Road is not suitable for large RVs or trailers. Fourth, there are no services inside the park—no gas, food, or lodging. The nearest towns are Crescent City (north) and Orick (south), both small. Fill your gas tank and bring water and snacks. Finally, cell service is almost nonexistent, so download offline maps before you arrive.
Costs and Practical Details
There is no entrance fee for the federal Redwood National Park. The three state parks charge $8 per vehicle per day, but a California State Parks pass covers them. Camping costs $35–$40 per night at developed sites; backcountry camping is free but requires a permit from a visitor center. Lodging outside the park ranges from $100–$250 per night in Crescent City or Klamath. The nearest major airport is in Arcata/Eureka (ACV), about 45 minutes south. The park is open year-round, but the best weather is usually September and October, when summer fog clears and rain has not yet returned. Winter brings frequent storms and some road closures, but also fewer people and dramatic waves.
Safety and Wildlife
Stay on trails and do not approach wildlife. Roosevelt elk are common in Prairie Creek and can be aggressive during mating season (September–October); keep at least 100 yards away. Black bears and mountain lions live here, but encounters are rare. Store food properly at campsites. The ocean is cold and has strong rip currents—do not swim. On trails, watch for banana slugs (harmless) and poison oak, which grows along many lower-elevation trails. In the backcountry, carry a map and compass; trails can be muddy and slippery. There are no venomous snakes in the redwood forest, but ticks are present in spring. Always tell someone your plan if you hike alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to visit Redwood National Park?
Most visitors see the highlights in one day, but two days allow you to hike more and avoid rushing. If you want to do the Tall Trees Grove and a coastal hike, plan for two full days.
Can I drive through the park in an RV or motorhome?
Yes, but with restrictions. The Newton B. Drury Parkway has a vehicle height limit of 8 feet, and the Howland Hill Road is not recommended for vehicles over 20 feet. Stick to US 101 and the main paved roads if you have a large rig.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
Dogs are allowed on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on some beaches, but not on most trails, including Fern Canyon and Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Service animals are exempt. Check at a visitor center for the current list of dog-friendly areas.
What is the best time of year to visit?
September and October are ideal: the fog is lighter, temperatures are mild (60–70°F), and rain is less frequent. Summer is busy but still pleasant. Winter is quiet but wet, with frequent storms.
Do I need a reservation to enter the park?
No, the parks do not require reservations for entry or for most trails. The only exception is the Tall Trees Grove, which requires a free permit (available at the Orick visitor center on the day of your visit). Campgrounds are first-come, first-served except Jedediah Smith, which accepts reservations.
Template for Your Trip Plan
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | ____________________ |
| Arrival time | ____________________ |
| Trail 1 | ____________________ |
| Trail 2 | ____________________ |
| Campground/lodging | ____________________ |
| Food/water stops | ____________________ |
| Gas station | ____________________ |
| Emergency contact | ____________________ |
Sample (fictional): Dates: Oct 12-14; Arrival: 9 AM; Trail 1: Lady Bird Johnson Grove; Trail 2: Fern Canyon; Campground: Elk Prairie; Food: packed lunch; Gas: Crescent City; Emergency: Park ranger.
Alternatives Nearby
If you have extra time, consider nearby attractions. The Avenue of the Giants, about 60 miles south, is a scenic highway through more redwoods. Humboldt Lagoons State Park offers kayaking and birdwatching. The coastal town of Trinidad has tidepools and a lighthouse. For a completely different landscape, drive east to Lava Beds National Monument (about 2.5 hours) to see volcanic caves. If you cannot make it to northern California, note that coast redwoods also grow in Muir Woods near San Francisco, but that park is small, crowded, and requires a parking reservation. For a more remote experience, try Prairie Creek’s backcountry, where you are unlikely to see many people on weekdays.