Things to do in Redwood National and State Parks
A jointly managed coastal park complex protecting ancient redwood forests, fern canyons, elk prairies, beaches, rivers, and misty North Coast headlands.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Redwood National and State Parks
Fern CanyonDo not miss
The narrow canyon walls are draped in ferns, making this one of the most distinctive short walks in the park.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.9
Lady Bird Johnson GroveDo not miss
The ridge-top loop offers an easy, misty old-growth walk with strong interpretive value.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Stout GroveDo not miss
This short grove walk is one of the most cathedral-like old-growth redwood experiences in the park complex.
Hike · 1 hr4.8
Newton B. Drury Scenic ParkwayDo not miss
The scenic parkway passes giant redwoods, elk meadows, trailheads, and classic Prairie Creek scenery without highway traffic.
Scenic Drive · 1.1 hr
James Irvine Trail
This long redwood route connects Prairie Creek forest toward Fern Canyon for hikers wanting a major forest day.
Hike · 6.5 hr5
Simpson-Reed Trail
The easy loop near Crescent City offers a quick accessible-feeling introduction to huge redwoods and lush understory.
Hike · 45 min5
Prairie Creek Trail
This creekside redwood trail gives a classic forest walk directly from the Prairie Creek hub.
Hike · 2 hr4.9
Boy Scout Tree Trail
This longer forest route enters deep old-growth redwood habitat with a wilder feel than short roadside groves.
Hike · 5 hr4.8
Enderts Beach
The coastal trail leads to tidepools, cliffs, and a different side of the redwood landscape.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.8
Klamath River Overlook
This coastal overlook is excellent for river-mouth views, sea stacks, fog layers, and seasonal whale watching.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.8
Trillium Falls Trail
The loop combines redwoods, a small waterfall, and a good chance of seeing elk near the trailhead meadows.
Hike · 2 hr4.8
Kuchel Visitor Center
The beachfront visitor center is the best indoor orientation stop for permits, weather, beaches, and forest conditions.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Tall Trees Grove
This reserved trail descends to a quiet alluvial grove associated with some of the world tallest known trees.
Hike · 4 hr4.6
Gold Bluffs Beach
The long wild beach pairs ocean drama, elk habitat, and access to the Fern Canyon corridor.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Redwood is famous for some of the tallest trees on Earth, Fern Canyon, Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Roosevelt elk, and wild Pacific beaches.