Redwood National and State Parks
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- Oct 31
- 2 min read
Redwood National and State Parks Travel Guide
Step into a world where the tallest trees on Earth stand guard, creating a landscape that is both remote and deeply humbling. The Redwood National and State Parks, nestled in far northern California, are a sanctuary for towering coastal redwoods, some reaching heights of over 350 feet, as well as wild beaches, prairies, and rivers. This unique environment promises an experience that is both awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
Redwood is a cathedral of living giants, where trees scrape the sky, fog drifts like incense, and every step feels timeless.
How to Get There
Highway 101 runs directly through the parks, providing easy access and linking Crescent City in the north to Orick and Trinidad further south. Driving is essential—this is remote California coast country, where distances are long and cell service is patchy. However, the well-maintained highway ensures a smooth journey.
The nearest airport is Eureka-Arcata (ACV, 1 hr). Medford, Oregon (2.5 hrs), is another option. Many visitors pair a trip to Redwood with an Oregon Coast road trip or a visit to Crater Lake National Park.
Nearest Airports: ACV (1 hr), Medford (2.5 hrs)
By Car: Hwy 101 along the California coast
Pairings: Crater Lake NP, Oregon Coast
Know Before You Go
The park system is a mix of national and state parks, so fees apply at some units but not others. The weather is famously foggy and damp; bring rain gear even in summer. Roosevelt elk are typical—give them space.
Entry Fee: Free for national parks; small fees at some state parks
Weather: Cool, foggy, damp year-round
Permits: Needed for Tall Trees Grove and backcountry camping
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the busiest but also driest season, with highs in the 60s. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall is quieter and often shrouded in fog. Winter storms create moody coastal scenes and near-empty trails.
Best Things to Do
Tall Trees Grove: Accessed by permit only
Lady Bird Johnson Grove: Short walk among giants
Fern Canyon: Green-walled canyon made famous by Jurassic Park
Prairie Creek: Elk sightings in open meadows
Gold Bluffs Beach: Wild, windswept coast
Best Hikes
Lady Bird Johnson Grove (1.5 miles, easy): Accessible sequoia walk
Fern Canyon Loop (1 mile, easy): Iconic fern-covered canyon
Tall Trees Grove (4 miles, moderate): Permit required, humbling giants
James Irvine Trail (10 miles, strenuous): Links Prairie Creek to Fern Canyon
Places to Stay
There are no in-park lodges, but nearby towns, such as Crescent City, Klamath, and Trinidad, offer hotels and cabins for visitors. For campers, state park campgrounds like Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach offer atmospheric and scenic settings.
Campgrounds: Elk Prairie, Gold Bluffs Beach, Jedediah Smith
Nearby: Hotels in Crescent City, inns in Trinidad
Cabins: Redwood Coast cabins & Airbnbs
Places to Eat
Dining is sparse and rustic. Crescent City has casual diners and seafood spots, while Trinidad offers more upscale meals. Don't miss local Dungeness crab in season.
Crescent City: SeaQuake Brewing, Good Harvest Café
Trinidad: Trinidad Bay Eatery, Seascape Restaurant
