About the park
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Soaring to 380ft, these insane Redwood trees that give the park its name are famous around the world. The three tallest trees known to humans all live here! They capture all the moisture in the air, often creating a mysterious mist which covers the trails and roads cutting through the park. It's only really possible to fully appreciate their amazing size when standing right next to them and staring up, as they reach into the sky, sometimes out of view as they ascend into the mist. Stretched along the Californian coast and extending for around 50 miles as a series of national and state parks, Redwood protects not only 45% of the world's remaining coastal Redwood trees, but also numerous flora and animal species such as the Steller sea lion.
Drive along the roads that weave through the forests and stop off at numerous overlooks that show the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. These are often great spots for sunset, but also consider walks along the beaches, where rock formations and driftwood create a lovely scene besides the towering trees. Numerous trails head through the various groves of Redwoods, but visitors can also see one of the few waterfalls in the park on the Trillium Falls trek, perhaps a surprise given the amount of rain and moisture that embraces the park. Rain falls on nearly 130 days a year, and while summer is often drier, the cool breeze and the proximity of the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures in the mid 60F's even in June and July. Come prepared for the weather to let you fully enjoy these majestic creatures, and everything else the park has to offer!
Can't miss
Stare up in Tall Trees Grove
Regularly reaching 350 ft, Coastal Redwoods are some of the most iconic and impressive trees you'll find anywhere in the world. Tall Trees Grove is one of the best places to feel amongst these giants, and is home to Libbey Tree - once the world's tallest known living tree. Visitors wishing to hike the trail need to apply online for a free permit.
Catch sunset at Crescent Beach Overlook
One of the best evening activities in the park is driving alone the coastline along US Route 101, stopping off at different beauty points and views along the way. One of the best picks is Crescent Beach, with the steep cliffs against the Pacific particularly radiant in the setting sun.
Hike Fern Canyon
Hidden in a 50ft deep canyon lies hundreds of ferns amongst trees, fallen trunks and creek. This location is famous having been in Jurassic Park 2, and provides a different view of Redwood NP, where you normally spend most of the time staring up!
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Simpson-Reed Trail
Simpson-Reed Grove Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 0.9 miles
Approximate duration: 45-60 mins
Maximum elevation: 155 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 60 ft
A short trail in one of the denser parts of Redwood NP, Simpson-Reed is just off of Highway 199, weaving through what feels like a jungle, especially so when the park is shrouded in mist. A very flat trail, the dirt path passes some of the taller Redwoods at the beginning of the loop.
The density of the trees and the flat nature of it means there aren't any impressive viewpoints or overlooks. However, during the evenings the sunlight can shoot through between the tree trunks, creating some impressive rays amongst the darkness.
This hike is perfect for younger children or those wanting something gentle. However, if you want to explore a little farther, the trail attaches to the Peterson Memorial Trail, adding another 0.3 miles. Keep an eye out for some trees that have been damaged by fire, a frequent threat to their survival.
Moderate
Trillium Falls
Trillium Falls Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 2.6 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 300 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 250 ft
Elk sometimes watch you from the meadows as you start this hike, with some majestic Redwoods also greeting you at this time. From this point on the trail starts to ascend, with switchbacks taking you up to around 200 ft - the location of Trillium Falls!
From the footbridge you can see the small but very pretty waterfall, with the trail then continuing upwards, but slightly less steeply. Plenty of ferns and mushrooms can be seen lining the path which then becomes more undulating, with plenty of towering chimney trees. These hollow Redwoods are another example of damage from lightning & fires.
The trail crosses an old logging road before dropping back towards Elk Meadow. If you didn't stop off here at the beginning of your hike, try to at the end. It's relatively common to see Roosevelt Elk grazing here!
Demanding
Tall Trees Grove
Tall Trees Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 4.0 miles
Approximate duration: 3-5 hours
Maximum elevation: 800 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 700 ft
One of the more famous hikes in the park, tall Trees starts relatively high in elevation for Redwood NP, descending around 700 ft towards Redwood Creek. As you descend, many Redwoods often exceeding 350 ft whisper in the wind as you walk beneath them. The initial section is steep, with gradients above 10% and many switchbacks. For many going down is not too much of a problem, but the hike out is the same as the way in, so bear that in mind when pacing your hike.
At the lower levels of the trail is a loop which follows the course of the creek, and fallen trunks have to be negotiated. The grove itself is home to Libbey Tree, which used to be the tallest known tree in the park until the top died in 1994. Also try and keep a lookout for Hyperion, south of the creek, now the tallest known tree on Earth!
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When to visit
We recommend:
May thru October - for slightly better weather conditions to let you enjoy both forest + coast
Itineraries
