Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest trees on Earth and one of the most remarkable coastal ecosystems in North America. Located along the northern California coast, this park complex includes ancient redwood forests, rugged Pacific coastline, scenic rivers, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can walk among towering coastal redwoods that exceed 350 feet in height, explore fern-covered forests, hike scenic coastal trails, and experience one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the national park system.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: California
- Established: October 2, 1968
- Expanded: 1978
- Combined Park System: Redwood National Park and three California state parks
- Park Size: ~139,000 acres
- Tallest Tree Species: Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
- Tallest Tree Ever Recorded: Hyperion (~379 ft)
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September)
Warmest weather and best hiking conditions.
Spring (April–May)
Wildflowers and active wildlife.
Fall (September–October)
Fewer crowds and beautiful forest scenery.
Winter can be rainy but quiet.
Best Photography Locations
- Tall Trees Grove
- Fern Canyon
- Prairie Creek Redwoods
- Pacific coastline cliffs
Camping & Lodging Options
Popular campgrounds include:
Jedediah Smith Campground
Beautiful campground along the Smith River.
Prairie Creek Campground
Located near redwood groves and wildlife areas.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
Unique coastal campground.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The region has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Yurok Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, and Karuk Tribe, who maintain deep cultural connections to the forests and rivers.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
There is no entrance fee for Redwood National and State Parks.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Tall Trees Grove remote hike
- Quiet coastal trails
- Prairie Creek elk viewing areas
- Redwood forest backcountry routes
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Pinnacles National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Pinnacles National Park Maps – Download official park maps including trails and cave locations.
• Pinnacles Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Pinnacles Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates and park alerts.
• Pinnacles Cave Information – Details about Bear Gulch and Balconies cave systems.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Fern Canyon Trail
1 mile loop – Famous canyon with lush ferns covering the walls. - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
1.4 miles – Beautiful redwood forest hike. - Tall Trees Grove Trail
4 miles round trip – Hike to some of the tallest trees in the world. - Prairie Creek Trail
5 miles – Scenic trail through old-growth redwood forests. - James Irvine Trail
10 miles – Long trail connecting forests to Fern Canyon.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Redwood forest canopy views
- Klamath River Overlook
- Coastal bluff viewpoints
- Prairie Creek meadows
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Short hikes through redwood forests
- Wildlife viewing in prairie meadows
- Scenic coastal drives
Nearby Getaway Towns
Crescent City – Northern gateway town near the park.
Eureka – Larger city south of the park.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Coast redwood forests
- Fern Canyon
- Prairie Creek meadows
- Pacific Ocean coastline
- Klamath River
Scenic Drives
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
A beautiful drive through ancient redwood forests offering incredible views of towering trees and lush landscapes.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Midday
- Hike Prairie Creek Trail
- Picnic in the forest
Afternoon
- Explore Fern Canyon
- Visit coastal viewpoints
Evening
- Sunset photography along the Pacific coast
- Dinner in Crescent City
Popular Flora
Redwood National Park contains some of the most ancient forests on Earth.
Common plants include:
- Coast redwood trees
- Sitka spruce
- Douglas fir
- Sword ferns
- Mosses and lichens
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- Roosevelt elk
- Black bears
- River otters
Birds:
- Bald eagles
- Northern spotted owls
- Steller’s jays
Marine wildlife:
- Gray whales
- Harbor seals
- Sea lions
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Long-distance forest hiking
- Coastal backpacking routes
- Kayaking along rivers
- Wilderness camping
Park History
Redwood National Park was established in 1968 to protect the remaining old-growth redwood forests that once covered much of the northern California coast. The park later partnered with several California state parks to create a combined protected landscape known as Redwood National and State Parks.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Fog is common along the coast.
- Trails can be muddy during rainy seasons.
- Wildlife such as elk are common—maintain safe distances.
- Bring layers for coastal weather.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Walk among the tallest trees on Earth
- Hike through Fern Canyon
- Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Watch elk in Prairie Creek meadows
- Explore the rugged Pacific coastline
Fun Facts
- Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth.
- Some redwoods are over 2,000 years old.
- The tallest tree ever measured is Hyperion, located in the park.
- Redwood forests capture and store enormous amounts of carbon.
- The park protects nearly half of the remaining old-growth redwoods in the world.
Additional Resources (2)
• Monterey County Tourism – Pinnacles Guide – Regional visitor information and travel tips.
• AllTrails – Pinnacles National Park Trails – Hiking maps and trail reviews.
• National Park Foundation – Pinnacles Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• California Tourism – Pinnacles Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• Pinnacles National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geology, and wildlife.