Mapping out a redwoods national park itinerary is a lot more fun once you realize you aren't just visiting one single park, but a whole string of them winding along the Northern California coast. Most people don't realize that the "National Park" is actually a unique partnership between the National Park Service and California State Parks. This means you're jumping between Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek State Parks, all while technically being in the National Park system.
It's a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but that's what makes it great. You get different vibes—from foggy, Jurassic-looking canyons to massive groves where the trees are so big they don't even look real. If you have three days, you can see the best of it without feeling like you're rushing through a car commercial. Here is how I'd break it down to make sure you actually see the trees and not just the pavement.
Day 1: Exploring the Far North
I always suggest starting at the top near Crescent City. This is where you'll find Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which is home to some of the most impressive old-growth groves in the world.
Howland Hill Road
First thing in the morning, head straight for Howland Hill Road. Now, a fair warning: this is a narrow, unpaved dirt road. If you have a massive RV, don't even try it. But for a normal car, it's totally fine as long as you don't mind a little dust. It's about ten miles long and takes you right through the heart of the giant trees. The branches literally hang over the road, and the light filtering through the canopy is something you have to see to believe.
Stout Grove
About halfway along Howland Hill Road, you'll find the trailhead for Stout Grove. This is a short, easy loop, but the payoff is massive. Since it's sitting on a river flat, the trees here grow incredibly tall and straight. There isn't much undergrowth, which gives the whole place a very open, cathedral-like feeling. If you go in the late afternoon, the sun hits the trunks at an angle that makes the bark look like it's glowing orange.
Smith River
After you're done with the trees, take a quick detour to the Smith River. It's one of the cleanest rivers in the country and has this crazy turquoise color. There are plenty of spots to pull over, jump in for a quick (and very cold) swim, or just sit on the rocks and soak in the silence.
Day 2: Ferns, Elk, and Coastal Views
For your second day, you'll want to head south toward Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This area feels a bit more "wild" and has a great mix of forest and beach.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Instead of staying on Highway 101, hop on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It's a ten-mile stretch of road that parallels the highway but cuts right through the old-growth forest. You'll probably see people pulled over on the side of the road—usually, that's because there's a herd of Roosevelt Elk hanging out in the meadows. They're huge, beautiful, and a little grumpy, so keep your distance.
Fern Canyon
Next up is Fern Canyon, which you might recognize from The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It's exactly what it sounds like: a deep canyon where the walls are completely covered in five different types of ferns. Water drips down the sides, and you'll likely have to hop across some logs and walk through a bit of water to get through it.
Pro tip: You now need a permit to visit Fern Canyon during the busy summer months. Don't be the person who drives all the way down that long, bumpy road only to get turned away at the gate. Check the park website a few weeks before your trip to snag a spot.
Gold Bluffs Beach
Since the trailhead for Fern Canyon is right by the ocean, spend some time at Gold Bluffs Beach. It's a rugged, windswept stretch of sand that feels worlds away from the manicured beaches in Southern California. It's a great spot for a picnic, just keep an eye out for those elk—they like to hang out on the sand too.
Day 3: The Deep Woods and High Ridges
On your final day, it's time to head into the southern end of the park system near the town of Orick. This is where you'll find some of the most famous groves and the tallest trees on the planet.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
This is a classic stop on any redwoods national park itinerary. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is located at a higher elevation than the river flats, so the forest looks a bit different here. It's often shrouded in thick fog, which makes the whole walk feel incredibly moody and peaceful. The trail is a 1.5-mile loop that's pretty easy for most fitness levels.
Tall Trees Grove
If you're up for a bit of a challenge, try to get a permit for the Tall Trees Grove. This is a limited-access area, and you need to apply for a permit online at least a few days in advance. If you get one, you'll be given a gate code to access a private road.
The hike is about four miles round-trip, but keep in mind that you drop about 800 feet in elevation on the way down, which means you have to climb all that way back up at the end. It's a workout, but standing at the base of trees that are over 350 feet tall is a humbling experience that you won't forget.
Trillium Falls
If you can't get a permit for Tall Trees, Trillium Falls is a fantastic alternative. It's a moderate loop that takes you past an old sawmill site and leads to a beautiful little waterfall tucked away in the redwoods. It's a great way to see how the forest is reclaiming the land after decades of logging.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
You can't just wing it in the redwoods—well, you can, but you'll miss out on the good stuff. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you're planning.
- Dress in layers. Even in the middle of summer, the temperature in the forest can be 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas. The fog rolls in fast, and it can get damp and chilly before you know it.
- Download your maps. Cell service is basically non-existent once you leave the main highway. Download offline maps on Google Maps or bring a physical map so you don't end up wandering aimlessly down a logging road.
- Watch the gas gauge. There aren't a ton of gas stations between the small towns, and you'll be doing a lot more driving than you think. Fill up in Crescent City or Klamath before you head into the deeper parts of the park.
- Respect the roots. It sounds weird, but redwood roots are actually very shallow. Walking right up to the base of the trees can compact the soil and hurt them. Stick to the designated trails so these giants can keep growing for another thousand years.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in the middle of the action, look for accommodation in Crescent City or Trinidad. Crescent City is a bit more blue-collar and has more budget-friendly options, while Trinidad is a tiny, picturesque seaside town with some really cool cabins and Airbnbs. If you're a camper, try to book a spot at Jedediah Smith Campground or Elk Prairie. They fill up months in advance, but waking up surrounded by those massive trunks is worth the hassle of booking early.
To wrap things up, the redwoods aren't the kind of place you "check off" a list. It's more about the feeling of being tiny in a very big, very old world. Whether you spend your whole time hiking or just driving the scenic byways, you're going to leave feeling a little bit different than when you arrived. Just take your time, breathe in that damp forest air, and enjoy the silence.