Redwood National Park

Redwoods

Home to the world's tallest trees, these ancient coast redwoods create a magical forest environment in Northern California. An awe-inspiring destination for hiking and experiencing primordial nature.

Things to do

• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway — Drive this 31-mile loop through old-growth redwood groves with multiple pullouts and short walks through ancient trees.
• Tall Trees Grove Hike — Trek to the grove containing some of the world's tallest redwoods, requiring a free permit and moderate 4-mile round-trip hike.
• Fern Canyon Walk — Explore a lush 50-foot-tall canyon draped in ferns with a easy 1-mile loop trail through streams and primitive vegetation.
• Gold Bluffs Beach — Hike or ride horses along a scenic coastal beach backed by 900-foot cliffs with tide pools and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Klamath River Overlook — Stand at this dramatic clifftop viewpoint where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean with whale and seal watching potential.
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail — Walk a 1.4-mile loop through a quiet redwood grove named after the former First Lady with interpretive signs about forest ecology.
• Crescent Beach and Enderts Beach — Accessible sandy beaches near Crescent City offering tide pooling, sea stacks, and opportunities to spot sea lions and seals.

Food to try

• Fresh Pacific Salmon — Local restaurants and lodges serve recently caught salmon from the nearby Klamath and Trinity rivers, often grilled or smoked.
• Dungeness Crab — Seasonal sweet crab harvested from Northern California waters, typically served cracked with melted butter at local eateries.
• Wild Mushroom Dishes — Local chefs feature wild-foraged mushrooms like chanterelles and matsutake that thrive in the damp redwood forest ecosystem.
• Coastal Farm Vegetables — Farm-to-table restaurants throughout the region source seasonal produce like kale, root vegetables, and berries from Humboldt County farms.

Local customs & good to know

• Obtain required permits early — Some treks like Tall Trees Grove require free permits that can sell out, especially during summer peak season.
• Respect closed trail areas — The park frequently closes trails for ecological restoration and safety; always check current conditions before planning your route.
• Leave no trace ethics — This pristine ancient forest requires visitors to stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife.
• Prepare for cool, wet weather — Northern California coast brings fog, rain, and temperatures around 50-60°F year-round, so layered clothing and waterproofs are essential.