Redwood National and State Parks
4.7(11K)google
4.4(41)yelp
National MonumentForestHikingWildlife WatchingNatureScenic LookoutMust-See
Overview
Stretching along Northern California's pristine coastline, Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest and most ancient living trees on Earth. Walking beneath these majestic, foggy forest canopies feels like stepping into a prehistoric era. The parks offer scenic coastal drives, rugged beaches, and legendary trails like Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove. Beyond the ancient redwoods, travelers can observe diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk grazing in open prairies and migrating gray whales along the bluffs.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1 day
Best TimeThe best months to explore are May through September, when rainfall is low and forest trails are dry and safe. The ultimate time of day is early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This is when the coastal fog rolls through the massive old-growth redwoods, creating ethereal sunbeams piercing through the forest canopy.
Getting ThereDue to the vast expanse and lack of public transit, a car is mandatory. The parks are intersected north-to-south by the scenic US Highway 101. To access iconic restricted spots like the Tall Trees Grove, you must secure an online permit in advance and drive down a long, unpaved logging road, making an AWD vehicle preferable.
Travel Tips
- Entering Fern Canyon and Tall Trees Grove from May 1 to September 30 requires an independent, free online Timed-entry Permit secured at least 1 day prior; the federal Interagency Pass does not bypass this quota, and unpermitted vehicles are rejected at the Bald Hills Road gate.
- Davison Road leading to Fern Canyon features a 6-mile unpaved corridor with deep craters; it strictly bans any RVs or vehicle combinations exceeding 24 feet in length or 8 feet in width due to zero-clearance timber pinch points and severe bottoming hazards.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- To capture sunbeams ('God Rays') slicing through giant redwoods, drive Howland Hill Road precisely between 08:30 AM and 10:30 AM on clear summer mornings when ambient forest moisture interacts perfectly with angled, low-elevation backlighting.
Reviews
Positive
- The world's tallest, ancient redwood forests are breathtaking; walking among giant trees feels like stepping into Jurassic Park.
- Many trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove are flat and easy, with incredibly fresh air and scents of damp earth and plants.
- Offers a double spectacle of pristine forests and rugged Pacific coastline, with wild Roosevelt elk frequently spotting the meadows.
- No main entrance fee (except specific state park areas), with minimal commercialization, preserving a serene, raw nature escape.
Heads up
- The location is remote, requiring a 5-6 hour drive from San Francisco, making transit costs and time commitments very high.
- The famous Fern Canyon requires advance permits, and because of the wading trails, you must bring your own waterproof shoes.
- Located in a rainforest climate, it is often rainy and foggy; bad weather leaves the woods dark and temperatures chilly.
- The park spans a massive area with scattered sights; a lack of convenience stores and dining means you must pack ample food.