Standing beneath a 300-foot coastal redwood is an experience that is genuinely difficult to put into words. The trees are so tall, so wide, and so quietly ancient that they seem to belong to a different scale of nature entirely. Redwood National and State Parks, stretched along California's rugged North Coast, protect some of the tallest and oldest living things on Earth — and offer one of the most awe-inspiring outdoor experiences in the country.
Whether you're planning a quick weekend trip from the Bay Area or a longer road trip through Northern California, this guide covers the best things to do at Redwood National and State Parks, including must-see scenic drives, memorable hiking trails, wildlife viewing spots, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Why Visit Redwood National and State Parks?
Redwood National and State Parks is actually a collection of four parks managed jointly by the National Park Service and California State Parks: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together, they protect nearly half of all remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest on Earth.
The parks span roughly 40 miles of coastline and inland forest in California's far north, offering an unusually varied landscape — from wind-swept Pacific beaches and dramatic sea cliffs to quiet river valleys shaded by ancient groves. Few places in the United States offer this combination of scale, wilderness, and accessible natural beauty in one compact area.
Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
The parks are open year-round, and each season has something distinct to offer.
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures (around 45–60°F) with lush, green forest following winter rains. Gray whale migration along the coast peaks in March and April, making this an excellent time for wildlife watching from the headlands. Wildflowers bloom across the open prairies.
- Summer (June–August): The warmest and driest season, with temperatures generally ranging from 60 to 70°F. Coastal fog is common in the mornings but typically clears by midday. This is peak season, though the parks rarely feel overcrowded even during busy periods.
- Fall (September–November): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures (50–65°F), and the Roosevelt elk rut season, when herds become noticeably active in the open meadows. Fall light is excellent for photography.
- Winter (December–February): The wettest time of year, with frequent rainfall and trails that can become soft and muddy. Crowd levels drop significantly, and accommodation prices are lower. The forest takes on a deep, saturated green after winter rains.
For most first-time visitors, late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the parks.
Top Scenic Highlights
Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is one of the most visually striking natural features in the entire park system. The canyon walls — rising roughly 30 feet on either side — are draped from base to rim in a dense cover of sword ferns, five-finger ferns, and other species, creating a prehistoric-looking corridor that winds above a quiet creek. The walk through the canyon is short but completely unforgettable.
Access is via Davison Road, an unpaved route near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. A day-use fee applies at this entrance. If you're visiting between May 15 and September 15, check the NPS website before you go, as reservations are required during that window.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
This 10-mile paved drive through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is one of the most accessible ways to experience old-growth redwood forest without leaving your vehicle. The road passes through towering groves with multiple pull-outs, including the Big Tree Wayside, where a short trail leads to one of the larger trees in the park system. Roosevelt elk are frequently spotted in the open prairies along this route. Unlike many of the park's scenic roads, the Parkway accommodates most vehicle sizes, making it a good choice if you're traveling in a larger vehicle.
Howland Hill Road
For a more immersive experience, Howland Hill Road is a winding 10-mile dirt road through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park that follows the historic route of a former stagecoach trail. It passes through some of the most untouched old-growth forest in the park system, with enormous trees lining both sides of the narrow road. The Boy Scout Tree Trail and the serene Stout Grove are both accessible from this route. Note that motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are not permitted on Howland Hill Road.
Bald Hills Road
Bald Hills Road climbs from dense coastal forest into open rolling hills, offering a dramatically different perspective on the Redwood landscape. The road leads to Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a flat one-mile loop through old-growth forest named in honor of the former First Lady's contributions to conservation. The Redwood Creek Overlook further along the road provides sweeping views of the forested watershed below. Note that Bald Hills Road is mostly unpaved with a steep 15% grade in sections, and motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are not advised.
Hiking and Viewpoints
Trillium Falls Trail
One of the most popular and approachable hikes in Redwood National Park, the Trillium Falls Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that passes through a mix of old-growth forest and second-growth woodland before reaching a small but picturesque waterfall. The trailhead is located near Elk Meadow, and combining the hike with a stop at the meadow for Roosevelt elk viewing makes for an excellent half-day outing.
Coastal Trail and High Bluff Overlook
The Coastal Trail stretches for roughly 70 miles through the parks and offers everything from easy beach strolls to more demanding forest walks. A shorter out-and-back from the Coastal Drive leads to the High Bluff Overlook, where forested cliffs drop sharply to the Pacific. This is one of the best vantage points in the parks for scanning the ocean for gray whales during their spring migration.
Klamath River Overlook
Reached via a short but steep quarter-mile trail off Requa Road, the Klamath River Overlook sits at around 650 feet above the Pacific. On a clear day, the panorama stretches across the river mouth, the open ocean, and miles of undeveloped coastline. It's also one of the most reliable spots in the parks for watching seabirds — and for whale watching when conditions are right.
Wildlife at Redwood National Park
The parks support a rich range of wildlife. Roosevelt elk are the most commonly observed large animals, and herds are regularly spotted in Elk Prairie, along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and near Elk Meadow in the southern section of the parks. The elk rut in fall adds an extra dimension to a visit — the sounds and movement of the herds in the open meadows are remarkable.
Along the coast, harbor seals and Steller sea lions rest on offshore rocks. Gray whales migrate past the coastal headlands in spring. The old-growth forest is also important habitat for the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet, two species closely associated with ancient coastal forest. Black bears and deer inhabit the forest, though sightings are less predictable than elk encounters.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- No entrance fee for the national park: Redwood National Park itself is free to visit. The three adjoining California State Parks charge day-use fees at some developed areas, including certain campground entrances and access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon.
- Reservations for Fern Canyon: Visiting between May 15 and September 15? Check the NPS website ahead of time for current reservation and parking permit requirements on Davison Road.
- Road restrictions: Several scenic roads are closed to RVs, motorhomes, and trailers. Confirm road conditions on the NPS website before driving any unpaved route.
- Cell service: Coverage is limited or nonexistent across much of the parks. Download offline maps before leaving a service area.
- Dress in layers: Even in summer, coastal mornings can be cool and foggy. A warm, packable layer is useful any time of year.
- Stay on designated trails: The root systems of redwood trees are shallow and fragile. Staying on established paths protects both the trees and the understory plants.
A Small Keepsake for Redwood National Park Memories
After spending time among the tallest trees in the world, it's natural to want a small, lasting reminder of what it felt like. A travel patch is one of the lightest and most compact souvenirs you can bring home — and it works just as well on a backpack, a denim jacket, or a canvas travel tote as it does tucked into a memory box at home.
If you're looking for a simple keepsake from the redwoods, the EMBRO BOF Redwood National Park Patch features a pentagon design with towering redwood trees, a forest trail, and pinecone details — a small visual nod to the deep woodland scenery that makes these parks so memorable. It's available in the National Park Patches collection at embrobof.com.
FAQ
Is Redwood National Park free to visit?
Yes — Redwood National Park itself charges no entrance fee. However, the three adjoining California State Parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods) charge day-use fees at some developed areas, including certain campground entrances and access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon via Davison Road.
What is the most iconic thing to see at Redwood National Park?
Fern Canyon is one of the most frequently cited highlights — its 30-foot walls covered entirely in ferns are unlike anything else in the park system. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is another essential stop, offering easy access to towering old-growth groves and reliable Roosevelt elk sightings.
How long do you need to visit Redwood National Park?
Two to three days is enough to experience the main highlights, including a scenic drive, a couple of hikes, and some time for wildlife watching. A longer stay of four to five days allows you to explore more remote areas and visit all four parks within the complex.
What wildlife might I see at Redwood National Park?
Roosevelt elk are the most reliably seen large animals, particularly along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and near Elk Meadow. Gray whales are visible from coastal overlooks during their spring migration in March and April. Black bears, deer, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds also inhabit the parks.
When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?
Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers the most comfortable weather for hiking and wildlife viewing. Spring brings whale migration and lush green forest; summer is warm and dry with occasional coastal fog; fall offers clear skies and the Roosevelt elk rut season.