07 Aug San Francisco to Redwood National Park: Weekend Itinerary

If you are heading from San Francisco to Redwood National Park, I recommend you plan a weekend trip. However, you can still do a day trip if that is all of the time you have to commit. I will go over a weekend itinerary as well as a day trip itinerary for a trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park, so keep reading!

Have you ever been in nature when you just have to stop for a moment and contemplate your existence because everything around you is just so beautiful and grand? That is exactly what Redwood National Park will do to you. Walking among the giants (aka the redwoods) is an experience like none other. Look up, keep looking up, and keep looking up just a little bit more to see the top of the trees towering over you. If that does not do it for you in terms of appreciating the wonder of the redwoods, then try to wrap your arms around the base of one of the trees. You will then start to realize how small humans are in comparison. Have I convinced you to visit the national park yet? If not, I am confident I will do so by the end of this article.

Contents:

1) Info on Redwood National Park

2) Day 1 Itinerary – Friday

3) Day 2 Itinerary – Saturday

4) Day 3 Itinerary – Sunday

5) Alternative: Day Trip

6) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Info on Redwood National Park

While Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier National Park have stolen the spots of my first and second favorite national parks respectively, Redwood National Park is not far behind. Glance through some of the pictures within this article, and you will start to understand why. Moreover, keep in mind that the pictures do not do justice to the actual beauty held within the park. Redwood National Park is one of those places that just made me feel at peace within the world.

Location – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is located in Klamath, California. If you have no idea where Klamath is located, then let me help you out. Klamath is a coastal town about one hour south of the California – Oregon border. That being said, people living in Portland, Oregon are closer to Redwood National Park than those living in Los Angeles, California. For example, driving from Portland to Redwood National Park is just over six hours. Driving from Los Angeles to Redwood National Park is over 11 hours.

The drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is around six hours. For more specific information on driving directions and travel information from San Francisco, then head to section two below.

Maybe you are flying instead and thus need to know the closest airport to Redwood National Park? There are a few airport options nearby, but unfortunately none of them are right next to the park. First, the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is probably your best bet for flight options. It is just under three hours northeast from the park. Second, the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport is another solid option. While it is a smaller airport, it is only one hour south from the park.

Moreover, keep in mind that Redwood National Park is separate from Redwood State Parks. There are three separate state parks: (1) Prairie Creek Redwoods (2) Del Norte Coast Redwoods (3) Jedediah Smith Redwoods. This can get a bit confusing as the parks almost seem to blend in with one another. Though honestly, it is not important for you to know where the borders are between the parks.

Walking on a canopy trail among the redwoods

Lodging Options

Have you ever dreamed about camping in a national park? Well, now is your chance! Redwood National Park has four campgrounds where you can lay your head at night. The amenities vary among the different campground options, so you can truly find a campground that fits your preferences and needs. One important thing to note – it is recommended that you book your campsite in advance, especially if you are visiting in the peak summer season.

I know not everyone loves the tent life. Good news – there are eight basic cabins available within the park. There are four cabins at Elk Prairie Campground and four at Jedediah Smith Campground. However, you really need to reserve these in advance as they can sell out even faster than the campground sites mentioned above. There are only eight cabins available, after all!

Last but not least, you can opt for full luxury (aka a hotel room). I had some IHG points and opted to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Klamath. That turned out to be a genius move because it poured the first night I was there. There are a few other lodging options within the town of Klamath. While it is not a large town, it is just large enough to have a few hotels, inns, and RV parks available. Moreover, you can get up in the morning and drive just a couple of minutes from Klamath to your first national park destination of the day.

Opening Hours + Entrance Fees + Permits

Redwood National Park is open 24/7, including all holidays throughout the year. What is better than that? Early risers can get up and moving in the morning and not have to worry about waiting for an entrance gate to open. Late risers can enjoy sleeping in and not have to worry about leaving the park by a certain time in the evening.

Ready for some more good news? Redwood National Park is free, woohoo!

However, there are a few day-use areas that require a fee. Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon both require a $12 fee / permit from May 15 to September 15. You can buy a permit that covers only Gold Bluffs Beach or both Gold Bluffs Beach + Fern Canyon. It is recommended to book your permit in advance, as they can sell out. Moreover, you must purchase a Fern Canyon permit at least one day before you plan to visit.

Taking in the beauty of the Redwoods along the Tall Trees Grove Trail

Best Season to Visit – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

Is there ever a bad season to visit a national park? Honestly, any season is a pretty good season to visit Redwood National Park. You do not have to deal with road closures due to snow here compared to other places such as Glacier National Park.

Nevertheless, the summer season is the most popular season to visit as temperatures are a bit warmer with highs reaching the low 70s Fahrenheit (~20 Celsius). The winter season can experience temperatures with lows in the mid 40s Fahrenheit (~7 Celsius). However, another factor to consider is rain. Redwood National Park can receive anywhere from 60 to 80 inches (~1.5 to two meters) of rain from October through April.

All of that being said, you can enjoy warmer temperatures and a greater chance of sunshine in the summer. On the other hand, you can enjoy more peace and quiet with smaller crowds from late fall through early spring.

Important Notes

First, the Newton B Drury Parkway is closed to vehicles on the first Saturday of each month. This closure occurs during the off-seasons from October through May for what is known as “Hike and Bike Day.”

Second, cell service is unreliable through Redwood National Park as well as Redwood State Parks. I recommend you download offline google maps for the area in advance so you can rely on that for your navigation.

Third, there are no restaurants within the national park nor the state parks. Plan ahead and pack a lunch or head back into the town of Klamath for meal time.

Up-close view of the fern-covered canyon walls

2) Day 1 Itinerary – Friday

The first day of your weekend trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is unfortunately not as exciting as the other days because it is mostly just driving. If you are anything like me, you cherish your PTO like Gollum cherishes the Ring. That being said, you might not want to use a day of PTO for your weekend trip to the park. No worries at all – you can start the drive after you finish work for the day.

Nevertheless, I will still include a few activities with which you can fill your time if you are able to start driving in the morning or midday. If you arrive with some daylight left, I definitely recommend you take advantage of that time and see even more of the park.

Looking for a way to help pass the time while driving? Check out my Etsy Shop for bingo, scattergories, trivia, and a bunch of other printable road trip games.

Driving Directions – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

The average driving time from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is around six to seven hours. Sending luck and good vibes so that your drive is on the lower end near six hours. The route is approximately 350 miles (~563 kilometers). You might be able to get there on one tank of gas, but I recommend stopping at least once to stretch your legs, switch drivers, and/or grab a snack.

The fastest route from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is along US-101 for almost the entire duration. The route travels north from San Francisco through Santa Rosa and then parallels the coast starting around Eureka. Another route is available via I-5 N and CA-299 W, though it is approximately one hour longer.

A few elk lounging just off the Fern Canyon Trail

Check Into Lodging

Once you reach the park, I recommend you check into your lodging. If you drive to the park after work, it will most likely already be dark outside when you arrive. (Though if you drive in the morning and arrive midday, you might have to wait a few hours until check in time. You can thus fill those hours with additional activities mentioned below).

As a reminder, I went over some of the main lodging options above, which include: (1) park campgrounds (2) park cabins (3) hotels, inns, and RV parks in the town of Klamath.

There is not much to do within the park once everything goes dark, so you can check into your hotel, relax, and make sure you are prepared for the next day. Hint – it will be full of national park activities.

Additional Activities If You Drive in the Morning

Here we go – let’s dive into some Redwood National Park activities! These are optional things to do if you arrive early enough on Friday to still enjoy some daylight. As a note, these are NOT included on the itinerary for Saturday or Sunday, so they are truly extra options.

First, you can hike the Trillium Falls Trail. The trail is a 2.7-mile (~4.3-kilometer) loop with approximately 445 feet (~136 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in one hour and 15 minutes, and it is considered to be a moderate trail. In addition to the waterfall at the end, hikers can enjoy redwoods, trillium flowers (in the spring), and the chance to see elk lounging near the parking lot.

Second, you can walk the Stout Memorial Grove Trail, which is one of the easiest trails in the park. (Love easy hikes? Check out these 15 easy trails in Glacier). The trail is a 0.6-mile (~one-kilometer) loop with approximately 30 feet (~nine meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in 15 minutes. Hikers can enjoy a grove of giant 300-foot (~91 meter) tall redwoods along the Smith River.

Third, you can hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail. The trail is a 5.2-mile (~8.4-kilometer) loop with approximately 950 feet (~290 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in two and a half hours. It is considered to be a moderate trail as the elevation gain is spread out over a couple of miles. While redwoods are the main highlight of all trails within the park, hikers can also enjoy Fern Falls at the end of this trail.

Basking in the morning sunlight at Tall Trees Grove Trailhead

3) Day 2 Itinerary – Saturday

While Saturday looks to have a lot on the itinerary at first glance, I am positive that you do not want to skip out on any of the attractions mentioned below. Moreover, some are just quick stops that can be enjoyed in 15 minutes or less. Put some trust in me, I would not lead you astray!

Trees of Mystery

The first attraction up to bat is Trees of Mystery, which is 10 minutes north of Klamath. Trees of Mystery has a little bit of everything: tree sculptures, an aerial tramway, canopy walks, and more. As soon as my partner found this online, he was hooked, and I made it a priority on our itinerary.

Before we dive into all of the fun things to see and do here, we have to face the facts – admission is $30 for adults. While you might think the price is a bit steep, I urge you to still consider visiting. Think of it this way: you are not paying an entrance fee for Redwood National Park, so you can put that money towards the admission fee for Trees of Mystery.

As you drive down the road, an almost 50-foot (~15-meter) Paul Bunyan greets you from the parking lot for Trees of Mystery. There are a few attractions you cannot miss once you enter. First, wander around on the Redwood Canopy Trail, which is a canopy walk up to 100 feet (~30 meters) in the air. I have to say this was my favorite part, for I did not want to head back down to the ground. There are 10 platforms and eight suspension bridges.

Second, soar through the air on the SkyTrail. You enter a gondola and travel almost a third of a mile (~.5 kilometers) while enjoying panoramic views of redwoods. Third, stop by the Brotherhood Tree to see a redwood over 2,000 years old. Fourth, spend time walking around the paths through the forest and end your time by inspecting the sculptures near the exit.

An average visit is between two and three hours.

Exploring the canopy trails at Trees of Mystery

Klamath River Overlook – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

Next on this itinerary from San Francisco to Redwood National Park, head 10 minutes southwest to the Klamath River Overlook. After walking around and exploring the redwoods at Trees of Mystery, take time to sit and enjoy the view at this overlook. You can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and even have a chance of seeing wildlife. For example, there have been sightings of whales, sea lions, and seals here. Get those binoculars out!

Side note – if you are a lover of seals and sea lions, then you have to head to La Jolla Cove in San Diego.

If you want an even closer look at the gorgeous views, you can hike along the Coastal Trail Klamath Section that runs past the overlook and towards the ocean. Just keep in mind that the trail has some elevation.

An average visit is 15 minutes.

Klamath Tour Thru Tree

The third attraction of the day is the Klamath Tour Thru Tree. Drive 10 minutes southeast from the Klamath River Overlook to arrive there. The tree is actually on private property, but the owners have opened it up for people to visit 24/7. Moreover, there is a $5 fee to visit. If no one is working at the booth when you arrive, drop your $5 in the box.

The Klamath Tour Thru Tree is an experience like no other – you can drive through a redwood. Most cars can fit while driving through the tree, though it is recommended to fold in your car mirrors. For example, people have driven through the tree with cars, minivans, and trucks. My advice? Make sure you have someone outside of the car to take pictures before you start driving through the tree. Once you are driving through the tree, there is no longer any room to open your car door and hop out.

An average visit is between 15 and 30 minutes.

Grab Lunch

Since you are already in the town of Klamath, this is the perfect time to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch. Some of the best reviewed restaurants in the town are Log Cabin Diner, Country Club Bar and Grill, and The Smokin’ Grill.

Looking up and up to see the top of this redwood

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Do not worry, I am giving you some time to digest after lunch by recommending a drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Drive eight minutes south from Klamath to reach the entrance to the parkway.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a 10-mile (~16-kilometer) scenic drive through hundreds and hundreds of redwoods. I cannot emphasize enough how beautiful it is with trees surrounding you on either side. Moreover, some parts of the road were covered in red pine needles when we visited. They produced a cool contrast with all of the green on the trees.

There are plenty of parking lots and pull-offs along the road. Take advantage of them! I like to park at pull-offs and take pictures in the middle of the road (after my partner and I check for no cars in either direction, of course). Scenic roads are a love of mine, for example the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park and the Ring Road in Iceland.

An average visit is between 30 minutes and an hour and a half. Driving the road only takes 15 minutes, but you will likely want to stop a lot.

Prairie Creek Visitor Center – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

Did you even visit a national park if you did not stop at the visitor center for a souvenir? My partner and I collect postcards to display on our wall. We have postcards from national parks all across the US from Acadia in Maine to Cuyahoga in Ohio to Great Sand Dunes in Colorado and more.

The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is near the end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which means you will already be passing by it. You have no excuse not to stop for a quick visit. The visitor center is generally open from 9am to 5pm. Although, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as holidays in the winter season.

An average visit is between 15 and 30 minutes.

What the inside of a fallen Redwood looks like

Gold Bluffs Beach

The next stop on this weekend itinerary from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is Gold Bluffs Beach. It is located a 30-minute drive northwest of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. As mentioned above, Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon both require a $12 fee / permit from May 15 to September 15.

Another important thing to note is that the road to Gold Bluffs Beach is a narrow, dirt road with a lot of curves. Vehicles towing a trailer are not permitted. There are plenty of pull-outs and parking along the road, so find a place to park and head out to explore the beach.

Many people rave about the tranquility of Gold Bluffs Beach, which features grassy dunes and wildlife such as seals and elk. What better place to have an afternoon stroll? However, please note that the water tends to be cold and to have harsh currents. It is not recommended to swim at the beach.

An average visit is between 30 minutes and one hour.

Fern Canyon Trail

Head a few minutes down the road to the Fern Canyon Trailhead.

The Fern Canyon Trail is an easy 1.1-mile (~1.8-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 130 feet (~40 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in 30 minutes.

There are two stream crossings to reach the trailhead. You might see vehicles of all sizes driving through the streams, but my partner and I parked in a pull-off before the stream crossings and walked the rest of the road to the trailhead. We were driving a smaller car on a US road trip and did not want to risk anything. We had to walk an extra 20 minutes or so each way, but Fern Canyon was well worth the extra effort.

Just as we started hiking on the trail, we saw a herd of elk sitting to the left. What a way to start the hike! You reach the canyon after a few minutes of hiking, and let me tell you that you are not prepared for the beauty you are about to see. Fern Canyon was featured in Jurassic Park 2, after all. The most impressive part of the canyon might be the fern walls with little streams of water falling down them like tiny waterfalls.

Additionally, you will most likely get your feet wet. If you are like me, your feet will be absolutely soaked by the end of the trail as there are streams in the canyon and parts of the trail can be flooded with water. Moreover, you might want to play around in the canyon by testing your balance as you walk along logs, etc.

An average visit is between one hour and one and a half hours.

Surrounded by ferns on the Fern Canyon Trail

Redwood Creek Overlook – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

Rounding out the list of attractions to see in Redwood National Park on your first full day is the Redwood Creek Overlook at sunset. The overlook is about an hour drive southeast from the Fern Canyon Trail. It is hailed as the best place to watch the sunset in the park, so it is worth the drive to get there.

The overlook provides panoramic views of redwood forests with rolling mountains. Unfortunately the fog sometimes has other plans and blocks the view, so it is best to check the weather forecast before driving over.

An average visit is between 30 minutes and one hour.

Panoramic views at Redwood Creek Overlook

Grab Dinner

The Redwood Creek Overlook is a 30-minute drive from the town of Orick, which is on the southern border of Redwood National Park. If you are looking for new restaurant options, head to Orick for their 5-star Mojo Pizza or EdeBee’s Snack Shack.

Otherwise, head 35 minutes north back to Klamath and visit another one of the best reviewed restaurants in the town: Log Cabin Diner, Country Club Bar and Grill, or The Smokin’ Grill.

4) Day 3 Itinerary – Sunday – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

I know, the day has unfortunately arrived where you must drive from Redwood National Park back to San Francisco. However, do not lose all hope just yet. There are still a few more attractions within the park that you need to see before you head home. Moreover, I have saved some of the best for last.

In terms of eating for today, I recommend you grab breakfast from your hotel or pack breakfast bars if you are camping, etc. Eat enough in the morning to get you through a good couple of hours, for you can stop for lunch at some point on your way home.

Tall Trees Grove Trail

Head one hour south of Klamath to the park’s most stunning trail. The Tall Trees Grove Trail is a 3.6-mile (~5.8-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 780 feet (~238 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in two hours, and it is considered to be a moderate trail. The first mile (~1.6 kilometers) is a steady descent. Then there is a 1.5-mile (~2.4-kilometer) flat loop through a redwood grove before the trail ascends one mile (~1.6 kilometers) back to the trailhead.

One important note – you need a permit to access the trailhead. Do not worry, the permit is free! You can reserve a permit up to 180 days in advance but have to at least 24 hours in advance. They email you a code 23 hours before your permit date. You enter that code into the gate that blocks the road leading to the trailhead.

We booked a morning permit to escape the later crowds. Moreover, we were the very first people to the trailhead in the morning. How do I know this? There was a storm the night before, and we had to move branches off the road as we drove along. Additionally, the road was even more beautiful with the morning fog and sun rays shining through.

The trail itself was another level of beauty. It winds through a redwood forest and through a redwood grove, allowing you to get up close and personal with the giants (aka the redwoods). There are even a few times where you can “walk through” or over a redwood.

An average visit is three to four hours.

Walking through a fallen redwood on the Tall Trees Grove Trail

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Last but not least, drive 30 minutes north from the Tall Trees Grove Trail to your final destination. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a 1.4-mile (~2.3-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 100 feet (~30 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in 30 minutes. Moreover, it is considered to be an easy trail. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is arguably the best bang-for-your-buck trail in Redwood National Park, and it is also one of the best family-friendly trails.

While you might be constantly hiking and walking around the Tall Trees Grove Trail mentioned above, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is the perfect opportunity to stop and take in your surroundings. It tends to be a bit busier, for there is no permit system and the trail is more accessible to all hikers. That being said, you can get in your nature + people watching for the day by claiming one of the many benches along the trail.

The trail weaves and winds through a redwood forest, so you can snap some final pictures here if you have a photo idea you have yet to bring to life. Some redwood trees are right next to the trail, so you can get some cool pictures. (Reminder – please respect the park and keep it beautiful for all to come after you by remaining on the established trail.)

An average visit is one hour.

Walking along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

5) Alternative: Day Trip – San Francisco to Redwood National Park

I know, a day trip from San Francisco to Redwood National park sounds like a lot. I am not going to lie to you – it would be a lot. Nevertheless, if you have one day only and a few friends who are willing to go on this adventure with you, then it is still worth it to see the beauty and grandeur of the redwood forest. I would not necessarily recommend doing a day trip by yourself simply because it is a lot of driving through the early hours of the morning as well as the late hours of the night. Moreover, I recommend packing lunch + dinner so you can eat on the go and take advantage of every minute in the park.

The times included below include driving times between the destinations.

5:00am – 11:30am: Drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park

11:30am – 12:00pm: Enjoy the Klamath River Overlook

12:00pm – 12:30pm: Drive the Klamath Tour Thru Tree

12:30pm – 2:00pm: Drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

2:00pm – 2:30pm: Enjoy a short walk along Gold Bluffs Beach

2:30pm – 4:30pm: Hike the Fern Canyon Trail

4:30pm – 6:00pm: Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

6:00pm – 12:00am: Drive from Redwood National Park back to San Francisco

12:00am: Arrive back in San Francisco

If you REALLY want to hike the Tall Trees Grove Trail, then I recommend substituting it for the Fern Canyon Trail as well as the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

Looking for other day trip recommendations?: One Day Itinerary in Acadia National Park and How to Spend One Day in Seattle, WA.

Taking in my final moments with the redwoods along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

6) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: Every single one of my itineraries will have the recommendation to bring a reusable water bottle. Moreover, I recommend you pack a few gallons of water as places to fill up your bottle are not abundant within the park.

Need more travel accessory recommendations?: 28 Travel Gifts for Couples and Travel Essentials for Women.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: I know I mentioned above that Redwood National Park can receive a lot of rain in the winter. Nevertheless, the sun can still be shining at other times of the year.

3. Bug spray: Trust me, making room for bug spray in your backpack is worth the protection that it offers. Otherwise, check out mosquito repellent bracelets.

Hiking Items

4. Bear spray: Redwood National Park exists in bear territory. While you do not hear about bear encounters here as much as you do in Glacier National Park, that does not mean you are guaranteed to avoid them. Always keep a can of bear spray on your person, and make sure it is easily accessible. Bear spray is the best deterrent for bear attacks.

5. Hiking shoes: If you already read through the itinerary above, then you know it includes a lot of walking and hiking. Comfortable shoes = happy you.

6. Hiking poles: My hiking poles came in handy, especially after I got diagnosed with patellar tendonitis. Using the poles helped reduce a bit of the burden on my knee. Moreover, hiking poles can be beneficial on long hikes even if you do not have any chronic issues.

7. Binoculars: I cannot tell you how many times I wish I had binoculars on my travels. You think I would have learned by now. In Redwood National Park, binoculars can offer a closer view of any elk herds upon which you stumble.

Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent set up in Glacier National Park

Camping Items

8. Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent: Looking for a tent with the easiest set up around? Well, then look no further. I promise I am not lying when I tell you that I can set up this tent within five minutes. Moreover, I spent an entire week camping in this tent in Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks.

9. AmazonBasics Waterproof Camping Tarp: A tarp can offer additional protection overhead from rain or underneath from the ground. In my opinion, it is worth packing as it takes up such little space.

10. Elegear Double Sleeping Pad: Want to know my favorite thing about this sleeping pad? Well, I am going to tell you anyway. You inflate the sleeping pad through a foot pump. Therefore, there is no need to cart around an air pump.

11. Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag: This double sleeping bag fulfills the obvious purpose: being large enough for two people. However, you can also separate the sleeping bag into two separate ones if you want your own space for the night.

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Head up north to Seattle, WA for stunning lake hikes: Snow Lake Trail, a Bucket List Hike in Seattle.

And another one!: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail Outside of Seattle.