12 Aug The 8 BEST Redwood National Forest + National Park Hikes

I LOVE hikes. If you have read any of my other articles, I am sure you know that by now already. Easy hikes, moderate hikes, and (sometimes) challenging hikes – add them all to my travel itineraries. There is no shortage of Redwood National Forest hikes. You can easily fill up an entire week and probably even an entire month with hikes in the Redwood National and State Parks (note – Redwood National Forest + Redwood National and State Parks can be used interchangeably).

That many hike options can sound a bit intimidating – how then do you choose which hikes to conquer if you are only visiting the Redwoods for a couple of days? Do not fear, I have crafted a list of the eight best hikes in the Redwood National Forest. They are listed in order of their awesomeness (based on my opinion). However, a quick tip is to read the bold information at the beginning of each section for the trail length, elevation gain, and difficulty. If you are only looking for easy hikes, you can thus cross a few of these off immediately, for example.

Contents:

1) Tall Trees Grove Trail

2) Fern Canyon Trail

3) Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail (Karl Knapp Trail)

4) Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

5) Stout Memorial Grove Trail

6) Boy Scout Tree Trail

7) Trillium Falls Trail

8) Enderts Beach Trail

9) Recommended Items to Bring

10) Redwood National Park Information

1) Tall Trees Grove 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 around two hours, though I recommend planning additional time for pictures and taking in your surroundings. Moreover, it is considered to be a moderate trail.

What an honor, the Tall Trees Grove Trail has topped the list of the best Redwood National Forest hikes. It was my personal favorite trail I hiked in the park, and I am confident it will be yours as well. The trail includes hiking through and all around redwoods. You read that right, I said “through”. A few redwoods have fallen down across the trail over time, and the park thus had to saw large openings in them so people could walk through them and continue along the trail. Trust me, this is not a tree you want to climb over. The trunks of redwood trees are often wider than I am tall.

Along the trail, you can also enjoy redwood trees that extend to over 350 feet (~106 meters) in height. To put that in perspective, some of the redwoods stand as tall as 35-story buildings. For another comparison, the redwoods are twice as tall as Niagara Falls. Now I am sure you are starting to understand why they are sometimes referred to as “the giants”. Moreover, the Tall Trees Grove Trail used to boast the tallest tree in the world until 1994 when part of the top of the tree died, and it then fell down to the 34th tallest tree.

Basking in the morning sunlight at Tall Trees Grove Trailhead

Why Number One? – Redwood National Forest Hikes

But why is this trail listed as number one out of all of the possible Redwood National Forest hikes? When hiking along the trail, I felt completely surrounded by beauty and tranquility. The trail tends to be less busy than other trails in the park, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet as well as a greater connection to nature. My partner and I arrived at the trailhead around 9am on a Sunday, and we were the first car in the parking lot. Being the only ones to hike along the trail for an hour or so enhanced our experience all the more.

Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that parts of the hike were a bit challenging (more detailed information on that below) while other parts were more relaxing. I felt as though I got in a good workout while I also was still able to appreciate the beauty around me. Oh, and of course the redwoods made my jaw drop in awe!

Some of my other favorite national park trails include Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park as well as Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park.

Walking through a fallen redwood on the Tall Trees Grove Trail

Trail Information

One thing I want to mention right off the bat is that the entire elevation gain of the trail is during the final mile (~1.6 kilometers). The trail first descends for one mile (~1.6 kilometers) down to a redwood grove. It then winds around the grove for 1.5 miles (~2.4 kilometers) in a flat loop. Lastly, the trail then ascends 780 feet (~238 meters) on its final mile (~1.6 kilometers) back to the trailhead. This is important because you need to make sure you still have some gas left in the tank towards the end of the hike to make it back to the trailhead.

Moreover, the trail is located a bit far into the park, specifically in McKinleyville, CA. You need to plan adequate time to drive to the trailhead from the other park locations. For example, the Tall Trees Grove Trail is a 30-minute drive from the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. Additionally, the road leading to the trailhead is a dirt road. The park does not permit entrance to RVs over 21 feet (~6.4 meters) or vehicles towing travelers.

My partner and I arrived early in the morning to hike the trail, and we were the first people to drive down the road. How do I know this? It poured the night before, and there were branches all over the road. We even had to get out of the car at one point and move a tree branch because it was so large that it was blocking the entire road. What a memorable experience; we felt like park rangers.

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

Permit Information 

This is very important – you MUST have a permit to access the road leading to the Tall Trees Grove Trail. The park limits the number of permits to 65 per day, so I recommend you reserve your permit as soon as you know the day on which you plan to visit. Moreover, permits are only available online up to one day in advance. You thus cannot reserve a permit on the same day you wish to hike the trail. Unfortunately you cannot try to reserve a permit in person as the park no longer issues permits at their visitor centers.

On a positive note, the permit is easy to obtain, and it is free. Reservation times are available for all-day, morning, and afternoon. First, the park releases all-day permits for reservation up to 180 days in advance, and they remain available to reserve until 24 hours in advance (as long as there is availability remaining). Second, the park releases morning permits (timed for 8am to 12pm) for reservation at 8am the day before. Third, the park releases afternoon permits (timed for 1pm to sunset) for reservation at 1pm the day before. As a note for morning and afternoon permits, you can access the trail for the entire duration of the time slot. There is no specific time by which you must enter the trail, though you do have to exit by the end time.

Once you reserve your permit, the park will email you the gate code 23 hours in advance of your permit date. You then enter the code on the gate leading to the Tall Trees Grove Trailhead. Once you drive through the gate, make sure to close it behind you.

Locked gate at the road leading to the Tall Trees Grove Trailhead

2) Fern Canyon Trail – Redwood National Forest Hikes

The Fern Canyon Trail is a 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. Moreover, it is considered to be an easy trail. However, there are a few caveats to its “easy” category that I will mention below.

Did you know that Fern Canyon was featured in Jurassic Park 2? If that is not reason enough to visit, then I do not know what is! The Fern Canyon Trail steals the number two spot on this list of the best Redwood National Forest hikes because I have truly never experienced anything like it. The canyon walls are 50 feet (~15.2 meters) tall and are absolutely covered with ferns. Just imagine standing in a canyon with nothing but green walls surrounding you. Moreover, there are often tiny streams of water falling down the walls like mini waterfalls. It might sound simple at first, but trust me when I say it just might take your breath away.

Moreover, there is usually some water running along the canyon’s rocky floor due to the fact that Home Creek runs through Fern Canyon. The creek’s depth varies based on the time of year and recent rainfall. But wait, there is more! The canyon is also full of logs from fallen trees. While they do not block the entire canyon, there are a few times where you need to maneuver around them. Or if you want to have some fun, you can test your balance by trying to walk across them.

OH, and I saw a herd of elk off to the left of the trailhead – they were just lounging about.

Surrounded by ferns on the Fern Canyon Trail

Trail Information

The Fern Canyon Trail is located in Orick, CA, specifically within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This trail is also off the beaten path. For reference, it is a 25-minute drive from the main road near Elk Meadow. The park does not permit RVs over 24 feet (~7.3 meters) or vehicles towing travelers on Davison Road.

My best piece of advice for the Fern Canyon Trail is to wear waterproof boots. I wore my hiking shoes, and they were absolutely soaked. Not only was it raining, but some spots on the trail were flooded. My balance failed me in those moments as I tried to carefully step on rocks to avoid the puddles, but then I lost my balance and my foot fell right in. Moreover, Home Creek runs through the canyon. There are thus times you have to step in the creek to explore more of the canyon.

Furthermore, the road to the Fern Canyon Trailhead is not your typical road. Instead, the road has two stream crossings, with the first being deeper than the second. When my partner and I visited, we saw vehicles of all sizes driving through the streams. (Yes, we sat to the side and watched other vehicles first). We were driving around the US on a road trip with a smaller car. Ultimately, we decided to park in a pull-off for Gold Bluffs Beach and walk the rest of the road to the trailhead. The risk of something going wrong was not worth it to us. Our hiking time thus increased by 20 minutes or so each way. I recommend you do research and chat with park rangers on the day you visit to make your own decision.

One of the stream crossings leading to Fern Canyon Trailhead

Permit Information 

This is very important – you MUST have a permit to access the Fern Canyon Trail. However, the park only requires permits from May 15 through September 15. The number of permits is limited per day, so make sure you reserve a permit as soon as possible. There are three types of permits available. First, the Fern Canyon Trail advance permit is available up to six months in advance, and it remains available until 11:59pm on the day before. There are 100 of these permits available. Second, the Fern Canyon day-before permit is available beginning at 9:00am the day before. There are 50 permits available. Third, the Gold Bluffs Beach advance permit is available up to six months in advance, and it remains available until 11:59pm on the day before. There are 25 permits available.

All permits provide access from 9:00am to sunset. The Fern Canyon permits provide access to both Gold Bluffs Beach + Fern Canyon. On the other hand, the Gold Bluffs Beach permit provides access to only the beach area.

Furthermore, permits are only available online. On a positive note – the permit is free! On a negative note – there is a $12 fee you must pay upon arrival at the Gold Bluffs Beach kiosk at the beginning of Davison Road. The park only accepts cash or checks; they do not accept credit cards. You also must present a government-issued photo ID (that is associated with your permit reservation) in addition to a screenshot or printed-out version of your permit at the kiosk.

A few elk lounging just off the Fern Canyon Trail

Alternative: James Irvine Trail – Redwood National Forest Hikes

The James Irvine Trail is a great alternative trail if (1) you are not able to secure a Fern Canyon Permit (2) you are looking for a longer and more challenging hike. The James Irvine Trail is a 10.3-mile (~16.6-kilometer) out-and-back trail with approximately 1,400 feet (~427 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in four and a half hours. Moreover, it is considered to be a moderate trail.

The trail winds through redwood forests before merging with the Fern Canyon Trail and continuing on to Gold Bluffs Beach. Keep in mind the trail is out and back, so you have to turn around at Gold Bluffs Beach and return on the same trail.

You do NOT need a permit to hike the James Irvine Trail. This is a workaround for you to still enjoy the Fern Canyon Trail if you are not able to secure a permit. Yes, the hike will be longer and harder. However, it will all be worth it once you are surrounded by fern-covered canyon walls.

Do you love challenging hiking trails? Well, then you need to add a visit to Glacier National Park to your bucket list for the Iceberg Lake Trail as well as Zion National Park for the Angel’s Landing Trail.

Up-close view of the fern-covered canyon walls

3) Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail (Karl Knapp Trail)

The Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile (~3.9-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 95 feet (~29 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in 45 minutes. Moreover, it is considered to be an easy trail. Side note: the Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail is also known as the Karl Knapp Trail.

The main highlight of the trail is the Big Tree. Yes, that is the tree’s actual name! Scientists believe the Big Tree is over 1,500 years old. Moreover, Big Tree is 290-feet (~88 meters) tall and 75 feet (~23 meters) in circumference. That is one big tree if you ask me.

Moreover, the rest of the trails listed do NOT require any type of permit or reservation. We got all of that out of the way with the first two trails.

Trail Information

The Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail (aka the Karl Knapp Trail) begins right next to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Moreover, the trail is located within the Prairie Creek State Park (which is one of the Redwood State Parks).

From the trailhead, follow signs for the Big Tree. The trail mainly follows along Prairie Creek and also crosses over it. Side note – look for salmon in the creek during the autumn season. After one mile (~1.6 kilometers), the trail crosses the Newton B. Drury Parkway. After that, it is just a couple of more minutes to the Big Tree. Once you see + pass by the Big Tree, the trail loops back. You have to cross the Newton B. Drury Parkway and then hike one mile (~1.6 kilometers) back to the trailhead.

Want to hear some good news? The Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail is ADA accessible. It has a 3% typical grade, and the trail is an average of 5-feet (~1.5 meters) wide. Additionally, there are interpretive panels located throughout the trail.

Parking in the summer can be a bit difficult because the parking lot for the trail is the same as the parking lot for the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. You might want to knock this trail out in the morning then. Additionally, RVs and trailers can park along the Elk Meadow section of the Newton B. Drury Parkway.

Benches available along the Tall Trees Grove Trail

4) Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail – Redwood National Forest Hikes

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 finish the trail in 30 minutes, though I recommend you plan for more time to take in the scenery. Additionally, it is considered to be an easy trail.

In addition to the Prairie Creek and Foothill Loop Trail mentioned above, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is another family-friendly hike in the Redwood National Forest. Moreover, it is one of the best bang-for-your-buck trails in the park. You can experience walking through a redwood grove without working up a sweat.

While walking along the trail, redwood and tall conifer trees surround you. Additionally, the trail has some unique history behind it. President Nixon named the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail after former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson. She was passionate about conservation and the environment, which is a huge part of Redwood National Park. During the 1960s, redwoods were being logged at a fast rate. Unfortunately, only 5% of old-growth redwoods remain to this day. Half of those old-growth redwoods are found within the boundaries of Redwood National and State Parks.

The area surrounding the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a second-growth forest as many of the redwoods in that area had been logged. You thus walk through a second-growth forest right into an old-growth redwood forest. Moreover, the elevation is a bit higher at this redwood grove compared to other ones in the park. That being said, you are likely to see brighter shades of green here as well as smaller redwoods.

Additionally, this trail does not require a permit or reservation of any kind.

Walking along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Trail Information

First and foremost, a few notes about arriving at the trailhead. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is located a couple of miles down Bald Hills Road in Orick, CA. Moreover, it is located within Redwood National Park. It is a 30-minute drive from Tall Trees Grove Trail (on the way back to the main road), so you can do the two trails right after one another if you like.

Unfortunately the park does not recommend that RVs or trailers travel on Bald Hills Road. The road is narrow, windy, and has few pull-outs. Additionally, there is no parking allowed on the side of Bald Hills Road. There is a specific parking lot for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. However, the spots within the lot are too small for buses, trailers, or other similar vehicles.

Once you park and start out on the trail, you cross a hikers’ bridge over Bald Hills Road. Unfortunately the hikers’ bridge has a slope, and thus the trail is not ADA accessible. The rest of the trail after the bridge is generally flat.

Lastly, the park offers daily ranger-led walks from the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail parking lot, and there are interpretive trail posts throughout the loop.

Contrast of the red needles on the ground to the green leaves on the trees

5) Stout Memorial Grove Trail

The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a 0.6-mile (~one-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 30 feet (~nine meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can finish the trail in 15 minutes. Additionally, it is considered to be an easy trail. Add this to your list of family-friendly Redwood National Forest hikes.

Located right next to the Smith River, the Stout Memorial Grove Trail meanders around a 44-acre redwood grove. Clara Stout donated the land on which the trail now sits in 1929 in memory of her late husband Frank Stout. Moreover, that made the Stout Memorial Grove the first dedicated grove within Jedediah Redwoods State Park. The main highlight of the trail is the Stout Tree. You can recognize the tree due to the small platform the park built around it. The tree is over 340 feet (~104 meters) tall and 16 feet (~five meters) in diameter.

There is a spur trail that leads 20 feet (~six meters) down to the shore of the Smith River. In the summertime, this is a popular location for picnicking, paddling, and swimming. Additionally, there is a hikers’ bridge that crosses the Smith River in the summer season. You can continue your adventure for a bit longer!

Looking for more easy national park hikes? Glacier has 15+ easy hikes within its park borders, enough to keep you occupied for days.

Trail Information – Redwood National Forest Hikes

The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is located in Crescent City, CA, which is a bit more north than all of the other hikes mentioned above. For reference, it is a one-hour drive north of the town of Klamath. Additionally, the trail is within Jedediah Redwoods State Park.

You have to drive along Howland Hill Road to reach the trailhead, and unfortunately large vehicles are not able to access the road. Howland Hill Road is narrow as well as windy and unpaved. Moreover, there are no spots available within the parking lot for RVs or trailers.

However, do not lose hope just yet! In the summer, you do have another option if you are driving a large vehicle. You can park at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground Day-Use Area. To note, there is an $8 fee to park here. Once parked, you walk towards the river and follow the trail leading upstream. After approximately 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers), you cross the hikers’ bridge over the Smith River, walk 20 feet (~six meters) up the embankment, and continue on to the Stout Memorial Grove Trail.

Lastly, the park states that the trail is unfortunately not ADA accessible as the trail itself is made of aggregate material.

Redwoods along the Tall Trees Grove Trail

6) Boy Scout Tree Trail

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is a 5.2-mile (~8.4-kilometer) out-and-back trail with approximately 950 feet (~290 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can finish the trail in two and a half hours. Additionally, it is considered to be a moderate trail.

The main highlight of the Boy Scout Tree Trail is (you guessed it) the Boy Scout Tree. The Boy Scout Tree is around 240 feet (~73 meters) tall and 23 feet (~seven meters) in diameter. Moreover, the most unique thing about the tree is that it is actually the result of two redwoods merged together.

While you can enjoy redwoods all around you for the duration of the trail, you are also rewarded with a small waterfall at the end of the trail: Fern Falls. The falls are not accessible via any other path, as that would require trespassing on private property. Hiking the Boy Scout Tree Trail is your only option to see Fern Falls. However, the falls can be a bit on the small side depending on the time of year and recent rainfall.

Are you a sucker for a waterfall trail? Well, then you need to head to Iceland to check out trails such as Skógafoss Waterfall via Fimmvorduhals Pass and Svartifoss Waterfall Trail. If you want to stay in the US, Maine is a state with a ton of waterfall trails, for example the Smalls Falls Trail and (my personal favorite) the Cataracts Trail.

Trail Information

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is located in Crescent City, CA within Jedediah Redwoods State Park . It is a 13-minute drive further down Howland Hill Road from the Stout Memorial Grove Trail. As mentioned above, Howland Hill Road is not suitable for all vehicles. Head to “Trail Information” under the Stout Memorial Grove Trail section above for more detailed information on the road. There is a small parking lot by the trailhead with enough space for six cars. Nevertheless, overflow parking is available along the side of Howland Hill Road.

The trail begins by meandering through redwood lowlands before it then gains elevation and meanders through redwood uplands. Pay attention to the differences in the trees between these areas. The uplands usually have skinnier and shorter redwoods compared to the lowlands.

Furthermore, the trail has gradual ascents and descents for its duration. For example, the trail climbs up a hillside then descends down to a valley before reaching Fern Falls. Since it is an out-and-back trail, you turn around after reaching Fern Falls and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Note: please do not climb the falls in order to help preserve the area.

The Boy Scout Tree is located approximately 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) before Fern Falls. It is not on the official trail, but instead down a short side trail. Unfortunately there are not many signs pointing to the tree, but there is a small wooden sign on the tree itself with its name.

Appreciating the beauty and tranquility of the redwoods

7) Trillium Falls Trail – Redwood National Forest Hikes

The Trillium Falls Trail is a 2.7-mile (~4.3-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 445 feet (~136 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can finish the trail in one hour and 15 minutes. Additionally, it is considered to be a moderate trail.

While redwoods are usually the main attraction on the best Redwood National Forest hikes, this trail is a bit different. Yes, of course it still includes redwoods. However, Trillium Falls is the highlight for most people. Trillium Falls is a waterfall made up of a few smaller waterfalls, one right after the other. Moreover, the falls are named after the trillium flowers, which you can enjoy in bloom during the spring season.

One of the other highlights of the trail is that you have the chance to see Roosevelt elk near the parking lot. There are a few herds in the nearby area, so you have a pretty good chance of spotting them.

Are you looking for even MORE waterfall trails? Do not worry, I have a never-ending list of recommendations. For example, I think you should add St. Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park and Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga National Park to your bucket list.

Trail Information

The Trillium Falls Trail is located in Orick, CA within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Moreover, parking for the trail is at the Elk Meadow Day-Use Area just off Davison Road. Finally I can offer you some positive news for parking – vehicles of all sizes are able to park there to access the trail.

Hike 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) into the trail to reach Trillium Falls. There is a hikers’ bridge to act as a viewing platform and also to protect the area’s vegetation. If you only want to see the waterfall, you can turn around here and head back to the trailhead. However, there is more to see if you continue hiking. Continue hiking the entire loop to see old-growth redwoods, an old logging road, and more. For example, you encounter the biggest and best redwoods after the trail crosses the old logging road.

The majority of the elevation gain occurs near the beginning of the trail. There are switchbacks as you climb to Trillium Falls and then more switchbacks right after the falls. However, you can take a sign of relief after the two sets of switchbacks, for the trail is mostly flat or on a decline for the rest of the way.

One more trail to go! I know, you are probably sad that this list of the best hikes in Redwood National Park is ending so quickly.

Looking like an ant next to a group of redwoods

8) Enderts Beach Trail

The Enderts Beach Trail is a 1.3-mile (~2.1-kilometer) loop trail with approximately 170 feet (~52 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can finish the trail in 30 minutes. Additionally, it is considered to be a moderate trail.

I described trails focused on redwoods, waterfalls, and a fern-covered canyon, so I figured I would switch it up a bit at the very end with a beach trail. The trail first winds along the Pacific coast, with views of redwoods and Douglas firs on the left-hand side. Then the trail descends down to the beach, and you can enjoy the tide pools. However, make sure you hike at low tide so the tide pools are visible.

For other beach trails, head down to San Diego to walk the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail or all the way over to Iceland to experience a black sand beach.

Trail Information – Redwood National Forest Hikes

The Enderts Beach Trail is located in Crescent City, CA, specifically in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. It is closer to the Stout Memorial Grove Trail and the Boy Scout Tree Trail compared to the other trails mentioned above as the best hikes in the redwoods. Parking for the trail is available at the southern end of the Enderts Beach Road near the Coast Trail – Last Chance Trailhead.

Begin hiking south along the Enderts Beach Trail as you follow along coastal cliffs for 0.3 miles (~0.5 kilometers). Then you encounter a fork in the trail just before crossing Nickel Creek. At this fork, follow the sign pointing down to Enderts Beach. As a note, this is where all of the elevation loss/gain is located along the trail. You hike down to the beach, which means you have to hike back up afterwards.

Two final, quick notes. First, there are interpretive panels throughout the trail. Second, be careful of sneaker waves. I learned about sneaker waves for the first time when visiting Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. Sneaker waves are essentially waves that come out of nowhere and are incredibly powerful. They can sweep away shoes, bags, and even people. Never turn your back on the ocean at Enderts Beach to protect yourself from any possible sneaker waves.

Trying to capture the entire length of a redwood tree in the frame

9) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: If you are hiking, then you need to be carrying water. While some of the trails above are more difficult than others, you still need to bring water for each and every one of them.

Need more travel accessory recommendations?: Travel Accessories for Men and Travel Essentials for Women.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: It is not always sunny in the Redwood National and State Parks, but it is better to be prepared!

3. Bug spray: Throw a can of bug spray in your backpack to avoid the annoyance of bugs. Otherwise, look into mosquito repellent bracelets.

Hiking Items – Redwood National Forest Hikes

4. Bear spray: Yes, there are bears in Redwood National and State Parks. While you have a greater chance of running into a bear in a place like Glacier National Park, you still need to be prepared. Therefore, carry a can of bear spray with you at all times, and make sure it is easily accessible. Bear spray is hailed as the best deterrent for bear attacks. 

5. Hiking shoes: Did you notice that this article includes a lot of hikes? Hiking shoes are worth the money in my opinion. Moreover, consider a pair of waterproof hiking boots if you hike the Fern Canyon Trail.

6. Hiking poles: Unfortunately I got diagnosed with patellar tendonitis in Seattle, WA when I was on a year-long road trip around the US. Hiking poles thus helped reduce the burden on my knee while hiking. Moreover, hiking poles are beneficial even for those without knee problems as they offer stability and support.

Looking up to try and find the tops of the redwoods

10) Redwood National Park Information

If you have been confused at all by Redwood National Forest vs. Redwood National Park vs. Redwood State Parks, let me help you out. Redwood National Forest encompasses both the Redwood National and State Parks. In other words, it encompasses the redwood forests. Redwood National Park encompasses the land owned by the US government. The Redwood State Parks encompass the land owned by the state of California. In terms of the boundaries between the national and state parks, those are honestly not important. Since there are no entrance fees, you can meander between the parks at your own convenience.

In terms of my favorite national parks, Glacier National Park steals the number one spot and Mount Rainier steals the number two spot. However, Redwood National Park is up there. It is definitely within my top 10 – maybe even my top five. The park is full of redwood groves, fern-covered canyon walls, wildlife such as elk, and more. Honestly, I am surprised more people do not prioritize seeing the redwoods. While over 1.5 million people visit the Redwood National and State Parks per year, over 12 million people visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park per year. Do not tell the smokies, but I think I like the redwoods more.

FAQs – Logistics

When are Redwood National and State Parks open? = The parks are open 24/7! 

Is there an entrance fee for Redwood National and State Parks? = There is no entrance fee for either the national or state parks. However, there are a few day-use areas that require a fee (Gold Bluffs Beach + Fern Canyon).

Do I need a reservation to enter Redwood National and State Parks? = No, you do not need a reservation to enter the parks. However, you do need an advanced reservation to access Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon Trail, and Tall Trees Grove Trail.

Is there lodging available within Redwood National and State Parks? = There are four campgrounds within the park that include dozens of campsites as well as eight basic cabins. Moreover, the nearby town of Klamath has additional lodging options.

Where are Redwood National and State Parks located? = The parks’ boundaries extend through a few towns, but the main town is Klamath, CA. Klamath is one hour south of the California – Oregon border.

What is the closest airport to Redwood National and State Parks? = The closest airport is the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport at one hour south. Although, it is a small airport with limited flight options. The Rogue Valley International Medford Airport is further away at three hours northeast, but it is a larger airport with extensive flight options.

What the inside of a fallen Redwood looks like

FAQs – Random – Redwood National Forest Hikes

Are there any road closures within Redwood National and State Parks? = The park closes Newton B. Drury Parkway on the first Saturday of each month from October through May. They dedicate these Saturdays for “hike and bike” days.

Is there cell service within Redwood National and State Parks? = Cell service is unreliable throughout the park. I downloaded an offline version of Redwood National and State Parks on google maps before visiting. Offline maps have not yet failed me.

Are food options readily available within Redwood National and State Parks? = The parks do not have any restaurants within their borders. You can find nearby food options in the towns of Klamath and Orick, CA.

When is the best season to visit Redwood National and State Parks? = The summer season is the best season to visit. There is a greater chance of warm temperatures with highs in the 70s Fahrenheit (~20 Celsius) as well as sunny weather.

Are pets allowed in Redwood National and State Parks? = The parks do not allow pets on any trails within the park (with some exceptions for service animals). However, leashed pets can enjoy the park within certain parking areas, overlooks, beaches, and developed campgrounds.

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Ready to experience the opposite of tall redwoods?: Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Head to another one of my favorite spots in Utah: Antelope Island State Park.