Photo: National Park Service Digital Image Archives, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
The tallest trees on Earth grow here, in a band of fog-fed forest along California's far north coast. Redwood National Park is run together with three state parks, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek, so the best groves are spread along about 50 miles of Highway 101. Give it two or three days to reach both the north and south ends. Summer is cool and often foggy, spring brings rhododendron blooms, and fall usually has the clearest days. Book your Tall Trees Grove permit early, and in summer, your Fern Canyon reservation too.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
Tall Trees Grove
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
4.5 mi
Elevation gain
800 ft
Bald Hills Road · Tall Trees trailhead — A limited-access trail down to a grove of giants along Redwood Creek, some of the tallest trees in the world. Because only a few cars are allowed each day, the forest feels hushed and empty. The walk down is easy; the 800-foot climb back is not. Plan about four hours with the drive on the gravel access road.
⚠︎ Free permit required year-round for the access road. Vehicles 21 feet or less; no trailers.
Photo: Dirtsc, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
Fern Canyon
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.7 mi loop
Elevation gain
50 ft
Prairie Creek · Fern Canyon parking (Davison Road) — Walk up a creek bed between 30-foot walls covered top to bottom in ferns, a scene that feels millions of years old. You will step over logs and through shallow water, so wear shoes you do not mind getting wet. Seasonal footbridges go in only for summer. Pair it with time on nearby Gold Bluffs Beach, where Roosevelt elk often graze.
⚠︎ Parking reservation required May 15 to September 15, plus a day-use fee (cash, check or pass).
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi loop
Elevation gain
100 ft
Bald Hills Road · Lady Bird Johnson trailhead — A gentle loop on a ridge through old-growth redwoods, Douglas-firs and tanoaks, at the spot where the park was dedicated. A footbridge leads in from the parking lot, and trail markers point out the forest story. Rhododendrons bloom here in late spring. The trailhead road is steep and has no room for RVs or trailers.
Photo: hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Stout Grove
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.5 mi loop
Elevation gain
50 ft
Jedediah Smith · Howland Hill Road — Many people call this the most beautiful grove in the redwoods. Massive trunks rise from a flat, fern-covered floor beside the Smith River, and morning light slants through the canopy. After a short descent from the lot, the loop is level and easy. In summer, a seasonal footbridge also connects it to the Jedediah Smith campground.
⚠︎ Howland Hill Road is narrow and unpaved. RVs and trailers are not advised.
Photo: Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
5.6 mi
Elevation gain
700 ft
Jedediah Smith · Howland Hill Road — A half-day walk deep into old-growth forest, rolling over small ridges to a huge double redwood and, at the end, little Fern Falls. The quiet out here is remarkable. The spur to the Boy Scout Tree is unmarked but well worn, about 2.5 miles in. Leave nothing visible in your car at the trailhead.
⚠︎ Vehicle break-ins have been reported at this trailhead.
Photo: Chris Rycroft from Madison, Wisconsin, United States, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
Hidden Beach via the Coastal Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
4 mi
Elevation gain
300 ft
Klamath · Lagoon Creek (False Klamath Cove) — Follow the Coastal Trail south through Sitka spruce and alder, with glimpses of sea stacks crowded with seabirds, then take the short spur down to a driftwood-strewn cove. At low tide the rocks hold tide pools full of anemones and sea stars. Check the tide tables before you go, and never turn your back on the waves. Keep going to the Klamath River Overlook if you want a longer day and a good chance of spotting whales.
⚠︎ Sneaker waves and strong currents are common. Stay well above the surf line.
Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
Big Tree and Cathedral Trees
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2.8 mi
Elevation gain
200 ft
Prairie Creek · Big Tree Wayside — Start with a few steps to Big Tree, one of the largest redwoods in Prairie Creek, then follow the Cathedral Trees Trail past family circles of redwoods and fallen nurse logs sprouting new life. The grade is gentle, which makes it a great pick for kids. Turn around at Elk Prairie, where elk often rest in the meadow.
Photo: Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Redwood trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.