Begin your journey in Orick, the southern gateway to many of the most famous locations within Redwood National and State Parks. Its central location provides easy access to Prairie Creek, Fern Canyon, and several iconic redwood trails.
Redwood National & State Parks: Walking Among Giants
2 Days
Redwood National and State Parks protect the tallest trees on Earth, a landscape where ancient coast redwoods rise hundreds of feet above fern-covered forests, wild rivers, dramatic coastlines, and secluded beaches. Rather than a single park, the region is a collection of connected state and federal parklands stretching along California's northern coast. This two-day itinerary groups destinations by geography, beginning with Prairie Creek and the southern park areas before moving north to the towering groves of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Along the way, you'll experience some of the most iconic redwood forests, scenic drives, river valleys, and coastal landscapes in North America. Redwood National and State Parks are divided into northern and southern regions, with the Klamath River serving as a natural midpoint. 【1-c4af5d】【2-c25a52】
Day 1
Your first day focuses on the southern section of the park system around Orick and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Here, towering old-growth forests, fern-filled canyons, scenic parkways, and famous redwood groves showcase the landscapes that inspired the creation of Redwood National Park.
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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park protects some of the finest old-growth redwood forest in California. Towering trees, open meadows, Roosevelt elk, and lush fern-covered landscapes make it one of the highlights of the entire Redwood region. 【3-b8ecd6】【4-c3d4c8】
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Drive the famous Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, a picturesque route winding through enormous old-growth redwoods. Stop at Big Tree Wayside, where one of the park's most impressive and easily accessible giant redwoods towers above visitors. The scenic parkway is considered one of the best introductions to California's redwood forests. 【3-b8ecd6】【5-962a88】
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Fern Canyon is one of the most magical landscapes in the park system. Narrow canyon walls rise nearly fifty feet above the trail and are completely covered in lush ferns. Small streams, fallen logs, and vibrant green vegetation create an environment that feels prehistoric. During peak season, permits may be required to access the area. 【4-c3d4c8】【6-c8e192】【1-c4af5d】
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Perched on a ridge above the coast, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail winds among some of the park's most magnificent old-growth redwoods. Misty forests and peaceful surroundings make this one of the most memorable short hikes in the park.
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End the day at the legendary Tall Trees Grove, where some of the world's tallest trees grow along the floodplain of Redwood Creek. This celebrated grove helped inspire the creation of Redwood National Park and remains one of its signature destinations. Access requires a free permit, and the trail descends to the spectacular grove beside Redwood Creek.
Day 2
Today explores the northern reaches of Redwood National and State Parks, where crystal-clear rivers, ancient groves, remote beaches, and some of the most pristine old-growth forests on Earth create an unforgettable finale. The route follows the Klamath River northward through Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and into Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, where towering redwoods form natural cathedrals unlike anywhere else in the world.
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Begin near the Klamath River, one of Northern California's most important waterways. Bald Hills Road climbs away from the coast through redwood forests and open prairie landscapes, providing sweeping views of river valleys and remote wilderness.
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Continue north into Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, where old-growth forests meet rugged Pacific coastline. The Hidden Beach Trail descends through dense redwood forest before emerging onto a secluded stretch of coast framed by sea stacks and crashing surf.
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Often considered the crown jewel of the entire redwood park system, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park protects some of the most intact old-growth redwood forest remaining on Earth. Massive trees line the emerald waters of the Smith River, creating scenery that feels almost prehistoric.
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This easy and highly scenic loop offers one of the best introductions to the northern redwood forests. Towering trunks, filtered sunlight, and lush fern-covered ground create a classic redwood experience suitable for all visitors.
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Follow the renowned Stout Grove Trail, where some of the tallest and most beautiful coast redwoods stand in a cathedral-like setting above the Smith River. Many visitors consider this grove the single most impressive stand of redwoods in California.
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Conclude your Redwood adventure on one of the region's most celebrated hikes. The Boy Scout Tree Trail winds through pristine old-growth forest to an enormous double-trunk redwood known as the Boy Scout Tree. Along the way, towering giants, hanging moss, and dense ferns provide a fitting farewell to the tallest forest on Earth.