A serene stretch of towering second-growth redwood groves lining a scenic river corridor, offering picnicking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful immersion in a lush forest landscape.
Hours may vary seasonally and some areas remain open without posted gate hours
Camping (nearby campgrounds): Approximately $10–$12 per night
Pet fee (campgrounds): About $1
How to Get There
From Mendocino (18 mi): Take CA-1 south to CA-128 east, then follow the winding scenic highway inland for about 10 miles until you enter the redwood-lined corridor of the park.
Overview
The Navarro River Redwoods State Park preserves a remarkable corridor of second-growth redwoods that stretch for miles along a quiet river, creating a natural tunnel of towering trees that feels both intimate and immense. As sunlight filters through the dense canopy, the forest floor comes alive with ferns, mosses, and the gentle sound of flowing water. Visitors often experience the park not just as a destination, but as a journey—especially while driving along the scenic highway that weaves through the groves, revealing one breathtaking vista after another. Wildlife such as black-tailed deer, river birds, and small mammals inhabit this ecosystem, making it an immersive haven for nature lovers.
Unlike many heavily trafficked redwood destinations, this park offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, where exploration happens at a slower pace. Opportunities for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and riverside walks provide a range of ways to engage with the landscape, particularly during late winter and spring when the river is most active. Seasonal changes bring distinct moods—from misty mornings in spring to warm summer afternoons beneath the cool shade of the trees—while the nearby coastline adds another dimension to any visit. The result is a rare blend of accessibility and seclusion, making it a treasured yet understated gateway to California’s iconic redwood forests.
Things to Do
Drive Through One of California's Most Scenic Redwood Corridors
Navarro River Redwoods State Park is a unique linear state park that follows the Navarro River along Highway 128 in Mendocino County. The park is famous for its towering coast redwood groves that create a spectacular natural corridor, offering visitors one of the most memorable scenic drives in Northern California as they travel between the Anderson Valley wine region and the Pacific Coast.
Experience Magnificent Old-Growth Redwood Forests
The park protects thousands of acres of redwood forest, including some impressive old-growth trees. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of these ancient forests while enjoying the cool temperatures, filtered sunlight, and peaceful atmosphere that characterize California's redwood ecosystems.
Enjoy Picnicking Along the Navarro River
Several roadside pullouts and picnic areas provide access to the Navarro River and surrounding redwood groves. These locations offer opportunities to relax, enjoy lunch beneath towering trees, and experience the natural beauty of the river corridor.
Explore the Navarro River Watershed
The Navarro River supports a diverse ecosystem that includes salmon, steelhead trout, native plants, and wildlife. Visitors can observe the river's role in shaping the landscape while learning about the importance of watershed conservation and habitat protection.
Observe Wildlife and Seasonal Changes
The park's forests and river habitats support deer, river otters, hawks, owls, songbirds, and numerous other wildlife species. Seasonal changes bring vibrant greenery, wildflowers, autumn colors, and varying river conditions that provide unique experiences throughout the year.
Combine Redwoods, Wine Country, and Coastal Exploration
Because of its location along Highway 128, Navarro River Redwoods State Park is often combined with visits to Anderson Valley wineries, Mendocino Coast attractions, and nearby parks such as Russian Gulch State Park and Hendy Woods State Park.
Top Trails
Redwood Grove Nature Walks
Length: Various short walks
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Numerous informal paths and roadside access points allow visitors to explore groves of towering redwoods and enjoy close-up views of some of the park's most impressive trees. These short walks are ideal for photography and nature appreciation.
Navarro River Access Trail
Length: Approximately 0.5 to 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Several access points lead visitors to the river's edge, where they can observe the Navarro River, enjoy wildlife viewing, and experience the tranquil setting created by the surrounding redwood forest.
Roadside Redwood Exploration Route
Length: Varies by visitor
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This self-guided experience allows visitors to stop at designated pullouts throughout the park corridor to view old-growth redwoods, photograph the scenery, and enjoy short walks beneath the forest canopy.
Navarro River Scenic Corridor Drive
Length: Approximately 11 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Although primarily a driving experience, this scenic route through the heart of the park is considered one of the best ways to appreciate the scale and beauty of the redwood groves that line both sides of Highway 128.
Sources: California State Parks official Navarro River Redwoods State Park information, including details on redwood forests, the Navarro River corridor, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, and visitor access.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438
Additional information verified through Mendocino County visitor resources covering the Navarro River watershed, scenic drives, redwood groves, nearby attractions, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Navarro River Redwoods State Park.
https://www.visitmendocino.comhttps://www.visitmendocino.com
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Navarro River Redwoods State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
