Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

★5.0

Farwestern Photo by Gregg M. Erickson, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Expansive coastal park combining ancient redwood forests, rugged ocean cliffs, and secluded beaches with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic exploration.

General Information
Hours:
Open daily for day use, generally sunrise to sunset; park areas accessible year-round
Fees:
No general entrance fee required
Fees may apply for camping and select developed areas
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed only in developed areas, beaches, and roads; not permitted on hiking trails
Closest cities with hotels:
Crescent City (6 mi)
Seasons:
All year, with late spring through early fall offering the best weather conditions
Location:
Crescent City, CA 95531
Website:
parks.ca.gov

How to Get There

From Crescent City (6 mi): Take US-101 south for about 6 miles, following signs along the coastal highway to access park entrances and pullouts along the shoreline.

Overview

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is a state park of California, and a component of the Redwood National and State Parks. The property is about half old-growth forest of coast redwoods and includes 8 miles (13 km) of wild Pacific coastline. The park was significantly expanded in 2002 with the 25,000-acre (10,000 ha) Mill Creek Addition. Originally established in 1925, the park is now 31,261 acres (12,651 ha). The park was designated part of the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve in 1983.

The Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park offers one of the most dramatic landscapes along the northern California coast, where towering old-growth redwoods meet windswept bluffs and the crashing Pacific Ocean. Established in the early 20th century and now part of the larger Redwood National and State Parks system, the park protects vast stretches of pristine forest alongside over eight miles of rugged coastline. Visitors can experience everything from shadowed groves filled with towering trees to open coastal vistas where waves crash against steep cliffs and hidden coves.

Beyond its scenic diversity, the park is rich in wildlife and ecological significance, preserving nearly half of the remaining old-growth redwood forests in California. Trails wind through dense understory vegetation and along dramatic coastal edges, while areas like Wilson Beach offer peaceful spaces for tidepool exploration and shoreline walks. With its blend of forest solitude and ocean grandeur, the park provides an immersive experience that captures the full scale and beauty of the northern California redwood region.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and the Wikipedia article "Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park", which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Nicolas Duvieusart Déry nddery, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons ; Image Size Adjusted
kanaria, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted