Last Updated on May 14, 2026 by Melissa
Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California is home to the tallest trees on Earth — some over 2,000 years old — and it’s one of the most awe-inspiring places we’ve visited on our mission to see all 63 US National Parks.
But most guides skip over some really important details that can make or break your trip. We’re covering everything: the trails, the drives, the permits, the logistics, and the tips we wish we’d known before going.
💡 Before you go: Check out our Ultimate Guide to National Park Trip Planning and our guide to the America the Beautiful Pass — both will save you time and money.
Table of Contents
It’s Actually Four Parks — Not One
This is the most important thing to understand before planning your trip and almost every guide glosses over it. Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is actually made up of four separate parks:
- Redwood National Park (managed by NPS)
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Together they protect about 45% of all remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest — roughly 139,000 acres. The parks run in a line along the Northern California coast from south to north. Understanding this helps you structure your trip properly since different trails and attractions are spread across different parks.
Plan on at least 2–3 days to do it justice. A quick one-day visit will leave you feeling like you barely scratched the surface.
Is Redwood National Park Free?
Yes! This is one of the best kept secrets in the national park world — Redwood National and State Parks has no entrance fee and no entrance station. You can simply drive in.
The only exceptions are:
- Fern Canyon / Gold Bluffs Beach — requires a free online parking permit from May 15–September 15
- Tall Trees Grove — requires a free permit (limited to 50 visitors per day)
- Camping — requires reservations and fees
So while the America the Beautiful Pass won’t save you money on entry here, it’s still worth having for your other park visits on the same road trip.
Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
Spring (April–June) — Best Overall
Spring is the top pick for most visitors. The forest is lush and green, rhododendrons are blooming, crowds are manageable, and nearly all trails are open. Weather is mild and the famous coastal fog adds to the magical atmosphere.
Summer (July–September) — Busiest Season
Summer brings the most visitors and the driest weather. This is when you’ll need the Fern Canyon permit and when Tall Trees Grove fills up fastest. Arrive early on weekdays whenever possible.
Fall (September–October) — Great for Fewer Crowds
Fall foliage is stunning, temperatures are comfortable, and trails are far less crowded. One important caveat — wildfire season runs July through October in Northern California, so check conditions before you go.
Winter (November–March) — For Solitude Seekers
The least popular season due to rain and cold, but the misty, moody forest atmosphere in winter is genuinely incredible. If you don’t mind the weather you’ll practically have the trails to yourself.
Important: Pack layers and rain gear no matter what time of year you visit. Coastal fog can roll in unexpectedly even in summer.
How to Get to Redwood National Park
By Air
The closest airports are Eureka/Arcata Airport (ACV) — just 50 miles south of the park — and Medford Airport (MFR) in Oregon. If you’re doing a longer California road trip, flying into San Francisco (SFO) and driving up Highway 101 is a classic and stunning route.
Driving Times
- San Francisco → Redwood NP: ~5.5–6 hours via Highway 101 along the coast
- Portland, OR → Redwood NP: ~6 hours via I-5 and Highway 199
- Seattle, WA → Redwood NP: ~9 hours — great for a multi-day Pacific Coast road trip
⚠️ Important: Don’t Trust Google Maps
This is a tip straight from park rangers — popular navigation apps including Google Maps frequently give wrong directions in the Redwoods. They can send you down impassable roads or to completely wrong entrances. Download the NPS Mobile App before you arrive and grab a paper map at any visitor center as backup.
Road Trip Pairing Ideas
The Redwoods pair beautifully with:
- Best National Park Scenic Drives
- Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rainforest — another incredible temperate rainforest to the north
- Crater Lake National Park to the northeast
Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Hiking Trails
Tall Trees Grove Trail
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation: 800 feet down (then back up)
- Permit: Required — free, but only 50 people allowed per day. Reserve here
- Note: Access road is 6 miles of narrow gravel — RVs under 21 feet only, no trailers
Arguably the best hike in the park. You’ll walk among some of the tallest trees in the world with genuine solitude thanks to the permit system. Book as early as possible.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Distance: 1.5-mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- No permit required
A peaceful, easy loop through old-growth forest with interpretive signs. Perfect for families or those with limited time. One of the most accessible old-growth groves in the entire park system.
Fern Canyon Trail
- Permit: Free parking permit required May 15–September 15 at Gold Bluffs Beach entrance. Reserve here
- Note: Low-clearance vehicles and large RVs get stuck in the creek crossings — check your vehicle before going
- Fun fact: Filmed in Jurassic Park AND The Lost World — the canyon walls draped in ferns look genuinely prehistoric
RV/Large vehicle alternative: Hike to Fern Canyon via an 11-mile round trip trail from Prairie Creek Visitor Center year-round without any permit.
Big Tree Wayside
- Distance: 2-minute walk
- Difficulty: Accessible for all
- A short paved path to one of the largest trees in the park — estimated to be over 1,500 years old. Great RV parking available here.
Scenic Drives
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
If you only have time for one scenic drive, make it this one. Ten miles winding through an unbroken corridor of old-growth redwoods with several pull-offs for short walks. This is one of the only places in the world where you can drive through the heart of an old-growth redwood grove. Suitable for all vehicles including RVs. Check out our guide to the best national park scenic drives for more inspiration.
Howland Hill Road
A narrow unpaved road that takes you up close and personal with massive redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. More intimate than Newton B. Drury — you’ll feel like the trees are inches from your windows. Not suitable for large RVs or vehicles with trailers.
🎬 The Star Wars Connection: Howland Hill Road and the surrounding forest were used as the filming location for the Endor scenes in Return of the Jedi. Yes — you’re literally driving through the Ewok forest.
Wildlife Spotting
The Redwoods are home to Roosevelt elk — the same massive animals you might encounter at the Hoh Rainforest. The best place to spot them is near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center where herds frequently graze in open meadows. Stay at least 25 yards away and never approach or feed them.
Head to the coast at Klamath River Overlook during migration season (December–April) for whale watching — gray whales pass remarkably close to shore.
Coastal Areas
Gold Bluffs Beach
One of the most dramatic beaches in California — redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean. You can camp right on the beach and wake up surrounded by both forest and surf. Truly one of the most unique spots in the entire national park system.
High Bluff Overlook
Situated high above the Pacific, this overlook delivers panoramic views of the rugged California coastline. One of the best viewpoints in the entire park — and almost no one talks about it.
Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park
There are no hotels or lodges inside the park itself, but there are great options nearby.
Camping
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground — Camp where the redwoods meet the ocean. One of the most unique campgrounds in the country. Reservations strongly recommended in summer.
Elk Prairie Campground — Surrounded by old-growth redwoods with frequent elk sightings right in the campground. Magical in the early morning.
Towns Near the Park
Crescent City — The closest city to the park with the widest range of accommodations. Great home base for the northern sections of the park. Browse vacation rentals in Crescent City.
Klamath — Closer to the northern park areas with cozy cabins and small inns. Great for a quiet retreat.
Trinidad — A charming coastal town south of the park with stunning ocean views. Perfect for combining coastal scenery with your redwood trip. Browse Trinidad vacation rentals.
Important Tips for Visiting
Don’t Trust Your GPS
Navigation apps regularly send visitors down wrong or impassable roads in the Redwoods. Download the NPS Mobile App before you leave cell service and grab a paper map at any visitor center.
Large RVs Have Significant Restrictions
If you’re traveling in a large RV or towing a trailer, many key areas are off limits including Fern Canyon, Howland Hill Road, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Tall Trees Grove, and Simpson-Reed Grove. Good RV-accessible stops include Big Tree Wayside, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway pull-offs, and the Yurok Loop Trail.
Book Permits Early
- Tall Trees Grove: Free permit, 50 people per day maximum — reserve here
- Fern Canyon parking (May 15–Sept 15): Free permit — reserve here
- Campgrounds: Reserve well in advance especially for Gold Bluffs Beach and Elk Prairie
Download Maps and Trail Info Offline
Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the park. Use AllTrails+ for offline trail maps before you leave home.
Pets Are Not Allowed on Trails
Dogs are not permitted on any trails in Redwood National and State Parks. They are allowed at campgrounds, paved viewpoints, some beaches, and on Cal Barrel Road and Walker Road — both of which pass through the redwoods and make great dog-friendly alternatives.
What to Pack
- Waterproof jacket
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers — fog and coastal temps can be cool even in summer
- Bug spray
- Dry bags for electronics
- AllTrails+ downloaded offline
- Snacks and water — services are limited inside the park
Nearby Attractions
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park — Home to Howland Hill Road and the stunning Stout Memorial Grove. The northernmost of the four parks.
- Avenue of the Giants — A 31-mile scenic drive about an hour south through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Perfect detour if you’re driving up from San Francisco.
- The Lost Coast — One of the most remote stretches of coastline in California. Rugged beaches, dramatic cliffs, and almost no one else around.
- Trees of Mystery — A classic roadside attraction with a gondola ride above the forest, giant Paul Bunyan statues, and a Native American museum. Kitschy and fun.
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor (Oregon) — Just across the border, this 12-mile stretch of forested coastline with hidden beaches and incredible rock formations is one of the most underrated spots on the entire Pacific Coast.
Final Thoughts — Why Redwood National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List
The Redwoods aren’t just tall trees. They’re living proof that nature operates on a timescale humans can barely comprehend. Standing next to something that was alive before Columbus, before the Roman Empire, before most of recorded history — it genuinely shifts your perspective.
Go slow. Look up. Let yourself feel small.
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