Standing among coast redwoods is a humbling experience. These trees—some over 2,000 years old and 350 feet tall—are the largest living things on Earth by volume. Walking through a redwood grove feels like entering a cathedral, with shafts of light filtering through the canopy far above and a silence that feels sacred.
Redwood National and State Parks (jointly managed) protect much of the remaining old-growth redwood forest. The hiking here is unlike anywhere else: fern-filled canyons, elk-dotted meadows, misty groves, and always, the presence of these ancient giants.
Best Trails
Tall Trees Grove
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Home to some of the tallest trees in the park, this grove requires a free permit and navigating unpaved roads. The effort is rewarded with a truly spectacular forest and few crowds.
Fern Canyon
- Distance: 1.0 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
A narrow canyon with 50-foot walls completely covered in ferns—a primordial scene that inspired Jurassic Park. Prepare for wet feet; the creek runs through the canyon floor.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Distance: 1.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
An accessible loop through stunning old-growth, dedicated by President Nixon in 1969. Interpretive signs explain redwood ecology and history.
Boy Scout Tree Trail
- Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
A more secluded trail to the massive Boy Scout Tree, passing through beautiful old-growth forest with numerous photogenic groves.
More Hikes
Trillium Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
A loop through old-growth and second-growth forest to a pretty waterfall. Great for families; elk often spotted in adjacent meadows.
Coastal Trail
- Distance: Various sections
- Difficulty: Varies
Sections of this trail offer beach walking, bluff views, and forest passages. The Hidden Beach section (3.5 miles) is particularly scenic.
Stout Grove
- Distance: 0.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
A flat, short loop through one of the most impressive stands of old-growth. The Stout Tree is a highlight—a massive specimen near the trailhead.
Wildlife
Redwood parks are surprisingly rich with wildlife:
- Roosevelt Elk: Large herds roam meadows, especially at Elk Meadow and Gold Bluffs Beach
- Black Bears: Present but rarely seen; use proper food storage
- Banana Slugs: The iconic yellow slugs are everywhere—kids love them
- Seabirds: The coast hosts pelicans, cormorants, and more
Elk Safety
Roosevelt Elk are impressive but can be dangerous. Maintain 50+ feet distance; never approach for photos. Bulls are particularly aggressive during fall rut.
Practical Information
When to Visit
- Year-round: Redwoods are always impressive
- May-October: Driest weather; fog is common
- November-April: Rainy; fewer crowds; waterfalls at peak
- Spring: Wildflowers in meadows
Getting There
The parks stretch along Highway 101 in far northern California:
- About 325 miles north of San Francisco
- About 25 miles south of Crescent City
Fees
Most areas free; California State Park sections may charge day-use fees.
Permits
- Tall Trees Grove requires a free permit (available at visitor centers)
- Fern Canyon may require a vehicle permit during peak season
- Backcountry camping requires permits
Tips for Your Visit
- Dress in layers: Fog and cool temperatures are common, even in summer
- Prepare for rain: This is one of the wettest places in California
- Slow down: These forests reward quiet observation
- Look up: The canopy is hundreds of feet above—take time to appreciate the scale
- Combine with coast: The beaches and overlooks are as spectacular as the forests
Quick Reference
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall Trees Grove | 3.3 mi | Moderate | Tallest trees |
| Fern Canyon | 1.0 mi | Easy | Fern walls |
| Lady Bird Johnson | 1.5 mi | Easy | Accessible old-growth |
| Boy Scout Tree | 5.6 mi | Moderate | Massive trees |
Redwood National Park offers a hiking experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. These ancient trees—survivors of ice ages, earthquakes, and chainsaws—create forests that feel more like cathedrals than wilderness. Whether you have an hour for a short loop or days for backcountry exploration, the redwoods will leave you changed.
