I was totally inspired to add exploring Redwood National Park to our road trip to Mendocino itinerary after I saw one of my best girlfriends visit the Redwoods last year with her family! Her whole trip looked like so much fun…especially their visit to the Trees of Mystery. Except, when I sat down to plan our own trip… I have to admit, I was incredibly overwhelmed. There was so much to see and do! That’s why today I’m sharing with you the top things you need to know before you head off on your Redwood Adventure!
SWEATER // TANK // ATHLETIC BRA // LEGGINGS // NIKE SHOES
WAIT…THERE IS MORE THAN JUST ONE PARK?
Yep! There are actually four parks that make up the overall greater Redwood National Park. The Redwood National and State Parks are made up of several separate parks that all get lumped together into one entity. They are located in one of the most remote parts of California, along the coast not far from the Oregon border and these are: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith State Park, Prairie Creek State Park and Del Norte State Park.
The best time of the year to visit is September, when everything will be open and crowds will be less.
SWEATER // TANK // ATHLETIC BRA // LEGGINGS // NIKE SHOES
WHERE TO STAY?
First off, there are no lodging or restaurant options within the parks boundaries, so if you are looking to stay in a hotel consider staying in either Crescent City, Klamath, Orick or Arcata for the closest hotels to the park entrances.
For our visit, we decided to stay in Eureka, at the Humboldt Bay Social Club. It was cute, clean and a safe place to stay for one night on our journey through the park and to Mendocino.
Now, if you are a camper, you’re in luck! There are four campgrounds within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, including Elk Prairie Campground and Gold Bluffs Beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods, as well as Jedediah Smith and Mill Creek on the northern end. However, please note that campsites must be reserved by phone or online between 48 hours and six months ahead of arrival and the campgrounds are very popular in the summer. Reservations for the four campgrounds must be made through Reserve California, the California State Park reservation system. Plan well in advance!
WHAT ARE THE “MUST-SEE” PLACES + ACTIVITIES?
Most people come to the Redwood National and State Parks to see the large Redwood trees.Do not worry. You will not be disappointed as they are plentiful!
Stout Grove – This is a quick and easy hike through the beautiful Redwoods right along the Smith River, where the silence of the grove is amazing. You will not regret a stop here, it was BY FAR our very favorite spot along the drive through the Redwood National Forest.
Stout Grove
SWEATER // TANK // ATHLETIC BRA // LEGGINGS // NIKE SHOES
Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park – As you make your way past Eureka, you’ll see a sign for “Avenue of the Giants”. Do not miss this drive! It is a must-do and must-see! It offers multiple opportunities for hikes, view points and gorgeous stops along the way. If you’re short on time, then just use it as a “quick” way to drive through the Redwood National Forest and see some amazing trees!
Drive Thru A Redwood – There are three drive-through coastal redwood (not giant sequoia) trees on U.S. 101 along the “Avenue of the Giants” highway in northern California. All are private businesses, which charge a small fee to drive your car through the tree. These are the three: Klamath Tour Thru Tree, Shrine Drive Thru Tree, Drive-Thru Tree Park
Trees of Mystery – Home to the SkyTrail and Redwood Canopy Trail, this private visitors park is situated right in the center of the Redwood National and State Parks, and is California’s original redwood Nature Attraction.
Trees of Mystery
Fern Canyon – Fern Canyon was made famous by its appearance on The Lost World: Jurassic Park! If you are only in the area for a couple of days, this is one place you should not miss. The day hike option is a nine-mile round-trip. So be prepared. The hike from the Fern Canyon parking lot on the coast is a short 1-mile loop. If time is of the essence, this is the easiest way to visit.
Here are a few more places to see and consider stopping at:
Howland Hill Road, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Big Tree Loop, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Exploring Redwood National Park! If you’re interested in visiting the area, make sure you check out the following blog posts!
A Relaxed Little Getaway to Mendocino, California
Visiting Anderson Valley Wine Country
XO,
M
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