The Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park is one of the park’s most stunning collection of towering redwoods. Compared to many of the other easy trails, it’s a bit of a hike to get there. The trail is 3.3miles long with just under 800ft of elevation gain.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to spot elk is around dusk and dawn but they can be spotted at all times of day here.
Things to Note
IMPORTANT: In order to gain access to the trailhead one must first acquire a permit and access code to the gate at the Kuchel Visitor Center. Technically this is required and if you don’t it adds a good 7 miles each way to your trip with lots of elevation. Nearby destinations include Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Bald Hills.
The Redwood Film
Redwood National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. A trip to this magical place is a must for every human on the planet. Journey with us as we explore the tallest trees on the planet. This is Redwood.
Getting There
The Tall Trees Grove trailhead is off Bald Hills Road, about 7 miles from Highway 101. You need a free permit and gate code from the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on Highway 101 in Orick. They hand out a limited number each day, so get there early, especially in summer. The visitor center opens at 9am.
After you get the code, drive up Bald Hills Road to the locked gate. The road is paved but winding. From the trailhead, the hike drops about 800 feet over 1.65 miles to the grove floor, then you come back up the same way. That return climb is no joke if you are not prepared for it.
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail descends through a mixed forest of Douglas fir and tanoak before opening up into the redwood grove along Redwood Creek. Once you reach the bottom, you are standing among some of the tallest trees on Earth. The Tall Tree, measured at 367.8 feet, was once the tallest known tree in the world before Hyperion took that title in 2006.
The grove floor is carpeted in ferns and sorrel. It smells like damp earth and bark. Light filters through the canopy in shafts that move as the wind shifts the branches hundreds of feet above you. It is one of the most peaceful places I have ever stood.
Plan for about 3 to 4 hours round trip. The trail is moderate but that climb back out will test your legs. Bring trekking poles if you have them.
What Most People Get Wrong
People skip this hike because of the permit requirement and assume it is a hassle. It is not. The permit is free and takes 5 minutes at the visitor center. The gate system exists to limit traffic on the narrow road, which is why the grove stays uncrowded even in peak season.
The other mistake is underestimating the return hike. It is only 1.65 miles back up, but 800 feet of elevation gain at a steady incline will wind you. Take your time and bring water.
Photography Tips
Overcast days are your friend here. Direct sunlight creates harsh contrast in the grove that is almost impossible to expose correctly. Cloudy skies give you even, soft light that lets the greens and browns really saturate. Bring a wide-angle lens. You will need 14mm or wider to fit these trees in a single frame, and even then you probably cannot get the whole tree.
If you get fog, consider yourself lucky. Fog in a redwood grove is one of the most photogenic conditions in nature.
Nearby Destinations
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is on the same road and is an easier, shorter loop. Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon are about 30 minutes away and make for a perfect second half of the day. Redwood Creek Overlook gives you a bird’s-eye view of the watershed these trees depend on.
For everything you need to plan your visit, see our Redwood National Park guide.
