Redwood National Park has trees taller than the Statue of Liberty. Some of them were alive when Rome fell. There are 15 things worth doing here and most folks only do two of them.
Redwood National Park at a Glance
I’ve been coming back to this park for the better part of a decade. Filming it, hiking it, getting lost in it.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Redwood, starting with the ones that most people miss entirely.
Redwood National Park Itineraries
Whether you have one day or three, these itineraries will help you make the most of your time in the Redwoods. Each one is based on routes we have personally driven and hiked dozens of times.
1-Day Itinerary
Start your morning at Tall Trees Grove, where a free permit gets you access to some of the tallest trees on Earth in relative solitude. Head to Lady Bird Johnson Grove around midday for an easy loop through stunning old-growth forest. In the afternoon, drive to Fern Canyon to walk through the fern-draped walls made famous by Jurassic Park (reservation required May 15-Sep 15). Finish the day at Gold Bluffs Beach for a Pacific sunset with Roosevelt elk grazing on the sand.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary above.
Day 2: Drive the magnificent Avenue of the Giants through Humboldt Redwoods State Park in the morning, stopping at Founders Grove and the Dyerville Giant. After lunch, head north to Stout Grove for the most photogenic old-growth grove in the park. Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail for a longer, crowd-free forest experience. End the day at Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City at sunset.
3-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary above.
Day 3: Start at Enderts Beach for morning tide pools and coastal views. Hike the legendary Damnation Creek Trail, a steep descent through old-growth forest to a hidden beach, one of the best hikes in the park. Drive the unpaved Howland Hill Road through towering redwoods, then finish your trip exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods and swimming in the turquoise Smith River.
Redwood National Park is actually a patchwork of one national park and three California state parks (Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods) managed cooperatively. There is no entrance fee for any of the parks, though some areas require advance reservations. A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Fern Canyon & Gold Bluffs Beach: A reservation is required from May 15 through September 15.
- Tall Trees Grove: A free permit is required year-round, obtainable 24-48 hours in advance.
- Best time to visit: June through September offers the driest weather, though summer fog is common along the coast. May and October are less crowded with pleasant conditions.
- Mosquitoes: During summer months (June-August), expect mosquitoes at varying levels throughout the park. I recommend this environmentally friendly bug spray.
- Resources: This is my favorite map, guidebook, and hikes guidebook for exploring the park.
Elk Prairie at dawn is the move. Roosevelt elk congregate in the meadow at Prairie Creek, and early morning gives you the best light and the fewest people. During September and October rut season, bulls are bugling and sparring.
Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45-55°F, rainy | Very low | Solitude, storm watching, green forests |
| February | 45-55°F, rainy | Very low | Whale watching begins, waterfalls peak |
| March | 48-58°F, rain easing | Low | Wildflowers start, rhododendrons bloom |
| April | 48-60°F, mixed | Low-moderate | Wildflowers, comfortable hiking |
| May | 50-62°F, clearing | Moderate | Best overall month, before summer crowds |
| June | 52-65°F, fog | High | Long days, coastal fog adds atmosphere |
| July | 55-68°F, fog | Peak | Warmest, but heavy fog and crowds |
| August | 55-68°F, fog | Peak | Fern Canyon permits required |
| September | 55-68°F, clearing | Moderate | Best month. Fog lifts, crowds thin, warm |
| October | 50-62°F, rain returns | Low | Fall colors on maples, mushroom season |
| November | 48-55°F, rainy | Very low | Storm watching, dramatic skies |
| December | 45-52°F, rainy | Very low | Holiday solitude, Roosevelt elk rut ends |
Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Table of Contents: Redwood National Park Things to Do
- Things to Know Before Visiting Redwood National Park
- Best Things To Do in Redwood National Park
- 1. Stout Grove
- 2. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- 3. Fern Canyon
- 4. Grove of the Titans
- 5. Jedediah Smith Redwoods
- 6. Gold Bluffs Beach
- 7. Tall Trees Grove
- 8. Boy Scout Tree Trail
- 9. Redwood Creek Overlook
- 10. Elk Meadow
- 11. Avenue of the Giants
- 12. Bald Hills
- 13. Crescent Beach Overlook
- 14. Find a Banana Slug
- 15. Stargazing
- Watch the Award Winning Redwood National Park Video
- More Helpful Tips for Visiting Redwood National Park
- Redwood National Park Map of Best Things To Do
Visiting Redwood National Park? Here’s my favorite hotel.
1. Stout Grove
The Stout Grove is one of the most magnificent and highly photographed groves of old-growth redwoods in the entire park system. Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods north of Crescent City, this relatively compact grove features towering 300-foot redwoods that catch late afternoon sunlight in the most spectacular way. I have photographed this grove dozens of times and the light around 4pm in summer is unforgettable.
Distance: 0.7 mile roundtrip | Time: 45 mins – 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy, flat trail
Parking: Small lot at the end of Howland Hill Road (unpaved but passable with 2WD) | Fee: Free
Mosquitoes here can be pesky in early to mid summer, but even still this grove is worth every bite. The trail loops through the grove and connects to the Smith River for those wanting to extend the walk.
2. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Named for the former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson Grove is one of the most spectacular groves of ancient, old-growth redwoods in the world. Located near the town of Orick at about 1,000 feet above sea level, this is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. The trail winds through enormous trees with interpretive signs explaining the ecology of the old-growth forest.
Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat with a gentle slope
Parking: Paved lot off Bald Hills Road | Fee: Free
The minimal elevation gain makes this one of the best things to do in Redwood National Park for families with kids or visitors with mobility concerns. If you’re visiting Lady Bird Johnson Grove, be sure to check out Redwood Creek Overlook just down the road for the best sunsets in the park.
3. Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is a stunning, well-known destination made famous by its appearance in the Jurassic Park movie franchise. Dripping with ferns from wall to wall with a creek flowing through its center, this canyon is a mesmerizing spot that everyone visiting Redwood National Park should see.
Distance: 1.1 miles roundtrip | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy, but expect ankle- to knee-deep water crossings
Parking: Small lot at end of Davison Road (unpaved, rough in spots) | Fee: Free
Reservation required: May 15 – September 15 via recreation.gov
The trail can be done as a 1.1-mile loop or as an out-and-back, which is more popular since visitors get to see the spectacular parts twice. This is one of the best activities in Redwood National Park for kids and families. Located just down the road from Gold Bluffs Beach, which makes for a great combo stop.
4. Grove of the Titans
The Grove of the Titans is home to some of the largest coast redwoods on Earth, and a new raised boardwalk trail (opened in 2022) finally makes it accessible to all visitors. For years this grove was a poorly kept secret, and off-trail foot traffic was damaging the shallow root systems of these ancient giants. The new boardwalk solves that problem while delivering an incredible experience walking among trees that are wider than most living rooms.
Distance: 1.7 miles roundtrip | Time: 30 mins – 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy, flat boardwalk trail
Parking: Small lot on Howland Hill Road (unpaved, no RVs or trailers) | Fee: Free
This trail is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park off Howland Hill Road, just a short distance from Stout Grove. Volunteer “Titaneers” are often on-site to share information about the trees and ensure visitors stay on the boardwalk. If you only have time for one hike, this and Stout Grove are an unbeatable combination.
5. Jedediah Smith Redwoods
Jedediah Smith Redwoods is often many visitors’ first experience in Redwood National Park. Located on the stunning Wild & Scenic Smith River on the north side of the park near Crescent City, this area features a beautiful campground, popular swimming holes, and some of the most celebrated groves in the world including Stout Grove and the Grove of the Titans.
Key access: Howland Hill Road (unpaved, no RVs/trailers) | Difficulty: Varies by trail | Fee: Free
I recommend parking at the day-use area and walking down to the water to see the Wild & Scenic Smith River. The turquoise color is unreal. If you’re coming from the north, this is a great spot to stretch the legs. Exploring Jedediah Smith Redwoods is one of the more relaxed things to do in Redwood National Park, perfect for families heading out on a national parks road trip.
6. Gold Bluffs Beach
Gold Bluffs Beach is a beautiful spot on the Pacific Ocean named for the iconic golden-colored bluffs that overlook it. The campground here is the only one in the park located right on the beach, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Access: Davison Road (unpaved, rough, see note below) | Fee: Free (day use), camping requires reservation
Reservation required: May 15 – September 15 for day use and camping
There’s a resident herd of Roosevelt elk that frequents the beach along with migrating whales and dolphins offshore. Prior to visiting the park for the first time, I had no idea it encompassed sections of the beach. Relaxing at Gold Bluffs Beach is one of my personal favorite things to do in Redwood National Park.
Note: The unpaved Davison Road leading to Gold Bluffs Beach is rough. While I have made the drive in a Prius, there were some horrible scraping noises that made me question the decision. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.
7. Tall Trees Grove
The Tall Trees Grove is one of the park’s most stunning collections of towering redwoods. Some argue it was the size of the trees in and around this grove that finally convinced Congress to designate the national park. How tall? At least one (the Libbey Tree) tops 360 feet. Learn more Redwood National Park facts worth knowing.
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate (800 ft elevation change, steep return)
Parking: Small lot at locked gate off Bald Hills Road | Fee: Free
Permit required: Year-round, free permit needed 24-48 hours in advance for the gate combination
The scale of everything in this grove is different, even the ferns are 5+ feet tall. Be aware that the trail starts going downhill, which means the return is entirely uphill. If time is limited, I would recommend saving this grove for a future trip and prioritizing Stout Grove or Lady Bird Johnson Grove instead.
8. Boy Scout Tree Trail
The Boy Scout Tree Trail is one of the best hikes in the Redwoods, featuring groves of stunning old-growth redwoods. Located off Howland Hill Road just down from Stout Grove, the trail’s highlight is the Boy Scout Tree, a 238-foot double-stemmed redwood that is one of the most impressive in the entire park.
Distance: 5.3 miles roundtrip | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate (750 ft elevation change)
Parking: Small pulloff on Howland Hill Road | Fee: Free
Seasonal note: The final mile of trail is closed November 1 through May 1 for restoration
This trail is one of the best things to do in Redwood National Park for folks looking to get off the beaten path and avoid crowds. You will get the same amazing old-growth scenery found in places like Stout Grove or Jedediah Smith, often entirely to yourself.
9. Redwood Creek Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook is the best spot in Redwood National Park to catch a sunset. Situated at over 1,000 feet above the ocean, this location often sees cloud inversions near sunset sweep through the redwoods below. Its location near Lady Bird Johnson Grove makes it an easy add-on to the end of a day.
Distance: Roadside (a few steps from parking) | Difficulty: Effortless
Parking: Small lot off Bald Hills Road (rarely full) | Fee: Free
I have rarely encountered more than a handful of people here, even in peak season. Anyone looking to catch a sunset in the park should absolutely add this overlook to their list.
10. Elk Meadow
If you have any wildlife lovers in your party, add Elk Meadow to your list of things to do in Redwood National Park. This is one of the most reliable places in the park to see the majestic Roosevelt Elk. The meadow itself is not much to see if the elk are not there, so if you arrive and the meadow is empty, just keep going and check back later.
Location: Head of Davison Road, just outside Orick | Difficulty: Roadside viewing
Parking: Pulloff along the road | Fee: Free
Elk Meadow is a great jumping-off point for Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Bald Hills. Remember to keep a safe distance from the elk (at least 50 feet) and never approach them.
11. Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a magnificent 31.5-mile drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located about an hour south of Eureka. While this area is not technically part of the national park, I included it because it is so close and absolutely not to be missed.
Distance: 31.5-mile scenic drive | Time: 2-4 hours (with stops) | Difficulty: Drive with short walks
Parking: Multiple pulloffs and trailheads along the route | Fee: Free
The drive itself is not long, but there are many stops along the way, so prepare for a full day’s worth of activities. One of my favorite parts is the giant redwood tree cross-section at the visitors center that marks significant world events with their corresponding tree rings. Be sure to stop at Founders Grove and the Dyerville Giant (a massive fallen tree).
12. Bald Hills
Bald Hills is a fairly remote, lesser-visited destination in Redwood National Park that offers a very different experience from the redwood groves. This is the best area in the park for stargazing due to its higher elevation and wide-open vistas. Visitors to the Bald Hills will be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding forested areas.
Access: Bald Hills Road (paved, but drive slowly, road damage possible) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on how far you explore
Fee: Free
In spring, the meadows here explode with wildflower blooms, while in winter the Bald Hills are one of the few places in the park that see snowfall. History buffs should check out the Lyons Historic Ranch for a glimpse into the area’s ranching past.
13. Crescent Beach Overlook
Crescent Beach Overlook is a quick and beautiful roadside stop along Highway 101 offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. This is a great spot to get out of the car, stretch your legs, soak in the views, and grab a few photos on your way through the park.
Distance: Roadside (steps from parking) | Difficulty: Effortless
Parking: Small lot along Highway 101 | Fee: Free
14. Find a Banana Slug in the Redwoods
You can find all sorts of small creatures throughout the Redwoods, including one of my favorites: the banana slug. These bright yellow animals can be found almost anywhere in the park but especially love the forest floor and low foliage. If you are visiting the Redwoods with kids, spotting a banana slug makes for a great scavenger hunt activity.
Banana slugs are not poisonous and provide a vital service to the redwood ecosystem as decomposers, turning dead leaves and organic material into soil. Look for them on wet mornings or after rain, they are most active when the forest floor is damp.
15. Stargazing
While not considered one of the best national parks in California for stargazing (coastal fog is the main culprit), on a clear night the stars here absolutely dazzle. The lack of light pollution in this remote corner of the state makes for incredible viewing when the weather cooperates.
Best spots: Bald Hills (highest elevation, widest views) and Redwood Creek Overlook
Best conditions: New moon nights in late summer when fog is less likely
The Tall Trees Grove permit is worth the hassle. Most visitors skip it because it requires a permit and a steep hike down (and back up). That means you get some of the tallest trees on Earth practically to yourself. Budget 4 hours round trip.
Watch the Award Winning Redwood National Park Video
MTJP | Redwood is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Redwood National and State Parks. These parks feature magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and the largest herd of Roosevelt elk on the planet. This film was shot entirely in 4K.
More Helpful Tips for Visiting Redwood National Park
Cell Service
Cell service is pretty reliable in the park. There are a few spots near Orick where service is more limited, but overall visitors can expect good reception along Highway 101. Service drops significantly on unpaved roads like Howland Hill Road and Davison Road.
Getting to the Redwoods
Getting to Redwood National Park is half the fun! Out-of-state visitors can fly into Crescent City Airport (30 minutes from the closest part of the park), San Francisco and drive up the coast (6 hours south), Redding (3 hours east), or Medford, OR (2 hours northeast).
Food & Restaurants
There are many restaurants and food options throughout the areas around the park. The major towns are Crescent City to the north, Klamath in the middle, and Trinidad to the south. I recommend packing snacks and water for trail days, as there are no food services within the parks themselves.
Layer for microclimates. The coast can be 55 degrees and foggy while the inland groves are 75 and sunny, all within a 20-minute drive.
Redwood National Park Map of Best Things To Do
About My Travels to Redwood National Park
I visited Redwood for the first time back in 2010 with my brother and it changed our lives. This is truly one of those places where photos cannot come close to doing it justice and one reason we include it in our national parks rankings. Looking up at these trees gave us a similar feeling to staring into the Grand Canyon, one can do so for hours and still be just as mesmerized. We spent several weeks in the park visiting all of the main attractions and filming them to bring you the best things to do and see in the park.
- Stout Grove
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Fern Canyon
- Grove of the Titans
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods
- Gold Bluffs Beach
- Tall Trees Grove
- Boy Scout Tree Trail
- Redwood Creek Overlook
- Elk Meadow
- Avenue of the Giants
- Bald Hills
- Crescent Beach Overlook
- Banana Slug
- Stargazing
We have hiked every trail on this list multiple times. If you think we missed something or got the order wrong, we want to hear about it. Best comment suggestions get added to the list.
More From Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park Guide: Redwood National Park Ultimate Guide
Redwood National Park Photos: 20 Redwood National Park Photos
Bald Hills Redwoods: Visiting the Bald Hills
Gold Bluffs Beach: Visiting Gold Bluffs Beach
Redwood Creek Overlook: Visiting Redwood Creek Overlook
Lady Bird Johnson Redwoods Grove: Visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Stout Grove Redwoods: Visiting the Stout Grove Redwoods
Redwoods Near San Francisco: 15 BEST Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco
More California Parks
Sequoia Facts: 10 GIANT Sequoia Tree & National Park Facts
General Sherman Tree: General Sherman Tree: Everything You Need to Know About the World’s Largest Tree
Death Valley National Park Guide: Death Valley National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Death Valley: 18 EPIC Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree Guide: Joshua Tree National Park Ultimate Guide
Best Hikes Joshua Tree: 15 Epic Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Things to Do Pinnacles National Park: 10 Epic Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Los Angeles National Parks: 7 Epic National Parks Near Los Angeles
San Francisco National Parks: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco
San Diego National Parks: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego
Yosemite Facts: 10 Shocking Yosemite National Park Facts
West Coast National Parks: 20 BEST West Coast National Parks Ranked by Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
The national park itself is free. The three adjacent California state parks (Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast) charge an $8 vehicle day-use fee. The $80 America the Beautiful pass is accepted at the state park units in lieu of the $8 fee.
Late May through June and September through October hit the sweet spot. Summer brings the iconic coastal fog that makes the groves otherworldly, but also peak crowds. September is arguably the single best month with elk rutting at Elk Prairie, thinner crowds, and often the driest weather.
Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach require a free day-use permit from May 15 through September 15, reserved up to 24 hours in advance. The Tall Trees Grove requires a free permit year-round. No general timed entry for the park as a whole.
Plan for at least 2 full days to see the highlights (Fern Canyon, Tall Trees Grove, scenic drives). Ideally spend 3 to 5 days since the park system stretches over 40 miles of coastline and moving between sections takes time.
The nearest airport is Arcata-Eureka (ACV), about 40 miles south. US-101 runs the entire length of the park system. From San Francisco, it is about a 5.5-hour drive north on US-101.
This is so helpful! Thank you. My family is planning a big national parks trip this spring and redwoods is on our list. How many days do you recommend spending here? Is one enough?
Hi Janice,
Thanks for the kind words! Redwoods is one of those parks where one days is “enough” of the essence of the park. But you can spend a week or more and still not want to leave. For a big national parks road trip I’d recommend 1-2 days. Jedediah Smith is the best campground for big trees and Gold Bluffs Beach is my personal favorite because it’s right on the ocean 🙂
Best,
Will