Imagine a place where trees touch the sky, sunlight filters through a golden canopy, and the air hums with ancient tranquility. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s Redwood National and State Parks in California, a realm of towering coast redwoods that will redefine your sense of scale and wonder. If you’re asking “Where Are The Redwoods In California?” you’ve come to the right place. This guide will lead you through these extraordinary parks, home to the tallest trees on Earth and an experience unlike any other.
Redwood National and State Parks isn’t just one park, but a collaborative marvel. Managed jointly by the National Park Service and California State Parks, it encompasses four distinct yet interconnected treasures: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together, these parks safeguard an astounding 45% of the world’s remaining old-growth coast redwood forests. Recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance, this area has been rightfully designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, placing it alongside global icons like the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Barrier Reef.
Each year, over a million visitors from across the globe are drawn to this natural sanctuary. While recent global events temporarily reduced visitor numbers, the allure of the redwoods as a safe and awe-inspiring outdoor escape is stronger than ever.
The story of these parks is also one of dedicated conservation. In the early 20th century, the vast majority of California’s ancient coast redwoods had fallen victim to logging. Save the Redwoods League, alongside dedicated supporters and partners, stepped in to protect the remaining stands. This commitment continues today through the Redwoods Rising initiative, a collaboration between Save the Redwoods League, the National Park Service, and California State Parks. This ambitious project is dedicated to restoring over 70,000 acres of previously damaged forest, returning it to its former splendor.
A visit to Redwood National and State Parks is more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersive journey. You’ll walk in the shadows of giants, encounter diverse wildlife, breathe in the fresh ocean air along the pristine coastline, and perhaps even sleep under a canopy of stars.
These parks reside on the ancestral lands of the Yurok and Tolowa peoples, and a visit offers a chance to connect with both the natural world and these rich indigenous cultures. Consider this guide your starting point as you plan your own unforgettable expedition into the heart of redwood country, discovering exactly where these incredible redwoods in California are located and how to experience their majesty.
Exploring the Crown Jewels: Top Spots in Redwood National and State Parks
With nearly 132,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes, Redwood National and State Parks offer an inexhaustible array of experiences. Towering redwood groves, serene meadows, dramatic coastlines, and captivating wildlife encounters await around every bend. To help you navigate this wonderland, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most cherished spots within the parks, ensuring you know exactly where to go to witness the grandeur of the redwoods in California.
Sunlight streams through the mist in a redwood forest, illuminating the towering trees and ferns below.Damnation Creek Trail, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
DAMNATION CREEK TRAIL
DEL NORTE COAST REDWOODS STATE PARK
The Damnation Creek Trail in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is a relatively short but intensely rewarding hike. In just two steep miles, this trail descends from a lush, fern-draped old-growth coast redwood forest down to a dramatic rocky coastline, where tidepools teem with life and waves crash against the shore. The late afternoon, when coastal fog often rolls in, adds an extra layer of mystique and drama to the already spectacular forest, making it an ideal time to experience this trail and truly immerse yourself in the redwood environment in California.
GROVE OF TITANS
JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK
Venture into the northernmost reaches of California’s coast redwood range, and you’ll discover Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This park is a verdant rainforest haven, embracing ancient trees of truly epic proportions, including the renowned Grove of Titans. Recognizing the need to protect this fragile ecosystem from the impact of increased foot traffic, a new elevated boardwalk has been constructed. This boardwalk provides visitors with ecologically sensitive access through the grove, allowing them to marvel at these colossal redwoods in California while ensuring the long-term preservation of this natural wonder.
Smith River, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
SMITH RIVER
JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK
The Smith River, located within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, stands as a unique natural treasure. It is one of the few rivers in California that flows unimpeded from its source all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Its remarkable green hue is attributed to the serpentine bedrock that shapes its course. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers numerous easily accessible points along the Smith River, each providing stunning views of both the pristine river and the surrounding majestic coast redwoods. Exploring the Smith River area is an essential part of understanding where to experience the redwoods in California.
A wide shot of Stout Grove showcasing towering redwoods with sunlight dappling the forest floor and a group of people walking through.Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
STOUT GROVE
JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK
Not far from the tranquil Smith River, also within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, lies Stout Grove. Often hailed as one of the most breathtaking redwood groves you will ever encounter, Stout Grove is easily accessible and offers an unforgettable experience among these giant trees. Its concentrated beauty makes it a must-see destination for anyone seeking the heart of redwood country in California.
A dirt road winds through a dense redwood forest, sunlight filtering through the canopy to illuminate the path.Howland Hill Road, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
HOWLAND HILL ROAD
JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK
For those who enjoy scenic drives amidst towering trees, Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is an exceptional choice. This winding dirt road, once a stagecoach route, offers a slow-paced journey directly through the heart of a magnificent redwood forest. It’s important to note that Howland Hill Road is unpaved and narrow, making it unsuitable for RVs. However, numerous trailheads branch off from this road, including access to the recently reopened Grove of Titans Trail, making it a central artery for redwood exploration in this part of California.
The Big Tree stands prominently in a redwood grove, with a wooden fence surrounding its base and a path leading towards it, with people visible in the background for scale.Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
PRAIRIE CREEK TRAIL-CATHEDRAL TREE TRAIL LOOP
PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS STATE PARK
Starting near the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park headquarters, the Prairie Creek Trail-Cathedral Tree Trail Loop is an easy and rewarding walk that delivers on its promise of spectacular coast redwood views. This loop takes you along the Prairie Creek Trail to the impressive Big Tree Wayside, home to a particularly massive redwood, before looping back via the scenic Cathedral Tree Trail. This accessible loop is perfect for experiencing the grandeur of redwoods in California without strenuous hiking.
Roosevelt elks in Elk Meadow, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
ELK MEADOW
PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS STATE PARK
Elk Meadow, located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is more than just a scenic stop; it’s a prime location for wildlife viewing. As the name suggests, Elk Meadow is a favored grazing area for Roosevelt elk, magnificent creatures that are frequently sighted in meadows throughout the parks. Keep your eyes peeled when visiting Elk Meadow and other open areas for a chance to observe these impressive animals in their natural redwood habitat in California.
Trillium Falls cascades down mossy rocks in a redwood forest, surrounded by ferns and lush greenery.Trillium Falls, Redwood National Park.
TRILLIUM FALLS TRAIL
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
Not far from Elk Meadow within Redwood National Park is the enchanting Trillium Falls Trail. This trail offers captivating views of old-growth redwoods and leads to one of the area’s most picturesque waterfalls, Trillium Falls. The gentle hike through the redwood forest to this beautiful waterfall provides a serene and immersive experience of the natural beauty found within Redwood National Park and highlights another facet of where to find redwoods in California.
Redwood Creek Overlook, Bald Hills, Redwood National Park.
BALD HILLS
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
After spending time immersed within the dense redwood forests, a visit to the Bald Hills area in Redwood National Park offers a different perspective. Elevated above the forests, Bald Hills provides panoramic overviews of the redwood landscape, allowing you to appreciate the vastness of the area. From Redwood Creek Overlook in the Bald Hills, you can gain a broader understanding of the region’s ecology, observe the patterns of old-growth and recovering forests, and learn about the ongoing Redwoods Rising restoration project. This vantage point is crucial for grasping the scale and context of where these redwoods in California thrive.
Fern Canyon walls covered in vibrant green ferns with a small stream flowing through the rocky canyon floor.Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
FERN CANYON
PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS STATE PARK
Fern Canyon, located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is a truly unique and unforgettable destination. You’ve likely seen images of this remarkable place: canyon walls draped in lush, vibrant green ferns, with a tranquil creek meandering through the rocky canyon floor. Fern Canyon consistently ranks as a top sight to see within Redwood National and State Parks. To make the most of your visit, it’s wise to learn about the best times to visit Fern Canyon, ensuring you experience its magical atmosphere at its peak.
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This journey through Redwood National and State Parks reveals not just where the redwoods in California are, but the profound beauty and ecological significance of these ancient forests. From towering groves to pristine coastlines and abundant wildlife, these parks offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature’s grandeur. Plan your visit and discover the magic for yourself.
