Redwood National Park: 1st Time Visitor Guide
The beauty of Redwood National Park cannot be understated. With towering trees that have stood for over a thousand years stretch toward the sky, casting a canopy over misty trails, lush ferns, and hidden waterfalls. For first time visitors, this majestic stretch of Northern California offers more than just giant trees, it’s a place of awe, tranquility, and unforgettable adventure.
Overview
Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is a joint system of one national park and three California state parks which are Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Together, they protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old growth redwoods. In addition to the trees, the parks encompass scenic coastline, rivers, wildlife-rich prairies, and diverse ecosystems.
- Location: Northern California, near the Oregon border
- Size: Over 139,000 acres
- Highlights: Tallest trees on Earth, Fern Canyon, scenic drives, coastal overlooks
Photos:
How to Get There
Redwood National Park is best accessed by car, as the region is remote and public transport is limited.
By Air:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 6.5 hours south
- Portland International Airport (PDX) – 6 hours north
- Eureka-Arcata Airport (ACV) – 1 hour south (most convenient)
By Car:
- From San Francisco: Drive north on US-101 (325 miles)
- From Portland: Drive south on I-5 and US-199 (325 miles)
Best Times to Visit
Redwood National Park is open year-round, but the best time depends on what you’re looking to experience:
- Spring (April–June): Wildflowers, lighter crowds, lush landscapes
- Summer (July–September): Warmest, driest weather, but also busiest
- Fall (October–November): Fewer tourists, beautiful golden light through the trees
- Winter (December–March): Cool, misty, and quiet, great for photography
10 Best Things to Do
- Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – A 10-mile road through ancient groves
- Explore Fern Canyon – A moss-covered slot canyon featured in Jurassic Park
- Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail – An iconic 1.5-mile walk through towering redwoods
- Take the Tall Trees Grove Trail – A permit-only hike to one of the tallest trees in the world
- Visit Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Great for elk spotting and shaded trails
- Stroll through Stout Grove – A short but jaw-dropping old-growth loop
- Watch the sunset at Gold Bluffs Beach – Combine redwoods and Pacific Ocean views
- Go tidepooling at Enderts Beach – Find starfish, crabs, and sea anemones
- Bike the Ossagon Trail – For adventurous riders wanting forest and ocean views
- Stop by the Kuchel Visitor Center – To plan hikes and learn about park history
Hidden Gems
- Trillium Falls Trail: A quieter loop with a lovely waterfall and dense redwoods
- Crescent Beach Overlook: Panoramic views with fewer crowds
- Lost Man Creek Trail: A longer, less-traveled route into remote forest sections
- Elk Prairie Meadow: A magical spot for sunrise elk-watching
- Secret Beach (off the Coastal Trail near Brookings): A short side hike with incredible coastal views
1–5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive via Eureka-Arcata Airport
- Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Hike Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Overnight in Klamath or Orick
Day 2:
- Visit Prairie Creek Redwoods
- Hike Fern Canyon & enjoy Gold Bluffs Beach
- Watch elk at Elk Prairie
- Overnight in Trinidad
Day 3:
- Explore Stout Grove and Jedediah Smith Redwoods
- Lunch in Crescent City
- Crescent Beach tidepooling
- Overnight in Crescent City
Day 4:
- Tall Trees Grove hike (permit required)
- Kuchel Visitor Center
- Explore Secret Beach or relax at Moonstone Beach
- Overnight in Arcata
Day 5:
- Drive scenic Redwood Highway
- Stop at viewpoints or do short hikes
- Return home
Packing List
- My Amazon gear list
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket and layers (weather changes quickly)
- Reusable water bottle
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- National Park Pass or printed entry reservation (if needed)
- Trail snacks
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera or phone with storage space
- Binoculars for elk and bird watching
- Daypack and trekking poles (optional)
Where to Stay
Camping:
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
- Elk Prairie Campground
- Jedediah Smith Campground
Lodging Nearby:
- Orick: Close to central trailheads
- Klamath: Midpoint between major areas
- Crescent City: More dining and hotel options
- Trinidad: Quaint coastal town with cozy inns
- See hotel deals nearby
Things to Know Before You Go
- No Entrance Fee: Redwood National Park itself is free, though state parks may charge day-use fees
- Weather Can Shift Quickly: Fog and rain are common even in summer
- Cell Service is Spotty: Download offline maps and trail info
- Wildlife is Active: Keep a safe distance from elk and bears
- Permits: Required for Tall Trees Grove, get it online or from a visitor center
- Trails Vary: Some hikes are accessible, others are steep and remote, plan accordingly
Similar areas:
Final Thoughts
Redwood National Park is more than a place to check off your bucket list, it’s a living, breathing monument to time, resilience, and nature’s quiet power. For first-time visitors, the mix of ancient forests, wild beaches, and peaceful trails provides a soul-stirring experience. Whether you’re staying for one day or five, you’ll leave feeling smaller in the best possible way, and eager to return.
