Redwood National and State Parks Things to Do

A good place to pull over off HWY 101 and stretch your legs. On this short walk you will see coastal forests, shorebirds and crashing waves.

Many returning visitors feel this is the most stunning grove of redwoods in the parks. Its location next to a river means on a hot summer's day it is very, very popular.

This trail is a perfect place for an hours easy walk. It has it all: old-growth redwoods, waterfalls, lots of parking and picnic tables nearby.

You are about to take a trip through time, where old-growth redwood trees grow for millennia, and mushrooms spring up in just one night! Get ready to experience a diversity of life that flourishes in its interconnectedness, where no species of flora, fauna or fungi thrives on its own. The beneficial relationships discovered here are eons in the making. Please adjust your timepieces. You are now on redwood time! In 1963, the discovery of the original Tall Tree (aka Libby Tree) in the grove below renewed an interest in protecting what was left of these ancient trees. The creation of Redwood National Park is a testimony to those who had the foresight to preserve this rich landscape for generations to come. Before entering the old-growth forest ahead of you, look behind you for a moment and observe the size and density of the trees surrounding the parking lot. This is a second-growth forest that was reseeded after being logged. What problems might arise from these smaller, densely packed trees?

The Brine Vat Investigate this fallen, hollow redwood. Do you notice anything strange? The historical abundance of salmon and steelhead trout in Redwood Creek gave one man the idea to turn this fallen redwood into a brine vat for salting fish. In the 1920s, during the Great Depression, this log was hollowed out and lined with cement by Bert Robinson. Every autumn Bert would row eight miles up the creek from the town of Orick equipped with supplies and plenty of salt. He spent the fall and early winter at the grove living in a lean-to or a treehouse modified from a goose-pen. Here he would catch fish, soak them in brine, smoke them, and then, in the spring and summer, sell his bounty to tourists along the old Redwood Highway. Salmon were once so numerous; scientists now know they were a major source of nutrition for redwoods growing along alluvial flood plain deposits like the one in this grove. After spawning, the fish would die, wash up on shore and decompose. The shallow roots of these trees would absorb these nutrients. Would you believe the nitrogen from salmon DNA has been found inside the wood high up in a redwood canopy? The last century has not been kind to our salmon species. Overfishing, climate change, and human alterations to their native habitat have decimated their populations. Here along Redwood Creek, clear-cut logging on the slopes above created erosion that choked salmon breeding pools with silt before the park was established. Will the next century showcase their success or their demise?

Floods The habitat you are exploring here along the creek lies upon a sedimentary mix called alluvium. Composed of sand, silt and clay, this well-aerated mix of soils, combined with high moisture levels and low wind exposure, makes this area an ideal environment for redwood growth. At different times of the year, you may see small mounds of alluvium churned and kicked up by burrowing voles and moles. Drastic upheavals of sediment, however, can occur during periodic floods. If you were standing here on December 23, 1964, your head would have been underwater! Many of the surrounding redwoods’ shallow roots were made deeper by the accumulated deposits. Subsequent flooding also eroded some of these soils. How many now exposed redwood trunks can you count that still have gray silt embedded in their bark? Erosion from flooding can also undercut roots and topple these towering trees. Most of the fallen redwoods here will become nursery logs or head downstream, breaking up along the creek to create deep, cool pools for salmon and trout. However, once in a great while a fallen giant will survive. Looking over your left shoulder, you will see a fallen redwood that had the fortune of being half buried in sediment after it fell. A part of its root system remained intact, and now it has multiple, cloned upright trunks growing along its length. This is just another example of how redwoods endure the effects of an ever-changing landscape through time.

The Biodiversity You Do Not See There is so much wonder to embrace in this grove, so many cycles of nature to witness; but what about all those things hidden from us? High above in the redwood canopy, beyond the focus of the naked eye, are multiple layers of life. Marbled murrelets, flying squirrels, tree voles, and wandering salamanders have all adapted to life in the redwood canopy. A plethora of plant species can grow in the soil mats found in the "elbows” of treetop limbs. Western hemlock and bay laurel trees have been found growing over 100 of feet in the forest canopy! Did you know some species of lichen and mosses only grow at different altitudes along the length of a redwood? Lettuce lung lichen, a nitrogen-fixer, acts as an important fertilizer for the redwood forest. Every winter, powerful winds tear it from the canopy, and send it falling to the ground below. This frilled, leafy, silvery-green lichen only grows up high in the tallest of trees! Imagine how many hundreds of years it will take for a second-growth forest to provide a habitat for this uniquely adapted species to live. The biodiversity you cannot see flourishes not only above you, but below you as well. Countless species of fungi, bacteria, and macro-invertebrates inhabit the soil here: consuming, decomposing, recycling the richness of the forest. Fungi spread through soil via mycelium, vast networks of spongy, filament-like threads through which the fungus feeds. The banana slugs that slowly munch on the mushrooms of some of these fungi live their lives at a completely different pace. There’s certainly no rush, not when you are on redwood time.

The Klamath River Radar Station B-71 is a rare, surviving World War II early-warning radar station. Rather than using camouflage materials, the buildings of Radar Station B-71 were constructed to resemble farm buildings to disguise their true purpose.

A picnic table at Crescent Beach Day Use Area features a poem by selected by the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón as part of her signature project "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks."

Elephant Tree Redwoods frequently clone new sprouts in response to some form of stress or injury. These clones come in different shapes and sizes. Unlike the trees that sprout up from the burl collar around the base of a redwood, some trunks and branches in the canopy may twist and wind a multitude of directions. Most, however, grow straight upwards. You may observe that some trees have lateral branches that turn upwards 90 degrees to become what’s known as a trunk reiteration. The burl growing off the redwood in front of you is called elephant burl. Dangling down like an elephant’s trunk, this burl often produces clones that parallel the parent tree along its side. Take a closer look, and you can see all the dormant green-yellow buds. This burl type often has stem roots hanging from it; these are roots that grow from anywhere but the main root system. Elephant burl has the potential to grow roots in soil mats high up in the canopy! The long life of a redwood ensures it will endure many environmental changes over time. Redwoods are the only conifers that can clone themselves from burl tissue. This ability is one of the keys to this species’ ability to withstand the tests of time. As you continue towards your last stop, count how many trees have survived fire. How many fallen canopy branches (also called “widow-makers”) do you see embedded in the forest floor?

Reflections As we come to the close of the tour, we invite you to stop and use your senses. Take a deep breath. You are inhaling some of the cleanest air in California, even the world! The lichen growing in the canopies above you are environmental indicators of your air quality. Listen. You might hear an owl, a jay, or a thrush. You might hear the water. You might even hear the trees “speak,” as they creak in the wind. Or you might enjoy complete silence. Nature’s healing music can be soundless. See. All around you! Above! Below! Biodiversity thrives in all directions. There is richness. Species large and small, interacting in ways never thought imaginable! Perceive. You have not missed the forest for the tree! You have experienced a bigger picture, one that invites people from all walks of life to appreciate this grove as a layered landscape with limitless value… Where geological time, redwood time, human time, and slug time all occur at a different pace on the same clock! We are all time travelers. We hope you enjoyed time-traveling through this World Heritage Site. The preservation of this area’s natural and cultural history would not be possible were it not for the forward-thinking individuals who set the establishment of these parks into motion. Redwood National and State Parks continues to find strength in partnerships with local tribes, non-profits, universities, and other organizations to further the goals of its mission statement. Please know that you, the visitor, are our most important partner of all. Your patronage and continued support of environmental stewardship and preservation helps ensure these majestic landscapes will remain for the enjoyment of future generations.

A Mosaic of Life Welcome to an old-growth redwood forest! Notice you are surrounded by more than just redwoods. The tree next to this post is an old-growth Douglas Fir. Observe how its bark is crustier and flakey in comparison to the fibrous, deep-furrowed bark of redwood trees. Look around you. How many other different textures and shades of green do you see in this forest? How does this forest differ from the one in the parking lot? You’ll notice the trees are bigger, older. There is more light, more space to grow. How long did it take for this forest to look like this? How many more centuries will pass before the second-growth forest near the parking lot will take a similar shape? As you slowly make your way to the next stop, you may witness a variety of mushrooms, orchids or other odd-looking plants. Gnome plants, pinesap, and coralroot orchids are plants which cannot produce their own food; instead, these plants steal sugars from fungi, which in turn take sugars from the roots of Douglas firs! Through this network, the fir trees gain more access to nutrient-rich water! Most of these unique species are seasonal, treasured for only a moment in time. Do you see evidence of something that might change this mosaic of life?

Disturbance Fire is an important element in healthy forest ecologies. Fire makes space for plants to grow and returns vital nutrients to the soil. Most of the larger and older trees in this forest can resist serious fire damage due to thick layers of bark. Many of the younger trees, huckleberries and rhododendron surrounding this post are no older than the last fire! Some of the char marks on the trees in this forest may be decades if not hundreds of years old! As you may have witnessed on your way down to this stop, fires aren’t the only major disturbance in this changing landscape. Severe winter storms in 2023 brought heavy snow and rain, placing extra weight on tree canopies; combined with high winds, hundreds of trees came crashing down. Geological uplift and erosion can alter the terrain as well, sometimes at a rate of just a few millimeters per decade or a hillside all at once! Before you arrive at your next stop you will encounter a majestic vista into the forest below. This grand opening in the canopy was created by multiple events of falling trees. What do you notice about the sizes and ages of the trees growing in such clearings?

Succession Welcome to the “Tunnel Tree!” As you continue your journey through the wheels of time, try counting the growth rings where this tree was hollowed out. Here time is measured by the seasonal growth of a forest giant. It’s old! What was happening in human history when this tree was just a sprout? The different trees around you have different record lifespans: red alder The giant logs you see around you might remain a part of the natural scenery for years to come. The tannic acid stored in redwoods make the wood rot resistant by warding off the effects of insects, fungi, and bacteria. Our largest redwood logs can take up to 800 years to completely decompose! Compare that to the rate of decay of a leaf or an animal… Wheels within wheels in the perception of time... Your next stop is a bit further down the trail. As you marvel at the variable green tapestry above you, don’t forget to watch the ground at your feet. Look out for salamanders, boreal toads, banana slugs and Pacific side-band snails crossing the trails. Consider the ground itself, for the geology of this area is an important factor in its make-up.

Ancient Streambed The long life of a single old redwood tree is a mere blip in time compared to the geological age of the rocks beneath your feet. The ground upon which you are walking is an ancient streambed where salmon likely once swam a million years ago! Redwood National and State Parks rests on the North American tectonic plate, which overlaps the actively subducting oceanic Gorda plate. These plates continuously grind against one another, slowly uplifting and altering the land. Look for rounded rocks, which were tumbled by the prehistoric flow of water. Geology and topography are often overlooked but are important factors in biodiversity: Geology effects everything from the soil to weather which in turn determines the success of the plants and animals within an area. The ancestors of redwoods first appeared during the Jurassic Period, almost 150 million years ago. The limited ranges of the three remaining species are the gradual result of geological shifts and natural climate change. Despite their millions of years of history one factor has limited their success in recent times.

Trinidad Trail Welcome to what was once the Trinidad Trail! If you were standing here in the 1850s, you would bear witness to some of the first pack trains of mules, horses and donkeys carrying supplies from the port of Trinidad to gold miners working the Klamath, Trinity, and Salmon Rivers. As more settlers traveled west in search of gold, many discovered the wealth of redwood trees or “red gold.” The wagon trails here were the forerunners to the logging roads that would crisscross this area in the coming years, leading to a major loss of biodiversity in the region. Of the two million acres of old-growth coast redwood forest that once stretched from Southern Oregon all the way south to Big Sur, only four percent now remains. How fortunate we all are to be able to enjoy what has been left standing, preserved in perpetuity! The Trinidad Trail has since been reclaimed by nature and the hands of time, evidence that this forest habitat is as resilient as it is fragile. Even the trail you are now walking is constantly being encroached upon by the surrounding forest, as is evidenced by the tunnel of evergreen huckleberries a bit further down the hill.

Goosepen The fire cave you see in front of you is often referred to as a goose-pen because early settlers once used hollows like this to roost their chickens and geese. Old-growth redwoods have thick, fire-resistant bark, and although they will burn, they most often just smolder. Large goose-pens are often the result of more than one fire. Hollows like these offer important refuge for wildlife, including bears, birds, and bats. Fire caves in the canopy may offer nesting areas for the endangered California Condor. Imagine how many generations of animals a single redwood can serve during its entire lifetime. Redwoods are the stewards of all that thrives in this ecosystem. They can withstand fires, floods, gale-force winds, and earthquakes! The ability to clone new trunks from injured ones adds to this tree’s namesake: sempervirens (“everlasting”). As such, old-growth redwood forests allow for a quick recovery when damaged by natural disasters. They can survive most everything except the saw and the axe; and even then, a recently cut stump might respond with a new sprout!

The Life and Death of a Redwood The massive log that fell here was once a tree that likely sprouted from a seed. Over its lifetime, after weathering various disturbances, it responded by cloning new trunks from the basal burl tissue found around the base of its trunk. Observe the two groups of redwood clones separated by the gaping hole left behind by this fallen giant. Cloned redwoods experience less competition than seedlings since they already have a well-established root system. The ecological value of a redwood tree does not diminish once it has fallen. Logs play an important role in carbon storage, water storage, and nutrient recycling. Did you know old-growth coast redwood forests store more carbon than any other forest on Earth? Not to mention, as this log eventually decays, it will one day become a juicy nursery log, home to many other plants and organisms. Before you arrive at the redwood named “Tall Tree,” you will observe a huge redwood that has fallen. Notice the domino effect these trees can have when they come crashing down. This tree stood for centuries, but it probably only took a few minutes for the last branches to settle as gravity brought its life to the ground. From destruction comes rebirth. There is now a new window of light above, space for new trees to grow, another revolution in the cycle of life, another notch in the wheels of time. Please note: hike the loop trail clockwise to continue the tour in the correct order.

A Canopy Through Time You are now entering the kaleidoscopic canopy realm of the large-leaf maple! California bay laurels, tanoaks and red alders complement these moss-covered sculptures, adding texture and color to the canvas of this grove. Stop for a moment. Close your eyes and smell the air. Can you smell the bay leaves? Imagine fish slowly being smoked over a small fire. Less than 150 years ago this area was inhabited by the Chilula people, a highly developed culture which lived sustainably using the resources provided by this habitat. Acorns were leached of their tannins and ground into flour for bread. Bay nuts were roasted on the fire. There were plenty of salmon and trout to smoke. There was abundance. While the richness of this habitat remains, the abundance of some of its residents has declined. The Chilula no longer live here, although this area remains sacred to many of their descendants. Most of the fish in this creek are threatened or endangered. Invasive pathogens imperil our native oak trees and amphibians. Park resource managers intervene where possible, but sometimes only nature and the wheels of time can tell how things will unfold.

Located in the southern half of the parks, this one of the most scenic loop trails in the redwoods. It is also wheel chair accessible.

A stunning view over the ocean with opportunities for whale watching.

Plenty of parking, picnic tables, and facilities are found at this site. It is a two-minute drive off HWY 101, and provides the northern-most beach access in the redwood parks.

A free backcountry permit is needed to use this site.

If you only have ten minutes to see some redwoods - this is the place to go. Located in Prairie Creek State Park in the southern part of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, this is an easy walk to stunning old-growth redwood trees.

A moderate hike through redwoods and a small water fall in the northern part of the parks. Only smaller vehicles will be able to get to the trail-head.

A three-mile dirt road that climbs through old-growth redwood groves. This is a pet and bicycle friendly road that offers a good cardio work-out. For much of the year, there is a gate that keeps vehicles off the road.

This section of the Coastal Trail leads to a pleasant stretch of beach, perfect for beachcombing or an extended walk. Colossal Sitka spruce highlight the walk, and Roosevelt elk regularly graze in the open prairie areas adjacent to the beach. Connect to the Last Chance Trail to continue along the Coastal Trail.

This hike travels through grand old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and redwoods. Climb through the forest to 10 backcountry sites with toilets. Descend to prairie bald spots and sweeping ocean panoramas.

From Wilson Creek and False Klamath Cove, hike south approximately 2 miles and take a short spur to Hidden Beach and tidepools. (Check for low tide times at the visitor center). Go back to the main trail and ramble up to Klamath River Overlook for whale-watching.

This trailhead will lead hikers to Enderts Beach. Adventurous hikers and mountain bikers will be able to follow this section of the rugged coastal trail southwards to the Damnation Creek trailhead.

Not all our forests are redwoods. Enjoy this hike under sitka spruce trees and find some solitude by the beach.

Get ready for sweeping views from cliffs looking north towards the beaches and harbor of Crescent City, CA. This is great for sunset photos and provides opportunities for seeing marine life.

A hike and bike trail through some old-growth, but mostly second-growth forests in the south of the redwoods.

A free backcountry permit is needed to use this site.

A rugged hike from high prairies into the depths of Redwood Creek.

A free backcountry permit is needed to use this site.

A great hub for walks, biking and picnics. It also has plenty of parking.

Picnic tables, grills and redwoods. This area is located in the southern part of the parks.

Emerald Ridge Trail at Redwood National and State Parks.

Tide pools, coastal trails and rugged bluffs await those who have the time and ability to hike down to this beach. Parking is located about ten minutes south of Crescent City, CA.

A parking area by the Pacific Ocean in the northern half of the redwood parks - right next to HWY 101.

A unique walk along a creek leads into a small canyon lined with dripping ferns. Be prepared to get drive across two steams to get there, and have a change of shoes.

A free backcountry permit is needed to use this site.

There are fishing and kayaking opportunities at Freshwater Lagoon. The lagoon normally has calm conditions even on windy days.

Located among coastal dunes and grasses, this site is only for those that arrive using their own foot (or pedal) power.

If you are heading to Gold Bluffs Beach or to Fern Canyon, this is the best place to park, picnic and enjoy the beach.

Take a 15-minute drive off HWY 101 to see dramatic coastal views with a picnic area. Bird and whale watching opportunities abound at this location just south of the Klamath River mouth.

Incredible views and access to the Wild and Scenic Smith River. A family-friendly paradise with redwoods forests along the edge of a blue/green river.

A popular destination for a beautiful, short walk. This historical grove of redwoods is located in the southern end of the parks. The ten-minute winding drive from Orick to the parking lot is not recommend for trailers or recreation vehicles.

The beginning of the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The first stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Stop #10 on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Stop #11 on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The 12th stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Full Circle For us, the character of a redwood forest changes daily. One day, shimmering strands of yellow light beam from crystal blue skies through open windows of the forest canopy. The next day may bring fog or rain, enshrouding the dark green spires and closeting the forest in shadows and mystery. The storms of winter make the forest a dark and foreboding place, with unseen branches bending and creaking as the wind whips through the canopy. For us, the redwood forest presents a profoundly different experience each time we visit. However, our days and years are not adequate to comprehend the ancient redwoods. Twenty human generations have passed since the tallest trees first emerged from the soil. Twenty more will come and go before today’s seedlings fall to give life to a new generation of redwoods. Old-growth forests are timeless, persisting, and patient, moving forward intime with or without us. Left alone, the forces of nature will continue to shape and recreate the majesty of these ancient redwood forests.

The second stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Stop #3 on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The fourth stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Stop #5 on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The 6th stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

Stop #7 on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The 8th stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

The 9th stop on the Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail Tour. This walking tour offers spectacular views of an old-growth redwood grove as you take a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the redwood forest. The 1.5 mile round-trip walk is perfect for first-time and experienced visitors alike.

If you need a five minute break from driving, or want a ten minute walk to see crashing waves or marine wildlife, this is a perfect place for pulling over.

A loop trail that is partially ADA accessible - through redwoods - in the north of the parks.

A free backcountry permit is needed to use this site.

A hike and bike trail in the southern part of the parks. This provides opportunities to see how ecosystem restoration occurs in the redwoods.

Set on several acres of sweeping prairies, a visit to Lyons Ranch is like stepping back 150 years. A moderate hike is needed to get to this unique part of the parks. Spring and autumn are preferred times to visit because of the lack of shade, and lack of water. In winter, snow can cover the trail.

The starting point for hikers seeking a unique experience in high prairies of the Bald Hills. Historic ranches and clear night skies makes this area special.

This is possibly the most beautiful forested road you will ever experience. Located by Prairie Creek, these ten miles will take you through the heart of the redwood parks. It is a convenient side-trip off HWY 101.

This hike and bike trail is popular in summer for those seeking a good workout. It often is used as part of 19-mile bike loop in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

The Crescent City store is managed by Redwood Parks Conservancy. RPC is a private, not-for-profit cooperating association established to aid and support the interpretive program and visitor services within Redwood National and State Parks.

The Hiouchi store is managed by Redwood Parks Conservancy. RPC is a private, not-for-profit cooperating association established to aid and support the interpretive program within Redwood National and State Parks.

The Jedediah Smith campground park store is managed by Redwood Parks Conservancy. RPC is a private, not-for-profit cooperating association established to aid and support interpretive programs and visitor services within Redwood National and State Parks.

The Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center store is managed by Redwood Parks Conservancy. RPC is a private, not-for-profit cooperating association established to aid and support interpretive programs and visitor services within Redwood National and State Parks.

The Prairie Creek park store is managed by Redwood Parks Conservancy. RPC is a private, not-for-profit cooperating association established to aid and support interpretive programs and visitor services within Redwood National and State Parks.

The southern-most day use area in the parks - two minutes south of Orick, CA. This site is right on Freshwater Beach and close to one of our visitor centers.

Redwood Creek gravel bar takes you into a very scenic, historic, and less visited area in the park. Here it is especially important that you store your food properly as bears are common. Leave No Trace Principles are expected, please pack out all trash- including used toilet paper. A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping. To prepare for any trip to this location, download the detailed Redwood Creek Dispersed Camping guide and map. Dispersed Camping Area and Limits Dispersed tent camping is permitted only on Redwood Creek's gravel bar south (upstream) of McArthur Creek. Dispersed tent camping is not allowed within 1/4 mile of Tall Trees Grove. Starting from the Redwood Creek Trailhead, the closest area for dispersed camping is 1.5 miles upstream (south) of this trailhead. Maximum group size is eight (8) people; larger groups require multiple permits and must camp at least 1/4-mi. apart. Maximum of 50 people per night are allowed to disperse camp on the gravel bar. Security When parking at any trailhead, secure items of value and keep them out of sight; better yet, leave them at home! Lock vehicle doors, roll up windows, and engage anti-theft devices. Access Notes Hiker access only—dispersed gravel bar camping not permitted for bicycles, horses, and/or pets. Read more about access via whitewater rafters Redwood Creek may be impossible to cross during the rainy season and/or during high flow stages; two bridges over Redwood Creek are only in place seasonally, usually June–September. Distance to nearest gravel bar camping location Redwood Creek Trailhead (1.5 miles to camp); Note: Frequent vehicle break-ins at trailhead parking area. Tall Trees Trailhead (2.5 miles to camp). Dolason Prairie Trailhead, via Dolason Prairie and Emerald Ridge Trails (6 miles to camp). Orick Horse Trailhead (7.5 miles to camp). Disposal of Garbage and Human Waste Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep for burying your solid human waste. Do not leave human waste exposed or left behind on leaf litter. Pack out all your used toilet paper. (We recommend packing in double zip-locked bags and having a sprinkle of dry laundry detergent in the inner bag. Put the used toilet paper in the inner zip-lock bag). Be sure you are at least 200 feet from any water source, campsite, or trail when nature calls. Pack out all trash/garbage. Wash dishes (or yourself) at least 200 feet away from any water source. Food and Garbage Storage Store food, garbage, cooking gear, and all odorous items in one of two ways: Suspended at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet horizontally from tree trunk; or Secured within a bear-resistant canister. Never Feed Wildlife (that includes birds, too!) It’s illegal, and dangerous to you, other humans, and the fed animal. Keep a clean camp, store food and other smelly items responsibly, and properly dispose of all garbage—even crumbs! Water No treated water source available—pack in water or bring water filter/purifier. Drink filtered/purified water from Redwood Creek tributaries, not from the main channel itself. Fires and Firewood Under normal conditions, fires are permitted on Redwood Creek's gravel bar. However, check if any fire restrictions are in place. Up to 50 lbs. of dead and downed wood per day per campsite may be collected from gravel bars. Make a fire ring using larger rocks to help contain the fire. Never leave fires unattended. When leaving, extinguish fires and dismantle completely; bury with sand and/or gravel, leaving no visual evidence of fire behind. Stop the Invaders! You can help prevent the spread of non-native diseases and plants in the Redwood Creek Watershed. Fortunately, most of these harmful invaders can’t travel upstream into the pristine parkland. Let’s keep it that way! Do your part to minimize the transport of mud, plants, and fungi to exotic locales: Clean your boots before hiking in and around Redwood National and State Parks. Clean your boots before and after hiking any trail in the Redwood Creek watershed. Stay on established trails. Clean your boots before and after hiking through any creek or stream in the Redwood Creek watershed. Leave No Trace Understand the importance of leave no trace ethics in the redwoods.

A great view across a river towards the ocean. These hills are clad with redwood trees - and a lot of human stories.

Redwood Creek Trail at Redwood National and State Parks

Though Olmsted Jr and his father both contributed extensively to California State Parks, and the National Park Service in general, today we’ll focus specifically on Jr’s fight to protect California’s natural wonder. In 1917, then NPS director Stephen Mather traveled with a group of conservationists in California to investigate the old growth redwoods that were being logged in vast numbers. Shocked and saddened by the destruction they saw, a year later they established Save the Redwoods League in the hopes of protecting the groves by purchasing the land they sat upon and creating a public park. The League enlisted Olmsted Jr in 1927 to conduct a survey of the area, eventually laying out the long-term goals for the California park system. Being a respected voice in the conservation community, it makes sense the League and California wanted him to shape their vision. Olmsted Jr’s master plan for saving the remaining 5% of California’s Redwoods was a success, and in 1953 Redwood National Park dedicated Olmsted Grove to the man whose contributions to protect our national parks will forever be as powerful as the trees he fought to protect. Source: "The Pursuit of Happiness," Save the Redwoods League For more information and primary resources, please visit: Olmsted Research Guide Online Olmsted Archives on Flickr

An easy walk under old-growth redwoods. A perfect option for all abilities, this 1/4 mile trail is 500 yards south of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.

A fully ADA accessible trial in the northern edge of parks. This is a beautiful little loop under huge redwood trees and it comes with interpretive exhibits along the trail.

A majestic grove of redwoods next to the Smith River in the northern part of the park. This trail requires some planning about how you will access it. Hours can be spent on a summer's day relaxing on the banks of the Smith River.

A unique, beautiful, and popular location in the park. Getting here does require some planning, reservations are required May 15th through September 15th (available online), there are two (2) stream crossings that you have to drive through, and your feet will get wet. Definitely an adventure!

An easy walk through beautiful old-growth redwood forests in the northern part of the parks. Limited parking, RV's and trailers not permitted.

A moderate hike with some steep grades and switchbacks.

Tidepooling at Enderts Beach will bring you experience some incredible coastlines and give you a glimpse into life at the edge of the ocean. For some, its like seeing science fiction come to life. Check the tides, and take a few hours to make the hike to the tide pools and back.

Located in the southern third of the parks, this family-friendly loop trail takes you under some of the tallest trees in the world and follows along a beautiful creek. There is parking, restrooms, and picnic tables located near Prairie Creek Visitor Center.

Walk along flowing Prairie Creek before ascending to ridgetop views in Prairie Creek State Park.

Watch Roosevelt elk at Redwood National and State Parks

Follow a 19-mile loop through old-growth redwood forests to the Pacific coast and back. The route combines Ossagon Trail, Coastal Trail (Gold Beach Section), Davison Road and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

Lost Man Creek flows through a landscape greatly changed from the 1960s when much of this area was clearcut logged. What used to be a logging road has been converted into a hike and bike trail. Lost Man Creek trail is now a narrow single-track mountain-biking trail. The first couple of miles is in old-growth redwood groves.

An iconic redwood grove in the southern end of the parks that is easy to walk. RVs and trailers are not advised on the narrow mountain road leading to this trailhead.

A trail in the north that has an elevated metal boardwalk to protect the forest floor. Interpretive waysides explore the area's human and natural history. There is no parking for recreational vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.

One of the longest hikes in Redwood National and State Parks, this 12-mile loop will take you from Redwoods, through spruce forests to the ocean - and back.

For those short on time then this 5-minute walk will lead to some amazingly large trees.

Located in the southern end of the parks this is arguably one of the best family-friendly walks. It also has plenty of parking, picnic tables and restrooms.

A half-day hike in the southern part of the parks for those ready for an adventure. A free reservation is needed. This trail is one the more strenuous hikes in Redwood National and State Parks.

A ten mile drive through the heart of the redwoods. You have to exit HWY 101 to see the big redwoods.

Scenic drive into the high hills and open prairies of the parks. Sweeping views, and opportunities for hikes, birding, wildlife viewing, and seeing historic barns and orchards.

A ten-mile dirt road where the redwoods are so close they'll almost kiss your car.