National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Steve Olson
Redwood National and State Parks
Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and untamed coastline. This ancient home has supported people for thousands of years. The National Park Service and California State Parks now work to safeguard and rejuvenate these lands for everyone’s enjoyment, learning, and inspiration.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
8.4 mi · out & back
The quintessential redwood trail leading through old-growth forest to the famous Fern Canyon. A half-day adventure through towering ancient trees.
Starts at: Prairie Creek Visitor Center
0.7 mi · loop
Walk through a canyon with 50-foot walls covered in ancient ferns whose ancestry traces back 325 million years.
Starts at: Fern Canyon Parking Area
4.5 mi · 800 ft gain · out & back
Permit-required access to iconic tall redwoods in an alluvial flat along Redwood Creek. Features some of the tallest trees on Earth.
Starts at: Tall Trees Trailhead (off Bald Hills Road)
4.4 mi · 1,000 ft gain · out & back
Descends through ancient redwood forest to a jagged Pacific coastline with tidepool access at low tide. Features a steep 16% grade.
Starts at: Milepost 16.0 on Highway 101
Upcoming Events
Big Tree Pop-Up Program
Stop by Big Tree Wayside to talk with a ranger about Redwood National and State Parks.
Campfire Program: Elk Prairie Campground Amphitheater
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime program, the campfire program where you can gather near a campfire and learn more about the park. Dress warmly, bring a warm beverage, and don't forget that flashlight for the walk back.
Campfire Program: Jedediah Smith Campground
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime program, the campfire program where you can gather near a campfire and learn more about the park. Dress warmly, bring a warm beverage, and don't forget that flashlight for the walk back.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Visitors should be prepared for cooler and damp weather. Dress in layers and expect to get wet. Year-round temperatures along California's redwood coast: mid-40s°F (7°C) to mid-60s°F (18°C). Summer can be foggy, with highs occasionally reaching low 70s°F (20°C). Winters are cooler with considerable rain. October through April averages 60-80 inches of rain over the region.