Redwood National Park is also famous for its role in the preservation of ancient redwoods. Here we have shared the best things to do in Redwood National Park.
About Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is a national park located in the state of California, United States. The park is known for its ancient coastal redwood trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old and can grow up to 379 feet tall, making them the tallest trees in the world. The park also features a rugged coastline, wild rivers, and diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and gray whales.
Redwood National Park was established in 1968 to protect the remaining old-growth redwood forests, which were threatened by logging and development. In 1980, the park was expanded to include a total of 138,999 acres, including the original park and three adjacent state parks: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. There are over 200 miles of trails within the park, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and campgrounds are available for both tent and RV camping. The park also offers ranger-led programs and educational exhibits to help visitors learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Redwood National Park is a designated World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its unique and diverse ecosystem. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in exploring the beauty of California’s North Coast.
Things To Do in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things you can do while visiting the park:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Beachcombing
- Scenic Drives
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Photography
Hiking
Redwood National Park has over 200 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous backcountry hikes. The trails wind through old-growth redwoods, fern-filled canyons, and along the park’s rugged coastline. Some popular trails include the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, the Fern Canyon Trail, and the Coastal Trail.
Camping
There are four campgrounds within the park, including three that offer tent and RV camping. The park’s campgrounds are located in the heart of the redwood forest and provide visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Campsites can be reserved online, and some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wildlife Viewing
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, gray whales, sea lions, and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can go on guided wildlife tours or explore the park on their own to spot these amazing animals. Some popular wildlife viewing areas include the Elk Prairie and the Klamath River Overlook.
Beachcombing
Redwood National Park has several beaches, including Gold Bluffs Beach, which is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its impressive rock formations. Visitors can search for seashells, watch for whales, or simply relax on the sand.
Scenic Drives
The park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the redwoods and coastline. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a 10-mile stretch of road that winds through towering redwoods and offers numerous pullouts for scenic views. The Coastal Drive is a 20-mile stretch of road that runs along the park’s coastline and provides visitors with breathtaking ocean views.
Kayaking
The park’s rivers and lagoons are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can rent kayaks or bring their own and explore the park’s waterways, including the Smith River, which is one of the most pristine rivers in the country.
Fishing
The park’s rivers and streams are home to several species of fish, including salmon and steelhead. Visitors can fish for these species or take a guided fishing tour. Some popular fishing areas include the Klamath River, the Smith River, and the Trinidad Pier.
Photography
Redwood National Park is a photographer’s dream, with its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. Visitors can capture amazing photos of the park’s natural beauty and wildlife, including the towering redwoods, fern-filled canyons, and rugged coastline. Some popular photography spots include the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Fern Canyon, and the Klamath River Overlook.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Redwood National Park. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, wildlife enthusiast, or just someone who loves the outdoors, there’s something for everyone in this amazing park.
Best Hikes in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is a great place for hiking, with over 200 miles of trails winding through its stunning forests. Here are some of the best hikes to consider while visiting the park:
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Fern Canyon Trail
- Tall Trees Grove Trail
- James Irvine to Fern Canyon Loop Trail
- Damnation Creek Trail
- Coastal Trail
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Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: This easy 1.3-mile loop trail takes visitors through a stunning old-growth redwood forest. The trail is named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, who visited the park in 1968 and worked to preserve its natural beauty.
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Fern Canyon Trail: This moderate 1-mile trail takes visitors through a narrow canyon filled with ferns and other lush vegetation. The trail follows a small creek and includes several stream crossings.
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Tall Trees Grove Trail: This moderate 4.2-mile trail takes visitors through one of the most beautiful old-growth redwood forests in the park. The trail includes a steep descent and climbs back up, but the views are worth the effort.
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James Irvine to Fern Canyon Loop Trail: This moderate 12.5-mile loop trail takes visitors through some of the park’s most beautiful old-growth redwood forests and along its rugged coastline. The trail includes a walk through Fern Canyon and a stop at the beach.
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Damnation Creek Trail: This strenuous 5.3-mile trail takes visitors through an old-growth redwood forest and along the park’s rugged coastline. The trail includes a steep descent and climbs back up, but the views of the ocean are worth the effort.
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Coastal Trail: This moderate 10-mile trail takes visitors along the park’s rugged coastline and provides stunning ocean views. The trail includes several access points to the beach and opportunities to see wildlife such as sea lions and whales.
These are just a few of the best hikes to consider while visiting Redwood National Park. With so many trails to choose from, visitors are sure to find a hike that suits their interests and fitness level.
Camping in Redwood National Park
Camping is a popular way to experience the beauty of Redwood National Park, and there are several campgrounds to choose from within the park. Here’s what you need to know about camping in Redwood National Park:
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Campgrounds: There are four campgrounds within the park, including Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach. All four campgrounds offer tent and RV camping, with the exception of Gold Bluffs Beach, which only offers tent camping. Reservations are recommended and can be made online through the National Park Service’s reservation system.
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Amenities: The campgrounds within the park offer a range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage lockers. Some campgrounds also have a camp store and laundry facilities.
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Fees: The fees for camping within the park vary depending on the campground and the season. Tent camping fees range from $20 to $35 per night, while RV camping fees range from $35 to $50 per night. There are also fees for additional vehicles and for reserving specific campsites.
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Backcountry Camping: For those who want to experience a more remote camping experience, backcountry camping is available in designated areas within the park. Permits are required and can be obtained at the park’s visitor centers.
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Rules and Regulations: When camping in Redwood National Park, visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations, such as storing food in bear-resistant containers, using designated fire pits, and respecting quiet hours. It’s important to review the park’s camping regulations before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Camping in Redwood National Park is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and experience the beauty of the park up close. With a range of campgrounds to choose from and plenty of activities to enjoy, it’s an adventure you won’t forget.
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Campground in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park has four campgrounds that offer a range of camping experiences, including tent camping, RV camping, and backcountry camping. Here’s an overview of each campground:
- Jedediah Smith Campground
- Mill Creek Campground
- Elk Prairie Campground
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
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Jedediah Smith Campground: This campground is located in the northern section of the park and is known for its large old-growth redwoods. The campground has 106 campsites and offers both tent and RV camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage lockers.
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Mill Creek Campground: This campground is located in the central section of the park and is known for its beautiful creek and lush forest. The campground has 145 campsites and offers both tent and RV camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage lockers.
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Elk Prairie Campground: This campground is located in the central section of the park and is known for its open meadows and elk herds. The campground has 75 campsites and offers both tent and RV camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage lockers.
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Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: This campground is located in the western section of the park and is known for its beautiful beach and coastal scenery. The campground has 24 campsites and offers tent camping only. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and food storage lockers.
In addition to these campgrounds, backcountry camping is also available in designated areas within the park. Permits are required and can be obtained at the park’s visitor centers.
