Redwood National and State Parks

Activities

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  Boating

  Experience kayaking on North Coast rivers, lagoons, harbors, coves, and in the ocean.

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  Bicycling

  Bicycling in Redwood National and State Parks can be a challenging and an awe-inspiring experience as you pass through the redwood forest or along the coastline. Although most national parks prohibit biking in the backcountry, there are a few--often on rehabilitated logging roads where tires cause less erosion damage and where routes are wide enough to safely accommodate multiple uses. Help limit impacts on other trails by respecting areas where bicycles are not permitted.

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  Auto/Motorcycle

  Just a couple miles west of Crescent City, an unpaved stretch of Howland Hill Road offers motorists an intimate encounter with the towering old-growth redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Numerous pull-outs and trailheads along the way, including the Boy Scout Tree Trail and Stout Grove.

  Elk-viewing, whale watching, and stunning coastal views are highlights along this short drive just minutes from Crescent City, Calif. Access to: Crescent Beach pinic area, Crescent Beach Overlook, and trailhead for Coastal Trail (Last Chance Section), Enderts Beach, and Nickel Creek backcountry camp.

  Pass historic Requa, Calif. en route to the Klamath River Overlook perched 650 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy breathtaking views, whale watching, and bird viewing at the mouth of the Klamath River, where freshwater merges with seawater after a jounrey of over 250 miles that begins high in the snow-laden Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon.

  Coastal Drive's narrow road with steep curves and sharp grades offers wide panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Klamath River estuary. Whales, sea lions, and pelicans may be seen from overlooks high above the crashing surf. Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views at the High Bluff Overlook, and don't miss the World War II radar station--disguised in the 1940s to look like a humble farmhouse and barn. Hiking and backcoutntry camping can be accessed from the Flint Ridge section of the Coastal Trail.

  There are many other scenic drive options, depending on location.

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  Camping

  Camping in Redwood National and State Parks is an enjoyable and rewarding pastime for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Developed campgrounds are ideal for families and groups, while backcountry campsites offer more primitive camping opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, and horsepackers.

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  Fishing

  Please contact park services for more information.

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  Hiking

  Walking through a redwood grove on a fog-shrouded morning can be an unforgettable experience. Sounds are reduced to the musical gurgle of water trickling amongst ferns and mossy rocks. Light ebbs with the somber mist and shafts of sun hang like cobwebs. Stillness and peace weave their spells upon the respectful traveler. More than 200-miles of trails weave through a variety of environments, including prairies, old-growth redwood forests, and beaches. Be sure to pick up a map at the visitor center and chat with the rangers.

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  Horseback Riding

  Trail riding with horses and pack animals is an exciting way to experience the parks. Designated horse trails and stock-ready camps (see below) provide opportunities ranging from short day rides to multi-day pack trips. By their very nature, however, these large animals have the potential to leave great impacts on the land around them. For a safe, enjoyable, and low-impact trip, please familiarize yourself with backcountry guidelines and regulations.

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  Picnicking

  Picnic areas are available.

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  Water Sports

  Enjoy kayaking!