Redwood National and State Parks, California

The tallest living things on Earth grow where fog meets the Pacific. Coast redwoods top 380 feet in cathedral groves that predate most civilizations, while Roosevelt elk graze the prairies below.

Things to Do

Fern Canyon — A 50-foot vertical canyon draped in a dense carpet of five different fern species.
Klamath River Overlook — High-elevation perch for observing the river's confluence with the sea and migrating grey whales.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway — 10-mile paved corridor through the heart of Prairie Creek old-growth forest.
Stout Grove Loop — Barrier-free loop through one of the finest old-growth groves.
Franciscan Assemblage — A complex accretionary wedge of rocks sheared and uplifted from the ocean floor by subduction processes.
Crescent Beach Overlook — Panoramic view of the northern coastline and its iconic sea stacks.
Trillium Falls Loop — Moderate loop to a seasonal waterfall through mixed redwood and spruce forest.
Tall Trees Grove — An alluvial flat home to some of the world's tallest trees, requiring a 4-mile round-trip hike.
Sea Stacks — Erosional remnants of sandstone and chert — critical nesting colonies for over 40% of California's seabird population.
Howland Hill Road — 10-mile unpaved route through Jedediah Smith — one of the most immersive drive-through experiences in the system.
Bald Hills Road — Steep ascent from redwood forest to high-elevation prairies and Lady Bird Johnson Grove.
Redwood Creek Overlook — Sweeping vista of the lower Redwood Creek basin and its vast canopy.
Damnation Creek Trail — Steep coastal descent through old-growth to a hidden cove.
Stout Grove — A high-density cathedral grove in Jedediah Smith, often cited for its perfect old-growth composition.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove — An accessible ridgetop loop through old-growth redwoods at 1,400 feet elevation.
Gold Bluffs Beach — A remote strand where Roosevelt elk graze against Pacific breakers and sea stacks.

When to Visit

Winter

The quietest season. Come for solitude, whale watching from Klamath River Overlook, and the greenest forest you will ever see.
Roads: Major paved highways open; unpaved forest routes often closed due to heavy runoff and downed timber.
Crowds: Very low — maximum solitude in old-growth groves.
Permit pressure: Negligible. No Fern Canyon reservations required.
Photography: Soft, diffused light through heavy cloud cover. Low sun angles for deep-forest texture studies.
Risks: Hydroplaning on US-101, falling limbs in high winds, hypothermia in damp 40°F weather, slippery trails.
Landscape: Saturated and hyper-green. Mosses, ferns, lichens at peak vibrancy. High surf on Gold Bluffs Beach.

Spring

Wildflowers emerge beneath the giants. Roosevelt elk calves appear in the prairies. Bird migration peaks along the Pacific Flyway.
Roads: Increasing access as unpaved roads dry and are graded; March vulnerable to late-season rain closures.
Crowds: Moderate and rising. May uptick with school breaks and wildflower blooms.
Permit pressure: Rising. Jedediah Smith campground reservations fill 6 months out.
Photography: High clarity between storms; vibrant greens contrast against dark redwood bark.
Risks: Muddy trails, high water in creek crossings, unpredictable weather shifts.
Landscape: Trilliums and Pacific rhododendrons bloom in the understory. Waterfalls at peak flow.

Summer

Peak season. The famous fog-filtered light beams are at their best. Come early — trailhead parking vanishes by mid-morning.
Roads: Full access across all park units.
Crowds: High. Parking at Lady Bird Johnson and Tall Trees frequently at capacity by 9 AM.
Permit pressure: Maximum. Fern Canyon and Tall Trees require competitive reservations. Campgrounds fully booked.
Photography: High sun angle; morning fog creates iconic "light beams" through the canopy.
Risks: Traffic congestion on narrow roads, limited parking, fatigue from complex driving environment.
Landscape: Driest baseline. Coastal fog keeps forest temps 10–15°F lower than inland zones.

Fall

The sweet spot. Clearer skies, fewer crowds than summer, and the Roosevelt elk rut makes the meadows electric.
Roads: Generally high through October; winter storm patterns begin affecting access in late November.
Crowds: Moderate to high. September increasingly popular for clearer skies and the elk rut.
Permit pressure: Moderate. Fern Canyon permit requirement ends September 15.
Photography: Warm, golden afternoon light. Lower sun angles provide excellent modeling on massive trunks.
Risks: Rapid temperature drops at sunset, early atmospheric rivers, shortening daylight.
Landscape: Big-leaf maple yellows accent riparian zones. Atmospheric clarity at annual maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?

September to mid-October offers the sweet spot: summer fog has cleared, unpaved forest roads remain open, and the Roosevelt elk rut makes the meadows electric. July and August are driest but bring peak crowds and morning fog.

Is Redwood National Park free?

Yes — general access is free with no entrance stations. The three partner California State Parks charge a $12 day-use fee at developed areas, waived for federal interagency pass holders.

How many days do you need for Redwood?

Minimum 2 days, ideal 3+. One day for northern Jedediah Smith (Howland Hill Road), one for coastal Prairie Creek (Fern Canyon/Gold Bluffs), one for the southern upland groves (Tall Trees/Lady Bird Johnson).

How long is the drive from SFO to Redwood?

About 320 miles and 5.5–6 hours via US-101. Plan a stop at the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Do I need reservations for Fern Canyon?

Yes — reservations are mandatory between May 15 and September 15. A free permit is required year-round for the Tall Trees Trailhead.

Redwood National and State Parks

Quick Facts