Article Overview: Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park

There is an abundance of breathtaking things to do in in Northern California’s Redwood National & State Parks.

This park is home to the tallest trees in the world, the mighty Redwood, which can reach staggering heights of over 360ft and weigh more than 500 tons.

These parks feature magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and one of the largest herds of Roosevelt elk on the planet.

People travel from all over the world to experience the magic that takes place in this park every single day.

best things to do redwood national park — Redwood National Park is full of cool things to do – like dancing on logs in ancient forests.

Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park

Things to Do at Redwood National Park

About Our Travels to Redwood National Park
Things To Do in Redwood National Park

About Our Travels to Redwood National Park

We visited Redwood for the first time back in 2010 and it changed our lives. This is truly one of those places where photos cannot come close to doing it justice. Looking up at these trees gave us a similar feeling to staring into the grand canyon – one can do so for hours and still be just as mesmerized.

We found the color of the trees to vary from a grayish hue near the coast to a deep red near the Humboldt Redwoods. We spent several weeks in the park visiting all of the main attractions and filming them to bring you the best things to do and see in the park.

This magical forest has so much to offer which we’ll be sharing with you here.

fern canyon redwood national park — A hiker in Fern Canyon | Things to Do Redwood National Park

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US National Parks List & Map

Check out our Complete List of National Parks with comprehensive resources for each one including FREE National Parks Maps, best hikes & trails, interesting facts, amazing things to do, & more.

FREE National Parks Checklist & Map

Interesting Redwood National Park Facts

Height of Redwoods: Redwood trees, known as coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), are the tallest trees in the world and can reach heights of over 379 feet (115 meters).

Age of Redwoods: The coast redwood is the tallest tree species in the world, and it is also among the oldest. Some individuals are over 2,000 years old.

Protection: Redwood National and State Parks protect 45% of all remaining coast redwoods, which once covered 2 million acres of California’s coast.

Redwood Bark: The coast redwood’s bark is very thick and spongy, which helps protect it from fire and insects. The bark can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) thick in some individuals.

Redwood Leaves & Flowers: The leaves of the coast redwood are small and scale-like, and they remain green all year round. The trees also have small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by insects.

Redwood Environment: Coast redwoods grow best in moist, foggy environments, which is why they are found along the California coast. The fog helps to cool the trees and provide them with additional moisture.

Redwood Wood: The coast redwood’s wood is very strong and durable, making it highly prized for construction. It is also resistant to rot, making it a popular choice for use in outdoor structures.

UNESCO: Redwood National and State Parks were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, recognizing their unique ecological and cultural significance.

Redwood Species: The coast redwood is not the only species of redwood found in the park. The park also contains stands of giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum), which are found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Redwood vs Sequoia: The coast redwood is closely related to the giant sequoia, but it is not as massive. The giant sequoia can reach heights of up to 279 feet (85 meters) and can have a diameter of over 36 feet (11 meters).

Established: Redwood National and State Parks were established in 1968 to protect the remaining old-growth redwood forests in the area. The park was expanded in 1978 to include additional land and protect additional redwood forests.

Things to Know Before You Visit Redwood National Park

Entrance Fees

FREE! However, if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Redwood Map

We like this map the best for the Redwoods.

Best Guide Book

This is our favorite hiking guide but this one is another great one that encompasses the surrounding area.

Cell Service

Cell Service is pretty reliable in the park. There are a few spots near Orick where service is more limited but overall visitors can expect to have good reception.

Getting to the Redwoods

Getting to Redwood National Park is half the fun! Out of state visitors can fly into Crescent City Airport (which is only 30mins from the closest part of the park), or San Francisco and drive up the coast (6 hours south of Redwood), or Redding (3 hours east of Redwood), or Medford, OR (2 hours northeast of Redwood).

Food & Restaurants

There are many restaurants and food options throughout the areas, cities, and towns around the park. The major towns for restaurants are Crescent City to the North, Klamath in the middle, and Trinidad to the South.

Mosquitoes

During the summer months (June – August) expect to find mosquitoes at varying levels in the Redwoods. I recommend this bug spray which has worked for me in the park and is environmentally friendly.

Best Time to Visit the Redwoods

The Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park is in Spring and Summer to take advantage of less crowds (Spring) and warmer temperatures (Summer).

Maps of the National Parks

National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.

Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.

Where to Stay in the Redwoods

I’ve listed the best hotel & lodging options for the towns around the Redwoods (from north to south). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in the Redwoods.

Watch the Award Winning Redwood Video

MTJP | Redwood is the culmination of several weeks spent exploring Redwood National and State Parks.

These parks feature magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and the largest herd of Roosevelt elk on the planet. This film was shot entirely in 4K.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKavDOPMq4o

REDWOOD National Park 4K (Visually Stunning 3min Tour) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKavDOPMq4o)

Things To Do in Redwood National Park

Top 5 Best Things To Do in Redwood National Park

1. Stout Grove

The Stout Grove is one of the most magnificent and highly photographed groves of old-growth Redwoods in Redwood National Park.

Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods North of Crescent City, the Stout Grove features a relatively small (but oh so stunning) grove of giant, 300ft tall redwoods.

Distance: .7 mile roundtrip
Time: 45mins – 1.5 hours

The Stout Grove is located in the northernmost section of the park in Jedediah Smith Redwoods.

The road leading to the Stout Grove is unpaved but passable with 2WD vehicles. Mosquitoes here can be pesky in early to mid Summer.

To learn more check out our Stout Grove post.

2. Lady Bird Johnson Grove

lady bird johnson grove redwood national park — Sunset in Lady Bird Johnson Grove | Things to Do Redwood National Park

The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is one of the most spectacular groves of ancient, old-growth Redwoods in the world.

This grove is located near the town of Orick in Redwood National Park at about 1,000ft above sea level and is one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip
Time: 1-2 hours

The trail itself is only about 1.3miles long with little elevation gain making it great for folks of all ages and fitness levels.

If you’re visiting Lady Bird Johnson Grove be sure to check out Redwood Creek Overlook just down the road for the park’s best sunsets!

To learn more check out our Lady Bird Johnson Grove post.

3. Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon is a stunning, world-renowned destination, made famous by it’s appearance in the Jurrasic Park movie franchise.

Literally dripping with ferns from wall to wall with a creek flowing through, this canyon is a mesmerizing spot that everyone visiting Redwood National Park should see.

Distance: 1.1 miles roundtrip
Time: 1-2 hours

The trail can be done as a 1.1mile loop or an out and back which is more popular as visitors get to see the spectacular parts twice.

Fern Canyon is located just down the road from Gold Bluffs Beach which is a great place for a stop or to camp!

On your way in or out be sure to stop by the very popular Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood Creek Overlook, & the little-visited Bald Hills.

To learn more check out our Fern Canyon post.

4. Jedediah Smith Redwoods

jedediah smith redwoods redwood national park — The Jedediah Smith Redwoods | Best Things to Do Redwoods

Jedediah Smith Redwoods is often many visitors first experience in Redwood National Park.

This area is located on the stunning Wild & Scenic Smith River on the north side of the park near Crescent City.

There is a beautiful campground and a popular swimming hole located in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods along with some of the most popular groves in the world including the Stout Grove.

To learn more about the Jedediah Smith Redwoods check out our Jedediah Smith Redwoods post.

5. Gold Bluffs Beach

gold bluffs beach redwood national park — Sunset at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground | Best Things to Do Redwoods

Gold Bluffs Beach is a beautiful spot on the Pacific ocean named for the iconic golden colored bluffs that overlook it.

The Gold Bluffs Beach Campground here is the only one in the park located on the beach making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Who doesn’t love the sound of the ocean outside of your tent serenading you to sleep?

If that isn’t enough, there is a resident herd of elk that frequents the beach along with migrating whales and dolphins.

To learn more about the Gold Bluffs Beach check out our Gold Bluffs Beach post.

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park

6. Avenue of the Giants

redwood national park driving — The Avenue of the Giants | Best Things to Do Redwood National Park

The Avenue of the Giants is a magnificent 31.5 mile drive that weaves you through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park located about an hour south of Eureka.

While this area is not technically part of the “national park” we included it anyway because it’s so close and not to be missed.

The drive itself is not long but there are many, many stops along the way so prepare for a full days worth of activities if you plan to drive the route.

To learn more check out our Avenue of the Giants post.

7. Redwood Creek Overlook

Redwood Creek Overlook is the best spot in Redwood National Park to catch a sunset.

Situated at over 1,000ft above the ocean it overlooks, this location often sees cloud inversions near sunset sweep through the redwoods below.

It’s location near Lady Bird Johnson Grove makes it an easy add on to the end of a day.

To learn more check out our Redwood Creek Overlook post.

8. Tall Trees Grove

tall trees grove redwood national park — Tall Trees Grove | Things to Do Redwoods

The Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park is one of the park’s most stunning collection of towering redwoods.

Visitors to this area must obtain a free pass 24-48 hours in advance of their visit. To do so, follow this link.

Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip (800ft elevation)
Time: 3-4 hours

Compared to many of the other easy trails, it’s a bit of a hike to get there. The trail is 3.3miles long with just under 800ft of elevation gain.

To learn more check out our Tall Trees Grove post.

9. Boy Scout Tree Trail

boy scout tree trail redwood national park — The Boy Scout Tree Trail | Things to Do Redwood National Park

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Redwood National Park featuring groves of stunning old-growth redwoods.

The hike itself is located off of Howland Hill Road just down from the Stout Grove.

Distance: 5.3 miles roundtrip (750ft elevation)
Time: 3-4 hours

The hike itself is 5.3miles long (roundtrip) and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.

To learn more check out our Boy Scout Tree Trail post.

10. Elk Meadow

redwood national park elk — Redwood’s Elk Meadow | Things to Do Redwoods

Elk Meadow is one of the most reliable places in Redwood National Park to see the majestic Roosevelt Elk.

It’s location, just outside of Orick and at the head of Davison Road, puts it in a great jumping off point to see more in the park.

Nearby destinations include Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Bald Hills.

To learn more check out our Elk Meadow post.

Top 15 Best Redwood National Park Activities

11. Crescent Beach Overlook

Crescent Beach Overlook Redwood National Park — The Crescent Beach Overlook | Best Things to Do Redwood National Park

Crescent Beach Overlook is a quick and beautiful roadside stop along the Highway 101 in Redwood National Park offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

This is a great spot to get out of the car, stretch your legs, soak in the views, and grab a few snaps on your way through the park.

To learn more check out our Crescent Beach Overlook Post.

12. Bald Hills

bald hills redwood national park — The Bald Hills | Best Things to Do Redwoods

Bald Hills is a fairly remote, lesser-visited destination in Redwood National Park that offers visitors a very different experience from the Redwood groves.

Visitors to the Bald Hills will be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding forested areas.

To learn more check out our Bald Hills post.

13. Find a Banana Slug in the Redwoods

banana slug redwood national park — A banana slug moves across a leaf in Redwood’s Lady Bird Johnson Grove

You can find all sorts of small creatures all over the Redwoods including one of my favorites, the Banana Slug.

This small animal can be found almost anywhere in the park but especially loves the forest floor and low foliage.

Don’t be alarmed if you see one of these bright yellow slugs as they are not poisonous and provide a vital service to the redwood ecosystem as a detritivore, also known as a decomposer.

The banana slug assists the forest with the vital decomposition process turning dead leaves and other organic material into soil hummus.

14. Stargazing

redwood national park night — The night sky during a full moon at Redwood National Park

While not considered one of the best national parks in California to view the night sky, on a clear night the view in Redwood can be quite impressive.

The main contributing factor to the park not being the best place for stargazing is the amount of fog that rolls in making it impossible to count on seeing stars at night.

However, when the stars are out, they absolutely dazzle! A great spot to watch them from is Redwood Creek Overlook.