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.
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.
- LocationCrescent City, CA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now43°F Clear
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Cats (wild)
- Climate Change
- Coastal Defenses
- Colonization and Settlement
- Coniferous Forests
- Conservation Movement
35 more topics
- Elk
- Endangered
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Grasslands
- Groundwater
- Headwaters
- Homesteading
- Indian and Frontier Wars
- Industry
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Maritime
- Massacres
- Mills
- Native American Heritage
- Oceans
- Prairies
- Ranches
- Rare
- River and Riparian
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Scenic Views
- Social Movements
- Tragic Events
- Transportation
- Tribal Conflicts
- Unique Species
- Wars and Conflicts
- Watersheds
- Westward Expansion
- Whales
- Wilderness
Alerts (3)
CautionDelays along Highway 101 There are multiple traffic stops along Highway 101 from Orick, CA to Crescent City, CA due to road construction. Extra t… Read more
There are multiple traffic stops along Highway 101 from Orick, CA to Crescent City, CA due to road construction. Extra time may be needed to travel throughout the park. Delay times may vary. Please stay alert and drive cautiously.
InformationDeMartin Trail and Campground As part of CalTrans work to develop a new highway route that is more stable and safer, they will be undertaking geotechn… Read more
As part of CalTrans work to develop a new highway route that is more stable and safer, they will be undertaking geotechnical drilling this fall and winter. Hikers and campers in the area will likely see and hear heavy equipment at work and hear noise associated with the drilling, which may be 24 hours/day at times. Redwood National and State Parks has worked with CalTrans to minimize the impacts to users of this area while keeping the trail and campground open and accessible.
Information44 Creek Bridge Failure 44 creek bridge is closed due to damage identified by a Federal Highway inspection team. This bridge is north of 44 Camp… Read more
44 creek bridge is closed due to damage identified by a Federal Highway inspection team. This bridge is north of 44 Camp, approximately 7 miles south of the Redwood Creek trailhead and about 1 mile north of the Tall Trees river crossing. All trails remain open in the area, but crossing this ravine is dangerous and not advised. Hikers should plan to take alternative routes to 44 Camp, which will add at least 3.5 miles from Redwood Creek Trailhead. Stop by a visitor center for more information.
Things to Do
20 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail
A moderate hike with some steep grades and switchbacks.
Learn more about Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop
One of the longest hikes in Redwood National and State Parks, this 12-mile loop will take you from Redwoods, through spruce forests to the ocean - and back.
Learn more about Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to the Grove Of Titans
A trail in the north that has an elevated metal boardwalk to protect the forest floor. Interpretive waysides explore the area's human and natural history. There is no parking for recreational…
Learn more about Hike to the Grove Of Titans on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to the Tall Trees Grove
Reservation required
A half-day hike in the southern part of the parks for those ready for an adventure. A free reservation is needed. This trail is one the more strenuous hikes in Redwood National and State Parks.
Learn more about Hike to the Tall Trees Grove on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike to Trillium Falls
Located in the southern end of the parks this is arguably one of the best family-friendly walks. It also has plenty of parking, picnic tables and restrooms.
Learn more about Hike to Trillium Falls on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike Zig Zag Loop
Walk along flowing Prairie Creek before ascending to ridgetop views in Prairie Creek State Park.
Learn more about Hike Zig Zag Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Stroll the Simpson-Reed Trail
An easy walk through beautiful old-growth redwood forests in the northern part of the parks. Limited parking, RV's and trailers not permitted.
Learn more about Stroll the Simpson-Reed Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Stroll to the Big Tree Wayside
For those short on time then this 5-minute walk will lead to some amazingly large trees.
Learn more about Stroll to the Big Tree Wayside on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 12
Load moreAll 39 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Scenic Driving
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Biking
- Swimming
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Horse Trekking
- Junior Ranger Program
Show 27 more activities
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Backcountry Camping
- Backcountry Hiking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoeing
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Food
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Horseback Riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Park Film
- Road Biking
- RV Camping
- Saltwater Fishing
- Saltwater Swimming
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Shopping
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Surfing
- Whitewater Rafting
Camping
3 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Experience the wild Pacific coastline and grazing Roosevelt elk in this campground, with easy access to a secluded stretch of beach, Fern Canyon, and 70 miles of hiking…
Reservation websiteDetails
Experience the wild Pacific coastline and grazing Roosevelt elk in this campground, with easy access to a secluded stretch of beach, Fern Canyon, and 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. Located on the coast within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in the southern part of the parks. Access is via a narrow, single lane, dirt road. Recreational vehicles are not advised, and trailers are prohibited. From early October to mid-May, this campground switches to "First come, first served" sites. -
Jedediah Smith Campground - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal…
Reservation websiteDetails
Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal campfire programs. Cabins available. From early October to mid-May, this campground switches to "First come, first served" sites. Head to campground kiosk upon arrival to check for availability. -
Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Sleep beneath towering maples and young redwoods. Access to Mill Creek, miles of varied hiking trails, and summer programs. Located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State…
Reservation websiteDetails
Sleep beneath towering maples and young redwoods. Access to Mill Creek, miles of varied hiking trails, and summer programs. Located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. 7 miles south of Crescent City, CA turn east on the campground road. The camp is 2 miles east of the highway. Winter season: this campground is closed from early October to late May.
Facilities & Services
Find permits and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Permits & Passes
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Redwood National Park Backcountry Permits
Permit
Other Visitor Services
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Crescent City Information Center
Facility
Located in the bottom floor of park headquarters. Picnic area and retail sales.
Crescent City, CA (707) 464-6101 Directions
Details
Located in the bottom floor of park headquarters. Picnic area and retail sales. -
Elk Prairie Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Facility
Enjoy ancient coast redwoods, grazing Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer in Elk Prairie, easy access to over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, and seasonal…
Reservation website Crescent City, CA 800-444-7275 Directions
Details
Enjoy ancient coast redwoods, grazing Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer in Elk Prairie, easy access to over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, and seasonal ranger-led programs. Cabins available. Located in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 6 miles north of Orick, CA. From early October to mid-May, this campground switches to "First come, first served" sites. Head to campground kiosk upon arrival to check for availability. -
Hiouchi Visitor Center
Facility
Northern-most park visitor center located 9-miles east of Crescent City on Hwy 199. Exhibits about Tolowa culture and art, redwood ecology, park information, junior…
Crescent City, CA (707) 464-6101 Directions
Details
Northern-most park visitor center located 9-miles east of Crescent City on Hwy 199. Exhibits about Tolowa culture and art, redwood ecology, park information, junior ranger program, bookstore and retail sales. -
Jedediah Smith Visitor Center
Facility
Located in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park campground, near the amphitheater. Small visitor center with information, exhibits, junior ranger program, bookstore…
Crescent City, CA (707) 464-6101 Directions
Details
Located in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park campground, near the amphitheater. Small visitor center with information, exhibits, junior ranger program, bookstore, and retail sales. Seasonal operations, only open Memorial Day through Labor Day. -
Prairie Creek Visitor Center
Facility
Located just off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway - in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Exhibits about the Civilian Conservation Corps and redwood…
Crescent City, CA (707) 464-6101 Directions
Details
Located just off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway - in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Exhibits about the Civilian Conservation Corps and redwood ecology, park information, junior ranger program, bookstore and retail sales.
Show 1 more facility
Other Visitor Services
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Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Facility
Southern-most visitor center in the park and located right on the beach. Exhibits about Yurok culture, art and history, redwood ecology, park information, junior ranger…
119441 HWY 101, Orick, CA (707) 464-6101 Directions
Details
Southern-most visitor center in the park and located right on the beach. Exhibits about Yurok culture, art and history, redwood ecology, park information, junior ranger program, bookstore and retail sales. Park film available.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Operating Hours
Hours details
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Operating HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
The national and state parks are always open to enjoy. Roads, trails and public access remain open year round. Some campgrounds and visitor centers are closed - or have reduced hours - in the off-season (October-May)
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
1111 Second StreetCrescent City, CA 95531
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
43°F
Clear · feels like 39°
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Today
69° 39°
Sunny3% rain -
Tomorrow
74° 47°
Sunny3% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
Ranger-led Afternoon Walk: Simpson-Reed (North end of park)
About
Meet our park rangers at the Simpson-Reed trail for a family-friendly and educational walk through the redwoods. This walk is about a mile long. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing rain gear and water.
Scheduled programs may be cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. We recommend stopping by a visitor center before the event to receive the latest updates. The closest visitor center to this event is Hiouchi Visitor Center.
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Ranger-led Afternoon Walk: Prairie Creek (South end of the park)
About
Meet our park rangers at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for a family-friendly and educational walk through the redwoods. This walk is about a mile long. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing rain gear and water.
Scheduled programs may be cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. We recommend stopping by a visitor center before the event to receive the latest updates. The closest visitor center to this event is Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
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Hike and Bike Day: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
About
Join us for our “Hike and Bike” Saturdays! The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is closed to any motorized vehicles the first Saturday of the month for Hike and Bike Day. This event runs October through May to give park visitors the opportunity to safely hike, bike, skate, and walk leashed pets along the ten-mile scenic drive through the redwoods! E-Bikes: Visitors are allowed to use e-bikes on the parkway during Hike and Bike day.- E-bike users must comply with a speed limit of 20 mph (typically a Type 1 or Type 2 e-bike).
- Anyone in violation of this speed limit and who is creating an unsafe environment for other recreational users will be asked to leave. Continued violations of this speed limit may cause management to remove the use of e-bikes on Hike and Bike days in the future.
- Parking: for this event is located on the south end of the parkway near Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Very limited parking and no facilities are located on the north end of the Parkway.
Questions about the Hike and Bike Day?
Please reach out to the park at redw_information@nps.gov or call 707-464-6101. - E-bike users must comply with a speed limit of 20 mph (typically a Type 1 or Type 2 e-bike).
Photos
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We have forty miles of coastline to explore. — NPS Photo / John Chao -
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3 more photos
Getting There
Crescent City, CA 95531
Redwood National and State Parks is located in northernmost coastal California - almost on the Oregon border. The parks are about 60-miles long, with four visitor centers from north to south.
Full directions
We are a six to seven-hour drive (325 miles) north of San Francisco, a six-hour drive (330 miles) south of Portland, OR and a four-hour drive (170 miles) west of Redding, CA.
Mailing address: 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
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