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Redwood National Park

Exploring the Coast and the Redwood Forest

Redwood National Park and State Parks boast magnificent groves of old-growth redwoods, stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Photo courtesy National Park Service
Redwood forest
Redwood forest at Redwood National Park

These parks feature a variety of ecosystems, including forest, prairie and oak woodlands, 37 miles of coastline and coastal scrub, marshes, two major rivers and numerous streams.

Recreation

Photo courtesy National Park Service
Requa/Klamath River Overlook
Klamath River overlook at Redwood National Park

Recreational opportunities are just as varied. You can walk in groves of stately coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), which can grow to over 300 feet and have lived for 250 to over 1,000 years. Only bristlecone pines live longer than these impressive trees.

Or hike the Coastal Trail, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the dramatic coastline, explore the tidepools, or watch for migrating whales (winter and early spring). You can go kayaking or fishing in the Smith or Klamath River. If your time is limited, get a feel for the place with a scenic drive.

There are numerous hiking trails, including trails for horseback riding and equestrian camping. You'll find six trails that allow bicyclists. There are four developed campgrounds, plus one overnight use area. If you prefer to get away from it all, there are quite a few backpacking campsites available, including some close to the beach.

The parks also offer a variety of programs, including campfire programs, nature walks, American Indian dance demonstrations, and special events (like the Banana Slug Festival!).

Beaches

Photo courtesy National Park Service
View of False Klamath Cove from the Yurok Loop Trail, Redwood National Park
View of Northern California beach from the Yurok Loop Trail, Redwood National Park

The beaches in the Redwood Parks are wild and beautiful. Explore the tidepools, watch the whales go by (in season), go fishing, or enjoy a hike.

The best beaches in the Redwood Parks, listed from north to south:

  • Crescent Beach: in Redwood National Park
  • Enderts Beach: in Redwood NP
  • Wilson Creek Beach: in Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP
  • Lagoon Creek: in Redwood NP. You can access Hidden Beach and the Coastal Trail from here.
  • Hidden Beach: in Redwood NP
  • Requa Overlook: in Redwood NP. Great views of the Klamath River and the coastline. You can access the Coastal Trail from here.
  • Gold Bluffs Beach: in Prairie Creek Redwoods SP

For details:
Beaches in Del Norte County
Beaches in Humboldt County

Map of Beaches at Redwood National Park


View Northern California Beaches in a larger map

Wildlife

Photo courtesy National Park Service
Roosevelt elk at Prairie Creek Redwoods SP
View of False

Wildlife is abundant here, and you may spot black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain lions, chipmunks and rabbits.

The park is home to numerous species of birds, including bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys, and marbled murrelets. Along the coast, you'll find harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, gray whales, and tidepool creatures like sea stars, green anemone and shore crabs.

Park Info

Redwood National Park and the three California State Redwood Parks form an amazing network of parkland stretching from Del Norte County south through Humboldt County. These four parks are managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation:

You can download excellent digital maps from the National Park Service.




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