Redwood National Park

Explore the Abundance of Redwood National & State Parks

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

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.

Recreational opportunities are just as varied. You can walk in groves of giant coast redwoods, 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 outstanding views, 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.

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!).

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.

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:

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
  
• Redwood National Park
  
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
  
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
  

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