Redwood National and State Parks Planning Guide & Strategy

Redwood National and State Parks: giant redwoods reach skyward in a lush green canopy with ferns framing the forest floor.

Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and untamed coastline. 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.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall for favorable weather and better road access

Highlights

Why Visit: Redwood National and State Parks safeguard some of the world’s tallest trees and a brutally beautiful coastline. The park’s expanse blends towering old-growth groves with rivers, prairies, and sea cliffs that sculpt a landscape unlike any other on the West Coast. This is a place where backcountry camping is possible with online permits, where you can walk among ancient trunks, and where planning for seasonal road and parking realities is non-negotiable. The scale and interconnected habitats demand restraint and preparation; this is not a place for casual wandering without a plan.
Top Things To Do: Walk among old-growth redwoods; visit Fern Canyon; coastal viewpoints along US-101; Gold Bluffs Beach access

Areas to plan around

Coastal Gateway: Ocean coastline, beaches, coastal trails along US-101
Old-Growth Redwood Groves: Jedediah Smith Redwoods and surrounding groves; moss-draped trunks
Prairie Creek & River Corridors: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Elk Prairie, Fern Canyon access
Klamath & Backcountry Corridors: Klamath River vistas, backcountry access via designated campsites

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports: ACV — Arcata-Eureka; CEC — Crescent City
Getting There Driving Distances: Varies
Getting There Entrances: Gates along US-101 at Orick, Klamath, and Crescent City regional gateways
Getting Around Shuttles: No internal shuttle network; private vehicle access recommended
Getting Around Reservations: Backcountry permits online; Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon require May 15–Sept 15 reservations; Tall Trees Access Road limited to 65 day-use vehicles per day
Getting Around Parking: Parking is limited at major trailheads; arrive early, especially in peak season

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging: No on-park lodging exists; stay in Crescent City, Orick, Trinidad, or Eureka
Where To Stay Campgrounds: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground; developed campgrounds charge $35/night
Where To Stay Gateway Towns: Crescent City, Orick, Trinidad, Eureka

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country: Bear presence; bear canisters/food storage requirements not detailed; practice Leave No Trace and secure food
Safety Weather: Tsunami risk in seismically active coastal area; poison oak and ticks on trails; high winds can cause debris; cell service spotty
Safety Altitude: Varies
Safety Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash; stay on trails; follow Leave No Trace principles
Safety Permits Needed: Backcountry permits required (online)
Wildlife Overview: Black bears; Roosevelt elk; coyotes; bobcats; occasional mountain lions
Wildlife Where To See: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park groves; Prairie Creek area; coastal trails
Wildlife Safety: Maintain distance from wildlife; do not feed; bear distances: 100 yards; herbivores 25 yards

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy: Day 1: Coastal drive along US-101 to Orick; Day 2: Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek; Day 3: Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach
Entrance Hacks: Gates vary by town; arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads; plan around 65-vehicle/day limit on Tall Trees Access Road
Basecamp Logic: WEST SIDE offers more dining and services; EAST SIDE tends toward wind exposure and higher elevations
Crowd Calendar: July is peak crowds; September is quieter but cooler; June carries variable weather and potential road restrictions
Tips Advice: Arrive early for parking
Check road status before driving
Backcountry permits are online
Do not feed wildlife
Use designated pullouts for photography

More details

Park Code: redw
Tagline: Coast redwoods and rugged Pacific coastline.
Quick Facts Entrance Fees: No general entrance fee. Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon day-use: $12 per vehicle. Developed campgrounds: $35 per night. America the Beautiful and California State Parks passes accepted for day-use fees
Nearby Services: Gas and medical services in Crescent City and Eureka region; lodging options nearby
Family Friendly Notes: Family-friendly trails exist; consider Junior Ranger opportunities where available
Accessibility: ADA accessibility varies by center and trail; inquire at visitor centers for current options
Photography Tips: Use pullouts and overlooks; avoid blocking traffic; plan for fog and coastal light changes
When To Visit Peak Season: July
When To Visit Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October
When To Visit Winter: Winter weather brings more rain; some roads closed; plan for limited access and potential snow/river-related restrictions
When To Visit Road Opening: Cal-Barrel Road closed to vehicles in winter; Fern Canyon, Howland Hill Road and Tall Trees Grove access have restrictions; road openings depend on weather and river levels
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals: Bear spray rentals available at visitor centers
Weather Averages: Maritime climate; cool summers, mild winters
Weather Precipitation: Winter rainfall dominates; summers drier with coastal fog
Weather Info: 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.
What To Bring Essential Gear: Bear spray, water, insulating layers, rain shell, sturdy footwear, map
What To Bring Clothing: Wool or synthetic layers; rain gear; non-cotton apparel; sturdy hiking boots
Review Summary: Crowd levels peak in July; parking and access can tighten; plan ahead with permits and early arrivals