Emerald Ridge Trail

A trail junction marked by wooden signs marking distances to different trail locations.

Descend 580 feet through ancient old-growth redwood forest to Redwood Creek on a steep, technical trail with loose terrain and a mandatory cold stream crossing. The route is only passable in summer during low water. This is a serious descent: expect loose gravel, unstable footing, and one significant water obstacle. The payoff: an untouched slice of primordial coast redwood forest.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 580

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 580
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
Trail Surface: Loose dirt and gravel
Trail Features: Old-growth coast redwoods
Ancient redwood forest preserved from 1960s logging
Redwood Creek
Stream crossing
Trail Highlights: Dense, untouched old-growth redwood forest in an area narrowly saved from clear-cutting in the late 1960s. Hike through pristine coast redwood habitat and reach Redwood Creek at the base of a 580-foot descent.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Bald Hills Road, Redwood National Park. Access via Dolason Prairie Trailhead or near Tall Trees Trailhead.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle required.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Tall Trees Trail parking requires reservation via Redwood Parks Conservancy (https://redwoodparksconservancy.org/tall-trees/). Dolason Prairie Trailhead parking is first-come, first-served.
Fees: No entrance fee
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Open year-round, but trail is passable and safe only in summer when stream water levels are low.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Redwood Creek at the base (filter or treat before drinking).
Accessibility: Not accessible. Rooty, steep descent with loose gravel, unstable terrain, and mandatory stream crossing.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep descent (580 feet)
Loose dirt and gravel terrain
Cold fast-flowing stream crossing
Limited cell service
Exposure and unstable footing
Hazard Details: Steep 580-foot descent with unstable loose dirt and gravel terrain increases fall risk. Stream crossing is mandatory and water may be cold and fast-flowing outside of peak summer low-water season. Slippery when wet. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the park and cannot be relied on in an emergency.
Cell Service: No. Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a check-in plan with a friend.
Best Season: Summer (June–September)
Best Time To Visit: Late June through September, when water levels are low and crossing is possible. Arrive by 7 AM to secure parking at Dolason Prairie Trailhead.
Tips Advice: Use a topographic map and trail guide—don't rely on online mapping alone.
Stream crossing is mandatory: only ford in summer at low water (July–August ideal).
Stay on trail to protect the fragile forest habitat.
Trekking poles are essential for the steep descent and slippery gravel.
Carry 2L+ of water: the descent is relentless and sweat loss is real despite full shade.
Cell service is nonexistent. Check in and out with a friend before you go.
No pets allowed on any park trail.
Tight boots and proper footwear are mandatory on loose, unstable terrain.

More details

Park Area: Bald Hills
Trail Markers: Marked trail, but bring a map. NPS explicitly recommends not relying on online maps alone.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not allowed on park trails.
Shade Level: Full shade. Dense forest canopy provides protection from sun throughout the descent.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare at this elevation (160 ft near sea level). Park remains open year-round.
Mud Season: October–May (off-season). Trail is wet and muddy; stream water may be impassable.
Insider Tips: The descent looks deceptively short but takes 2–3 hours due to terrain and elevation loss.
Loose gravel is your primary enemy on the descent. Use trekking poles, lean back slightly, and take micro-steps.
The stream crossing is only safe and low July–August. In spring (snowmelt) and early June, water is too high and cold.
Descending is harder than ascending: your knees and quads will pay the price. Take breaks to control the grade.
Follow the streambed after crossing (summer only). The water itself is your guide back to the trail junction.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children. The 580-foot descent is relentless, terrain is loose and unstable, and the stream crossing requires confident water and scrambling skills. Older children with solid hiking experience and adult supervision may manage, but this is not a beginner family hike.
Nearby Facilities: Nearest visitor services and restrooms at park visitor centers. Trailhead has no facilities.
Review Summary: Hikers report this as a steep, technical descent through pristine old-growth forest, demanding respect for loose terrain and a cold water crossing. The solitude and primeval redwood groves are the payoff for those with the fitness and technical skill to manage the challenge.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail solo?

Yes, but inform a friend of your exact timing. Cell service is nonexistent. If you twist an ankle at the stream crossing, help may take hours.

Is the stream crossing scary?

Not in peak summer (July–August) at low water—it's waist-deep and manageable with trekking poles. Before July or after August, water is cold, fast, and dangerous. Wait for summer.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are essential—not optional. Waterproof boots or old hiking shoes work (you will get wet). Pack 2L+ water, a topo map, and a headlamp if starting early.

Why does 1.5 miles take 2–3 hours?

You're losing 580 feet over loose, steep ground. Add the creek crossing, photo stops, and safety margin. It's a 'slow hike' due to terrain, not distance.

What if I get lost?

Use the stream as your guide on descent. Stay in the streambed after crossing (summer only). A topo map is your lifeline. Stick to the marked trail; don't improvise.

Is the trail open now?

Open year-round, but safe only in summer (July–August). Water is too high and cold the rest of the year—don't attempt to cross outside this window.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not allowed on park trails.