Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Walk a 1.5-mile loop through iconic coast redwoods—the southern park's most accessible old-growth experience. No elevation gain. The trail is flat, well-maintained wood and aggregate boardwalk, with a memorial plaque to Lady Bird Johnson at the grove's heart. Expect 45-60 minutes of constant shade and forest immersion. This is a solid warm-up hike, perfect for families and first-time park visitors.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes at a leisure pace. Faster if you skip the interpretive tour stops; longer if you linger for photos.
Trail Surface: Packed aggregate and wood boardwalk, 4-10 feet wide throughout the loop.
Trail Features: Ancient coast redwoods (300+ years old)
Lady Bird Johnson memorial plaque
Forest understory with ferns and moss
Hikers bridge crossing
Interpretive tour stops (13 marked stations)
Trail Highlights: Walk among giants in an iconic old-growth redwood grove. The memorial plaque honors Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady who championed habitat protection. Most accessible redwood experience in the park—perfect for families and first-timers.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trailhead, accessed via Bald Hills Road, 10 minutes north of Orick. Coordinates: 41.30° N, 124.02° W.
Parking Lot Size: Limited—approximately 20-30 vehicles. Fills quickly in summer.
Parking Fill Time: Full by mid-morning in summer (9:00 AM onward). Spring and fall rarely reach capacity. Winter is quiet.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle. Self-drive to the trailhead via Bald Hills Road. The road is narrow and winding—take it slow.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required. The trail is open to the public year-round (subject to seasonal road closures).
Fees: Free. No entrance fee required. America the Beautiful pass holders welcome.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Bald Hills Road may close during winter storms. Check park alerts or call ahead before visiting November–March.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Dry trail—no potable water sources. Bring at least 1-1.5 liters.
Accessibility: Not ADA accessible. The hikers footbridge exceeds wheelchair slope limits. Trail is 4-10 feet wide with aggregate and wood surface. Service animals welcome.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery surfaces (wet year-round)
Narrow footbridge with no railing
Steep, winding access road with logging truck traffic
Limited parking (fills quickly)
Closed access road in winter storms
Hazard Details: The hikers footbridge crossing Bald Hills Road has a steep slope unsuitable for wheelchairs. The 2.5-mile drive up Bald Hills Road is narrow, winding, and shared with logging trucks—speed matters. Surfaces are constantly wet due to frequent coastal rainfall, especially October–May. Heavy rains may prompt temporary closures.
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy in summer; quiet in spring and fall.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer mornings through late afternoon (9:00 AM–4:00 PM). Parking fills and the trail becomes crowded.
Best Season: Spring through fall. Winter access depends on Bald Hills Road conditions—check park alerts for closures.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive before 8:30 AM to secure parking—the lot fills by mid-morning in summer. Spring and fall offer clearest skies. Summer brings fog; winter may close Bald Hills Road. Check park alerts before driving up.
Tips Advice: Arrive early—parking lot fills by mid-morning in summer
Bring 1-1.5 liters water (no refill sources on trail)
Download park app for interpretive tour audio stops
Watch for wet surfaces and slippery boardwalks year-round
Drive Bald Hills Road slowly—winding, steep, narrow; no RVs/trailers
The memorial plaque is the focal point—don't rush past it

More details

Park Area: Southern Redwoods
Trail Markers: Well-marked and obvious loop. Thirteen interpretive stops are numbered and labeled. Nearly impossible to get lost.
Dogs Allowed: No—pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed: No—trail is pedestrian-only. The narrow boardwalk and footbridge prohibit bikes.
Shade Level: Full shade from old-growth redwood canopy. Summer fog adds chill. Temperature stays 10°F cooler under the trees.
Emergency Contacts: 911. For park-specific emergencies, contact Redwood National and State Parks ranger station (see park map for direct number). No cell service guaranteed.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare at ground level. Snow possible in winter; Bald Hills Road may close for storms. Check park alerts before visiting Nov–March.
Mud Season: Year-round due to frequent coastal rainfall. October–May is muddiest. Boardwalks remain passable but slippery.
Fall Colors Peak: N/A—evergreen coast redwood forest. Foliage does not change seasonally.
Insider Tips: The loop is short—many finish in 45 minutes, but linger for the memorial and interpretive stops
Download the park app before you go; it provides audio context at each stop
Avoid the mid-day crush (10 AM–3 PM in summer); dawn or late afternoon are golden
The footbridge is stable but intimidating if you fear heights—trust the engineering
The plaque dedication area is the focal point; pause there and read the inscription
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for ages 5+. The footbridge is stable but has no railings—hand-holding recommended for younger kids. Muddy in wet weather; good shoes required. Vault toilets at parking lot (no running water).
Nearby Facilities: Orick is 10 minutes downhill with gas, lodging, and dining. The trailhead offers only vault toilets—no water, food, or retail. Pack everything you need.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this 1.5-mile loop as the perfect introduction to old-growth coast redwoods without technical challenge or serious exertion. The memorial plaque and interpretive tour stops add historical and ecological depth. Most feedback emphasizes the parking lot battle and the rough access road as the real obstacles, not the trail itself.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can kids do this trail?

Yes. Ages 5+ is ideal. No elevation gain, flat terrain, vault toilets at the lot. The footbridge has no railing—hand-holding recommended for younger kids.

Do I need special hiking boots?

No. Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers work fine. The surface is well-maintained aggregate and wood. In wet weather, traction matters—avoid smooth soles.

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes. It's a popular, well-marked loop in a safe park. Stay on the trail and carry a whistle. Cell service is unknown—tell someone your plan and expected return time.

How crowded does this get?

Very crowded summer mornings to afternoon. Expect full parking by 9:00 AM. Spring and fall offer solitude. Winter is quiet but may require road closure checks.

Can I hike this in rain?

Surfaces get slippery. The footbridge becomes a hazard when wet. In winter storms, Bald Hills Road closes entirely. Check park alerts before driving up.

Do I need a map or GPS?

No. The 1.5-mile loop is well-marked and impossible to lose. Use the park app for the interpretive tour audio guide if you want historical and ecological context.