Redwood National & State Park - Know Before You Go

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Redwoods National and State Parks! Here’s what you need to know before you go.

This tour has three starting points: Gasquet, CA, Crescent City, CA and Trinidad, CA.
There are no entrance fees to visit the park, however some attractions and hikes may require day passes. Check out the “budget” section below to learn more.
The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however, the park’s facilities and roads have varying seasonality and hours of operation. Learn more here.
A parking permit is required for Gold Bluffs Beach or Fern Canyon. Online reservations are required between May 15th and September 15th and may be made up to midnight the day before. No same-day reservations!
Get a copy of the tide chart to help plan which beaches you want to visit. (Only visit during low tide!) or Crescent City Tide Calendar (scroll down for months).
If you’re hiking, get a paper or offline trail map!

Budgeting and Hours of Operation

A person walking along a narrow path surrounded by dense trees in a serene woodland setting. Robin Montgomery

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.

Fern Canyon Trail
- $12 per vehicle. A California State Park entrance fee is required.
Trees of Mystery
- $30/ adult
- $25/ senior
- $15/ kid (3-12)

Hours of Operation

Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the hours of operation vary based on the season. There are also seasonal road closures, so be sure to check the park’s website in advance.

Hiouchi Visitor Center
- Spring to Fall - Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Winter - Open Wed - Sun 10 am to 4 pm.
Trees of Mystery
- Open daily from 9 am - 4 pm (except Christmas)
Yurok Country Visitor Center
- Spring & Summer Hours: Daily from 9 am - 4 pm (closed for lunch)
- Winter Hours: Closed Mondays. Check the website for seasonal hours
Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor Center
- Summer Hours (Apr 30 - Nov 3): 9 am - 5 pm Daily.
- Winter Hours: 10 am - 4 pm. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center
- Summer Hours (Late April - early November): 9 am - 5 pm Daily.
- Winter Hours: 10 am - 4 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
Hiouchi Cafe, Crescent City
- Sunday - Thursday: 7 am - 2 pm.
- Friday - Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm Sunday Brunch
Sea Quake, Crescent City
- Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Friday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 10 pm
Chart Room Restaurant, Crescent City
- Wed, Thurs, Sun: 11 am - 7 pm
- Fri & Sat: 11 am - 8 pm
- Closed Mon/Tues
Historic Requa Inn, Klamath
- Breakfast is open to the public from 8 am - 10 am daily. *Hours may change seasonally.
Country Club Bar & Grill
- Daily from 12 pm - 9 pm

Get Packing!

trail Robin Montgomery

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Cell phone - with tour downloaded before you go!
Car charger
Phone mount for car
Flashlight - for sunset viewing (optional)
Park Map - available at visitor centers
Binoculars - for elk/whale watching (optional)
Waterproof rain jacket or coat
Dress in layers (layer with NON-cotton fabric like fleece/wool–for cooler weather or synthetic materials like nylon–for warmer weather). The key is to stay warm and dry!
Waterproof hiking boots/sturdy shoes with non-slip soles
Water shoes/sandals for the Fern Canyon hike
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Insect repellent
Water bottles - plenty! (Do not drink from any streams/rivers to avoid giardia.)
Snacks and/or picnic food (Remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs) There are a number of fantastic picnic sites.
First aid kit/medications
Emergency roadside assistance kit
Swimsuit and towel if interested in swimming in the Smith River
National Park Pass or cash/check (Jedediah Smith RSP Day Use or Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon only) *The rest of the park has no entrance fee.
Parking permit to visit Fern Canyon or Gold Bluffs Beach (May 15- Sep 15). Online reservations can be made up to midnight the day before. No same-day reservations. No permit is needed off-season.

Best Time to Visit

couples hiking in trails Shutterstock Image

With its mild and temperate climate, Redwood National and State Parks are open year-round, making it a great place to visit any time of year.

Most visitors come in the summer to take advantage of the drier weather.

It’s also when all park facilities are open and activities like ranger talks are in full swing. But if you want to escape the crowds, plan your visit in the shoulder season.

From April through June, the forest is lush and green and most roads are open. Fall is also a nice time to visit with clear, warm days and some fall color.

Winter offers the most solitude–and the most moisture.

Hiking through the redwoods in the mist or fog can be a truly magical experience.

Safety Information

Ocean Trail, pacific ocean trail in california Shutterstock Image

Hazardous driving conditions include - windy, narrow roads and wet/foggy conditions. Watch out for logging trucks and other heavy vehicles. Obey posted speed limits.

Use turnouts to let faster traffic pass (5 or more cars). Drive carefully in the fog. Don’t take trailers or motor homes on roads where prohibited.

At the Beach - Check for storm or high surf advisories. Check tide charts (available at all visitor centers). Never turn your back on the surf - “sneaker waves” are a real danger and can strike unexpectedly. Supervise kids at all times. Swimming is hazardous because of cold water and strong rip currents. Be careful while climbing or walking near edges of high, rocky bluffs

Tsunamis - If you feel an earthquake or notice the ocean suddenly recede–head for higher ground or move inland immediately.

Poison Oak - Stay on trails to best avoid contact with this poisonous plant. “Leaves of three, let them be!” Look for three distinctive, smooth, shiny leaflets that are bright green or red in new shoots or during the dry season. Wash your skin thoroughly if you have contact.

Ticks - Stay on trails, tuck pants legs into socks/shirts into pants, and check clothing frequently. Use insect repellent with DEET. Ticks carry Lyme disease.

High Winds - Avoid the forests during high winds. Branches/trees can fall.

Always lock your car and hide valuables.

Leave No Trace

person walking in the river Shutterstock Image

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Redwood National & State Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Redwood National & State Park Itinerary.

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