Tucked away in the northwest corner of California is Redwood National and State Parks–home to the world’s tallest trees.
In this mild and misty climate, coast redwoods or Sequoia sempervirens can grow to dizzying heights of over 300 feet tall. Talk about giants!
They’re also some of the oldest living things on earth. The average redwood lives into the hundreds, and some are still going strong after two thousand years.
Experience Redwood with Shaka Guide
On Shaka Guide's Redwood National and State Parks Tour, you'll walk through ancient groves and gaze up at these magnificent forest sentinels. But there’s more to these parks than big trees.
Stunning coastal beaches, beautiful rivers, a primeval fern-draped canyon, and grassy meadows frequented by majestic Roosevelt elk all make a visit to Redwood National and State Parks an unforgettable experience.
With Shaka Guide leading the way, you’ll explore at your own pace. There’s no schedule to keep or crowd to follow. You’re in the driver’s seat—literally, so take your time!
Or, if you’re in a hurry, feel free to skip a stop. We promise we won’t take it personally. We’ve taken all the guesswork out so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.
Starting Points
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This driving tour begins in Crescent City or Gasquet and heads south on Highway 101 to Orick. You can also take the tour in reverse, beginning south of Orick and heading north towards Crescent City.
Without stops, the total driving time on Highway 101 is about an hour. But with so many scenic side trips, sights to see, and trails to explore, you'll want to give yourself a full day--or two--for the best experience.
NOTE: Most of the scenic side trips are on narrow, unpaved roads and are not recommended for those driving RVs or trailers. (The tour includes alternate directions for those driving oversized or low-clearance vehicles.)
With 24 potential stops and over 90 points of narration, you can be sure to get the most out of your visit to Redwoods National and State Parks.
Itinerary
1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
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- Duration: 30 mins to 1+ hrs
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to some of the world's tallest trees. The park features:
- a visitor center
- campground
- day-use area
- swimming beaches along the Smith River, and
- the popular Stout Grove and Grove of the Titans
The scenic Howland Hill Road winds through the park's towering redwoods along an old stagecoach route. The narrow, unpaved road provides trail access to Stout Grove and Grove of the Titans.
NOTE: RVs, trailers, and oversize vehicles are not allowed on Howland Hill Road. You can access Stout Grove in the summer via the footbridge from the campground.
2. Hiouchi Visitor Center
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 mins
The Hiouchi Visitor Center features exhibits:
- a park store
- passport stamps
- restrooms
- a picnic area, and
- ranger-led activities
Check with a ranger about guided kayak tours on the Smith River.
3. Myrtle Beach
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 mins
Myrtle Beach is one of the best swimming holes on the Smith River! The parking area is at the intersection of Highway 199 with South Fork Road. Just look for the Myrtle Beach parking sign.
Take the short (quarter-mile), steep trail down to the clear, jade-green waters. There are pit toilets halfway down the trail. This spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, tubing...and even cliff jumping!
4. Stout Grove
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
This 44-acre group of giant redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park was named after Frank Stout, the former president of the Del Norte Lumber Company.
His widow donated this land in 1929 as a living memorial to her husband. The easy, half-mile, loop trail meanders through 300-foot tall trees with an optional trail down to the Smith River.
When you walk through the grove, please stay on the designated trail to protect this fragile habitat.
5. Grove of Titans
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 45 mins - 1 hr
The Grove of Titans is part of the National Tribute Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and is home to some of the tallest trees in the world.
This magnificent stand of redwoods just opened to the public in 2022. The park service constructed a 1500-foot-long elevated walkway through the grove.
It not only looks amazing and allows visitors to gaze up into the canopy, but it also protects the habitat for future generations to enjoy.
Roadside parking for the trailhead is coming up on the left. There are vault toilets across from the trailhead.
6. Crescent Beach
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- Duration: 15 mins - 1 hr
Crescent Beach, located just south of Crescent City, is a lovely three-mile stretch of sand with picnic areas and restrooms.
7. Crescent Beach Overlook
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- Duration: 5 - 15 mins
At the end of Enderts Beach Road is the Crescent Beach Overlook. This viewpoint offers spectacular views of Crescent Beach, Crescent City, and Battery Point Lighthouse. It's a great place to watch for whales or come back for the sunset.
8. Enderts Beach
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- Duration: 1 - 2 hrs
Park by the trailhead at the end of the road. Then, trek down to Enderts Beach–one of the park’s hidden gems with its dramatic cliffs and fascinating tidepools.
The trail’s a moderate, 1.5-mile round-trip hike that ends with a short scramble down a big boulder. At low tide, you can get face-to-face with colorful starfish and anemones.
However, if the tide’s up, you’ll wanna save this secluded beach for another time. Whenever you visit, pay close attention to the rising tide and stay alert for dangerous sneaker waves.
9. Trees of Mystery
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- Duration: 2-3 hrs
Conveniently located right off Hwy 101, The Trees of Mystery is a popular tourist attraction dedicated to the majesty of the coast redwoods.
Meander along well-maintained interpretive trails, explore their museum of fascinating artifacts, walk on sky bridges up in the redwood canopy, and glide through the forest on a magical gondola ride that takes you above the treetops.
The popular tourist attraction is a bit spendy, but if you have the budget for a splurge, we highly recommend it! Click here for current hours and admission fees.
10. Klamath River Overlook
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
The Klamath River Overlook is situated 600 feet above sea level and offers a stunning view of the point where the Klamath River meets the sea.
For a closer view, you can hike down half a mile to a second viewpoint. It's an excellent place to watch for migrating whales or return to enjoy a sunset over the ocean.
11. Yurok Country Visitor Center
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
Located in Klamath, the Yurok Country Visitor Center is a beautiful tribal interpretive center where you can learn more about Yurok history and culture, as well as pick up a few souvenirs.
Click here and scroll down on the webpage for visitor center hours and information.
12. Old Douglas Memorial Bridge
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 5 mins
Before the turn onto Coastal Drive, you’re gonna see what’s left of the old Douglas Memorial Bridge.
Built in 1926, the bridge once spanned the Klamath River but was destroyed in the Christmas Flood of 1964. All that’s left are the iconic bear statues at each end.
Over on Highway 101, the new bridge pays homage to the old one, with replicas of these original grizzly bear statues.
13. High Bluff Overlook
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- Duration: 15 - 30 mins
Located on Coastal Drive, High Bluff Overlook is another fantastic place for whale watching or enjoying a sunset. The overlook features:
- interpretive signs
- picnic tables
- grills
- pit toilets, and
- an expansive view of the coastline to the south
You'll also find a short trail leading to even more stunning views below.
14. Radar Station B-17
- Duration: 15 mins
During WWII, the Coast Guard built Radar Station B-71 along the Northern California coast near Klamath as an observation station.
But instead of using camouflage to hide the buildings, the Coast Guard ingeniously disguised the radar station as a farm.
Hiding in plain sight, the "farmhouse" and "barn" secretly housed a power building and operations building.
The station was part of a network of 65 coastal stations stretching from Mexico to the Canadian border.
15. Corkscrew Tree
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- Duration: 15 mins
Located off the Newton B. Drury Parkway, the Corkscrew Tree is a unique example of a fairy ring or cathedral tree.
These four redwoods sprouted from one parent tree, and as they grew, they twisted around each other to form one sinuous trunk.
16. Big Tree Wayside
Robin Montgomery
- Duration: 15 mins
Aptly named "Big Tree," this ginormous redwood is one of the oldest old-growth redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park!
The giant is estimated to be around 1500 years old and over 300 feet tall.
The tree is located off the Newton B. Drury Parkway and can be accessed by car via the wayside or by foot from the visitor center via the Karl Knapp Trail, Foothills Trail, or Cathedral Trees Trail.
The wayside features interpretive signs and restrooms and a short walking path to the giant tree. Don't miss this great photo opportunity!
17. Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor Center
Robin Montgomery
Located on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, the Prairie Creek Visitor Center features:
- park information
- exhibits
- a bookstore
- campsites
- restrooms, and
- picnic area
There are a few trails that begin near the center including the short and accessible Revelation Trail as well as the popular Karl Knapp, Foothills, and Cathedral Trees Trails.
The historic building was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
18. Karl Knapp/Foothill/Cathedral Trees Loop
Robin Montgomery
The scenic Karl Knapp/Foothill/Cathedral Trees Loop Trail begins at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and follows Prairie Creek north.
About a mile in, take the spur trail on the right and follow signs to the "Big Tree." Cross the parkway then follow the Foothill Trail south to the Big Tree Wayside.
From the wayside, you can choose the shorter Foothill Trail or the longer Cathedral Trees Trail back to the visitor center to complete the 2- to 3-mile loop.
PRO TIP: Grab a trail map at the visitor center. There are numerous trails that intersect.
19. Elk Meadow Picnic Area
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The Elk Meadow Picnic Area features restrooms, picnic tables, and trails. If you are lucky, you may even spot elk in the fields!
If you do, remember to keep a safe distance (at least 50 yards) when viewing them.
The Trillium Falls hike is a nice option. It’s an easy, one-mile round trip walk to a small, picturesque waterfall through peaceful old-growth forests.
If you bring bikes, this area also has several paved trails.
20. Gold Bluffs Beach
Robin Montgomery
The name Gold Bluffs Beach came from actual gold found in the sand! The glittering sand was discovered in 1850.
Although many tried mining here at Gold Bluffs Beach–few were successful. The gold was so fine–extracting and separating it from the sand turned out to be extremely costly and time-consuming.
NOTE: Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach. If you have a parking permit for Gold Bluffs Beach, park in the Day Use area near the campground.
Only those with parking permits for Fern Canyon may park at the end of the road by the Fern Canyon Trailhead.
21. Fern Canyon Trail
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A short walk will take you to the entrance of this primeval-looking world where scenes from Jurassic Park: The Lost World were filmed.
You can hike through the canyon and then return through the forest on the loop trail. Or you can meander through the canyon both ways. It’s about a mile either way.
NOTE: No dogs are allowed on the trail. Bring water shoes as there may be several stream crossings. Park in the Day Use area at the end of the road by the Fern Canyon Trailhead--not at the campground.
22. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
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Lady Bird Johnson Grove features a family-friendly loop trail that winds through the forest and showcases a variety of ferns, colorful rhododendrons, and tall trees.
The grove is named after Lady Bird Johnson–the wife of former President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The First Lady championed the creation of a national park to protect the redwoods. Thanks in part to her efforts, Congress created Redwood National Park in 1968.
In 1969, President Nixon dedicated this grove to Mrs. Johnson. The grove commemorates this special lady who left the world a more beautiful place.
23. Redwood Creek Overlook
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Redwood Creek Overlook is located past Lady Bird Johnson Grove up in the Bald Hills.
The scenic overlook stands 2,100 feet or 640 meters above sea level.
From that vantage point, you can see sweeping views of redwood forests and the sparkling Pacific Ocean in the distance.
It’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset or gaze at the stars.
24. Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center
Robin Montgomery
The Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Redwood National Park and features exhibits, park information, a park store, and restrooms.
Behind the center, you’ll find trails to the beach. It’s another amazing place to look for whales or watch the sunset.
Historical Markers
S.S. Emidio Historical Marker
Robin Montgomery
The S.S. Emidio Historical Marker in Crescent City commemorates the first casualty of the Imperial Japanese Navy's submarine attack on California's Pacific Coast.
On December 20, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a Japanese sub attacked the General Petroleum Corporation tanker S.S. Emidio.
Five crewmen were killed in the attack, and the abandoned vessel drifted north until it ran aground on rocks near Crescent City.
The memorial is located next to Beachfront Park on the corner of Front Street and Stamps Way in downtown Crescent City.
WWII National Tribute Grove Marker
Robin Montgomery
The National Tribute Grove honors the 16 million Americans who served in WWII and serves as a living monument to WWII veterans.
At 5,000 acres, this grove is the nation's largest WWII memorial. The grove includes two of the 30 largest trees on earth.
The National Tribute Grove marker is located in the Jedediah Smith Day Use Area and marks the final 500 acres purchased--a challenge taken on by the Daughters of the American Revolution who raised over $26,000.
Their donation was matched by the state of California to complete the purchase.
RELATED: Biggest Trees in Redwood National and State Parks
Restaurants
Hiouchi Cafe, Crescent City
Robin Montgomery
This quaint, historic cafe is located near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and offers a hearty breakfast, lunch, and food to go.
- 2095 Hwy 199
- Hiouchi, CA 95531
- 707-459-3445
Sea Quake, Crescent City
Robin Montgomery
Located in Crescent City, Sea Quake features a tap house and restaurant with locally brewed draft beers and kombuchas, brick oven pizza, and local grass-fed organic burgers, seafood, and their famous cheese curds.
- 400 Front St.
- Crescent City, CA 95531
- 707-465-4444
Chart Room Restaurant, Crescent City
Robin Montgomery
The Chart Room Restaurant serves up delicious seafood dishes including classics like fish and chips and clam chowder. Enjoy views of Crescent City Harbor while you dine. You may even spot sea lions and harbor seals basking in the sun nearby.
- 130 Anchor Way
- Crescent City, CA
- 707-464-5993
Historic Requa Inn, Klamath
Robin Montgomery
The Historic Requa Inn is located on the Klamath River and features delicious farm-style breakfasts with views of the river below. For groups of over six people, please call ahead for reservations.
- 145 Requa Rd.
- Klamath, CA 95548
- 707-482-1425
Country Club Bar & Grill (over 21)
Robin Montgomery
If you are hungry for burgers, Country Club Bar & Grill is the place to go. This little restaurant is conveniently located in Klamath. Only those 21 and over are allowed inside the building, but families can order from their pickup window.
- 156 Klamath Blvd.
- Klamath, CA 95548
- 707-482-3275
Lodging
Tourist Activities and Attractions
Explore Redwood with Shaka Guide
Visiting Redwoods National and State Parks is a magical experience. From the deep silence of the ancient redwood forests to the crashing surf of the rugged coast, this place inspires awe like no other.
Whether you spend just one day or several days here, you’ll find lots to see and explore in California’s unforgettable redwoods.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Redwood National & States 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 & States Park Know Before You Go article.
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