The redwood trees in Redwood National Park are over 2,000 years old, rising over 300 feet tall and reaching a circumference of more than 90 feet around. Redwood National Park is one of the holiest national parks in the United States, with over 40,000 acres of old-growth forest and Jurassic-era fossils. It’s humbling to walk through the lovely, green forest among these great giants (and unlike anywhere else in the world). Whether you love a stroll in the forest, vistas of the Pacific Ocean, river activities, or wildlife spotting, the park has something for everyone. Let’s have a look.
Where is Redwood National Park?
The Redwood National and State Parks are located on California’s northern coast. From Crescent City, CA, near the Oregon border, to Orick, CA, the parklands run for about 50 miles. Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park are all under the administration of the National Park Service for leisure and protection.
Best time to visit
Between May and September, the most people visit Redwood National Park. Summer is also the driest season, with only two to five wet days per month. Summer brings low-hanging fog from the Pacific Ocean to Redwood National Park. This fog offers moisture to the redwoods and is a photographer’s dream for moody images.
During the rest of the year, there are an average of 17 rainy days each month and fewer visitors. Redwood National Park, on the other hand, is open all year. The pleasant seaside climate maintains temperatures in the 50s and 60s all year. If you prefer seclusion, come in the winter when many paths are closed to the public.
How to get there?
The closest big city to Redwood National Park is San Francisco. It’s roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive south of Redwood, and it’s home to the area’s main airport. To get to Redwood National Park, take US-101 north from San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue for another 310 miles on US-101 N. The 101 passes through Redwood National Park, and the stretch of the highway that goes through the park is known as Redwood Highway.
Park Weather
Redwood National Park, which is located along the coast of Northern California, has a wetter, cooler climate that is frequently blanketed in fog. Throughout the year, temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. Summer is the best time to visit because temperatures are slightly warmer, in the 70s, and rainfall is lower. Rainfall is most from October through April, averaging 60-80 inches across the region.
Park Timings
Redwood National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day. Due to COVID-19, Redwood National Park is only open to a limited number of visitors. Check out the current circumstances for the most up-to-date information.
Park Entrance Fee
The highways and picturesque routes that run through the national park and linked state parks have free entrance costs. There are $8 day-use vehicle fees in some sites, such as Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon and Jedediah Smith Campground.
Redwood National Park Hiking Trails
Tall Trees Grove
Fern Canyon
JAMES IRVINE TO FERN CANYON LOOP
Enderts Beach
Prairie Creek
Cathedral Tree Loop
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or restaurants inside the limits of Redwood National Park. Camping at one of the park’s four designated campgrounds or going into the wilderness are your best options for staying in the park.
Reserve California allows you to book any of the park’s four campgrounds. Also, I strongly advise you to book a reservation! While not as competitive as other parks such as Yosemite, campgrounds will fill up well in advance of summer. Once you’ve decided your trip plan, it’s always wise to book a reservation.