Redwood National Park: Visitor Guide

Redwood National and State Parks protect roughly 45% of all remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest — 139,000 acres of trees that can exceed 2,000 years of age and grow taller than a 35-story building. The tallest known living tree on Earth, Hyperion at 380.3 feet, grows somewhere in these forests (its location is kept secret to protect it from compaction damage). Unlike most national parks, Redwood is jointly managed with three California state parks — Prairie Creek, Jedediah Smith, and Del Norte — creating a 75-mile corridor of protected coast and forest that feels genuinely vast.

Entry and Costs

Redwood National Park itself charges no entrance fee. This makes it unusual among major US national parks. However:

• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park — approximately $8–10/vehicle day-use fee as of 2026.
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park — approximately $8–10/vehicle day-use fee.
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park — approximately $8–10/vehicle day-use fee.

The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) does not cover California state park fees but does cover federal camping sites. Budget approximately $25–30 in state park fees if you’re spending a full day across multiple areas.

When to Visit

July–August is the driest and warmest: coastal fog often burns off by midday, temperatures reach 65–70°F, and all roads and facilities are fully open. Peak visitor season — arrive early at Fern Canyon.

June can be foggy (“June Gloom”) along the coast but the ferns are lush and crowds are slightly thinner. Excellent for photography.

April–May: Rain is still likely but the forest comes alive with green. Elk calves appear. Expect some road closures from winter storm damage.

September–October: One of the best windows — fog clears reliably, summer crowds drop after Labor Day, and early fall light through the canopy is extraordinary.

November–March: Significant rainfall (the park gets 60–100 inches annually). Some campgrounds close. Access to Tall Trees Grove becomes unreliable.

Getting There

The park stretches along US-101 (the Redwood Highway) in far northern California, about 330 miles north of San Francisco and 80 miles south of the Oregon border. The nearest airports are Arcata/Eureka (ACV), about 40 miles south of the main visitor hub at Orick, and Crescent City (CEC), about 4 miles from the park’s northern section. Most visitors drive from San Francisco (5–6 hours) or fly to Arcata. Car hire is essential — there’s no public transit into the park. Compare options at /go/car-hire-usa.

Key Areas and Experiences

Lady Bird Johnson Grove (free, no permit): A short 1.3-mile loop through old-growth redwoods, dedicated by President Nixon in 1969. The most accessible old-growth grove — paved path, wheelchair accessible sections. Located off Bald Hills Road above Orick.

Tall Trees Grove (free permit required): Home to some of the world’s tallest trees, including former record holders. Reached via 14 miles of unpaved road (high-clearance recommended) followed by a 3.6-mile round-trip hike. Permits are limited — get them at the Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, or reserve at recreation.gov.

Fern Canyon (Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek SP): A short slot canyon with 50-foot walls draped in five-fern species — famously used in Jurassic Park 2. The 1-mile loop requires wading through a shallow stream. Reach it via 5 miles of unpaved Gold Bluffs Beach Road (no vehicles over 24 feet or 8 feet wide). Day-use fee applies.

Elk Meadow: Reliable Roosevelt elk sightings year-round, particularly in early morning and evening. Pull-outs along US-101 near Orick.

Jedediah Smith (northernmost section): The most remote old-growth grove, along the Smith River. Stout Grove is a short walk to some of the largest redwoods in the park. The road through to Howland Hill offers a 10-mile unpaved forest drive through unbroken old-growth canopy.

Campgrounds

• Elk Prairie Campground (Prairie Creek SP) — 75 sites in old-growth redwoods, flush toilets, some RV sites. Approximately $35–45/night. Bookable at reservecalifornia.com.
• Jedediah Smith Campground — 86 sites on the Smith River with old-growth redwood canopy. Approximately $35–45/night. Very popular — book 6 months ahead for summer.
• Gold Bluffs Beach Campground — 26 sites directly on the Pacific, adjacent to Fern Canyon. No RVs over 24 feet. Approximately $35/night. Walk to Fern Canyon from camp.
• Mill Creek Campground (Del Norte SP) — 145 sites in a mixed forest, the largest campground in the complex. Approximately $35/night.

Lodging Near the Park

No lodging inside the parks. The nearest towns:

• Orick (gateway to southern sections) — minimal services; the Elk Meadow Cabins run approximately $250–350/night and are the closest proper lodging to Fern Canyon.
• Eureka (40 miles south) — largest city near the park; chain hotels from approximately $100–180/night; Historic Carter House Inns at approximately $200–350/night.
• Crescent City (near northern sections) — budget motels approximately $80–150/night; Curly Redwood Lodge (a 1950s motel with a certain charm) approximately $100–130/night.

Safety

• Sneaker waves: the northern California coast is notorious for unexpected large waves sweeping beaches without warning. Never turn your back on the ocean; keep 50 feet of beach between you and the surf.
• Slippery trails: the fern and moss-covered trails stay wet year-round. Waterproof boots with grip are strongly recommended.
• Black bears: present but rarely encountered. Use bear boxes at campgrounds; bears can enter poorly secured tents.
• Poison oak: abundant in the understory, especially along creek trails. Learn to identify three-leaflet shiny leaves.
• Tick season: April–October; check thoroughly after any off-trail hiking.

The adjacent Smith River National Recreation Area (free access) offers Class IV–V whitewater kayaking in spring — one of the best undiscovered outdoor experiences in northern California.