34 Best Sights in Redwood National Park, California

Although this roughly 30-acre grove ranks among the parks' most beautiful old-growth stands, getting to it requires a steep and winding 14-mile drive, followed by a somewhat rigorous 4-mile round-trip hike involving an 800-foot descent into the Redwood Creek flood plain. To embark on this journey, you must obtain a free permit at the Kuchel center to access the unpaved road off Bald Hills Road. Rangers dispense a limited number per day, first come, first served. No trailers or RVs are allowed. Given the effort required, if you only have a little time, it's best to save this one for your second or third visit. Moderate.

Since opening in 1946, this goofy but endearing roadside attraction has been doling out family fun. The kitschy thrills begin the moment you pull your car up to the 49-foot-tall talking statue of Paul Bunyan alongside Babe the Blue Ox. You can then explore a genuinely informative museum of Native American artifacts, admire intricately carved redwood figures, and browse tacky souvenirs. A six-passenger gondola glides over the redwood treetops for a majestic view of the forest canopy, which you can also experience 50–100 feet high on the Redwood Canopy Trail. At ground level, several mostly easy trails wind through the adjacent forest.

For a long, moderately strenuous trek, try this 12½-mile loop. The difficult West Ridge segment passes redwoods looming above a carpet of ferns. The slightly less taxing Friendship Ridge portion slopes down toward the coast through spruce and hemlock forests and accesses Fern Canyon. The moderate James Irvine Trail winds along a small creek amid dense redwood stands. For a less intensive experience, hike only one section. Moderate.

Providing a scenic opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in fresh sea air, this 1.2-mile loop starts at the southern end of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. After following the California Coastal Trail for a short stretch, the path forks off toward False Klamath Cove—keep an eye out for shorebirds and migrating whales here. Just north of False Klamath Cove, there's excellent beachcombing at Wilson Creek Beach. Easy.