Napa Valley --> Redwood Trees?
 

Hi. We'll be visiting wine country in Napa Valley in August, staying in Yountville. I was wondering about the feasibility of taking a day and doing a drive through one of the redwood forests. Would this be doable? How far away? Which park/drive would you recommend? Thanks!

First thing to know -- there are two kinds of redwoods you might want to visit. Coastal redwoods are found on (surprise!) the coast of California. Sequoia redwoods are found on the western side of the Sierra Nevada. The former are the TALLEST trees in the world, the latter are the LARGEST. Both are breath-taking and well worth a day trip -- *IF* you can do the trip in a day! However, be aware of the difference, as you don't want to go to one type and be "disappointed" when you don't see the other type.

Second thing to know -- the best places to view either of these are at the national parks named for each type. Redwood NP for the former, Sequoia NP for the latter. There are national monuments and state parks with one or the other, but they pale in comparision to the NPs.

Third thing to know -- these NPs are just too far away from Napa for a day trip. So you'll have to "settle" for NMs and state parks. They'll be fine, but nowhere near the best possible.

Your choices for places within a day's drive of Napa are as follows:
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=450
www.nps.gov/muwo
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=540
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546

Great post! I appreciate the leads.

we went to armstrong national reserve on a 1/2 day trip from napa, and were able to hit a couple of vineyards in the late afternoon.

Here is what you want:

Armstrong Redwoods Park

www.co.sonoma.ca.us
Reaally lovely area..nice wide cedar chip paths or you can walk on blktop if needed. Lovely stands of Redwoods some interpretive trails, hiking, picnic area and a great amphitheater. LAy down on one of teh benches and look up at the tall, tall trees..if it is quiet you will think you are in heaven with the sun streaming down...

We do a day trip...we pack a picnic lunch from Oakville grocer or your choice, go to Armstrong hike, picnic and continue out to Pacific coast play on the beach at the river.

Hi jaydreb5

Not to disrespect other posters but the California State Parks have the best redwoods. Up here in Humboldt and Del Norte counties the national and state parks are managed jointly. However the State parks have been around for 70 or 80 years. Redwood National Park was established in the late 70's and most of the land is second growth taken to protect the watersheads of the state parks. Most of our visitors think they are in the National Park when in fact they are in a state park.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park has the best over all redwoods. Armstrong SNR (State Nature Reserve)would be a great place to visit.

Have Fun
GP