Trip to the Redwoods in March
 

My husband and I are planning a special trip to northern Calif to visit the redwoods, but recently found out that our our only time to go will be mid-March (rather than the summer).
Do you think that we can have a nice time (mainly hiking) at that time of year, or should we choose a warmer location? Can anyone recommend a three day itinerary for Jed Smith and the other parks in that
area? Thank you so much.

Dear Langdrum,
Mid-March is the "beginning of the end" of our rainy season. You will get some rain but it will not be as chilly as it is right now. The bigger storms(such as are happening in Northern Cal right now) will also be over for the most part.

I am not familiar enough with the Jed Smith area to advise you of a specific itinerary. However, I can tell you the main advantage of being in the redwoods during the wetter parts of the year. The woods are more "alive", it seems to me, in the damp. The mosses are at their greenest - almost fluorescent in color, and mushrooms, lichens and the beloved banana slugs abound. You can almost feel the big trees breathing in the moisture. That's just my take on it - but I would not put off a trip in mid-March just because of a little rain.

I agree that the redwoods are at their best during the wet months. Redwoods in the rain are one of my favorite things - fortunately there are plenty of redwoods around here so I get my fill ;)

March is towards the end of the rainy season but I've been in Yosemite in early March when 5 ft. of snow fell overnight. You could have the equivalent rain in the redwoods at that time, so be prepared.

If you are lucky and arrive between storms, the Redwoods will be lovely. Mid-summer is the worst time to go because of the crowds.

The trails are open year-round and are lovely in any season. May is probably my favorite time but only because the rhododendron and azaelas are blooming then.

We are also planning a trip that includes the Redwoods in March. We are just starting our planning, so have not had time to look into much yet. Does anyone have any good websites for the area?