31 Best Sights in Redwood National and State Parks, California

This is the most challenging but also the most rewarding of the Howland Hill Road hikes. Give yourself about three hours to complete this 5.6-mile round-trip trek to verdant Fern Falls. The old-growth redwoods on the tranquil trail are magnificent. If you don't have enough time, the ½-mile-loop Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a nearby alternative. Moderate.

The 9-mile, narrow, and partially unpaved Coastal Drive Loop takes about 45 minutes to traverse. Weaving through redwoods, the road yields close-up Klamath River views and expansive Pacific panoramas. This loop, closed to trailers and RVs, is all that remains of a longer drive. A spur road leads to the High Bluff Overlook, a premier whale-watching spot; a ½-mile trail leads down to the beach. A little less than a mile north of the overlook lies the B-71 Radar Station, which looks like a farmhouse, its disguise during World War II. About ½-mile farther along, hikers access the Flint Ridge section of the Coastal Trail, also possible off Klamath Beach Road.

This gorgeous 70-mile trail, much of it along dramatic bluffs high above the crashing surf, can be tackled in short, relatively easy chunks or longer, strenuous spans that entail backcountry overnight camping. A few of the most alluring smaller sections, listed here from north to south, are accessible at well-marked trailheads. The moderate-to-difficult DeMartin section (accessed from mile marker 15.6 on U.S. 101) leads south past 6 miles of old-growth redwoods and through sweeping prairie. It connects with the moderate 5½-mile-long Klamath section, which proceeds south from Wilson Creek Picnic Area to Klamath River Overlook, with a short detour to Hidden Beach and its tide pools, providing coastal views and whale-watching opportunities. If you're up for a real workout, hike the brutally difficult but stunning Flint Ridge section (accessed from the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge Site on Klamath Beach Rd.), with its 4½ miles of steep grades and numerous switchbacks past Marshall Pond and through stands of old-growth redwoods. Moderate–Difficult.

Enter another world and be surrounded by 50-foot canyon walls covered with sword, deer, and five-finger ferns. Allow an hour to explore the ¼-mile-long vertical garden along a 0.7-mile loop. From the northern end of Gold Bluffs Beach it's an easy walk, although you'll have to wade across or scamper along planks that traverse a small stream several times (in addition to driving across a couple of streams on the way to the parking area). But the lush, otherworldly surroundings, which appeared in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), are a must-see when creeks aren't running too high. Motor homes/RVs and all trailers are prohibited. You can also hike to the canyon from Prairie Creek Visitor Center along the challenging West Ridge–Friendship Ridge–James Irvine Loop, 12½ miles round-trip.

This picnic area's sunsets and whale-watching are unequaled. A ½-mile trail leads from here to the beach.

Take your time as you drive this 10-mile route that meanders within inches of old-growth redwoods' hulking trunks and follows the Smith River for a spell. Trailers and RVs are prohibited on the unpaved but well-maintained road for the roughly 7 miles that pass through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Pull-outs include those for the Boy Scout Tree and Stout Memorial Grove trailheads.

This flat, well-maintained, 3½-mile loop starting and ending at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center passes beneath awe-inspiring redwoods. The 1-mile section along the Karl Knapp Trail (formerly the Prairie Creek Trail) fringes a babbling brook. You then cross Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, turn south onto the Cathedral Trees Trail, and detour along the 0.3-mile Big Tree Loop before meandering south and west through yet more gorgeous old-growth forest. Options for extending your hike include walking 1½ miles up Cal-Barrel Road (an old, unpaved logging route) and then looping back 2 miles on the Rhododendron Trail to rejoin Cathedral Trees. Easy–Moderate.

This grassy, windswept bluff rises 650 feet above the confluence of the Klamath River and the Pacific. Among RNSP's best spots for spying migratory whales in early winter and late spring (other wildlife year-round), it accesses a section of the Coastal Trail. Warm days are ideal for picnicking at one of the tables.

Among the most accessible spots to view big trees, this impressive grove a short drive northeast of Orick was dedicated by, and named for, the former first lady. A level, 1.4-mile nature loop crosses a neat old wooden footbridge and follows an old logging road through this often mist-shrouded forest of redwoods. Easy.

This paved 10-mile route threads through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and old-growth redwoods. Great stops include the 0.8-mile walk to Big Tree Wayside and a meadow where Roosevelt elk often graze—both are near the park's visitor center.

A massive stone fireplace anchors this small redwood lodge whose wildlife displays include a section of a tree a young elk died beside. Due to the peculiar way the redwood grew around the elk's skull, the tree appears to have antlers. You can learn about interpretive programs at the center, which has a gift shop, a picnic area, restrooms, and exhibits on flora and fauna. Roosevelt elk often roam the vast field across the parkway, and several trails begin nearby. Stretch your legs with a stroll along Revelation Trail, a short loop that starts behind the lodge.

Civilization quickly recedes as you walk amid the grove's breathtakingly majestic standing and fallen old-growth trees. Ferns and redwood sorrel line the wide and easy path, which loops for ½ mile back to the parking lot. Extend your hike another mile following the slightly more difficult River Trail, which sidles along the Smith River. Easy.

Rangers at RNSP's largest and best visitor center dispense brochures, advice, and free permits to drive up the access road to Tall Trees Grove. Whale-watchers find the center's deck an excellent observation point, and bird-watchers enjoy the nearby Freshwater Lagoon, a popular layover for migrating waterfowl. Many of the exhibits are hands-on and kid-friendly.

On this lush trek through a mix of old-growth redwoods, ferns, smaller deciduous trees, and some clusters of trillium flowers, you'll encounter the pretty cascades that give the hike its name after the first ½ mile. It's worth continuing along the full 2.8-mile loop, as the walk's southern end offers the best views of soaring redwoods. Roosevelt elk sometimes roam in the meadow by the trailhead. Easy–Moderate.

This steep, dramatic road winding up to some of the parks' highest elevations accesses great hikes—Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Lyons Ranch among them—as well as the spur road to Tall Trees Grove. But it's wondrously scenic all on its own, passing through a sometimes misty redwood patch before reaching open meadows with wildflowers in spring and the chance to see Roosevelt elk and bears year-round. Do stop at Redwood Creek Overlook, a 2,100-foot elevation pullout at mile 6.6. Bald Hills Road is paved for the first 13 miles. It continues another 4 miles unpaved to RNSP's southern boundary. From here you can continue another 20 miles or so to the small village of Weitchpec and then onward inland toward Redding or Yreka.

During low tide, you can walk from the pier across the ocean floor to this working lighthouse. Built in 1856, it houses a museum with nautical artifacts and shipwreck photographs. There's purportedly a resident ghost.

The scenery here includes views of the ocean and, in the distance, Crescent City and its working harbor. In balmy weather this is a fine spot for a picnic. You may spot migrating gray whales between November and April.

This spectacular stretch of sand at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park's northern end has a grassy picnic area with tables, firepits, and restrooms, and there's a stunning overlook just to the south.

The headquarters of RSNP is the main information stop if you're approaching from the north. Located downtown, the center also has a gift shop and picnic area.

In addition to many elk, this spot has a campground, a nature trail, and a ranger station.

This small center at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park has exhibits about the area's flora and fauna. A starting point for ranger programs (daily in summer, some weekends the rest of the year), the center has restrooms and a picnic area.

Adjacent to the state park's main campground, this seasonal center has information about ranger-led walks and evening campfire programs. Also here are nature and history exhibits, a gift shop, and a picnic area.

Here, you can beachcomb, explore the freshwater lagoon, or hike along a trail.

You won't see redwoods on this open, upper-elevation, 3.7-mile round-trip trail, but on summer days when the coast is socked in with rain or fog, an outing to this typically sunny prairie at Redwood National Park's southeastern boundary is highly rewarding, as is the steep—but slow—17-mile drive on Bald Hills Road. The trail leads to a former sheep and cattle ranch with a few interesting old outbuildings that date from the turn of the 20th century. Moderate.

The small center rescues and rehabilitates stranded, sick, and injured seals, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises. Placards and kiosks provide information about marine mammals and coastal ecosystems, and even when the place is closed you can observe the rescued animals through a fence enclosing individual pools. Call the day of your visit to find out when feedings will occur.

At an elevation of 2,100 feet, this impressive vista point with interpretive signs and picnic tables is a nice spot along picturesque Bald Hills Road to break for a meal. It can get foggy up here, so check weather conditions beforehand.

Of the redwood hikes in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this flat, easy, 1-mile loop through an incredibly dense forest is the best fit if you have only an hour or so. The trailhead is a short hop off U.S. 199 between Crescent City and Hiouchi, and interpretative signs tell a bit about the diverse flora—you'll encounter hemlocks, huckleberries, and many ferns along this route. Easy.

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.