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Day Trips from Redwood National Park

Day Trips from Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Accessible Locations

Patrick's Point State Park in Trinidad, about 1 hour south, features stunning coastal views, tide pools, and a recreated Yurok village. Ferndale, 1.5-2 hours south, is a charming Victorian village with well-preserved architecture, shops, and a historic cemetery.

Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 31-mile alternative to Highway 101, is south of the park's main units, starting near Phillipsville. It showcases numerous private redwood groves and drive-thru trees. Combine it with your journey to or from San Francisco. Explore Humboldt Bay, California's largest bay north of San Francisco, featuring Old Town Eureka, wildlife refuges, and the Samoa Peninsula. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, part of the RNSP complex, has unique coastal redwood experiences and the Damnation Creek Trail.

Transportation and Tours

  • A rental car is ideal for all day trips, granting freedom and access.
  • Public transit between towns is limited.
  • Private companies conduct guided tours, focusing on specific park sections or combining them with local attractions.
  • Patrick's Point and Trinidad need a half-day to full-day. Ferndale a half-day. Avenue of the Giants a full-day. Consider Day trip bookings through GetYourGuide for structured excursions.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the towering redwoods, the region has a variety of breathtaking natural settings.

Parks and Reserves

Headwaters Forest Reserve, near Eureka, protects old-growth redwood and Douglas fir forest. Access is via guided tours and limited public entry. Humboldt Lagoons State Park welcomes birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking around freshwater lagoons.

Experiences

  • Old-growth forest exploration
  • Birdwatching opportunities
  • Kayaking on lagoons

Scenic Wonders

The Lost Coast, a rugged, undeveloped shoreline south of Eureka, has dramatic scenery. Some sections involve driving on unpaved roads. Experienced hikers can tackle the Lost Coast Trail. Fern Canyon is a stunning natural marvel.

Visual Highlights

  • Rugged coastline views
  • Dramatic coastal drives
  • Unique Fern Canyon

Diverse Landscapes & Seasonal Wonders

Beaches & Rural Areas

  • Gold Bluffs Beach, remote and windswept, features unique geology.
  • Smith River National Recreation Area features a clear river and swimming holes.
  • It offers more hiking in a less-visited area.
  • Roads to some areas may be unpaved.

Seasonal Phenomena

  • Grey whales migrate along the coast in spring (March-May) and fall (November-January).
  • View them best from coastal overlooks.
  • Wildflowers bloom in spring (April-May) in meadows and forest clearings.
  • Fall and winter are prime seasons for mushroom foraging (expert knowledge and permits required).

Local Flavors & Arts

  • Loleta Cheese FactoryLocal Cheeses
  • Dell'Arte InternationalPerforming Arts
  • Mad River Brewing Co.Craft Beer
  • Arcata PlazaCommunity Hub
  • Old Town EurekaVictorian Architecture
  • Ferndale VillageHistoric Charm
  • Humboldt BayCoastal Exploration
  • Kuchel Visitor CenterPark Information

Notice on Pilgrimage Sites

No specific pilgrimage sites are listed for general tourism in the provided content reference.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the rich heritage and unique local character surrounding the Redwood parks.

Fort Humboldt

Former U.S. Army fort from the 1850s, revealing early California history.

Loleta Cheese

Small community known for its local cheese factory.

Blue Lake Arts

Home to Dell'Arte International and Mad River Brewing Company.

Cultural Preservation

Support Native American cultural centers and initiatives. Park lands are ancestral homelands of Native American communities.

Respectful Interactions

  • Engage respectfully with local communities.
  • Ask permission before photographing individuals.
  • Be mindful of noise in quiet natural settings.

Economic Support

Patronize local businesses in towns like Crescent City, Klamath, Orick, Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka.

Ethical Shopping

  • Look for locally made crafts and products.
  • Inquire about sustainably sourced items.
  • Consider donations to park non-profit partners.

Visitor Guidelines

Photography is generally allowed for personal use.
Drones are strictly prohibited within National Park Service lands.
Commercial filming or photography requires a permit.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially Native Americans.
It is best to avoid deep discussions on politics or religion with strangers.
Littering or environmental damage is strictly prohibited.

Ecological Integrity

  • Littering or environmental damage is strictly prohibited and highly frowned upon.
  • Staying on marked trails protects the environment.
  • Support local cultural centers and initiatives.
  • Be mindful of land and cultural heritage.
  • Adherence to Leave No Trace Principles minimizes your visit's environmental impact.

Multi-Day Extensions

Expand your northern California adventure by adding more days to your itinerary and exploring beyond the redwoods.

Northward Journey

Continue north on Hwy 101 into Oregon to discover charming coastal towns like Brookings, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor with its natural bridges and sea stacks, and Gold Beach.

Oregon Highlights

  • Brookings coastal town
  • Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
  • Gold Beach experiences

Southern Coast

Head south on scenic Highway 1, a partially narrow and winding route, to discover the dramatic coastline, including Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and the picturesque town of Mendocino.

California Coast Gems

  • Glass Beach in Fort Bragg
  • Mendocino picturesque town
  • Scenic Highway 1 drive

Eastern Ventures

Drive east to explore Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park with its volcanic landscapes and hot springs, and various lakes.

Eastern Destinations

  • Mount Shasta exploration
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Various lakes and hot springs

Pacific Northwest Loop

Combine Redwoods with the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, and Olympic National Park for a comprehensive regional journey.

Extended Exploration

  • Oregon Coast attractions
  • Urban exploration in Portland and Seattle
  • Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystems

Recommended Routes & Transport

California Coastal Road Trip

Combine Redwood with Avenue of the Giants, Mendocino Coast, Sonoma/Napa wine country, San Francisco, Monterey, and Big Sur.

Pacific Northwest Loop

Combine Redwoods with the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, and Olympic National Park.

Transportation Details

All extensions are best done by private vehicle. Amtrak Thruway bus connects cities like Klamath Falls, near Oregon, or Redding to Amtrak train services.

Logistics

San Francisco and the Bay Area lie to the south. The Oregon Coast and Portland are to the north. Lassen Volcanic National Park is to the east.