Redwood National Park California, USA Travel Guide
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 a few 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 preserve's main units, starting near Phillipsville. It highlights numerous private redwood groves and drive-thru trees. Combine it with your journey to or from The Bay area. Explore Humboldt Bay, California's largest bay north of The City by the bay, 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.
Beyond the towering redwoods, the region has a variety of breathtaking natural settings.
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.
The Lost Coast, a rough, undeveloped shoreline south of Eureka, has stunning landscapes. Some sections involve driving on unpaved roads. Experienced hikers can tackle the Lost Coast Trail. Fern Canyon is a breathtaking natural marvel.
Explore the rich heritage and unique local character surrounding the Redwood parks.
Former U.S. Army fort from the 1850s, revealing early California history.
Small community known for its local cheese factory.
Home to Dell'Arte International and Mad River Brewing Company.
Support Native American cultural centers and initiatives. Park lands are ancestral homelands of Native American communities.
Buy from local businesses in towns like Crescent City, Klamath, Orick, Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka.
Expand your northern California adventure by adding more days to your itinerary and exploring beyond the redwoods.
Continue north on Hwy 101 into Oregon to discover charming beach towns such as Brookings, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor with its natural bridges and sea stacks, and Gold Beach.
Head south on scenic California STATE route 1, a partially narrow and winding route, to discover the dramatic coastline, including Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and the picturesque town of Mendocino.
Drive east to explore Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park with its volcanic landscapes and hot springs, and various lakes.
Combine Redwoods with the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, and Olympic National Park for a comprehensive regional journey.
Combine Redwood with Avenue of the Giants, Mendocino Coast, Sonoma/Napa wine country, San Francisco, Monterey, and The Greatest meeting of land and sea.
Combine Redwoods with the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, and Olympic National Park.
All extensions are best done via private vehicle. Amtrak Thruway bus connects cities like Klamath Falls, near Oregon, or Redding to Amtrak train services.
