Getting Around Redwood National Park. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

The park provides many well-maintained hiking trails varying in length and difficulty. Visitor centers have designated parking for accessing nearby trails.

Newton B. Drury Parkway and Howland Hill Road are popular for walking and cycling.

Popular Walking Routes

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: An accessible loop trail with interpretive signage.
Tall Trees Grove Trail: Access requires a permit, a descent into a majestic redwood bottomland.
Fern Canyon: A unique and scenic walk through a fern-covered canyon (requires short creek crossings).
Coastal Trails: Various trails offer walks along rugged beaches and bluffs.

Self-Guided Tours

Many interpretive trails offer self-guided options with signage. The NPS app provides detailed self-guided experiences.

Ranger-Led Walks

Ranger-led walks and talks are offered seasonally, mainly in summer. Check visitor center schedules upon arrival for specific times and topics.

Private Tour Operators

A few private tour operators offer guided bus tours from regional cities into the park, combining scenic drives with short walks. Good for those without a private vehicle.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

Cycling Routes

Newton B. Drury Parkway: A paved, scenic road suitable for cycling, shared with vehicles.
Howland Hill Road: A gravel, unpaved road popular for cycling among redwoods, also shared with vehicles.
The Coastal Trail: A multi-use trail system, some sections are paved and suitable for cycling.

Safety on Wheels

Always wear a Helmet for safety.
Be aware of vehicles on shared roads and adhere to traffic laws.
Carry water and a Repair kit for your bicycle.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians & Cyclists

Off-Trail Travel

Avoid to protect fragile ecosystems and ensure visitor safety.

Hazardous Areas

Some areas may close temporarily due to hazards like fallen trees or high water.

Poison Oak Zones

Be aware of and avoid areas with dense poison oak growth.

Unstable Terrain

Stay away from bluffs or riverbanks that may be unstable.

Specialized Transportation

Redwood National Park does not feature unique local transport systems like cable cars or funiculars. Transport within the park mainly relies on private vehicles and the designated road network.

Tour Buses & Services

No hop-on-hop-off services operate directly within the park.
Some private tour companies offer guided bus tours from nearby cities.
These tours often combine scenic drives with short interpretive walks.
Booking these tours in advance is advisable, especially during peak season.

Boat Taxis & Water Transport

Not applicable for park access. No commercial ferry or boat taxi services.
Recreational kayaking and rafting are popular on the Klamath and Smith Rivers.
These river activities are for leisure, not for park transportation.
No immigration procedures at seaports are relevant to the park.

Accessibility Services

Some visitor centers and popular trails have paved or boardwalk sections.
Parts of Newton B. Drury Parkway are accessible.
Portions of Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Accessible restrooms are available at various park facilities.
Some campgrounds offer accessible sites.
Check the park's official accessibility page for detailed information.

Unique Local Transport

Funiculars

Not present in or near Redwood National Park.

Cable Cars

Not available in the park area; found in major cities like San Francisco.

Special Shuttles

Seasonal shuttles may operate for specific park areas, check park announcements.

Getting Around Summary

For most visitors, a personal vehicle is necessary for effective exploration of Redwood National Park due to the dispersed nature of its attractions and limited public transport.

Driving & Parking

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and access to all park areas.
Be mindful of varying road conditions, from paved highways to gravel roads.
Parking is available at visitor centers and trailheads; arrive early during peak season.
Always carry offline maps or a physical map as cell service is inconsistent.

Alternative Options

Hiking and cycling are excellent ways to experience specific park trails and scenic roads.
Public buses connect nearby towns but offer very limited park access.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are largely restricted to urban areas outside the park.
Consider guided tours if you prefer not to drive yourself.

Navigating Specific Roads

Newton B. Drury Parkway

Paved, scenic, good for all vehicles. Accesses popular trails and viewpoints.

Easy Access

Howland Hill Road

Gravel, unpaved. Suitable for most vehicles but can be dusty or muddy. Drive slowly.

Moderate Access

Tall Trees Grove Access Road

Permit-only. Steep, winding gravel road. Limited vehicle access to protect the grove.

Permit Access

General Driving Tips

Safety First

Watch for wildlife on roads, especially elk, specifically at dawn and dusk.
Be prepared for sudden fog, which can significantly reduce visibility.
Obey all posted speed limits and road closure signs.

Preparation

Keep your fuel tank full, as gas stations are scarce within the park.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for mountain and coastal driving.
Do not rely on cell service for navigation; download maps in advance.

Departure Travel

When departing from Redwood National Park, plan your route to your next destination or airport with travel time and potential traffic in mind. There are no exit fees from the park itself.

Airport Departure

Allow ample time for travel to regional airports (ACV) or major hubs (SFO, OAK).
Try to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight, depending on domestic or international travel.
Return rental cars with enough buffer time before check-in.
Check your airline's specific guidance for baggage and check-in times.

Road Trip Continuation

Plan your next destination on Highway 101 or connecting routes.
Factor in drive times and potential stops for sightseeing or rest.
Road conditions and weather can change quickly; stay updated.
Consider breaking up long drives with overnight stays.

Seasonal Departure

Departing in winter means being prepared for potential road closures due to rain or fallen trees.

No Exit Fees

There are no direct exit fees from Redwood National Park itself, simplifying departure logistics.

Rental Car Return

Ensure your rental car is returned with the correct fuel level to avoid extra charges.

Post-Park Journey

Driving South to Cities

Highway 101 offers a scenic drive back to major California cities.
Consider stops in charming towns like Eureka, Arcata, or Leggett.
Allow a full day for the drive to SFO or OAK.

Driving North to Oregon

Continue north on Highway 101 into Oregon for coastal exploration.
Medford Airport (MFR) in Southern Oregon is an option for onward flights.
Explore Oregon's Crater Lake National Park as a northern extension.

Final Logistics Check

Before leaving the park, double-check all belongings. Ensure you have collected all documents, electronics, and personal items. Empty trash bins and leave no trace of your visit.

Confirm your route and any necessary reservations for your onward journey. A smooth departure helps conclude your Redwood National Park experience positively.

Getting Around Redwood National Park