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Redwood National Park Travel Resources

Redwood National Park Travel Resources

Redwood National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Digital Planning Tools

Recommended Apps

  • National Park Service App

    Official app with offline maps, points of interest, and park information.

  • AllTrails/Gaia GPS

    Detailed hiking trail maps; download offline maps before your trip.

  • Google/Apple Maps

    For general navigation; download offline maps of the area.

  • Weather App

    Check current conditions and forecasts for your travel dates.

  • HappyCow

    Helps locate vegetarian and vegan dining options nearby.

Websites & Social Media

  • Redwood National and State Parks Official Website

    Nps.gov/redw for park conditions, alerts, permits, and visitor center hours.

  • California State Parks

    Parks.ca.gov for state park specific information within RNSP.

  • Humboldt County Visitors Bureau

    Visitredwoods.com for local insights and events.

  • Del Norte County Visitors Bureau

    Exploredelnorte.com for northern region information.

  • ReserveCalifornia.com

    For state park campground reservations.

Print Materials

Guidebooks & Maps

General National Parks guides and local trail maps are available at park visitor centers. A physical road atlas is useful for areas without cell service.

Recommended Reading

Explore 'The Wild Trees' by Richard Preston, 'Redwood: The Story of California's Tall Trees' by Gary Noy, or various children's books.

Local Publications

Local newspapers, like the North Coast Journal in Humboldt County, provide current events. Free visitor guides are available at hotels and visitor centers.

Further Exploration

Visual & Auditory Content

  • Documentaries: Search for films on Redwood National Park or California's natural history.
  • Music: Explore music from local Humboldt County artists.
  • Nature Photography Books: View visual art focused on redwoods.
  • Podcasts: Find podcasts about U.S. National Parks or California travel.

Online Engagement

  • Reddit Communities: Check r/NationalParks or r/California for traveler insights.
  • Travel Forums: TripAdvisor forums answer specific questions.
  • Online Learning: Skillshare for photography courses.
  • Local Blogs: Discover blogs from Redwood enthusiasts.

General Information

Park Overview

  • Park Hours: Vary by season, check NPS website.
  • Visitor Centers: Locations and operating hours available.
  • Camping: Reservations advised for all campgrounds.
  • Permits: Required for some areas like Tall Trees Grove.

Activities

  • Hiking: Trails for all skill levels.
  • Scenic Drives: Many options, like Newton B. Drury Parkway.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Elk are often seen in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
  • Photography: Opportunities exist throughout the park.

Essentials

  • Water: Carry plenty, especially on trails.
  • Layers: Weather changes quickly.
  • Navigation: Offline maps are useful.
  • Leave No Trace: Practice responsible visitation.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911 (U.S.).
  • Redwood National and State Parks Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 707-464-6101 (Verify on nps.gov/redw).
  • Roadside Assistance: Use rental car company's emergency number or AAA.
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

Medical Facilities

  • Sutter Coast Hospital: Crescent City.
  • Providence St. Joseph Hospital: Eureka.
  • Mad River Community Hospital: Arcata.
  • Urgent Care Clinics: Search locally for immediate, non-emergency needs.

Lost Documents & Disaster Prep

  • Lost Passport: Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately, file a police report.
  • Lost Credit Cards: Contact bank or card issuer immediately to cancel and order replacements.
  • Lost Driver's License: Contact your local DMV or equivalent agency.
  • Natural Disasters: Follow "Drop, Cover, Hold On" for earthquakes; move to higher ground for tsunamis; obey wildfire evacuation orders.

Safety on Trails & Wildlife Encounters

Trail Safety Practices

  • Stay on Marked Trails: Prevent getting lost and protect fragile ecosystems.
  • Pack Essentials: Carry water, snacks, first aid, and a headlamp.
  • Awareness: Observe surroundings for hazards.

Wildlife Interaction Guidelines

  • Keep Distance: Never approach or feed wildlife.
  • Secure Food: Store food properly to deter animals.
  • Elk Caution: Be especially careful during rutting and calving seasons.

General Emergency Information

Before an Emergency

  • Inform Others: Share your itinerary with a trusted contact.
  • Emergency Kit: Prepare a comprehensive kit for your vehicle and pack.
  • Battery Life: Keep phones and devices charged.

During an Emergency

  • Stay Calm: Clear thinking aids problem-solving.
  • Assess Situation: Identify immediate dangers.
  • Seek Help: Use satellite messenger or find a ranger if in distress.

Important Travel Documentation

Document Checklist

  1. Passport/ID: Valid identification for all travelers.
  2. Visa/ESTA: If required for entry into the U.S.
  3. Driver's License: Valid U.S. Or international license for driving.
  4. Travel Insurance: Proof of coverage.
  5. Accommodation & Car Rental Confirmations.

Digital Copies

  1. Store Cloud Copies: Keep digital copies of all documents in cloud storage.
  2. Email Copies: Email copies to yourself or trusted contacts.
  3. Offline Access: Ensure digital copies are accessible offline.
  4. Print Backups: Carry physical copies in a separate location from originals.
  5. Emergency Contacts: List important contacts in multiple places.

Health & Safety Tips

First Aid Preparedness

Carry a well-stocked first aid kit suitable for hiking. Include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Insect Repellent

Protect against ticks and mosquitoes, especially in forested areas. Check for ticks after hikes.

Medication & Allergies

Carry any necessary prescription medications in their original containers. Be aware of and communicate any severe allergies.

Emergency Contact Reminder

In any true emergency, dial 911 immediately. For non-emergencies within Redwood National and State Parks, call the park dispatch number 707-464-6101.

General Travel Tips

Solo Traveler Guidance

Safety Measures

  • Stick to Marked Trails

    For safety and navigation in the park.

  • Share Itinerary

    Inform someone of your plans, especially for remote hikes.

  • Emergency Supplies

    Carry a first aid kit, water, and a headlamp.

Social Opportunities

  • Hostel Stays

    Look for hostels in Arcata or Eureka for meeting others.

  • Ranger Programs

    Join guided walks or talks to connect with other visitors.

  • Group Tours

    Consider booking small group tours for shared experiences.

Group Travel Logistics

Consolidate Bookings

Book accommodations, rental cars, and permits under one name for simplicity.

Communication Plan

Establish clear meeting points and times, especially where cell service is poor.

Meal Planning

Cook together at campgrounds or rentals, or choose restaurants for larger parties.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Kid-Specific Activities

  • Junior Ranger Program: Available at visitor centers for kids.
  • Shorter Trails: Focus on Lady Bird Johnson Grove or Stout Grove.
  • Elk Viewing: A popular highlight for children.
  • Fern Canyon: An adventure for kids who like walking in water.

Preparation for Families

  • Weather Prep: Bring warm, waterproof layers for kids.
  • Snacks & Water: Always carry plenty for energy.
  • Patience: Allow extra time for children to explore.
  • Engage Kids: Encourage questions and discoveries.

Accessibility Considerations

Planning for Accessibility

  • Official Website: Check nps.gov/redw for detailed accessibility information.
  • Trail Conditions: Verify specific trail conditions for accessibility before visiting.
  • Facility Details: Confirm accessible facilities at visitor centers and restrooms.
  • Park Updates: Look for recent alerts on accessible routes or closures.

Support & Resources

  • Ranger Assistance: Rangers can provide specific advice and support.
  • Adaptive Equipment: Research rental options for wheelchairs or other aids.
  • Designated Parking: Look for accessible parking spaces at trailheads and facilities.
  • Service Animals: Be aware of the park's policies regarding service animals.

Accessibility Guidance

Always check specific trail conditions and facility accessibility on the official park website before your visit. Information on accessibility can be found in Section 11.4 of the full guide.