Redwood National and State Parks Essentials

This selection covers the core of the Redwood National and State Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site protecting nearly half of the world's remaining old-growth coast redwoods. The list spans from the northern Jedediah Smith Redwoods to the southern reaches of Redwood National Park. Highlights include the fern-draped walls of Fern Canyon, the newly accessible Grove of Titans, and the 1,500-year-old Big Tree. Visitors can observe Roosevelt elk in coastal prairies and explore diverse ecosystems ranging from inland river groves to rugged Pacific overlooks.

Redwood National Park

The Redwood National and State Parks are a complex of one national park, one County park and two California state parks located in the…

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a state park of California, United States, preserving old-growth redwoods along the Smith River.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a state park, located in Humboldt County, California, near the town of Orick and 50 miles north of…

Fern Canyon

A deep gorge in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park with 50-foot vertical walls draped in seven species of ferns. This prehistoric landscape served as a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Trees of Mystery

Trees of Mystery is a park and tourist attraction along U.S. Route 101 near the coastal town of Klamath, California.

Stout Grove

A premier old-growth grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The flat loop trail winds through ancient trees along the Smith River, known for its cathedral-like atmosphere and minimal undergrowth.

Grove of Titans

Home to some of the world's largest redwoods by volume. A 1.7-mile elevated boardwalk protects the delicate root systems of these massive trees while providing access to the Screaming Titans and other giants.

Lady Bird Grove

An upland old-growth grove located at 1,200 feet elevation. This 1.5-mile loop trail marks the site where the national park was officially dedicated in 1969.

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center

Learn more about the coast redwoods and watersheds through a short film. This center also organizes interesting exhibitions.

Klamath River Overlook

A coastal vantage point situated 650 feet above the Pacific Ocean. It offers views of the Klamath River estuary and is a primary location for watching migrating gray whales and nesting seabirds.

Big Tree

An ancient coast redwood in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The tree stands 286 feet tall with a diameter of 23 feet.

Redwood National Park, Redwood Creek Overlook

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Redwood Creek watershed. Interpretive displays explain the forest's transition from the ridges down to the Pacific coastline.

Elk Viewing

Prime locations within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, such as Elk Prairie, for observing Roosevelt elk. These are the largest subspecies of elk in North America and are frequently seen grazing near the park roads.