Hidden Gems of the Redwoods

Beyond the famous groves, Redwood National and State Parks contain a diverse landscape of rugged coastal bluffs and hidden riparian habitats. This collection highlights the 1969 dedication site of the park at Lady Bird Grove and the historic 1850s mining area of Gold Bluffs. The list also features secluded water features like Trillium Falls and Fern Fall, alongside the dramatic Pacific overlooks at High Bluff and Freshwater Rocks, showcasing the intersection of old-growth forests and the jagged Northern California coastline.

Lady Bird Grove

Site of the 1969 park dedication by President Richard Nixon. This upland grove features a 1.5-mile loop trail through old-growth redwoods at an elevation of 1,200 feet.

Trillium Falls

A small waterfall reached via a 2.8-mile loop trail. The path winds through old-growth redwoods, big-leaf maples, and dense fern undergrowth.

Gold Bluffs

Towering 100-foot cliffs overlooking a 10-mile stretch of beach. The area was named for the gold flakes discovered in the sand during the 1850s.

Fern Fall

A cascading waterfall located along the Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, surrounded by lush fern-covered banks.

High Bluff

A coastal overlook providing views of the Pacific Ocean and offshore sea stacks. The site formerly housed a clandestine World War II radar station.

Gyon Bluffs

Rugged coastal cliffs located near the southern end of the park, offering views of the Pacific coastline and offshore rock formations.

Freshwater Rocks

Distinctive sea stacks and rock formations located where Redwood Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, near the Freshwater Lagoon spit.