Planning on visiting Redwood National and State Parks? Good choice. The majestic redwood trees along northern California’s jagged moody coastline are a sight to behold. With three days in this area, you can see and do a lot — from hiking to exploring lighthouses to even catching sight of an elk or two.
Here’s your 3 day itinerary to visiting Redwood National Park, including trail recommendations and nearby must-do activities. There’s more to do than hiking!
About Redwood National Park
Why is Redwood National Park worth a visit?
Explore ancient forests. Redwood National and State Parks manage 130,000 acres of redwood forests, including 45% of the world’s remaining old-growth redwoods (according to information from the National Park Service). These trees can live up to around 2,000 years.
See some of the tallest trees. Redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world. They are just massive! It’s an incredibly humbling experience to stand below these trees. They thrive on the moody, rainy northern California coast.
Visit a beautiful, historic place. When visiting Redwood National and State Parks, you’re visiting a historic place with trees that have been on earth a lot longer than us and will hopefully remain long after we’re gone.
Highlights of Redwood National and State Parks: Top 3 Experiences
1. Fern Canyon (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)
2. Yurok Loop Trail (Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park)
3. Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park)
Bonus: Trees of Mystery! (Not part of the parks but so fun!)
How Redwood National Park Is Managed: Is It a State or National Park?
It’s both! Redwood National and State Parks is jointly managed by the California State Park system and the National Park Service.
It includes Redwood National Park as well as three state parks:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Don’t just stay in the national park! The state parks, which include such trails as Fern Canyon and the beautiful Yurok Loop Trail, are absolutely stunning.
No Entrance Fees at Redwood National Park
There is no fee to enter Redwood State and National Parks.
However, there are a few exceptions.
Some of the state parks charge a day-use fee for accessing their developed campgrounds. And there is a fee to visit Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon (waived for annual pass holders).
How to Get to Redwood National Park
The closest airports to Redwood National Park are:
- Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City (5-10 miles away)
- California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (25 miles away)
- Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (100 miles away)
- Redding Regional Airport (175 miles away)
- Sacramento International Airport (320 miles away)
- San Francisco International Airport (330 miles away)
My best suggestion is to fly into Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Medford, Oregon, and then drive to Crescent City and Klamath.
It sounds strange, if you’re trying to visit California, what do you mean fly to OREGON?
Redwood National Park is in the very north of California, and Medford’s airport is actually the largest airport in the area. There are two smaller airports that are closer to Redwood National Park, but they are regional and don’t have many flights, plus they are more expensive.
We flew into Medford, Oregon, rented a car, and then drove about 2 hours to Crescent City. It was a really nice, scenic drive (lots of trees on the way).
You will cross the Oregon-California border, but we were only stopped briefly to be asked if we had any fruit in our vehicle, that was it. No lines or traffic. Easy.
How Many Days to Visit Redwood National Park
Three days is a perfect amount of time to spend visiting Redwood National Park. You’ll get to do a few hikes, explore the area, and have at least one full day in the national park.
Overview of Redwood National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Explore Crescent City and Klamath
Day 2: Explore the Redwood National and State Parks
Day 3: Hike the Yurok Loop Trail, Departure
3 Day Redwood National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Explore Crescent City and Klamath
If you are driving in from Oregon, one of your first stops will be Crescent City. It’s a small town with not much going for it, honestly, but it’s a good place to grab a bite to eat and possibly refuel.
Visit the Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City
The Battery Point Lighthouse wasn’t on my radar at ALL until I visited Crescent City. I didn’t think it was worth a stop. Boy, was I wrong.
Luckily, there are several street signs with arrows pointing drivers toward the lighthouse. Our curiosity was piqued. What is this lighthouse that is so important there are official street signs?
We did an actual U-turn to find this lighthouse. And I’m so glad we did.
From the parking lot, it’s a short walk across sand and rocks and then up a small grassy hill to the lighthouse. There is a trail to guide your way, and it’s a fairly easy venture. The views are stunning!
You can tour the lighthouse in small groups. It’s over 160 years old (built in the 1850s) and has a long history. Or you can just explore the exterior.
It’s open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tide permitting. The lighthouse is still active and is run by volunteers.
Don’t miss this beautiful spot!
Visit Trees of Mystery
Perhaps you’ve heard of Trees of Mystery, a nature park in Klamath? It’s become more popular recently but it’s well worth the hype. Y’all, it’s SO fun.
There’s a trail that winds through the park, taking you to each attraction. Is it a hike? a theme park? Something like Disneyland for nature lovers?
It’s hard to describe exactly what this place is. It’s kind of a hike (with lots of trees), kind of a theme park (with no rides).
Here’s what you can do at Trees of Mystery:
- Redwood Canopy Trail, which is a series of 8 netted bridges (that go from tree to tree) and 10 wooden platforms (that wrap around trees), all 50-100 feet in the air.
- SkyTrail gondola ride, which is a 10-minute ride that goes 1,570 feet high into the mountains. Up there, you’ll be able to go on the viewing platform and then either hike down the trail or take the gondola down again. This was the activity with the longest wait time (nearly an hour), but we really enjoyed it. There was no wait to go back down.
- Trail of Tall Tales (and other trails), which are fun nature trails that have large wood carvings of various characters, such as Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
It now costs $30 per adult for entry, but your admission includes access to everything inside the park.
Have Lunch/Dinner at Forest Cafe
Forest Cafe is across the street from Trees of Mystery, and I highly recommend stopping in for lunch or dinner. Inside, the cafe is cutely decorated with greenery covering the ceiling and paintings of redwood trees on the walls.
The food is typical American diner fare (burgers, fries, sandwiches), but we liked it.
They do close early at 4 p.m., so hopefully you make it in time.
There are not many dining options near Redwood National Park, so take advantage whenever you see an open restaurant.
Day 2: Explore the Redwood National and State Parks
On your first full day in the redwoods, wake up early and get right to it. There is a lot to see and do!
Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway
The first thing you’ll do is drive into the parks, so be sure to take the scenic route. Drive down the beautiful Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway.
On this road, you’ll find several trailheads and small parking lots.
You can honestly stop wherever, park, and have a look around (as long as your car is not blocking the road).
We drove on this road early in the morning when there was hardly anyone else around. It’s a very peaceful area.
Visit Big Tree Wayside and Hike the Circle Trail
I don’t think Big Tree is the BIGGEST tree in Redwood National Park, but it is a big tree, as its name suggests.
There are several trails near Big Tree Wayside, such as the Foothill Trail and Circle Trail. Be sure to continue walking down one or more of the trails as this area is just beautiful. Lots of big trees.
The full Circle Trail takes just 15 minutes to complete.
Big Tree Wayside is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
How to get to Big Tree Wayside: From the Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, turn into the Big Tree parking lot. There are lots of spaces to park. Then head down the Foothill Trail to the Circle Trail, where you’ll find Big Tree Wayside (it’s less than 200 yards from the parking lot). There are signs to point you in the right direction.
Visit Fern Canyon
Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 127 feet
Fern Canyon is famous for being a filming site of the Jurassic Park movies. It’s a gorgeous, fern-covered valley with a creek running through it.
The hike through this area is only a mile long, a surprisingly easy trail with lots of amazing views along the way.
You’ll probably get your shoes wet doing this hike, but it’s so worth it.
Fee to park at the Fern Canyon lot
Visiting and hiking Fern Canyon does require reservations from May 15 to September 15 and paying a fee.
However, if you have an annual America the Beautiful pass, your fee is waived (reservations are still a must).
Be careful on the access road to Fern Canyon
To reach the Fern Canyon trailhead, you’ll need to drive on the unpaved Davison Road, which is almost 7 miles long. The gravel road winds through the mountains and then goes over two deep streams.
Low-clearance vehicles do make it on this road, but cars get stuck often. It’s best to drive a high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, if possible.
If you aren’t able to rent a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, please be sure you have car insurance and are prepared with rope and a roadside-assistance kit.
We got stuck on the unpaved Davison Road
We got stuck in a ditch on Davison Road in an SUV we rented (it wasn’t 4WD), and ended up damaging the vehicle. I had paid for the rental with my Capital One Venture X credit card and denied the rental company’s insurance, so I was able to submit a claim to cover the cost of the damages.
I highly recommend using your Capital One Venture X credit card to pay for your rental vehicle as one of the benefits of this card is a rental car damage waiver.
After that experience, I will always use my Capital One Venture X credit card when renting vehicles. I was SO relieved that they covered the total cost of damages (over $4,000!).
Better yet, don’t get stuck in the first place. Drive a vehicle with 4WD and go slow, especially around the corners.
Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 101 feet
The Lady Bird Johnson Trail is the only trail we hiked that was actually in Redwood National Park, not a state park.
The trail is named after and dedicated to the wife of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Redwood National Park was established in 1968, while Lady Bird Johnson served as First Lady, and she is noted as playing a huge role in conservation and environmental work.
Aside from its historical significance, which you can read about on the plaques on the trail, the Lady Bird Johnson Trail is also lined with some huge Redwood trees. It’s a classic, must-do hike while in the national park.
Look for Elks at Elk Meadow
Elk Meadow is a beautiful meadow with a lot of dried grass and brush. There are signs warning people to keep their distance from the elks.
When we visited, however, there were no elks in Elk Meadow.
Where were the elks? They were around the corner, grazing in the green grass under the shade of some trees in front of Elk Meadow Cabins.
You’ll likely pass Elk Meadow Cabins on Redwood Highway 101 not expecting to see a dozen elks just chilling in the yard. We sure didn’t expect it!
So be sure to keep watch and have your cameras ready as you pass by. And remember to keep your distance as they are wild animals.
Stop by the Visitor Center
There are a few visitor centers in Redwood National and State Parks, but I’d highly recommend stopping at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, specifically.
Not only is it a large visitor center with essential information and a store, but there is also a path behind the visitor center that leads to the beach.
The area is really beautiful, so definitely take your time to explore.
Day 3: Departure, Hike the Yurok Loop Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 104 feet
My favorite hike in Redwood National and State Parks was the Yurok Loop Trail. This trail doesn’t have any redwood trees, but there are beautiful wildflowers, moody coastal views, and Douglas-fir and sitka spruce woods.
We walked this trail mid-morning before making the drive back to the airport. To my surprise, we were the only ones on it save for a deer who jolted into the woods when she saw me.
Take your time to appreciate all the nature on this trail as it’s truly stunning.
Where to Stay When Visiting Redwood National Park
There are not many hotel options when visiting Redwood National Park, something that surprised me. The park gets about 750,000 visitors a year, so I expected it to have more infrastructure. Not so.
My top recommendation of where to stay is at Holiday Inn Express Klamath Redwood National Park Area, an IHG Hotel.
We stayed there and liked the close location, cleanliness, and free buffet breakfast.
The hotel is located in Klamath, which is a town in the Yurok Reservation. The Yurok Tribe have inhabited the area for thousands of years and are one of few Native tribes who have never been removed from their ancestral lands.
In Klamath, near the hotel, you’ll find a few restaurants, a gas station, and even a casino. It’s a small quiet town, but everyone we met was friendly and welcoming.
Tips for Visiting Redwood National Park
Bring rope and a roadside assistance kit. Some of the roads in the redwoods are not paved, so it’s possible you could get stuck in a ditch (like we did). Try to pack some sort of roadside assistance kit and rope in case this happens (though I hope it does not!).
Pack food in advance. Stop by a grocery store in Crescent City or another city you pass through before arriving in the Redwood National and State Parks. There is no food for sale in the parks. No snacks, no trail nuts, no water. Be prepared with your own supplies for lunch and beyond.
Plan the list of hikes you want to do. There are a lot of hikes in the redwoods. While in the visitor center, I overheard several people asking park rangers for hike recommendations. Have a plan before you go, so you don’t need to waste any time. Check out the National Park Service’s recommended itineraries based on how much time you can spend in the redwood parks.
Getting Around Redwood National Park
You will definitely need a car to get around the Redwood National and State Parks. There is no shuttle at the park.
The park advises not to rely on GPS and to instead be guided by signs and the park map while in the park. You can grab a map at any visitor center.
Additionally, some of the roads, such as Davison Road to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach, are unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive is highly recommended if you plan to drive on an unpaved road.
Some Unpaved Roads in the Parks:
- Howland Hill Road
- Cal-Barrel Road
- Davison Road
- Bald Hills Road
Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is along the coast of California, so temperatures are pretty consistent year-round at mid-40s to low-60s °F. However, winter (October-April) brings a lot of rain, 60-80 inches. In summer, the fog creeps up onto the shore, giving the park its famous moody atmosphere.
The most popular time to visit Redwood National Park is during the summer. There’s less chance of rain, however, rain is still possible.
Bring your waterproof hiking boots and dress in layers.
Watch Out for Bigfoot?
A little fun fact about the California redwoods area is that it’s had the most Bigfoot sightings, including the famous 1967 sighting that was caught on camera.
Bigfoot is said to be some sort of apelike creature that lives in the woods of North America. His existence is hotly debated. Is he real or a hoax?
Whether you believe or not, you’ll find Bigfoot lore, statues, and souvenirs all over the place.
Keep watch while you’re hiking in the redwoods, you may be the next one to spot Bigfoot!
FAQs About Visiting Redwood National Park
How is Redwood National Park different from Sequoia National Park?
I’ve visited both Redwood and Sequoia national parks and think they are different in one main way: their locations.
The redwoods are along the coast, so you can see the beach, feel the salt air, and see the moody fog creeping up on the road.
The sequoias are high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, very far from the coast. It’s more of a mountain forest atmosphere.
They’re both beautiful national parks with incredible large trees. The sequoias are fatter while the redwoods are skinnier and taller.
I’d recommend visiting both, but if you only have time for one, I think the one you choose will depend on where else you plan to visit. Distance wise, they are very far away from each other!
Is Redwood National Park worth visiting?
It’s 100% worth visiting. Redwood National Park is so beautiful. It will sure to amaze you, especially if you love trees.
What are the best hikes in Redwood National Park?
Yurok Loop Trail, Fern Canyon, and the Lady Bird Johnson Trail were my favorites. I’d consider them to be the best.
Can you visit the beach at Redwood National Park?
Yes, there are several beaches in the redwood parks and nearby, such as:
- Gold Bluffs Beach (fee and reservation required)
- Wilson Creek Beach
- Redwood Creek Beach County Park
- Hidden Beach
- Endert Beach
- Agate Beach
What wildlife can you see in Redwood National Park?
You can see elk, deer, black bears, coyotes, marine animals, and much more. See a full list of animals in Redwood National Park.
How much does it cost to visit Redwood National Park?
There is no fee to enter Redwood National Park or the three state parks.
Some day-use areas have fees, according to the NPS.
- Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks collect day-use fees at developed campground entrance stations.
- In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park there is an entrance fee to drive to Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon (waived to holders of the America the Beautiful pass).
Are there any dining options in Redwood National Park?
Not at all. There are no restaurants in the official national and state parks. You’ll need to drive outside the park for dining options.
Here are some nearby restaurants:
- Forest Cafe in Klamath, CA
- Log Cabin Diner in Klamath, CA
- Abalone Bar and Grill in Klamath, CA
What should I pack to visit Redwood National Park?
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
- For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!
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1 to 2 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary
Perfect 1 to 3 Day Itinerary for Kings Canyon National Park
Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir: The Best Hike in Pinnacles National Park
Guide to Visiting the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove
One Day in Death Valley National Park (Itinerary Using Paved Roads ONLY)
Guide to Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden (Golden Gate Park) in San Francisco
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