Redwood
National Park
Northwestern California was once covered by over 2 million acres of old-growth coastal redwoods and was home to Native American tribes who relied on the forest’s rich resources. But after gold was discovered in 1850, settlers moved in, displacing Indigenous communities and launching massive logging efforts.
Logging continued into the mid-1900s until Redwood National Park was created in 1968 to protect what remained. Today, only 5% of the original redwood forests survive—and nearly half of that is within the park.
Redwood At a Glance
Redwood National Park is located in very northern California, just south of the Oregon border. It’s a great stop along a road trip, but at least 5 hours from any major airport. Your closest options include Eugene Airport (5 hours), Sacramento International Airport (5.5 hours) and San Francisco International Airport (6 hours).
Reservations are not required to enter the park, but you will need a reservation to visit:
- Gold Bluff Beach and Fern Canyon: $12/day (or FREE with the America the Beautiful pass). Reservations are only required from May 15th to September 15th.
- Tall Trees Trail: FREE, but reservations are required.
Redwood National Park is FREE to visit, but some areas within Gold Bluff Beach and Fern Canyon at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks do have a fee. However, these parks do accept the America the Beautiful pass.
Redwood National Park is a great place to visit any time of the year since the temperatures often don’t ever exceed the mid 60’s. The summer is the busier time in the park, but sees less rain, whereas the winter and spring are less busy but do see a good amount of rain each year. April or October are great options for a balance of weather and crowds.
Different Areas of the Park
Redwood National and State Parks actually include four parks: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek. Together, they cover nearly 132,000 acres, are co-managed by federal and state agencies, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve!
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park
Visiting Redwood National Park? We’re sharing everything you need to know to visit all four of its parks, plus the best things to do and an itinerary!
How to hike the Fern Canyon Trail in Redwood National Park
Want to experience the magic of Fern Canyon in Redwood National & State Parks? In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to hike the Fern Canyon Trail, including important permit information!
Videos
Welcome to Redwood National & State Parks! This national park is located along the coast in northern California and is home to the tallest trees ON EARTH! And we spent two incredible days walking among the giant trees, seeing wildlife, getting coastal views, and exploring a magical canyon.
