Overview
Redwood National Park, located in northern California, is renowned for its towering ancient coast redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. It spans over 139,000 acres and showcases a variety of ecosystems including dense forests, grasslands, and wild rivers. The park preserves not only the majestic trees but also a rich diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Flora and Fauna
The park is dominated by coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), which can grow over 350 feet tall and live for more than 2,000 years. Underneath these giants, the forest floor nurtures ferns, shrubs, and wildflowers. Wildlife includes black bears, Roosevelt elk, marbled murrelets, and several species of salmon in the park’s rivers.
Recreational Activities
Visitors to Redwood National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking through old-growth forest trails, wildlife watching, camping, and scenic drives. Popular trails include the Lady Bird Johnson Trail and the Tall Trees Grove, which allow close encounters with the towering redwoods. Coastal areas offer opportunities for beachcombing and tidepool exploration.
Conservation and History
Established in 1968 and later expanded, Redwood National Park plays a crucial role in conserving one of the world’s last remaining coastal old-growth forests. The park collaborates with California’s state parks to protect this unique ecosystem while educating the public about environmental stewardship and the cultural history of the indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Last updated: Fri Jun 6, 2025
