Renowned for its towering coast redwoods—the tallest trees on Earth—and diverse landscapes that span prairies, river valleys, and a dramatic Pacific coastline, Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) protect a globally significant ecosystem. This cooperative park complex in Northern California preserves ancient forests, supports vibrant wildlife, and offers a host of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Redwood National and State Parks safeguard towering redwoods, wild rivers, elk-filled prairies, and rugged coastline. These parks protect priceless ecology, Native American heritage, and logging-era history while offering forest hikes, scenic drives, camping, and beachcombing in Northern California’s redwood country.

Overview

Ancient Forests and Wild Landscapes

Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) are famed for protecting the world's tallest trees, the coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), alongside a rich diversity of plants, animals, and habitats. The combined park area includes:

Redwood National Park (est. 1968)
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (est. 1923)
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (est. 1929)
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (est. 1929)

Together, these parks protect over 139,000 acres of redwood forest, prairies, wild rivers, and 37 miles of pristine coastline.

History of Protection

The coast redwood forests faced near-extinction by the early 20th century due to extensive logging. Conservation efforts began with the establishment of the three state parks in the 1920s to protect remaining old-growth stands. Redwood National Park was created in 1968 to expand these protections, and in 1994, the National Park Service and California Department of Parks and Recreation entered a cooperative management agreement to jointly steward the four parks.

The area is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1980) for its outstanding natural value .

Geography and Ecosystems

The parks encompass a diverse array of ecosystems:

Ancient redwood forests that thrive in foggy river valleys.
Open prairies and oak woodlands.
Dynamic coastal beaches and sea cliffs.
Wild, free-flowing rivers such as the Klamath and Smith Rivers.

This diversity supports a range of wildlife and plant species, many of which are rare or endemic.

Plan Your Visit

Visitor Centers

The parks have five visitor centers that serve as gateways for exploration, providing maps, trail advice, exhibits, and ranger programs:

Prairie Creek Visitor Center
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Jedediah Smith Visitor Center
Grove of Titans Trailhead
River House (Crescent City)

Notable Trails and Scenic Walks

RNSP offers hundreds of miles of trails from easy walks to backcountry adventures:

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: A 1.5-mile loop through towering old-growth redwoods.
Tall Trees Grove: A remote trail leading to a spectacular redwood grove (permit required).
Fern Canyon: Famous for its 50-foot tall walls covered in lush ferns, made famous by film crews (day use fee applies).
Grove of Titans: Home to some of the most massive redwoods on earth, including the renowned “President” tree (access via unpaved trail).

Scenic Drives and Biking

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Winds through primeval redwood forest with chances to spot Roosevelt elk.
Howland Hill Road: A historic, scenic gravel road through old-growth redwoods (vehicle restrictions apply).
Highway 101: Passes through the heart of the parks, with pullouts for iconic views and short walks.
Highway 199: Accesses Jedediah Smith Redwoods, featuring stunning river and forest scenery.

Biking is permitted on some park roads and designated trails, offering a unique way to explore the towering forests.

Camping and Lodging

The parks offer developed campgrounds and backcountry sites for immersive wilderness experiences:

Jedediah Smith Campground: Forest setting with easy access to miles of scenic trails.
Elk Prairie Campground: Centrally located, near trailheads and home to abundant elk.
Mill Creek Campground: Riverside site with shaded tent areas.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: Beach access and proximity to Fern Canyon.
Backcountry Campsites: Permit required for sites such as Tall Trees Grove and more remote locations.

Fees and Permits

Entry to the park is generally free, but day-use fees apply in some state park areas, including Fern Canyon.
Federal and state park passes are accepted.
Permits are required for certain areas, such as Tall Trees Grove and backcountry camping .

Wildlife

The parks support a rich variety of wildlife, adapting to forest, river, and coastal habitats:

Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti)

The Roosevelt elk, California’s largest land mammal, roams the park's prairies and forests. They are often seen grazing in open meadows, especially in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park .

Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)

This threatened species nests in mature redwood and Douglas-fir forests, relying on the park’s old-growth habitat for survival .

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

Black bears inhabit the region’s forests, foraging for berries, insects, and fish. The park manages strict food storage rules to protect both bears and visitors .

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Endangered coho salmon spawn in the park’s clear, cold streams, including Redwood Creek. Restoration projects help improve their critical habitat .

Pacific Fisher (Pekania pennanti)

A rare, tree-dwelling mammal, the Pacific fisher hunts small mammals in dense forest and is a conservation focus in the parks .

Flora

The park’s flora center around the majestic redwoods and an array of understory and riparian plants.

Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

The iconic coast redwood is the tallest tree species on Earth, reaching heights over 370 feet and living more than 2,000 years. Their shallow root systems spread wide, and they thrive in the misty valleys of the Northern California coast .

Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Thick carpets of sword fern create lush, green understories beneath the towering redwoods, thriving in the shaded, moist forest environment .

Red Alder (Alnus rubra)

Red alder trees grow along the park’s rivers and creeks, enriching the soil with nitrogen and supporting diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems .

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Near the coast, sitka spruce trees mingle with redwoods, forming a resilient forest that withstands salty ocean winds and fog .

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady ferns flourish in shaded, damp areas such as Fern Canyon, where they cover canyon walls with verdant growth, creating a unique microhabitat .

Management and Conservation

Redwood National and State Parks are jointly managed by the National Park Service and California Department of Parks and Recreation, focusing on:

Ecological restoration through programs like Redwoods Rising.
Protecting native species and restoring old-growth forest structures.
Preserving cultural sites and collaborating with local Native American tribes.
Offering environmental education and ranger-led programs.

Additional Resources

Experience the awe of ancient giants, wild rivers, and untamed Pacific beaches at Redwood National and State Parks—where nature’s grandeur stands tall for all to see!

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Next Up: Sequoia National Park

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Parks

Redwood National and State Parks