Redwood National Park offers a unique and captivating experience for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who love to explore the park’s waterways. From the free-flowing Smith River to the serene Big Lagoon, the park provides a variety of boating and water-based activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the ancient redwood forests.
Ranger-Led Kayak Tours on the Smith River
One of the most popular boating activities in Redwood National Park is the ranger-led kayak tours on the Smith River. These guided tours provide an exceptional opportunity to experience the park’s waterways while learning about the local ecosystem and wildlife from knowledgeable park rangers.
The tours cover approximately 3 miles of Class I-II whitewater, offering a thrilling yet safe adventure for participants. To join the tours, individuals must be at least 10 years old, able to swim in moving water, and weigh between 50 and 220 lbs. Groups larger than four individuals cannot be accommodated, and participants between 10-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian.
Self-Guided Boating Opportunities
For those who prefer to explore the park’s waterways on their own, Redwood National and State Parks offer a variety of boat ramps and access points for various lagoons and ocean areas. While the parks will not offer boating tours in 2023, visitors can still enjoy self-guided experiences, such as:
| Location | Activity |
|---|---|
| Smith River | Rafting, kayaking, canoeing |
| Big Lagoon | Boating, kayaking, canoeing |
| Lagoons and Ocean Areas | Boating, kayaking, canoeing |
Visitors should be aware of the park’s regulations and safety guidelines when engaging in self-guided boating activities, as well as the availability of boat rental businesses and other resources.
Fishing Opportunities
Redwood National Park is also a popular destination for recreational fishing enthusiasts. The Smith and Klamath Rivers are renowned for their salmon and trout fishing, while limited trout fishing is available in portions of Redwood Creek. Additionally, surf and night smelt and surfperch fishing are popular along the park’s beaches.
To ensure the safety and preservation of the park’s ecosystem, all recreational anglers must possess a valid California state fishing license and follow regulations for open seasons, daily bag and possession limits, and allowable hours for fishing. It is also essential to remove all aquatic plants and invertebrates and decontaminate gear, boats, and trailers to prevent the spread of harmful exotic and invasive species.
Exploring the Lagoons and Ocean Areas
In addition to the Smith River, Redwood National Park offers opportunities for boating and water-based activities in the Big Lagoon and various other lagoons and ocean areas. These areas provide a serene and picturesque setting for kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports.
Visitors can access these areas through designated boat ramps and access points, and various businesses in the region offer boat rentals and other resources to support water-based activities.
Preserving the Ecosystem
Redwood National Park is a delicate and fragile ecosystem, and it is essential that visitors take steps to protect and preserve the natural environment. This includes following all park regulations, properly disposing of waste, and taking measures to prevent the spread of invasive species.
By respecting the park’s natural resources and engaging in responsible boating and water-based activities, visitors can help ensure that Redwood National Park remains a pristine and awe-inspiring destination for generations to come.
Conclusion
Redwood National Park offers a wealth of opportunities for boating and water-based activities, from the thrilling rapids of the Smith River to the serene lagoons and ocean areas. Whether you choose to join a guided kayak tour or explore the park’s waterways on your own, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the ancient redwood forests and the chance to connect with the natural world in a truly unique and unforgettable way.
References:
– Six Picturesque Places to Paddle in the Redwoods
– Boating in Redwood National and State Parks
– Fishing in Redwood National and State Parks
– Kayak Tours in Redwood National and State Parks
– Redwood Rides