Redwood National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting some of the tallest trees on Earth and a diverse array of hiking trails that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through an old-growth forest or a challenging trek along the rugged coastline, this park offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of California’s North Coast.
Top Redwood National Park Hikes
1. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km) loop
- Highlights: Old-growth redwood forest, ferns, and understory plants
This partially paved trail takes you through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest, offering a gentle and accessible option for visitors of all abilities. The trail features a variety of ferns and other understory plants, providing a serene and picturesque experience.
2. Trillium Falls Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) loop
- Highlights: Waterfall, old-growth redwood forest
The Trillium Falls Trail is a moderate hike that features a small waterfall and a stunning old-growth redwood forest. The trail has some steep grades, making it a great option for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.
3. Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) loop
- Highlights: Some of the tallest trees in the world
This moderate loop trail takes you through a grove of some of the tallest trees in the world. A permit is required to access the trailhead, which can be obtained at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
4. Fern Canyon Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
- Highlights: Lush fern-covered canyon
The Fern Canyon Trail is an easy loop that takes you through a narrow canyon covered in a lush carpet of ferns. This trail may require hopping over logs, and a day-use permit is required from May 15th to September 15th.
5. James Irvine Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10 miles (16 km) round trip
- Highlights: Old-growth redwood forest, Goldwood Creek
This moderate 10-mile round trip trail takes you through an old-growth redwood forest and along the gentle drainage of Goldwood Creek. The trail offers offshoots to Gold Bluff’s Beach and Fern Canyon.
6. Coastal Trail Skunk Cabbage Section
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) out-and-back
- Highlights: Coastal redwood forest, Pacific Ocean
The Coastal Trail Skunk Cabbage Section is an easy out-and-back trail that takes you through a beautiful coastal redwood forest and along the Pacific Ocean. The trail features a variety of ferns and other understory plants.
7. Berry Glen Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) out-and-back
- Highlights: Old-growth redwood forest, challenging climb
The Berry Glen Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike that takes you through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. The trail offers a challenging climb with some steep grades, making it a great option for those seeking a more strenuous hike.
Exploring Redwood National Park’s Trails
Redwood National Park boasts over 200 miles of trails that wind through a diverse range of environments, including prairies, old-growth redwood forests, and stunning coastal landscapes. The park’s consistently mild temperatures make year-round exploration a possibility, although the trails are not fully wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed on any national or state park trails.
While the park itself is free to enter, some areas classified as state park areas do collect fees. Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks all charge day-use fees at their developed campground entrance stations. Visitors can take advantage of the federal America the Beautiful series of passes or use their California State Parks passes to receive discounted pricing.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast looking to explore the towering wonders of Redwood National Park, the park’s diverse trail network offers something for everyone. From the easy-going Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail to the challenging Berry Glen Trail, each hike promises a unique and unforgettable experience in one of California’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.