Redwood National Park in May is an excellent time for state park touring enthusiasts who prefer fewer crowds and generally beautiful weather. The average daily high temperatures range from 58°F to 61°F, while the fraction of time spent overcast or mostly cloudy increases, creating a magical atmosphere for exploring the lush, green forests.
Exploring the Redwood Trails
For a more close-up view of the redwood trees, consider hiking on trails like Stout Memorial Grove Trail, Boy Scout Tree Trail, Grove of Titans, James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop, and Trillium Falls. These trails offer unique experiences, such as picnic settings, waterfalls, and old-growth redwoods.
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through a stunning old-growth redwood forest, with some of the tallest trees in the park. The Boy Scout Tree Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back hike that leads you to the impressive Boy Scout Tree, one of the largest trees in the park.
The Grove of Titans is a hidden gem, home to some of the largest redwood trees in the world. To access this area, you’ll need to take the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop, a 9.5-mile hike that also includes the stunning Fern Canyon.
For a shorter hike, the Trillium Falls Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you to a beautiful waterfall and through a lush, green forest.
Seasonal Highlights
May is within the growing season, which typically lasts for the entire year in Redwood National Park. Growing degree days, a measure of yearly heat accumulation, average around 1,000 in May, indicating the ideal conditions for the park’s lush vegetation.
To experience the most lush conditions without heavy winter rain, April and May are the ideal times to visit. The fog in the redwoods creates a magical atmosphere, especially during hikes.
Getting to Redwood National Park
For travel, flying into San Francisco or Santa Rosa/Sonoma County airports is recommended. If driving from San Francisco, Avenue of the Giants is a fun road through the redwoods with old logging towns.
For a more comprehensive experience, consider flying into Portland and driving down the coast to Redwood National Park and then to San Francisco. This route allows for seeing the best of the Oregon and California coasts, including the most spectacular redwoods.
Nearby State Parks
Redwood National Park is a combination of national and state parks, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Hendy Woods State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. These parks are conveniently located when driving between San Francisco and Redwood National Park, offering additional opportunities to explore the redwood forests and coastal landscapes.
Conclusion
Redwood National Park in May is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts who appreciate the serenity of fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush, green forests of the redwoods. With a variety of hiking trails, seasonal highlights, and nearby state parks, Redwood National Park in May provides a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
References:
– Guide to Redwoods National Park with Photos
– Average Weather in May in Redwood National Park, California, United States
– Best Time to Visit Redwood National and State Park