The Northern California Redwoods

The Redwood National and State Parks are located along the Northern California coast. The Redwood parks protect about 45% of the remaining groves of coastal redwood trees in the world. Redwoods are the tallest and one of the most massive tree species on Earth. In addition to protecting the redwood forests, the parks preserve grassland prairie, cultural resources, and 37 miles of Northern California coastline.

Many people visit the Redwoods just to view the beauty of these trees, but there are other things to do in the parks as well. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities but are only allowed on certain trails. Kayaking is popular along the seacoast and in the various rivers and streams. Kayakers and canoeists frequently travel the Smith River, which is the longest un-dammed river remaining in California. Salmon fishing is best in the Smith and Klamath rivers. A California sport fishing license is required to fish any of the rivers and streams. Hunting is not permitted anywhere in the parks, but is allowed in nearby National Forests.

While the Redwoods parks have front country campsites that can be driven to, the federal sections of the park do not, and hiking is the only way of reaching back country campsites. Back country camping is by permit only and is only allowed in designated sites, except on gravel bars along Redwood Creek.

The back country of the Redwoods is highly regulated to prevent overuse and to permit as many groups as possible to explore the forest. Camping in the back country is limited to five consecutive nights, and fifteen nights in any one year. Proper food storage to keep encounters with bears at a minimum is strongly enforced; hikers and backpackers are required to take out any trash they produce.

Almost 200 miles of hiking trails exist in the Redwoods parks, but during the rainy season some temporary footbridges are removed, or they would be destroyed by high streams. Throughout the year, trails are often wet and hikers need to be well prepared for rainy weather and consult information centers for updates on trail conditions.

The Redwoods park has two visitor centers and three additional information points. At the visitor centers, guided nature walks and general information is available. Each campground offers campfire talks during the summer months as well as guided tours. The parks have many picnic areas, which are all easily accessed by vehicle.

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