14 Best Hikes in Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the most stunning forest hikes in Northern California. Whether you’re walking among the towering redwoods or exploring lush canyons, you will be amazed at every turn like me.

During my 3 days in Redwood National Park, I explored several of these hikes but researched all of them to determine which hiking trails were best for our short trip. We did several easy ones, but we plan to come back in the future to those that were strenuous and required more time.

Below, I’ll cover the best hiking trails across these parks so you can plan your perfect outdoor adventure in the redwoods.

Best hikes in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is part of the Redwood National and State Parks and is known for its dense old-growth redwood forests, scenic trails, and wildlife.

Spanning over 14,000 acres, the park offers everything from lush fern canyons to meadows where Roosevelt elk roam. It’s true! We saw them!

It’s home to iconic hikes like Fern Canyon and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10-mile drive that winds through towering old-growth redwoods.

1. Fern Canyon Trail

Fern Canyon is the most popular hiking trail in Redwood National and State Parks and my favorite. It is a short but breathtaking one-mile loop that feels like stepping into a prehistoric world.

Featured in Jurassic Park: The Lost World movie, the canyon’s walls are draped in ferns, and a creek runs through the trail. It truly is one of the best things to do in Redwood National Park.

It’s less of a hike and more like walking through a stream between a lush fern-covered canyon. We did this hike in early September, so the water levels were low. During Spring and early summer, expect a lot more water in the streams. Wearing waterproof hiking boots is a good idea!

You can do the hike as a loop starting in the canyon and coming back via the James Irvine trail, but we did it out and back so we could experience the Fern Canyon twice. Also, there were a lot of fallen trees as we went deep into the canyon, making the path almost impassable.

The road leading to the trailhead is an adventure on its own. To get here, you have to drive on the unpaved, windy, and extremely narrow Davison Road. Plus, in the last mile, there are three stream crossings.

We parked at the Gold Bluffs Beach Day use area and walked the last mile to the trailhead instead of crossing the streams in our car.

Note: Reservations are needed to visit Fern Canyon in the summer months (Typically May 15 to September 15 and can be made online here. There is also a $12 fee which can be paid by cash or check at the entrance station. We had the ‘America the Beautiful’ annual pass, so the fee was covered in that.

2. James Irvine Trail

If you have a full day to explore Praire Creek Redwoods State Park and are looking for a longer, more strenuous hike, try the 10-mile-long James Irvine Trail. The total elevation gain is around 1400 feet.

This trail starts at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, passes dense redwood forests and creeks, and ends at lush Fern Canyon.

You can return to the visitor center the same way, or you can combine it with Miners Ridge Trail to make a loop of around 12 miles.

Make sure to pick up a map at the visitor center before you start. Wearing waterproof hiking boots is a good idea for this trail. Also, make sure to carry enough water and snacks for this full-day hike.

Note: If you enter Fern Canyon on foot via the longer James Irvine Trail, you do not need reservations or pay the $12 fee, but keep in mind that it is a strenuous full-day hike.

3. Foothill and Cathedral Tree Loop via Big Tree Wayside

This 2.7-mile loop near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center is a great option if you want a shorter but immersive redwood experience. You’ll walk among towering old-growth trees and cross through fern-filled groves.

The highlight is the Big Tree, one of the largest redwoods in the area, which is over 1500 years old! You can also do this moderate loop hike from the Big Tree Wayside parking lot.

4. Karl Knapp Trail

Karl Knapp Trail (formerly called Prairie Creek Nature Trail) is an easy 2.5-mile trail that starts at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and follows Prairie Creek to the north. The trail continues north for quite a bit, but you can do it as a shorter loop via Big Tree Wayside.

For a shorter loop, cross the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway towards Big Tree Wayside and return with the Foothill Trail. This peaceful trail offers an easy and scenic way to experience the beauty of Prairie Creek’s redwood forest.

5. Elk Prairie Trail

The Elk Prairie Trail is a scenic 3-mile loop starting near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The trail meanders through open meadows and along the forest’s edge, offering a chance to spot the park’s resident Roosevelt elk.

It’s an easy, flat hike that combines open grasslands with towering redwood groves, providing diverse scenery. We did a portion of this trail near the visitor center and spotted a herd of elk in the meadow.

If you see elk, please maintain your distance as they are wild and can be unpredictable.

Best hikes in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, east of Cresent City, is famous for its dense old-growth redwoods and scenic drives and hikes. It is a very popular state park with busy hiking trails and parking lots, but the redwood groves here are some of the best!

The scenic but unpaved Howland Hill Road cuts through the heart of the park, providing access to some of the best hikes, including Stout Grove and the Boy Scout Tree Trail.

6. Stout Grove Memorial Trail

Stout Grove is one of the most beautiful redwood groves and my favorite. The trail here is only a 0.5-mile loop, taking you through some of the largest trees in Jedediah Smith. It’s a short, easy walk but offers an immersive redwood experience.

Access to the trailhead is through the rough and unpaved Howland Hill Road. The parking lot here is very small, only for about 15-20 cars.

A footbridge is installed on the Smith River during the summer months, so we parked in the Jedediah Smith Campground, walked the River Trail and over the footbridge to reach Stout Grove.

The Smith River is stunning with its emerald green waters and pebbled beach, and you must visit even if you park at the Stout Grove trailhead.

7. Simpson-Reed Trail

This 1-mile loop in Jedediah Smith is an easy walk through ancient redwoods, lush ferns, and a peaceful forest setting. With a flat path and incredible trees, it’s great for families or anyone looking for an accessible but stunning hike.

8. Grove of Titans

Upgraded with a new boardwalk, the easy 1.7-mile Grove of Titans trail takes you to some of the largest redwoods in the region, truly deserving the Titans title.

Located in a secluded part of Jedediah Smith, the grove is awe-inspiring, and the raised walkways help protect the fragile forest environment while giving you a close-up view of these giants.

Parking is limited and can be hard to find during the busy summer months. Access to the trailhead is through the challenging Howland Hill Road. The best way to do this would be to enter the Howland Hill Rd from the east, do the Stout Grove first, and then the Grove of the Titans trail.

9. Boy Scout Tree Trail

A little further west on Howland Hill Road is the Boy Scout Tree trailhead. This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail winds through serene redwood groves and ends at a small but scenic waterfall, Fern Falls.

The hike is moderately challenging, with some uphill sections and tree roots, but that also makes it less crowded than the other trails on this road. Plan to spend around half a day on this hike and carry enough water and snacks.

Best hikes in Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park, south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth and offers a unique hiking experience through ancient redwoods.

The park’s best hikes include Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove, both accessed via Bald Hills Road, a steep, unpaved road that cuts through the National Park.

10. Lady Bird Johnson Grove

This 1.5-mile loop is an easy, family-friendly trail that takes you through one of Redwood National Park’s most beautiful groves. It is dedicated to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, who helped conserve the redwoods.

The trail features towering trees, bridges, and a stunning forest floor filled with ferns. This is one of the few trails where, within a half mile, you can walk from a second-growth redwood forest to old-growth redwoods.

To reach the trailhead, you have to drive 3 miles on the narrow and windy Bald Hills Road. Parking is limited here, about 20 cars, and can be filled up quickly on weekends and holidays.

11. Tall Trees Grove

A more challenging hike, Tall Trees Grove, is a 3.5-mile round trip that requires an online permit, which can be obtained here.

The grove is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, and the trail takes you deep into the forest. The hike includes a descent to the grove, and the strenuous part is the 800-foot climb back up.

Access to the trailhead involves a 7-mile long, winding drive down Bald Hills Road, followed by a 6-mile narrow gravel road with steep sections. Plan for around half a day for the drive and the hike.

12. Trillium Falls Trail

The Trillium Falls Trail is a very scenic 2.5-mile loop that winds through a fern-covered redwood forest and features a small waterfall. Just half a mile into the hike, you will reach Trillium Falls, after which you can return back to the trailhead or do the full loop.

The trail starts near the Elk Meadow Day Use Area, just off Davison Road, offering easy access. There are picnic tables and flush restrooms at the trailhead, making this a great hike for families.

I recommend doing this hike after the Fern Canyon hike, as you will pass by the trailhead on your way back.

Best hikes in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park offers a stunning mix of coastal and redwood scenery. The park features a dramatic ocean coastline and lush forests, with trails like the Enderts Beach Trail, which descends to a secluded beach, and the more challenging Damnation Creek Trail, taking you from redwoods down to the rugged coastline.

13. Enderts Beach Trail

This 1.3-mile out-and-back trail starts from the Crescent Beach Overlook and descends to Enderts Beach. This hike offers a beautiful contrast to the redwood forests, with its coastal scenery and peaceful beach atmosphere.

It’s an easy hike with stunning ocean views and the chance to explore tidepools at the beach. Before going to the beach, make sure to check the low tide schedule. Due to strong ocean currents, this beach is not suitable for swimming.

14. Damnation Creek Trail

The Damnation Creek Trail is a challenging 4-mile out-and-back hike that descends around 1200 feet through the redwoods to the coastline, ending at a small rocky beach.

The trail is a strenuous climb on the way back to the trailhead. Due to the elevation gain on the way back up, this hike is best for experienced hikers.

When is the best time to hike the Redwoods?

The best time to hike in Redwood National and State Parks is during the late spring through early fall (May to October). During this time, the weather is mild, with minimal rainfall, making the trails more accessible and enjoyable.

In spring, the forests are lush and green with waterfalls, but the trails can also be muddy. In fall, the greenery might not be that spectacular, but you will find dry trails. We went in early September, and the weather was perfect, and the trails were dry. Fern Canyon was still very lush and green!

Summer offers warmer temperatures, but the coastal fog ensures it stays cooler than inland areas. However, summer also brings the most crowds and parking challenges, and some popular hiking trails like Fern Canyon and Tall Trees require reservations.

If you prefer fewer crowds, early fall and late spring are ideal, providing pleasant hiking conditions with a bit more solitude.

What to pack for hiking in Redwood National Park?

When hiking in Redwood National Park, pack layers, as temperatures can vary between shaded forests and open areas. A lightweight rain jacket is essential year-round due to the park’s coastal climate, where fog and mist are common.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are recommended for uneven terrain and muddy trails, and hiking poles can help on steeper trails.

Remember to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Food was not available for purchase in the parks, and the closest restaurants were in nearby towns.

Cell service in the area is extremely spotty, so we downloaded the offline maps on our phones. If you are tackling longer hikes, it is best to download trail maps as well.

Final Takeaways: Best Redwood National Park hikes

From short, family-friendly loops to challenging forest trails, Redwood National and State Parks offer a range of hiking experiences.

Whether you’re walking among the world’s tallest trees or exploring fern-filled canyons, I am sure you will be spellbound by the beauty of this region like I was.

➡️Up next, check my write-up on where to stay when visiting Redwood National and State Parks so that you can maximize hiking time.