News Release

Redwood National and State Parks is Beginning to Increase Recreational Access to Trailheads, Parking Lots, and Some Restroom Facilities

Date: May 21, 2020
Contact: Candace Tinkler, [phone]
Contact: Shaina Niehans, [phone]

CRESCENT CITY, Calif. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state, tribal and local public health authorities, Redwood National and State Parks, in conjunction with a California Department of Parks and Recreation order issued on Thursday, May 21st, is increasing recreational access and some limited services.

The National Park Service (NPS) and California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) are working service-wide with federal, state, tribal and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-bypark basis.

Beginning Thursday, May 21, Redwood National and State Parks will reopen access to:

• Trailheads and parking lots
• Freshwater Lagoon Boatramp
• Associated bathroom facilities – Please be prepared to bring you own hand sanitizer and/or soap

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Visitor Centers, including: Hiouchi Visitor Center, Crescent City Information Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, and Kuchel Visitor Center
• Campgrounds and backcountry sites

The temporary closure of the Yurok Reservation is still in effect; therefore, the following park locations remain closed to vehicular access:

• Klamath River Overlook Parking Lot and Toilets
• Flint Ridge Parking Lot
• Alder Camp Parking at Klamath Beach Road
• High Bluffs Parking Lot

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Redwood National and State Parks, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited.

When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders issued by Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Yurok Tribe, or State of California including practicing Leave No Trace principles, avoiding crowding, and avoiding high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website at www.nps.gov/redw and on social media channels (search ‘RedwoodNPS’). Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Updates about California State Parks operations will be posted on https://www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.