Air Quality Information at the Redwoods

Primary Pollutants of Concern

Poor air quality in summer occasionally impacts Redwood National and State Parks. This can happen if there are numerous wildfires to our east - or to our north. Normal winds here in the summer blow from the ocean onto the land, and this generally keeps our coastal air fairly clear. But not always.

Our park emloyees are not your doctors, so we will not be able tell you if the air quality is appropriate for you to visit. But, we hope these links and information help YOU make the best decision for your visit.

Ozone and particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller (PM2.5) are the most harmful pollutants. Watch out if ground level ozone and PM2.5 often exceed federal health standards, which are described using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air quality communications and has color-coded categories that provide health statements based on measured pollutants in a given area. Green color on the AQI map means the air is "good".

 

What City to Search For When Checking Air Quality?

Redwood National and State Parks are a 70 mile (100km) long area on the far northern coast of California. Check for air quality at any of these three locations ; Crescent City is in the north of the Parks, Klamath is in the middle, and Orick is in the southern end of the Parks.

 

Air Quality Index (AQI) Information and Smoke Maps

AirNow.Gov provides AQI information for any area, as well as fire and smoke maps for the USA. Crescent City, CA is where the Parks' headquarters is located.

 

Fire In The Redwoods

Since time immemorial, fire has been a part of the redwood coast. You can learn more about the Parks' fire management and fire operations.

 

Get more information about current conditions across Redwood National and State Parks.