TRIP IDEA

Full Day: South of the Klamath River

Redwood National and State Parks

Four adults stand on a hikers' bridge in a redwood forest.

NPS / John Chao

The Klamath River cuts Redwood National and State Parks in half. A quality day-trip can easily be spent south of the river. Consider spending less time in the car driving the length of the parks and thus spend more time outside. These recommendations are located between the towns of Klamath and Orick. Selecting even three of these options could fill up your whole day.
Full Day: Southern Half
  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Location: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
    • Duration: 30–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Made Sure You See This Parkway

    A ten mile drive through the heart of the redwoods. You have to exit HWY 101 to see the big redwoods.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Stroll to the Big Tree Wayside
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Big Tree Wayside Trailhead
    • Duration: 10–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

    For those short on time then this 5-minute walk will lead to some amazingly large trees.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Walk the Prairie Creek - Foothill Trail Loop
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Prairie Creek Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Looking for tall trees, a beautiful creek, and a perfect loop hike? This is it.

    Located in the southern third of the parks this fully accessible and family-friendly loop trail takes you under some of the tallest trees in the world and follows along a beautiful creek. There is parking, restrooms, and picnic tables close by.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Hike the Fern Canyon Loop Trail
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Fern Canyon
    • Duration: 45–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A cobbled stream cuts into fern covered walls.

    A beautiful location made famous by Hollywood movies, getting to this destination does require a bit of effort. Plan on getting your feet wet!

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Backcountry Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: James Irvine Trailhead
    • Duration: 4–8 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day

    One of the longest hikes in Redwood National and State Parks, this 12-mile loop will take you from Redwoods, through spruce forests to the ocean - and back.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Hike to Trillium Falls
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Trillium Falls Trail: Elk Meadow day-use area
    • Duration: 30–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Best 1-hour walk in the Redwoods

    Located in the southern end of the parks this is arguably one of the best family-friendly walks. It also has plenty of parking, picnic tables and restrooms.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trailhead
    • Duration: 45–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    A Famous Grove That Is Easy To Walk

    An iconic redwood grove in the southern end of the parks that is easy to walk. There are logistical considerations for parking, and RVs and trailers are not advised.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Drive the Bald Hills Road
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    Snow covers open fields and redwoods are in a valley.

    Scenic drive into the high hills and open prairies of the parks. Sweeping views, and opportunities for hikes, birding, wildlife viewing, and seeing historic barns and orchards.

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Last updated: July 21, 2020