Trip Idea

Suggestions For A Long Weekend

Multiple Parks

Ideas from North (Crescent City) To South (Orick)
  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Stroll the Simpson-Reed Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Simpson-Reed Trail
    • Duration: 30–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A Short Walk in the Northern Part of the Redwoods

    An easy, ADA accessible walk through beautiful old-growth redwood forests in the northern part of the parks. Limited parking and not suitable for RV's or trailers.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Drive Howland Hill Road

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes
    • Duration: 45–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A white car drives on a dirt road wedged between redwood trees.

    A ten-mile dirt road where the redwoods are so close they'll almost kiss your car.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Walk the Stout Memorial Grove Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Stout Memorial Grove Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A Short Walk For The Adventurous

    A majestic grove of redwoods next to the Smith River in the northern part of the park. This trail requires some planning about how you will access it. Hours can be spent on a summer's day relaxing on the banks of the Smith River.

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  • 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

    Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: 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

    Walk the Fern Canyon Loop Trail

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: Yes
    • Activity: 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 unique, beautiful, and popular location in the park. Getting here does require some planning, reservations are required May 15th through September 15th (available online), there are two (2) stream crossings that you have to drive through, and your feet will get wet. Definitely an adventure!

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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Hike to Trillium Falls

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: 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

    Drive the Bald Hills Road

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Duration: 2–6 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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  • Redwood National and State Parks

    Hike to the Tall Trees Grove

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: Yes
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Tall Trees Trailhead
    • Duration: 3–6 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Half-day Hike To A Celebrated Grove

    A half-day hike in the southern part of the parks for those ready for an adventure. A free reservation is needed. This trail is made popular by social-media, and is one the more strenuous hikes in Redwood National and State Parks.

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Last updated: July 21, 2020