Planning a trip to Redwood National and State Parks can quickly get overwhelming. These parks span miles of coastline, old-growth forests, and hidden gems, with no single entrance or central hub. That’s why so many first-time visitors end up scrambling with last-minute plans, missing key sights, or burning too much time on the road.
I’ve been exploring these forests for years, on foot, by car, and through long conversations with rangers who know every inch of the park system. This guide isn’t just a list of stops. It’s a 3-day plan that reflects real-world experience and local insights.
Inside, you’ll find practical details: accurate driving times, trail tips, and realistic pacing so you don’t feel rushed. You’ll also get updated maps, local food spots, and the best places to stay. Everything has been fact-checked, tested, and designed to help you experience the Redwoods with confidence, not confusion.
Essential Planning Information
Proper planning sets the foundation for success, covering timelines, resources, potential obstacles, and backup strategies.
Getting There
I’ll be honest, getting to Redwood National Park takes some planning. The major airports are San Francisco and Portland, both about 6 hours away by car. Want to save time? Fly into Humboldt County Airport or Del Norte County Airport instead.
Both are just 30 minutes from the park. The park sits in northwestern California, just 20 minutes from the Oregon border. Perfect if you’re doing a multi-state road trip.
Where to Stay for 3 Days
Crescent City is your best bet for a home base. It puts you right in the center of everything. Prefer the southern section? Trinidad works well if you want to focus on those areas first.
Budget-friendly option: Flint Ridge Backcountry Camp is free with a permit. Comfort seekers should check out Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay or the Historic Requa Inn.
Permits, Fees, and Safety Guidelines
Here’s some good news: most of the park is free. You’ll pay $12 for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon, but only from May 15 to September 15. Book these in advance:
- Fern Canyon permits (reserve 6 months early during peak season)
- Tall Trees Grove (only 50 parties allowed daily)
Stay safe out there. Bears and cougars live here. Store your food properly and make noise while hiking. See elk? Keep 50+ yards away. They’re bigger than you think.
Best Time to Visit and What to Pack
April through September gives you the best weather. Spring means lush green trees and smaller crowds. Pack these essentials: waterproof layers, hiking boots, water shoes, and a wide-angle camera lens.
Pro tip: Download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty throughout the park. Want amazing photos? Shoot during early morning or late afternoon. The fog creates an almost magical feeling.
Day 1. Northern Section: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Start your redwoods adventure at Jedediah Smith, home to towering giants and pristine wilderness trails.
Morning: Arrival and Setup (8:00 AM-10:00 AM)
Start your day right with coffee and breakfast at Paragon Coffeehouse in Crescent City. Trust me, you’ll need the caffeine for what’s ahead. Next stop: Hiouchi Visitor Center. Grab park maps and ask rangers about current trail conditions.
They know things websites don’t tell you. Then drive to the Howland Hill Road starting point. This is where the real fun begins.
Mid-Morning: Howland Hill Road Scenic Drive (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)
This 10-mile unpaved road winds through ancient redwoods like nowhere else on Earth. Budget 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how many photo stops you make. And you will make stops. The coolest part?
Tight bends where you can almost touch the trees from your car window. It’s like driving through a living tunnel. Warning: Leave the RV at camp. This road isn’t made for big vehicles or trailers.
Afternoon: Grove of Titans Trail (12:30 PM-2:00 PM)
After lunch, tackle this 1.7-mile loop trail. It takes about an hour at a comfortable pace. The highlight is a 1,500-foot elevated boardwalk that puts you right among some of the world’s tallest trees.
You’ll get canopy views and see the Mill Creek overlook. The boardwalk protects the forest floor while giving you amazing angles for photos. This trail shows you why these trees have survived for thousands of years.
Late Afternoon: Stout Memorial Grove (2:30 PM-3:30 PM)
This 0.6-mile loop is perfect when you need a quick break. It takes just 20 to 30 minutes to walk through. You’ll find yourself in a 44-acre grove of giant redwoods.
The Smith River runs nearby if you want to cool off your feet. Bonus: There’s an optional trail down to the pristine Smith River. Worth the extra steps.
Evening: Boy Scout Tree Trail (4:00 PM-6:00 PM)
End your day with this 5.2-mile loop trail. Plan for 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace. The payoff?
Fern Falls through a diverse old-growth forest. This trail shows you different sides of the redwood ecosystem beyond just the big trees.
Day 2. Central and Southern Section: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Towering redwoods, misty trails, and fern-filled canyons welcome you to Prairie Creek, nature’s cathedral in the Central-Southern section.
Early Morning: Elk Viewing (7:00 AM-8:00 AM)
Set your alarm early for this one. Elk Meadow near Prairie Creek Visitor Center is where you want to be at 7 AM. Why so early? That’s when elk are actively grazing and easiest to spot.
Can’t make it that early? Try Gold Bluffs Beach or Lower Redwood Creek later in the day. But trust me, morning is best.
Morning: Fern Canyon Adventure (9:00 AM-11:00 AM)
This 1.1-mile loop takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Picture walking between 50 to 80-foot canyon walls covered in five different fern species. It’s like stepping into another world.
Bring water shoes. You’ll cross streams multiple times, and regular shoes will get soaked. Getting there requires a 7-mile dirt road. You need a high-clearance vehicle. No exceptions. Fun fact: This place was featured in Jurassic Park: The Lost World. You’ll see why.
After Fern Canyon, spend time at Gold Bluffs Beach. Watch for more elk while taking in the dramatic coastal scenery. The sea stacks make great photo backgrounds. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath before lunch.
Afternoon: Prairie Creek Trail System (1:00 PM-4:00 PM)
This 2.4-mile loop takes about 1.5 hours. Perfect for an afternoon hike. You’ll walk through tree tunnels that feel like natural cathedrals. The highlight is Big Tree Wayside, a 1,500-year-old redwood that puts everything in perspective.
Prairie Creek runs alongside the trail. Visit in the fall, and you might spot salmon swimming upstream.
Late Afternoon: Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway (4:00 PM-5:00 PM)
Take this 10-mile scenic drive instead of Highway 101. Your camera will thank you. Multiple photography stops line the route.
Don’t miss Big Tree Wayside and other pull-offs designed for redwood photos. This drive gives you a different view of the forest from your car.
End your day with this easy 1-mile round trip to the falls. It takes just 30 minutes to an hour. The 10-foot waterfall through old-growth forest makes a perfect finale. It’s a gentle way to wrap up a busy day.
Day 3: Iconic Highlights and Coastal Exploration
Golden beaches meet majestic cliffs. Day 3 unveils coastal wonders, iconic vistas, and captivating wildlife along California’s breathtaking shoreline.
Morning: Tall Trees Grove (8:00 AM-12:00 PM)
This is the big one. The 4.5-mile round trip includes a steep 680-foot descent and climb back up. Budget 3 to 4 hours total, including drive time. The return climb is tough, I won’t lie to you.
Why go? This grove held the former world’s tallest tree. It’s still incredible even without that record. Not feeling up for it?
Try Lady Bird Johnson Grove instead. This 1.5-mile family-friendly loop gives you giant redwoods without the brutal climb.
Afternoon: Coastal Highlights (1:00 PM-5:00 PM)
Stand 600 feet above sea level where the river meets the ocean. The view stretches for miles. Bonus activity: This spot is great for whale watching during migration seasons.
Want more? Take the half-mile hike to a second viewpoint. Different angles, same amazing scenery. It’s the perfect break between forest and coast.
Your next stop offers expansive coastline views that stretch beyond what you can imagine. Read the interpretive signs to learn about the area’s history. Picnic tables and restrooms make this a comfortable stop.
Take the short trail to additional viewpoints. Each angle shows you something different. Now comes decision time. Return to your favorite grove for sunset photography, or take a final coastal walk at Crescent Beach.
I recommend some quiet time among the giants before you leave. These trees have stood here for thousands of years. Let that sink in during your final moments in the park. It’s the perfect way to end three amazing days.
Practical Information for Your 3-Day Visit
Plan smart, travel light. Your essential guide covers park hours, permits, lodging, safety tips, and eco-friendly ways to explore comfortably.
- Bring your food: Dining inside the park is extremely limited and often unavailable.
- Stock up in Crescent City daily: Purchase meals and snacks before entering the park each day.
- Pack complete meals and snacks: Expect full days without access to food vendors.
- Download offline maps: Cell service is unreliable, especially on remote or dirt roads.
- Share your plans with someone outside the park: Let others know your route and expected return time.
- Carry emergency supplies at all times: Be ready in case help is delayed or unavailable.
- Check trail and weather conditions before departure: Conditions can change quickly and affect safety.
- Pack layers for all weather: Fog, wind, and rain can appear even in summer.
Conclusion
This Redwood National Park itinerary gives you everything you need for an amazing 3-day trip. You now have detailed maps, exact timing, and insider tips that will save you hours of planning. No more wondering which trails to take or where to spend your time.
You have a solid plan that covers the must-see highlights without the stress of figuring it out on your own. The ancient giants are waiting for you. These trees have stood for thousands of years now it’s your turn to stand among them.
Ready to start planning? Drop a comment below if you have questions about any part of this itinerary. I’d love to help make your Redwood experience perfect. Safe travels, and enjoy those incredible trees!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Redwood National Park?
Three days is perfect for seeing the main highlights. You can cover the northern, central, and southern sections while having time for key trails and scenic drives.
What’s the best base for a Redwood National Park itinerary?
Crescent City offers the most central location for all park areas. Trinidad works well if you want to focus on the southern redwoods first.
Do you need permits for Redwood National Park?
Most areas are free. You need advance permits for Fern Canyon during peak season and Tall Trees Grove (limited to 50 parties daily).
What should I pack for a 3-day redwood trip?
Bring waterproof layers, hiking boots, water shoes for stream crossings, and download offline maps. Cell service is spotty throughout the park areas.
When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?
April through September offers the best weather. Spring provides lush greenery and fewer crowds, while summer has the most reliable conditions.
