While man-made attractions like the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower attract a lot of buzz, there is a place in California where Mother Nature outshines everything. Redwood National Park and the adjacent State Parks are home to the world’s tallest trees, providing sanctuary to nearly half of the world’s old-growth redwoods. Some of the trees here tower more than 370 feet tall — five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Visiting the redwood forests is a bit like being in Alice in Wonderland; you’ll marvel at the tallest trees on the planet, and feel very, very small. Visiting Redwood National and State Parks is an immersive experience that will put you in the here and now, in the absolute magnificence of nature. It’s transformative, and truly necessary in these tumultuous times. So take a step back, take a deep breath, and revel in the grandest of Mother Nature’s natural wonders.
Redwood National and State Parks are 139,000 acres of lush, old-growth forest in Northern California.
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images RNSP is a sprawling system of preserves that includes three state parks. Admission to this wondrous place is free (with the exception of a few campgrounds).
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” John Muir said that, and it’s certainly true here.
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images Plus When we slow down and immerse ourselves in nature in a mindful way, there is a natural harmony that exists.
Muir was one of the most well-known writers of his day, and he was connected to nature in a deep and profound way.
GGNRA, Park Archives, GOGA 32470-0292/NPGallery Digital Asset Management System Known as the “Father of Our National Park System,” John Muir was fiercely devoted to the preservation and protection of all parks, but he had a soft spot for California’s redwood forests.
Muir knew there was magic in the trees; wisdom and wonder that is simply unparalleled.
Anita Sagastegui/iStock via Getty Images Plus
During western expansion in the 1800s, the redwoods were under siege. The massive trees offered early settlers a seemingly endless lumber supply; however, within 100 years, the vast forests had dwindled to a shadow of their former glory.
Blaine Harrington III/The Image Bank via Getty Images By the early 1900s, it was apparent that the future of the old-growth redwood forests was in jeopardy. Thanks to the actions of California’s Save-the-Redwoods League, the redwoods received the protection they needed.
Today, Redwood National and State Parks, or RNSP, is one of the least-visited sites in the National Park System, and its expansive size means this national treasure is generally not very crowded.
stevedunleavy.com/Moment via Getty Images Just around 430,000 visitors come to RNSP each year, to revel in the beauty of these ancient forests.
RNSP is a place you’ll want to stay and explore, and the park offers countless trails perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images Fern Canyon Trail is one of the most popular treks in the park; it’s a mile-long loop trail that features a waterfall and some of the very best forest views.
You may even find yourself getting lost in the wilderness, comforted by these wise, gentle giants.
Carmen Martínez Torrón/Moment Collection via Getty Images Many believe that being in the woods lowers stress and improves our immune systems - it’s hard not to feel more relaxed in this forest.
Although the trees are the main attraction at Redwood, the variety of wildlife in the parks is also incredible.
Jon Larson/Photodisc Collection via Getty Images RNSP is home to large populations of Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and mountain lions. (This abundance of wildlife is also why pets are not permitted in the park.)
For a truly bucket list-worthy experience in Redwood Parks, plan a trip down Avenue of the Giants. This scenic byway traverses right through RNSP, offering breathtaking views of the redwoods.
Redwood Coast/Facebook And while you’re traversing this scenic road, you’ll pass by a hidden gem worth stopping to see.
Eel River, located just off the Avenue of the Giants, has jaw-dropping, emerald green waters so splendid that it doesn’t look real.
Redwood Coast/Facebook High Rock, which overlooks the Eel River, is a pristine oasis of sandy beaches, turquoise pools, and lush forest walls. There’s even a secret swimming hole. (This beach can also be accessed through a variety of trails, too.)
In Redwood Creek, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove is an area you must explore. By the 1960s and ’70s, much of the landscape had been compromised by clearcutting.
Tashka/iStock via Getty Images Plus But nature truly is miraculous: today, the grove is a garden of green; a sanctuary where towering trees gently cocoon the forest in their branches.
Muir Woods is a National Monument worth a visit, too.
Justinreznick/iStock via Getty Images Plus Though it’s not technically part of RNSP, it’s in the same region and a worthy detour.
Beyond the trees, the region also has some of the most spectacular water recreation in the country.
Redwood Rides/Facebook Redwood Rides offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the national park, including kayaking down the Smith River or beneath the mighty redwood trees.
It can be hard to leave a place as beautiful as this, and outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to know there are several developed campgrounds at RNSP, as well as backcountry campsites.
Redwood Coast/Facebook Reservations and/or permits are required for both, and the park asks that visitors adopt a Leave No Trace approach to their overnight visit.
“Between every two pine trees, there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
maislam/iStock via Getty Images Plus Muir’s efforts towards conservation had lasting long-term effects on how our government views environmental protection and prioritizes land preservation.
California’s Redwood National and State Parks are a triumph of conservation efforts and initiatives.
Christopher Kimmel via Getty Images These thousand-year-old monuments are a testament to the power we all have to effect lasting, meaningful change.
The world is a wondrous place. Sometimes we need to take a step back to really grasp how beautiful life truly is — take a deep breath, and really marvel at the miracles all around us. That’s what a Bucket List is really all about; providing inspiration to stoke and satisfy your wanderlust and sense of wonder. In California, Redwood National and State Parks is a place of divine design that speaks to the glory of Mother Nature.
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images
RNSP is a sprawling system of preserves that includes three state parks. Admission to this wondrous place is free (with the exception of a few campgrounds).
YayaErnst/iStock via Getty Images Plus
When we slow down and immerse ourselves in nature in a mindful way, there is a natural harmony that exists.
GGNRA, Park Archives, GOGA 32470-0292/NPGallery Digital Asset Management System
Known as the “Father of Our National Park System,” John Muir was fiercely devoted to the preservation and protection of all parks, but he had a soft spot for California’s redwood forests.
Anita Sagastegui/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Blaine Harrington III/The Image Bank via Getty Images
By the early 1900s, it was apparent that the future of the old-growth redwood forests was in jeopardy. Thanks to the actions of California’s Save-the-Redwoods League, the redwoods received the protection they needed.
stevedunleavy.com/Moment via Getty Images
Just around 430,000 visitors come to RNSP each year, to revel in the beauty of these ancient forests.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
Fern Canyon Trail is one of the most popular treks in the park; it’s a mile-long loop trail that features a waterfall and some of the very best forest views.
Carmen Martínez Torrón/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Many believe that being in the woods lowers stress and improves our immune systems - it’s hard not to feel more relaxed in this forest.
Jon Larson/Photodisc Collection via Getty Images
RNSP is home to large populations of Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and mountain lions. (This abundance of wildlife is also why pets are not permitted in the park.)
Redwood Coast/Facebook
And while you’re traversing this scenic road, you’ll pass by a hidden gem worth stopping to see.
High Rock, which overlooks the Eel River, is a pristine oasis of sandy beaches, turquoise pools, and lush forest walls. There’s even a secret swimming hole. (This beach can also be accessed through a variety of trails, too.)
Tashka/iStock via Getty Images Plus
But nature truly is miraculous: today, the grove is a garden of green; a sanctuary where towering trees gently cocoon the forest in their branches.
Justinreznick/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Though it’s not technically part of RNSP, it’s in the same region and a worthy detour.
Redwood Rides/Facebook
Redwood Rides offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the national park, including kayaking down the Smith River or beneath the mighty redwood trees.
Reservations and/or permits are required for both, and the park asks that visitors adopt a Leave No Trace approach to their overnight visit.
maislam/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Muir’s efforts towards conservation had lasting long-term effects on how our government views environmental protection and prioritizes land preservation.
Christopher Kimmel via Getty Images
These thousand-year-old monuments are a testament to the power we all have to effect lasting, meaningful change.
Learn more information and plan your visit to Redwood National and State Parks on the NPS website.
Visitor’s Center:
Accessibility: Redwood National and State Parks is a diverse series of parks, landscapes, and terrain — kept as untamed as possible. However, the National Park Service and California State Parks strive to make these parks universally accessible to all and offer ADA-accessible campsites and parking, numerous paved trails, and a variety of accessible programming.
Pet Friendly: Due to the wildlife that calls Redwood National and State Parks home, pets are not allowed on any park trails or at ranger-led programs. However, if you want to walk through old-growth redwoods with your leashed pet, check out Cal Barrel Road at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or Walker Road, located at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Parking: Parking is located throughout Redwood National and State Parks; including near several popular trails and visitor centers. You’ll want to review the park map before you go and pick a lot near your planned activities.
Seasonal Access: Though the park is open year-round, summer draws the largest crowds, so consider a visit in spring or fall for a less crowded experience and some truly spectacular wildlife watching. Winter is the rainy season, so plan accordingly if this is when you plan to visit. Roads, trails, and public access are open year-round; however, some campgrounds and information centers are closed in the off-season (October-May).
Cost: Admission to Redwood National and State Parks is free, with the exception of day-use areas within the Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks. State park day-use passes and Interagency Federal Passes are accepted within these three state parks.
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of The Outer Banks in North Carolina and Molokini Crater in Hawaii, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1600 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
