THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK

Summary

Redwood National Park in Northern California is home to the tallest trees in the world and offers stunning coastlines, wild rivers, and plenty of wildlife. Visitors can explore scenic routes, such as the Avenue of the Giants, or hike iconic spots like Fern Canyon and Gold Bluff Beach. The park is best visited in summer for warm weather or in fall for milder temperatures. There are no entrance fees but a daily use fee applies to nearby state parks. For accommodations, options range from camping to nearby hotels, with several options for booking in advance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world and offers a stunning mix of rugged coastline and wild riverways to explore.
• 🌞 Summer (June to August) is the high season, with warm temperatures and a relatively uncrowded experience due to the park's vast size.
• 🍂 Fall is another great time to visit, offering milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, but be sure to pack layers and a raincoat.
• 🚗 To drive through Redwood National Park, you can take the 101 Highway in about 30 minutes, or opt for the scenic Avenue of the Giants which takes about 2.5 hours.
• ⏱ Plan for at least a full day to explore Redwood National Park, with 40 miles of coastline and 133,000 acres of parkland to discover.
• 📍 Located in Northern California, the park is about a six-hour drive north of San Francisco, or you can fly into the smaller Eureka Airport.
• 💵 Entrance to Redwood National Park is free, but there is a $5 daily use fee for the nearby state parks.
• 🌳 Don’t miss the unique opportunity to drive through the giant redwoods themselves, available at three locations along the Avenue of the Giants for a small fee.
• 🏕 There are four campgrounds within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, but you must reserve campsites online or by phone at least 48 hours in advance, especially in high season.
• 🏨 If camping isn't your style, nearby accommodations like the Holiday Inn Express, Elk Meadow Cabins, and Lost Whale Inn offer comfortable stays.
• 🐦 While in the park, check out must-see attractions like Fern Canyon, the James Irvine Trail, and Gold Bluff Beach, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer.

Q & A

What makes Redwood National Park unique?

Redwood National Park is famous for being home to the tallest trees in the world. Additionally, it offers a rugged coastline and wild riverways, making it a diverse and fascinating destination.

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?

Summer (June to August) is the high season, with warm temperatures and relatively uncrowded parks. Fall offers milder weather and beautiful scenery, but it's essential to bring layers and a raincoat.

How long should you plan to visit Redwood National Park?

To fully explore the park, it’s recommended to plan at least a full day. While you can drive through in about 30 minutes, taking the Avenue of the Giants scenic route requires about 2.5 hours, including stops for walks and picnics.

Where is Redwood National Park located?

Redwood National Park is located in Northern California, around six hours' drive north of San Francisco. Travelers typically fly into San Francisco and drive, although there is also a small airport in Eureka, California.

Is there an entrance fee for Redwood National Park?

There is no entrance fee for Redwood National Park itself. However, nearby state parks charge a $5 daily use fee. Additionally, there is a small fee to drive through the redwood trees along the Avenue of the Giants.

What accommodation options are available at Redwood National Park?

You can camp at one of the four campgrounds within Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, with reservations required at least 48 hours in advance. Alternatively, you can stay in nearby hotels, lodges, or cabins such as Holiday Inn Express or the Elk Meadow Cabins.

How much does it cost to camp in Redwood National Park?

Standard camping at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park costs around $35 per night. Basic cabins in the campgrounds are available for about $100 per night during the summer season.

What are some must-see spots in Redwood National Park?

Key attractions include Fern Canyon, the James Irvine Trail, Gold Bluff Beach, and opportunities to spot wildlife like Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer.

Can you drive through the trees in Redwood National Park?

Yes, you can drive through the trees along the Avenue of the Giants. There are three locations where you can drive through the redwoods, though a small fee is charged to do so.

What wildlife can you expect to see in Redwood National Park?

In Redwood National Park, you can spot wildlife such as Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and other forest creatures. The park’s diverse ecosystem provides many opportunities for nature lovers.