Redwood National and State Parks
National Park · California

Redwood National and State Parks

Photo: Michael Schweppe · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Redwood is a joint group of one national park and three California state parks along the far north coast. Walk among giant redwoods at Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Stout Grove and Tall Trees Grove, drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and see Roosevelt elk in the prairies. A free permit is needed for Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach from May 15 to September 15.

Good to know

Tickets
No entry fee for the national park areas. Some state park day-use areas charge a fee. Free permits are needed for Fern Canyon in summer and Tall Trees Grove all year.
Time needed
Two days to see the main groves and the coast.
Best time
May to October for drier weather. Summer can be foggy on the coast.
Getting there
Crescent City is about 15 minutes from Jedediah Smith. The Arcata-Eureka airport is about 45 minutes south of the main groves; San Francisco is about 6 hours.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Crescent City, California
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Redwood National and State Parks questions

Do I need a permit for Fern Canyon?

Yes, from May 15 to September 15. The free permit is booked online; hiking in on the James Irvine Trail needs none.

What is the best redwood grove to visit?

Stout Grove near Crescent City and Lady Bird Johnson Grove are easy favourites. Tall Trees Grove needs a free permit.

Where should I stay near Redwood National Park?

Crescent City, Klamath and Orick are the closest towns. There is no lodge in the park, only campgrounds.

Nearby national parks