Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Redwood National and State Parks, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- California, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Coastal temperate rainforest
- Best season
- Year-round
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Birdwatching
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal temperate rainforest
- Best season: Year-round
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: hiking
Topic summary
The tallest trees on earth along the foggy Northern California coast — old-growth redwood groves, Roosevelt elk, and wild coastline.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: Year-round
Intended uses
- hiking
- camping
- backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal temperate rainforest
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Redwood National and State Parks trip tools
How to get there
Plan access around the park area being visited: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, Prairie Creek Redwoods, or Redwood National Park. Confirm approach directions for the chosen destination with park staff at 707-464-6101.
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
One of the three state parks within the shared park system. Scenic roads and highways have no entrance fee; day-use fees are collected at developed campground entrance stations.
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
A state park component with free scenic-road and highway access. Developed campground entrance stations collect day-use fees.
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The state park containing access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. Driving to those destinations requires a state park entrance fee, waived for federal America the Beautiful pass holders.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Redwood National and State Parks
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Redwood National and State Parks
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Redwood National and State ParksAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Redwood National and State Parks
Planning to fish Redwood National and State Parks, California? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in California are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Redwood National and State Parks?
- A California fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current California fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Redwood National and State Parks
Thinking about hunting Redwood National and State Parks, California? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in California are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Redwood National and State Parks?
- Confirm the land around Redwood National and State Parks is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in California?
- A California hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
Coast redwoods and a shared park landscape
Redwood National and State Parks brings together a national park and three California state parks: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. On California’s North Coast, the redwood forests are the main reason to build a trip around this landscape. Coast redwoods are the tallest living tree species on Earth, and the species can reach ages of about 2,000 years. Those are species-wide characteristics, not a promise about every tree encountered here. A useful approach is to plan around time in the forest rather than a search for a particular record-holder. Choose which park areas to visit before setting out, and distinguish scenic-road access from developed day-use areas and overnight stays, which have different fee and planning requirements.
Scenic drives, beach access, and day-use fees
An entrance pass is not required to access Redwood National and State Parks, and there are no entrance fees to drive the scenic roads or highways through the national park and its three state parks. That does not make every stop free. Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods collect day-use fees at developed campground entrance stations. These state parks honor federal America the Beautiful passes with discounted pricing, and California State Parks pass holders can use their state passes. Within Prairie Creek, driving to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon carries a separate state park entrance fee, waived for holders of any federal America the Beautiful pass. Decide whether the day centers on scenic roads or these specific destinations, and confirm current access requirements before departure.
Planning an overnight stay
Overnight trips require a separate decision between developed campgrounds and designated backcountry camps. The parks have four developed campgrounds, with a stated camping fee of $35. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 1-800-444-7275. For overnight use of all designated backcountry camps, a free online permit is required; Gold Bluffs Beach is the fee exception, at $5 per person per night. Do not treat free general park access as permission to camp without arranging the appropriate overnight authorization. Select the overnight option first, then confirm its access details and requirements with park staff. Keep the day’s travel plan tied to that choice rather than assuming a scenic drive, a beach visit, and a backcountry stay share the same arrangements.
Route options
- Scenic-road driving
Use the scenic roads and highways through the national park and three state parks for a driving-focused visit. These roads have no entrance fees, though some day-use stops charge separately. Confirm a specific itinerary and current road conditions with park staff.
- Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon access drive
Choose the drive to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. A state park entrance fee applies unless waived by a federal America the Beautiful pass. Confirm current access requirements before setting out.
Sample itineraries
- Prairie Creek and Gold Bluffs Beach · 1 day
Spend a day in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, combining forest time with Gold Bluffs Beach or Fern Canyon. Driving to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon carries a state park entrance fee. Confirm current access arrangements before setting out.
- Three State Parks · 3 days
Give Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks a day each. Use scenic roads to explore the forest, choosing walks after checking local conditions. Reserve developed camping ahead if staying overnight.
- Backcountry Overnight · 2 days
Plan an overnight at a designated backcountry camp in Redwood National and State Parks. Select the camp and approach with park staff, obtain the required online permit, and carry overnight equipment. Confirm water availability and current access before committing to a route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring visits
Use the local forecast to plan forest walks and coastal stops. Carry rain protection and choose footwear suited to wet ground if rain is expected. Confirm road and trail conditions before departure.
Summer
Summer visits
Do not assume a California summer means hot conditions on the North Coast. Check the coastal forecast, carry layers, and bring drinking water for forest walks. Verify access arrangements for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon.
Fall
Fall visits
Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming dry weather. Keep rain protection accessible and adjust forest or beach plans when conditions deteriorate. Check available daylight before choosing an outing.
Winter
Winter visits
Check weather and access conditions before driving scenic roads or starting an overnight trip. Pack insulating layers and waterproof protection. Choose outings that leave enough daylight for the return.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring visits | Use the local forecast to plan forest walks and coastal stops. Carry rain protection and choose footwear suited to wet ground if rain is expected. Confirm road and trail conditions before departure. |
| Summer | Summer visits | Do not assume a California summer means hot conditions on the North Coast. Check the coastal forecast, carry layers, and bring drinking water for forest walks. Verify access arrangements for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. |
| Fall | Fall visits | Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming dry weather. Keep rain protection accessible and adjust forest or beach plans when conditions deteriorate. Check available daylight before choosing an outing. |
| Winter | Winter visits | Check weather and access conditions before driving scenic roads or starting an overnight trip. Pack insulating layers and waterproof protection. Choose outings that leave enough daylight for the return. |
Permits, fees & closures
No entrance pass is required for Redwood National and State Parks. Online permits are required for overnight stays at all designated backcountry camps; permits are free, with a camping charge at Gold Bluffs Beach.
Fees: Developed camping costs $35. Gold Bluffs Beach backcountry camping costs $5 per person, per night. Scenic roads and highways have no entrance fees. Some state park day-use areas charge fees, including the drive to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon; America the Beautiful passes waive that driving entrance fee.
Reservations: Developed campground reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Official source: Fees & Passes - Redwood National and State Parks (U.S. National Park ... · Verified October 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Weather exposure: carry layers and rain protection for forest and coastal outings, and change plans when the forecast warrants it.
- Wet footing: if rain leaves the ground slippery, slow down and use footwear with reliable traction.
- Coastal water: assess conditions before approaching the water at Gold Bluffs Beach; stay back when conditions are uncertain.
- Water supply: confirm drinking-water availability before a backcountry overnight and carry enough for the planned outing.
What to pack for Redwood National and State Parks
- Layered clothing
- Waterproof outer layer
- Walking footwear with reliable traction
- Drinking water and food
- Map for the chosen outing
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Weather forecast and current access information
- Shelter and sleeping system suited to the forecast
- Backcountry permit or campground reservation confirmation
- Water containers and treatment equipment
- Food storage appropriate to park guidance
Redwood National and State Parks FAQ
- Is Redwood National and State Parks free to visit?
- No entrance pass is required, and scenic roads and highways are free to drive. Some state park day-use areas charge fees. Camping also carries fees at developed campgrounds and the Gold Bluffs Beach backcountry camp.
- Does a federal pass cover the drive to Fern Canyon?
- An America the Beautiful pass waives the state park entrance fee for driving to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Confirm current access arrangements separately.
- How is developed camping reserved?
- Book through ReserveCalifornia or call 1-800-444-7275 at least 48 hours in advance. The parks have four developed campgrounds, with a stated camping fee of $35.
- Is a permit needed for a backcountry overnight?
- Yes. All designated backcountry camps require an online permit. Permits are free; Gold Bluffs Beach backcountry camping costs $5 per person, per night.
- What makes coast redwoods distinctive?
- Coast redwoods are the tallest living tree species on Earth and can reach about 2,000 years old. Their natural range follows coastal California into southwestern Oregon. Spend time looking at the forest as a whole rather than seeking only the largest trees.
- Which state parks are part of the destination?
- Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks join Redwood National Park. Their scenic roads are free to drive, while developed campground entrance stations collect state park day-use fees.