The Ancient Forest: Guide to the California Redwoods

The Redwoods of California are more than just a forest.

Coastal Redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet and have inspired humans since the dawn of time.

From old-growth forests that ooze magic to the foggy Redwood-studded coastline north of San Francisco, these trees are major bucket list material.

Pack for a day hike and go heavy on the childhood wonder-

Here’s your guide to the ancient forest, the California Redwoods:

Where are the California Redwoods?

The Redwood National and State Parks are a collection of forest and beach areas along the northern coast of California, mostly known for protecting the Redwood trees.

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What are Old-Growth Forests?

An old-growth forest is one that has developed over a long period of time, free from catastrophic disturbances or human influence.

Basically, an old-growth forest is one that has been left alone, untamed and contains mature trees.

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Best Time to Visit the California Redwoods

For Jedidiah Smith and other Redwoods forests in northern California, May through October is the best time to visit to avoid the rain characteristic of the area.

The San Francisco Bay and Central Coast Redwoods are lovely all year, but spring and fall have the best weather and less fog.

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What to Pack for the California Redwoods

Light, Waterproof Jacket. Fog, unpredicted rain, and shifting temperatures under the shade of the Redwoods require different layers to keep you comfortable.

Sunscreen. The sunlight that penetrates through the trees is no joke.

Bug spray that doesn’t stink. Mosquitos. Enough said.

Reusable Water Bottle. I love mine because it shrinks and can be easily rolled up and put into my backpack when it’s empty.

Snacks. Food choices are limited in pretty much any place there are Redwoods.

Poison Oak Prevention. Poison Oak grows throughout Redwood National and State Parks. I’m extremely allergic to urushiol, so these wipes are essential.

Tripod. You might have heard: the trees are massive. A tripod for your phone will help take the best photos.

Portable Charger. While spending hours in the woods, you’ll need to have a way to recharge your phone, plus GPS and safety devices.

Binoculars. The Redwoods are alive with wildlife! Binoculars help you see more at a safe distance.

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The Best Places to See Giant Redwoods in California

Jedediah Smith State Park

Jedediah is an absolute treat.

Here, you’ll find the famous Scout Grove Memorial Trail (more on that later!) and the secluded Boyscout Trail. Just 10 miles away is the charming seaside town of Crescent City, California, one of the best places to coast worship.

Where to Stay Near Jedediah Smith State Park

• $ Anchor Beach Inn is bright, airy, updated by Crescent City standards, and has a free breakfast.

• $$ River’s Bend Vacation Hom. A hot tub right on the river, in the heart of the redwoods…enough said.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Did you know that California is home to the largest old-growth forest of Redwoods in the entire world, Rockefeller Forest?

The jewel of Rockefeller Forest, Humboldt State Park, is best known for its Avenue of the Giants, a winding highway that includes 3 different giant trees you can drive your car through.

Humboldt Redwoods is California’s 3rd largest park, twice the size of San Francisco, with a 3rd of it being old-growth Redwoods, be prepared to feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Where to Stay Near Humboldt Redwoods State Park

• $$ Humboldt House Inn is near Garberville Town Square and comes with a free full breakfast, a scenic garden, and mountain views from your room.

• $$ Bayshore Inn includes a breakfast buffet, a sauna, a hot tub, a cozy fireplace in the lobby, and a cocktail bar.

• $$$ Eureka Inn is adorable, cottage-like, and a 3-minute walk from the Humboldt Cider Tap Room.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Just an hour and a half from San Francisco is Big Basin Redwoods, California’s oldest state park, established in 1902, with more than 80 miles of trails that wind through the forest.

Of all the Redwoods parks, Big Basin is best known for its large, rustic waterfalls, the kind you’d expect to see in a California forest.

Where to Stay Near Big Basin State Park

• $$ Toll House Hotel is in the historic district of Los Gatos and is walkable to most things. The on-site Tavern has surprisingly good Italian food.

• $$ Hotel Los Gatos is charmingly Spanish California. The string lights along the pool, hot tub, and balconies create a snuggly vibe.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Just a half-hour drive south of Big Basin is Henry Cowell Redwoods, a smaller California State park with tons of old-growth forest.

Park at the N Big Trees Park Rd lot and scan the QR code at the trailhead for a free, self-guided tour. 0.8-mile walk through some of the oldest redwoods in California.

Visit Roaring Camp, a Western-style town complete with a gift shop and a historic train that will take you up the steep switchbacks of Bear Mountain for an unparalleled view of the Redwoods.

How to Take the Train at Henry Cowell

The train usually runs a few times a day, depending on the season, so I recommend booking tickets ahead of time.

Train Admission is around $33 plus $10 for parking.

Where to Stay Near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

• $$ Pacific Blue Inn is colorful and coastal chic, near theme parks and the beach.

• $$$ Paradox Hotel is part of Hilton’s premium Autograph Collection, located near a train station and the ocean. The outdoor pool comes complete with cabanas; the cooked-to-order breakfast is a favorite.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is the most visited park on this list because it’s less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Although it’s one of the smaller Redwoods Parks, Muir Woods is just as stunning and mystical as its larger sister parks, with old-growth trees in the 400-800 years old range.

*Get there early if you want to park or take an inexpensive tour from San Francisco that will pick you up and drop you off.

Where to Stay Near Muir Woods

• $$ Muir Woods Lodge is a great budget find in a traditionally pricy area. 

• $$ The Lodge at Tiburon is within walking distance of San Francisco Bay, Tiburon Wine and Rustic Bakery, and 10 miles from Muir Woods.

• $$$ Acqua is a stunningly gorgeous hotel with panoramic mountain and ocean views and a glass outdoor terrace.

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Bucket List Things To Do at the Redwoods

Avenue of the Giants

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

The most famous drive among the Redwoods, Avenue of the Giants, is 31 miles outlined in towering trees so ancient that they’ve literally watched the birth of civilization around them.

Mostly flat, the 31-mile drive will lead you along the river, gently curving around secluded forest areas, picnic tables, and all the beauty the Redwoods promised you.

Stout Grove Memorial Trail

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

At the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park lies a wise 44-acre grove of old-growth Redwoods hugging the edge of the Smith River.

Scout Grove Memorial Trail is only half a mile in length, yet it’s one of the most mystical experiences one can have at the Redwoods: the trees close in from all sides, and you’re reminded of how small and fast your life is in the grand scheme of the universe.

How To Find Stout Grove

All year. Smaller vehicles can take Howland Hill Road, a narrow and winding path that is mostly unpaved and not suitable for large vehicles. 

In the Summer only. Park any vehicle at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground. Follow the half-mile walking trail upstream from the campground and then cross the summer bridge to Stout Grove.

Boyscout Trail

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

There are only so many places in the entire world where you can walk through old-growth coastal Redwoods for this long without coming across other travelers or hearing modern noise.

Jedidiah Smith’s Boyscout Trail is one such place.

Fern Canyon

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

In Humboldt County, California, lives a canyon with ferns growing all the way up to its 50-foot walls, known as Fern Canyon.

The clear and beautiful Home Creek trickles delicately through the canyon wall, making you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.

Scenes from Jurassic Park’s The Lost World were filmed at Fern Canyon!

The Coast

Redwoods and forest lands get all the attention, but the rugged Pacific coast deserves just as much credit for making Northern California magical.

Spend time driving along the coastline and be prepared to go slow, as much of this route has sharp twists and turns.

Banana Slugs

Bright, beautiful, and steeped in local lore, Banana Slugs live in the redwood forests and eat bugs, dead plants, and pretty much everything except for the Redwoods themselves.

The Slugs aren’t poisonous, and seeing one is considered good luck, so keep your eyes peeled (banana pun).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit the Redwoods Forest in California?

There really isn’t a best month to visit the Redwoods, but there are best seasons, such as spring, fall, and early summer.

If I had to pick, I would say the very best month to visit California’s redwoods would be June. In June, you’ll find wildflowers and just enough heat to generate summer nostalgia without the burn of August.

How many days do you need to see the Redwoods Forest in California?

Many of the Redwoods State and National Parks have trails that will lead you civilly through the wild California forest land in just a few hours. 

You can make the Redwoods a day trip or spend several weeks in just one park.

Where do you fly into to go into the Redwoods Forest?

If your goal is to see some Redwoods as easily as possible, fly into San Francisco and enjoy Muir Woods or Big Basin. 

Are dogs allowed at the Redwoods?

Yes, dogs are allowed in many parts of California’s giant Redwood forests. Here is a complete list of every place you can bring your pup to!

Where can I camp in the Redwoods?

Camping is encouraged in all of California’s beautiful forests, and the Redwoods are no exception. Read this guide to find the best places to camp in the Redwoods.

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