The short answer
Allow two full days and choose lodging near the part of the park you plan to visit first. Use one day for Prairie Creek, Fern Canyon, and the coast, then one for the northern groves around Jedediah Smith. Tall Trees Trailhead requires a free year-round reservation, and vehicle access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon requires a reservation from May 15 through September 15.
Redwood is a partnership spread along the coast
The National Park Service and California State Parks manage the redwood parks together. Highway 101 links the main areas, but grove roads, trailheads, and coastal access can add hours.
Jedediah Smith
Stout Grove, the Smith River, and Howland Hill Road anchor the northern end near Crescent City. The unpaved road is narrow and not suitable for large vehicles.
Prairie Creek
Prairie Creek, Elk Prairie, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Fern Canyon, and Gold Bluffs Beach make the most varied first-day combination.
Tall Trees and Bald Hills
Tall Trees Grove uses a controlled trailhead reached by a locked gate. Bald Hills Road climbs into prairie with changing pavement and construction conditions.
Southern coast
Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, coastal overlooks, and the Kuchel Visitor Center work well from Orick or Trinidad.
Crescent City is best for the northern groves. Klamath and Orick reduce driving around Prairie Creek, while Trinidad is useful for the southern trails and food options.
A three-day redwood and coast itinerary
Travel in one direction each day. Fog, road work, and elk near the roadway make driving slower than the mileage suggests.
Day 1: Prairie Creek and Fern Canyon
Walk a grove trail near Prairie Creek, look for Roosevelt elk from a safe distance, then use your permit for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon if required. Expect to walk in water in the canyon.
Day 2: Northern groves and Smith River
Drive the open portion of Howland Hill Road only with a suitable vehicle, walk Stout Grove or Simpson-Reed, and stop along the Smith River. Avoid forcing a large RV onto a narrow grove road.
Day 3: Tall Trees or southern trails
Use a confirmed Tall Trees reservation for the steep trail to Redwood Creek, or choose Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Trillium Falls for an easier, permit-free day.
One day in the redwoods
Stay around Prairie Creek for Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, one substantial grove walk, elk viewing, and a coastal stop.
Choose a grove by access, not tree rankings
There is no single required tree. The best grove is the one that fits your route, mobility, weather, and permit situation.
| Experience | Good starting point | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Easy old-growth walk | Stout Grove or Prairie Creek | Parking is small, roots are slippery, and road access varies by vehicle. |
| Fern Canyon | Gold Bluffs Beach road | Seasonal vehicle permit, stream crossings, high-clearance recommendation, and wet feet. |
| Tall Trees Grove | Reserved Tall Trees trailhead | Year-round reservation, gate instructions, steep return, and no late arrival flexibility. |
| Coast and tide pools | An open official coastal access point | Sneaker waves, cold water, tides, fog, and unstable cliffs. |
Stay on trails around the trees. Redwood roots are shallow, and shortcuts compact the soil that keeps the grove alive.
Permits, state park camping, and road reality
Tall Trees Trailhead requires a free reservation year-round. Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon vehicle access requires a free reservation from May 15 through September 15, and the road can still demand high clearance after storms.
The four developed campgrounds are California State Parks properties reserved through ReserveCalifornia. Backcountry camping uses a separate online permit.
Check both the park conditions page and Caltrans before traveling. A closed trailhead, fallen tree, bridge issue, or Highway 101 project can change the best north-south route.
When to visit Redwood National and State Parks
Spring
Rain, high creeks, lush understory, and lighter crowds reward waterproof layers.
Summer
Dryer weather, fog, permits, and full campgrounds require the most advance planning.
Fall
Mild days and quieter groves arrive before the strongest winter storms.
Winter
Heavy rain, wind, short daylight, and road damage make flexible grove choices essential.
Official weather context
Visitors should be prepared for cooler and damp weather. Dress in layers and expect to get wet. Year-round temperatures along California's redwood coast: mid-40s°F (7°C) to mid-60s°F (18°C). Summer can be foggy, with highs occasionally reaching low 70s°F (20°C). Winters are cooler with considerable rain. October through April averages 60-80 inches of rain over the region.
Make the final Redwood National and State Parks check
Confirm every trail and access road individually, then save permit gate instructions offline. A park-wide open status does not guarantee a specific grove road is passable.
Pack rain protection in every season and keep food, distance, and the roadway between you and Roosevelt elk.
Before you leave
Open Redwood National and State Parks in Map My Parks to review current alerts, official weather context, fees, campgrounds, visitor centers, activities, and source links together. Save the details you will need offline, then confirm the latest park conditions before driving to the entrance.
Common questions
How many days do I need for Redwood National Park?
Two days cover Prairie Creek and the northern groves. Three days allow Tall Trees, more coast, or a slower trail day.
Do I need a reservation for Redwood National Park?
General entry does not require one. Tall Trees requires a year-round reservation, and Fern Canyon vehicle access requires one from May 15 through September 15.
Where is the best place to see redwoods?
Prairie Creek offers the best all-around first visit. Stout Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Tall Trees suit different routes and abilities.
Is Fern Canyon worth visiting?
Yes if you are prepared for the access road, reservation season, and water on the trail. It should not replace a true old-growth grove walk.
Can an RV drive Howland Hill Road?
Large vehicles are not appropriate on this narrow, unpaved route. Use the current vehicle guidance and choose paved grove access instead.
