12 Epic Hikes in Redwood National Park | Hiking Redwoods

There’s something otherworldly about wandering through the towering redwood forests of Northern California, where ancient trees soar hundreds of feet into the sky and dappled sunlight dances across mossy trails. Needless to say, there are some amazing hikes in Redwood National Park and Redwood State Parks.

Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly loop or a slightly longer adventure, these trails promise unforgettable experiences through nature’s cathedral of giants. 

I absolutely loved the Redwoods and I can’t believe it took me this long to visit. Thankfully I now live in Central Oregon and the Redwoods is only a 5 hour drive away. 

In this guide, we’ll go over the best hikes Redwood National Park has to offer. So lace up your boots, make sure your camera is fully charged, and get ready to have your mind blown.

About the Redwood National and State Parks

The Redwood National and State Parks are a unique partnership of four protected areas along the northern California coast, jointly managed by the National Park Service and California State Parks.

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Together, they protect more than 139,000 acres of old-growth redwoods forests, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 40 miles of coastline. I’ve also included a hike inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park as I really enjoyed this one and it’s a quick stop if you are driving the infamous Avenue of the Giants or road tripping up from San Francisco.

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Redwood National Park Quick Facts

• 📍 Location: Northern California (near Crescent City, Klamath, and Orick)
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: May – October for mild weather, winter is lush and quiet.
• 🌿 Fun Fact: Some redwoods here are over 2,000 years old!
• No Entrance Fee for Redwood National Park
• ⚠️ Some trails require permits booked in advance.
• 📵 Cell Service is limited, download offline maps.

Keep scrolling for more details of the best hikes in Redwood National Parks.

Best Hikes in Redwood National Park Quick List

Below I grouped the best hikes in Redwood National Park by their location – Redwoods National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

I also included Humboldt Redwoods State Park as it contains one of my favorite hikes in the Redwoods. I have each hike linked on Google Maps for easy viewing. If you need an accurate location of a hike in the Redwoods, just click on one of the blue links below.

Or better yet, sign up for my newsletter and get the downloadable map of the hikes in Redwoods National Park trailheads sent straight to your inbox. In the meantime, keep scrolling for more details of the best Redwood National Park hikes.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Hikes

• Stout Grove Trail 
• Simpson Reed Grove Trail
• Grove of the Titans
• Boy Scout Tree Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Hikes

• Big Tree Loop 
• Fern Canyon 
• Trillium Falls Trail
• James Irvine Trail

Hiking in Redwood National Park Tips

Before we get started with the epic Redwood national park hikes in this post, let’s go over a few tips to know before you hit the trail.

⏰ Start Early. Mornings are quieter and offer the best light for photography. Plus, early starts help you avoid crowds on popular trails like Fern Canyon and Lady Bird Johnson Grove.

🧣 Layer Up, the coastal redwoods can be cool and damp, even in summer. Bring layers to adjust as you move between sunlit clearings and misty groves.

📸 Bring a Camera or Smartphone. The light filtering through the redwoods is magical. For the best photos, visit during golden hour or a foggy morning for that ethereal effect.

🥾 Wear Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear. Trails can be muddy and slippery, especially in the spring and fall. Good grip and waterproof boots are recommended.

Waterproof boots/shoes would have come in handy for me in Fern Canyon, although balancing on logs to make our way down the canyon wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun.

🌿 Leave No Trace. Stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and respect the delicate ecosystem. Avoid climbing or touching the fragile tree bark.

💧 Bring Water and Snacks. Some hikes, like the James Irvine Trail, are long and remote. Pack enough water and fuel for your adventure.

🗺️ Download Offline Maps. Cell service is spotty in many areas. Download maps from AllTrails or a similar app ahead of time.

🐻 Be Bear and Wildlife Aware. While bear encounters are rare, it’s wise to stay alert, make noise while hiking, and store food properly if backpacking.

🏕️ Combine Hiking with Camping. If can, stay overnight at nearby campgrounds like Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, or Gold Bluffs Beach to maximize time in the park and to enjoy early morning solitude.

Easy Redwood Hiking Trails

• 📍Location: Jedediah Smith State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 0.5 Mile Loop
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🌲 Highlights: Towering Redwoods on a Flat, Wide, Easy Loop
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: $8/vehicle or America the Beautiful or California State Park pass

This Redwood Trail is a must do for anyone visiting the Redwood National and state parks. It’s only a half mile loop but it packs a punch. You get up close and personal with the Colossal Redwoods.

The scenic drive to get to the Stout Grove Trailhead on Howland Hill Road is insanely beautiful. Stout Grove Trail is located inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The trail is flat and wide with hardly any elevation. It’s basically a scenic walk through the heart of the woods making it perfect for beginner hikers and families of all ages.

Make sure you take a good gander at the iconic “Stout Tree”, one of the largest trees in the grove. You can’t miss it, it’s the tree with the viewing platform. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete the loop, though you could easily spend an hour gawking in awe at these gentle giants.

• 📍Location: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 0.5 Mile Loop
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🌲 Highlights: Founders Tree & Dyerville Giant
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No

The Founders Grove Nature Trail can be found along the legendary Avenue of the Giants inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This easy 0.5 mile loop winds through towering redwoods, lush ferns, and mossy forest floor, making it the perfect hike in the Redwoods for all ages and abilities.

A few highlights of the Founders Grove Nature Trail include Founders Tree and the fallen Dyerville Giant. Founders Tree, towers at 346 feet as is standing as a living monument to the defenders of the Save the Redwoods League.

Dyerville Giant – a fallen behemoth that once stretched an astonishing 362 feet, barreling to the forest floor in 1991 with enough force to register a seismograph. Founders Grove Trail is a must visit stop along the Avenue of the Giants.

• 📍Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 0.8 Mile Loop with an optional extension via the Peterson Memorial Spur for 0.9 miles total.
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🌲 Highlights: Interpretive signs that educate you along the way
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: $8/vehicle or America the Beautiful pass or California State Park pass

Hiking the Simpson Reed Grove Trail is a peaceful stroll through one of the most enchanting redwood forests in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This short, easy loop winds beneath towering coast redwoods, lush ferns, and mossy branches.

The easy-ness of this trail make it perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking to experience the quiet majesty of old-growth trees up close. It’s also wheelchair and crutch friendly. The highlight of this trail is the interpretive signs that educate you along the way. It’s perfectly compact.

You can soak in ancient forest vibes in just 30-60 minutes. Linger longer or pair it with another easy hike in the Redwoods National Park. We hiked this Redwood National Park Trail on the way out on, the day we left the park and it was a perfect way to get moving before sitting in a car for the rest of the day.

LADY BIRD JOHNSON GROVE

• 📍Location: Redwood National Park
• 🥾 Distance: 1.5 Miles Round Trip
• ⛰️ Elevation: 100 Feet
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🌲 Highlights: Interpretive Signs & Wooden Footbridge, & of course the Redwoods
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No

The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is one of the most peaceful and accessible hikes in the Redwood, perfect for a meaningful and short walk among towering old-growth trees. This 1.5 mile loop starts with a small footbridge and leads you into a quiet forest filled with ferns, moss, and sky-high redwoods.

Located off Bald Hill Road near Orick, it sits at a hight elevation, which often means dreamy mist drifting through the trees. The trail also includes a small dedication area honoring the former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts in conservation.

I particularly love this trail for the fact that you get to learn about conservation history from the information plaques that dot the trail. With gentle terrain, interpretive signs, and a serene atmosphere, it’s a great option for families, the first-time visitors, or anyone who wants a quick but powerful redwood experience.

💡 Travel Tip: Road Access, Bald Hills Road is narrow and winding – RV’s and trailers are not recommended.

• 📍Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 1.5 Mile Loop
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🌲 Highlights: Del Norte Titan & Lost Monarch Trees
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No

The Grove of Titans hike in the Redwood National & Redwoods State Parks isn’t just another redwood trail, it’s a journey into a magical forest of some of the heaviest living trees on Earth.

Thanks to its newly installed walkway, this sacred grove is now both accessible and protected, which gives us an exclusive peek with minimal impact. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to stand silent and small beneath giants that have stood for centuries.

Highlights of the trail include towering giants like the Del Norte Titan and Lost Monarch. Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early or midweek to fully enjoy this family friendly hike in the Redwood National Park.

💡 Travel Tip: Howland Hill Road does not recommend Motorhomes, RV’s or Trailers.

Moderate Redwood National Park Hikes

• 📍Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 3.2-3.5 Miles for a Full Loop (combining Prairie Creek Trail, Cathedral Trees segment, and Foothill connection)
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: $8 day-use parking fee applies at Prairie Creek Visitor Center and Big Tree Wayside or California State Park or America the Beautiful passes

The Big Tree Loop offers a peaceful half-day journey through some of the most majestic redwoods in the park. This hike in Redwoods National Park is ideal if you are after a bit more time among giants without tackling a full day trek.

Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, just off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, the drive to get here is as scenic as they come. You can access the trailhead near Prairie Creek Visitor Center to Big Tree Wayside.

This 3.2 mile loop winds past the iconic Big Tree, along scenic creeks, and through cathedral-like groves of ancient redwoods. The trail is mostly flat with gentle elevation changes, making it ideal for a peaceful half-day hike exploring in nature.

• 📍Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 0.5 mile and more depending on how far you hike down the canyon
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• 🌲 Highlights: 50 foot Canyon Walls covered in Ferns & the Home Creek Bedwalk
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: Required May 15 – September 15 for access to Fern Canyon & Gold Bluffs Beach.

Fern Canyon Trail is one of my favorite things to do in the Redwoods. Hiking this trail in the Redwoods is like stepping into a prehistoric dreamscape. This short but unforgettable trail winds through a narrow gorge with 5-foot walls draped in ferns, moss, and mist.

The fern covered walls create a lush, green tunnel straight out of a movie (literally – Jurassic Park: the Lost World was filmed here). To get to the trailhead is an adventure in itself as you have to drive Davison Road near Golds Bluff Beach (off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway).

The best part of this trail is traversing down the Home Creek bedwalk. As you walk along the creek bed, you’ll be hopping over logs and crossing rustic wooden footbridges. Meaning you’ll be balancing yourself along trees and limbs.

I absolutely loved this aspect of the hike, trying to balance yourself across the logs and rocks only added to the exotic feeling adventure. Expect log jams and occasional wet creek crossings. It’s an easy hike, but wet shoes and a sense of wonder are almost guaranteed. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone craving a magical redwood experience.

⚠️ Permits required May 15 – September 15 for access to Fern Canyon & Gold Bluffs Beach. $12.00 day-use fee, America the Beautiful Passes, California State Parks Annual or Poppy Pass, or a current Gold Bluffs Beach or Elk Prairie Campground reservation.

Permits are free but must be reserved in advance or the day before when reservations open up at 9 am. Especially during summer as there are only 90 permits/day. Get a Permit for Fern Canyon here.

🌿 Read More: Hiking Fern Canyon Tips 

• 📍Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 2.7 Miles Round Trip or 1 Mile just to Trillium Falls
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• 🌲 Highlights: Trillium Falls
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No

The Trillium Falls Trail is a gentle and scenic loop hike that is perfect if you’re looking for a short adventure surrounded by redwoods. One of the highlights is the charming Trillium Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall tucked into the greenery and crossed by a photogenic footbridge.

Just under 3 miles round trip, the trail winds through a peaceful forest filled with old-growth trees, green ferns, and if you’re visiting in the spring, blooming trillium flowers. It’s refreshingly short enough to combine with other adventures like Lady Bird Johnson Grove or Fern Canyon.

With minimal elevation gain and easy access, this. trail is great for families, beginner hikers, or anyone wanting to enjoy the redwoods without venturing too far off the path.

• 📍Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 4.5 Miles to Fern Canyon (via James Irvine Trail) 9 Miles Total
• ➰ Loop Option: 11 Miles total when combined with Fern Canyon & Miners Ridge or Clintonia
• ⛰️ Elevation: 450 Feet
• 💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• 🌲 Highlights: Redwoods, Corduroy Bridges, & Fern Canyon
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: Permits only required for beach parking near Fern Canyon.

The James Irvine Trail is a standout Redwood adventure that combines towering ancient trees, creekside charm, and the enchanting Fern Canyon on a single journey.

Starting at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, the trail winds for about 4.5 miles through enormous redwoods, mossy bridges and creekside scenery. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by some of the park’s biggest trees and tranquil fern lined paths.

The real payoff comes when you reach Fern Canyon, a fern draped gorge so lush it doubled as a movie set in Jurassic Park II. The round trip hike is 9 miles that packs in variety, beauty, and an epic destination at the end.

🥾 11.6 Mile Loop Option: James Irvine → Miners Ridge → Fern Canyon → back via James Irvine

• 📍Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 5.5 Miles Round Trip
• ⛰️ Elevation: 900-1,200 Feet
• 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
• 🌲 Highlights: Boy Scout Tree, Fern Falls
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No – Limited Parking

Tucked away in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Boy Scout Tree Trail delivers a peaceful, half-day escape beneath towering giants. This 5.5 mile out-and-back hike is moderately challenging with a steady elevation gain, but it’s well worth the effort.

On this moderate trail, along the way, you’ll pass through a quiet, untouched grove before reaching the massive Boy Scout Tree – a double-trunked redwood that’s just mind boggling to see in real life.

Just beyond you’ll find Fern Falls, a lovely little cascade. It’s a perfect trail if you’re looking for solitude, big trees, and a scenic payoff without the crowds. Plus the scenic Howland Hill Road that you drive to get to the trailhead is one of the best things to do in the Redwoods.

Challenging Redwood National Park Trails

• 📍Location: Del Norte Redwoods State Park
• 🥾 Distance: 4.2 Miles out and back
• ⛰️ Elevation: 1100 feet
• 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• 🌲 Highlights: Redwood Groves and Pacific Ocean Views
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: No

Damnnation Creek Trail was another Redwoods hike that left me breathless. If you’re looking for a hike that combines ancient redwoods with dramatic coastal views, the Damnation Creek Trail is a must do in the Redwoods.

This 4.2 mile out-and-back trail in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park descends through an enchanted forest of towering trees and ferns before opening up to a breathtaking overlook of the rugged Pacific coastline.

With around 1,100 feet of elevation change, it’s a moderately challenging trek that rewards every step with solitude, beauty, and variety. It’s especially magical when the fog rolls in, giving the trail that signature misty redwood vibe.

🌿 Read Full Post: Damnation Creek Trail Guide

• 📍Location: Redwood National Park
• 🥾 Distance: 4.5 Miles Round Trip
• ⛰️ Elevation: 800 Feet
• 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• 🌲 Highlights: A Tunnel Log to Walk Under, Nugget Tree, & Fewer Visitors due to Permits
• ⚠️ Tickets & Permits: Yes – available online up to 180 days ahead or 24 hours before

The Tall Trees Grove Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Redwood National Park, and for good reason. This 4.5 mile out-and-back trail descends into a remote, protected grove that’s home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.

To access the trail, you’ll need a free permit, which limits foot traffic and helps preserve the grove’s pristine beauty. It also helps with parking.  Permits are free but must be reserved in advance. Reserve a Permit to Tall Trees Grove here.

The hike itself features a a moderate descent and a climb on the return, but the payoff is huge – a quiet, cathedral like forest along Redwood Creek, where massive redwoods tower above in near silence. It’s a humbling experience and one of the most rewarding hikes in the entire park system.

Redwoods Travel Vlogs

Would you rather see what some of the best hikes in Redwood National Park? Joe and I filmed a travel vlog during our time spent exploring the Redwoods and it was nothing short of magical.

Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our USA Series on YouTube

Redwoods National Park Hiking FAQ’s

What’s the Difference Between Redwood National Park and the State Parks?
They are co-managed. The National Park works together with the three state parks.

🎟️ Do I Need a Permit to Hike the Redwoods?
Most trails do not require a permit. However, a few like the Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon do require a free, advance permit.

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed in Redwood National Park?
No. Pets are not allowed on trails in the National or State Parks, only in developed areas like campgrounds, roads, and picnic spots (on a leash). Service dogs are the exception.

What’s the Best Hike in the Redwoods?
Favorites include Lady Bird Johnson Grove, James Irvine to Fern Canyon, Damnation Creek, and Boy Scout Tree Trail – each offering something different, from peaceful loops to dramatic ocean views.

⛺️ Can I Camp in the Redwoods?
Yes! There are several state park campgrounds, including Elk Prairie, Jedediah Smith, and Mill Creek. Lodging options are available in nearby towns. I personally camped at the Mill Creek Campground and it was a vibe.

Do I Need Reservations to Camp?
Highly recommended – especially during peak season (May to October). Some campgrounds sell out months in advance.

🍂 When is the Best Time to Visit?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal for dry trails, wildflowers, and coastal access. Winter is beautiful by wet and muddy.

Will I see Fog?
Probably. Especially in the mornings – coastal fog is common and creates that magical “mist in the redwoods” vibe.

🪾 Where are the Tallest Trees?
Some of the tallest are hidden in Tall Trees Grove and Grove of the Titans, but exact locations of the record holders are kept secret to protect them.

🌿 Is Fern Canyon Worth It?
A 100% yes! Fern Canyon was my favorite hike in the Redwoods. 

Are There Entrance Fees?
Redwood National Park is free. Some State Park areas require a day use permit ($8) or a California State Parks Pass.

Final Thoughts on Hikes in Redwood National Park

Misty groves of sky-high giants and fern covered canyons, the trails of Redwoods National and State Park offer some of the best hikes on the West Coast. I can’t express enough how magical my time was in the Redwoods.

The best part about the redwoods is how family friendly it is. Most of the hikes in Redwoods National Park are fun for the whole family to enjoy, young or old.

And memories to last a lifetime. Lace up your boots, pack your wide angle lens, and let the redwoods do the rest. If you found this article useful, come say hi in the comments below. 👇

Redwoods National Park Travel Guides ↓

📍 Planning a trip to the Redwoods? Check out these guides for more inspiration and tips to plan your travels.

Redwoods National Park Itinerary 2-3 Days 

12 Epic Things to do in the Redwoods 

10 Epic Stops in Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (Southern Oregon)

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