Most Beautiful Day Hikes in Redwood National and State Parks

Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, California

Home to the tallest trees on earth (as tall as 379 feet and as wide as 27 feet), Redwood National and State Parks are designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations for good reason. It’s a place where the drive is just as beautiful as the hike and where it’s easy to spot elk and banana slugs. The sheer number of gigantic trees, most of which are surrounded by a floor of lush green ferns almost look as if the whole scene were curated for a Jurassic Park movie. The guide below provides some general travel tips for visiting the Redwood National and State Parks as well as a list of the most beautiful day hikes there.

General Travel Tips

• Patricks Point and Klamath are great areas for lodging when taking the following hikes in the southern portion of Redwood National and State Parks: Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Karl Knapp, Tall Trees Grove, and Fern Canyon.

• Crescent City and Hiouchi are great areas for lodging when taking the following hikes in the northern portion of Redwood National and State Parks: Grove of Titans, Stout Grove, and Boy Scout Tree. With that said, if you have standards for hotels and you choose Crescent City, we can only recommend Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn.

• On your way between the hikes in the southern and northern portion of the parks, stop at the Forest Cafe for a bite to eat. Across the street there’s also a gift shop, Native American museum, and (for a fee) a short walk you can take along suspension bridges that are attached to tall redwoods.

• After a long day of hiking the trails in the northern portion of the parks, grab a drink and some food at Patrick Creek Historic Lodge (only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). You can even stroll down to/take a dip in the beautiful Smith River right from the parking lot.

• As some destinations below have little to no cell reception, download offline maps for both driving to the hikes and for the hikes themselves. We've provided detailed instructions on how to do this in the Google Maps and All Trails apps HERE.

• Both Fern Canyon and Tall Trees Grove require permits prior to visiting. Click HERE for Fern Canyon and HERE for Tall Trees Grove permits.

• Maps of the parks can be found HERE.

• If you don't have much time to hike, take a drive through Howland Hill Road. The 7 mile dirt road winds through a thick forest of enormously tall redwoods that'll make you feel like you're driving in a tiny toy car.

Most Beautiful Day Hikes

1. Lady Bird Johnson Grove: 1.5 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: This is a popular trail that has limited parking, so be sure to head here early.

2. Karl Knapp Trail (previously known as Prairie Creek): 2.5 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: Just before the parking area, be sure to look at the grassy fields on either side of the road - you’re likely to see elk. If you want a closer look, be sure to pull over to the side of the road. If you decide to take a closer look on foot, be careful not to get too close. When hiking, after about 1 mile on the trail, follow signs to cross the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and turn right to head to the Big Tree. Once you pass the Big Tree, continue heading south on the Foothill Trail. In a little over a mile you’ll cross back over the parkway and reach the beginning of the trail where you started.

3. Tall Trees Grove: 4.5 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: There is a total elevation change of 1,600 feet on this hike, so be prepared with enough time, food, and water. Be sure to apply for a permit for this hike HERE - there are a limited number of spots everyday so apply early before going on your trip. Prior to driving to the trailhead, make sure to download the permit email to your phone when you have reception. It will contain very specific instructions that you’ll need to gain access to the trail. The bench at the bottom of this hike is surrounded by huge majestic redwoods and is worth the hike there. With that said, between the 7 mile dirt road drive to the trailhead and the hike down, this trail will take a few hours to complete. If you don’t have much time, this would be one hike to skip.

4. Fern Canyon: 1 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: Be sure to apply for a permit for this hike HERE - there are a limited number of spots everyday so apply early before going on your trip. Prior to driving to the trailhead, make sure to download the permit email to your phone when you have reception. You may be required to show the permit to park staff. Reaching the trailhead requires driving on a dirt road and through a few shallow creeks, so don’t bring your lowrider. Waterproof boots or water shoes are a good idea to bring on this hike as there’s a chance you’ll be stepping into shallow water at some point along the trail. Before leaving the parking area after your hike, take a short stroll to the beach. There’s nothing but grey sand, green rolling hills, and beach wood for miles. The path to the beach is right next to the bathrooms that are in the parking area.

5. Grove of Titans: 1.5 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: The parking area for this hike is along the scenic 6 mile dirt road called Howland Hill Road. Take your time driving around blind curves, be sure to turn on your headlights even during the day (makes you more visible to other drivers), and watch out for oncoming traffic.

6. Stout Grove: 1 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: The parking area for this hike is along the scenic 6 mile dirt road called Howland Hill Road. Take your time driving around blind curves, be sure to turn on your headlights even during the day (makes you more visible to other drivers), and watch out for oncoming traffic.

7. Boy Scout Tree: 5.5 mile roundtrip hike. Tips: Skip hiking all the way to the waterfall that’s at the end of the trail (if you like real waterfalls, try our Ultimate Road Trip to Oregon’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls). While the trail is just as beautiful as the destination (the huge Boy Scout Tree), do not miss the arrow that leads you up to the tree. It will be a small arrow on your right that is carved into a tree along the trail. The parking area for this hike is along the scenic 6 mile dirt road called Howland Hill Road. Take your time driving around blind curves, be sure to turn on your headlights even during the day (makes you more visible to other drivers), and watch out for oncoming traffic.