Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park — Attraction in Crescent City

This has to be one of the most fantastic places we've ever seen. Having visited other Redwood forests, we had no idea of the magical treat we were in for. We arrived from the northeast on US 199, took Douglas Park Drive across the covered bridge, and then turned onto Howland Hill Road to enter the park. Howland Hill Road is one-lane gravel, so be aware that you'll have to pull over frequently to let other cars pass. Immediately upon entering the park, we started seeing towering trees. They continue for Howland Hill's entire length, about six miles over a ridge and down into Crescent City. We stopped at the Stout Grove Trail. It's a must see! Easy walking on even paths (but be careful, we wandered off the path twice and had to retrace hundreds of yards of steps... it's easy to wander while being awed by the majestic trees), fantastic trees, and enchanting fern-filled forest vistas. Go later in the afternoon so you can enjoy the sun's rays slanting through the trees. If I'm going on and on about the trees, forgive me; they are so majestic and awe inspiring! After (reluctantly) leaving Stout Grove, we continued on Howland Hill. It's just six miles, and Google says it should take about 30 minutes, but I'm sure it took much longer than that. It seemed to go on and on forever. Grove after grove of huge trees, springing up right out of the roadway. The otherworldly quality of this drive reminds me of the planet of the Ewok's! Don't miss this place, take your time, breath deeply, and enjoy one of...

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the most stunning places to elope if you’re dreaming of towering Redwoods without the overwhelming crowds of parks closer to the Bay Area. The forest here feels untouched and immersive, with no wooden fencing like Muir Woods, so you really feel like you’re in the Redwoods (without going off trail, of course - leave no trace! That includes staying off downed logs that could become nurse logs).

One thing to keep in mind: this area is remote. Crescent City is the closest town, but with only about 8,000 people, it has limited options. The nearest large city is 1.5-2 hours away, depending on which direction you go.

If you’re planning a Redwoods elopement, make sure you’re up to date on permits or hire a photographer or planner who knows the process. National and State Parks have been changing permit regulations periodically over the past six years, and they don’t do a great job of advertising what’s required for ceremonies.

This is hands down one of the best Redwoods locations for an intimate, peaceful elopement. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because the crowds in the summer can be just a little too much to fully enjoy (finding parking can be stressful). Just plan ahead, respect the forest, and soak...

The drive into the park on Howland Hill Road, right up close and through the redwoods, is one of the best forest drives that exists. It becomes one lane at times, meaning you will need to coordinate if other cars are coming, but it is worth it as it is as it is close to the trees as you will ever get in car and helps preserves the immensity of the forest around you. Visit the park as early as possible to avoid seeing other cars and hikers. We went right at sunup and were one of the only ones there. We hiked the Grove of the Titans and Stout Grove and it is impossible to explain how amazing these old growth redwoods are to someone who hasn't seen them. Pictures can't really do them justice as they can't capture the feeling they invoke when you are really confronted with how massive they are. The park is well kept and the hikes we did were well marked and very peaceful in the early morning. The trails and drive out did get much busier with people and cars as the morning wore on. I thought the additions of the metal platforms and bridges on some of the trails was useful and did not take away from the surrounding nature. If they help preserve the undergrowth, I'm all for them. All in all, a great park to see the redwoods which should be on everyone's list of...