Redwood National and State Parks — Attraction in Crescent City

Redwood National and State Parks are an unparalleled treasure of natural beauty and ecological significance. Spanning over 139,000 acres in Northern California, these parks are home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, offering a serene and humbling experience that stays with you long after you leave.

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the towering coastal redwoods, their sheer size and age inspiring awe. Walking among these ancient giants feels like stepping into a cathedral of nature, where sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a golden glow on the forest floor. Each trail immerses you in a sense of timelessness, reminding you of the Earth’s resilience and grandeur.

The diversity of landscapes within the parks is astonishing. Beyond the iconic redwoods, you’ll find lush fern canyons, sprawling meadows, pristine rivers, and rugged coastlines. One moment you’re marveling at a 300-foot-tall tree, and the next, you’re standing on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, watching waves crash against dramatic sea stacks. This variety makes every visit unique and keeps you exploring.

Highlights of the parks include:

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Home to the famous Fern Canyon, where lush, green walls rise high on either side of a serene creek. It’s a must-see for its ethereal beauty and was even a filming location for Jurassic Park 2.

Tall Trees Grove: A more secluded area that requires a permit, but the reward is worth it—a chance to see some of the tallest trees in the world in a peaceful setting.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove: An easy, family-friendly trail with interpretive signs explaining the importance of redwoods to the ecosystem.

Gold Bluffs Beach: A unique stretch of coastline where you can see elk grazing against a backdrop of sand dunes and ocean waves.

The wildlife here is another marvel. Roosevelt elk, black bears, river otters, and a variety of bird species call the parks home, making each hike a potential wildlife-spotting adventure. The parks’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean also means you might catch glimpses of gray whales migrating or seals basking on the shore.

The trail systems are well-maintained and cater to all levels of hikers, from short, accessible loops to challenging backcountry routes. For those seeking an immersive experience, camping under the redwoods offers a chance to wake up surrounded by their majestic presence.

One of the most striking aspects of visiting Redwood National and State Parks is the tranquility. Despite their popularity, the parks manage to maintain a sense of solitude, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature. Whether you’re walking in silence, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, or the distant call of a bird, the experience feels deeply personal and restorative.

For those interested in history and conservation, the parks offer insight into the efforts to preserve these ancient forests. The visitor centers provide excellent exhibits and ranger-led programs that shed light on the parks’ significance and the ongoing work to protect them.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Redwood National and State Parks are a destination like no other. They offer not just a glimpse into the past through their ancient trees but also a reminder of our responsibility to cherish and protect these natural wonders for future generations.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to take your time—these parks are not meant to be rushed. Let the grandeur of the redwoods, the beauty of the landscapes, and the peacefulness of the environment guide you. Redwood National and State Parks aren’t just a place to visit—they’re a place to experience and...

Where trees touch the heavens, seals nap like royalty, and elk give you the side-eye like you just walked into their saloon.

If driving down the 101 through the Redwoods doesn’t make your soul swell and your wife grip your arm with whispered awe, then brother, check your pulse or your playlist.

We entered this ancient green cathedral on a foggy morning like a pair of time travelers in a luxury chariot (aka our rental car, but let’s not ruin the mood). The trees? Towering. Mythic. If Paul Bunyan had hair, these trees could part it. And the fog? Thick as buttermilk gravy at a Southern breakfast joint — whispering secrets through the moss and limbs like nature’s own mystery novel.

The roads curled and dipped like a dancer with secrets, and just when we thought it couldn’t get any better… bam — the ocean peeked through like a shy debutante at her first cotillion. My wife — my ever-graceful passenger princess — gasped like she saw a ghost. Or maybe it was the sheer poetry of sea meeting forest in an ethereal, mist-soaked waltz.

But wait, there’s more:

Elk sighting! A whole herd strutted out like they were clocking in for their morning shift at “Elk & Co. Grazing, Inc.” We pulled over, stared in reverence, and I swear one of them nodded at me like, “Nice boots, cowboy.”

Seal lookout! At a cliffside vista we stumbled upon what can only be described as Seal-palooza. Dozens of those gloriously lazy sand sausages were flopped out on the beach like they just finished a Vegas buffet. One rolled over, looked up, and I felt a spiritual kinship.

Every curve of this drive was cinematic. Every glance out the window was a screensaver. It’s a place that makes you believe in big things — big trees, big skies, big feelings. My wife said the trees made her feel small and humbled. I said they made me want to write a country song, adopt a pet elk, and grow a beard longer than Route 101.

Pro tips from your friendly Texas dad on tour: Roll the windows down, let that earthy redwood air baptize your lungs. Pull over often — these aren’t “drive-by” views, they’re “stop-the-car-and-soak-it-in” moments. Bring binoculars… or just good eyes. Between the elk, seals, and fog ghosts, there’s wildlife aplenty.

This wasn’t just a detour — it was a spiritual reset, a woodland love letter, a fog-wrapped fairy tale with tire tracks.

If you’re heading down the coast and you don’t drive through the redwoods… we...

This state park is nothing less than breathtaking, unique and full of history. Being completely surrounded by giant trees that have grown there for thousands of years is a feeling like no other! The air even feels and smells so clean and fresh that you’ll never want to leave. In my opinion, this park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in California, and maybe even the world. People visit from all parts of the globe to witness the redwood giants that have been growing here for centuries. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that people of all ages can enjoy. Hundreds of years old redwoods as far as the eye could see, wild mushrooms growing on every tree and dead stump alike, animals roaming in their natural habitat, little to no crowds.. what could be better? There is a seemingly endless amount of hiking trails meandering through the redwood forest. There are several campsites in the areas that are cost-effective and perfect for travelers (hikers, bicyclists, etc.) hoping to completely immerse themselves in nature. There are trailheads marked throughout and are usually accompanied by parking lots and bathrooms. You can get a map of the park and the trail locations in the local rangers office or online at the state park website. A great perk of this park is that, in most parts, the tree canopy is so tall and thick with foliage that the forest floor is conveniently shaded and the temperature maintains cooler than surrounding areas. With that said, there’s no need to wear a hat when you need to look up to see the trees anyways! I have visited this park many times and will continue to explore it more...