Redwood National Park Road Trip- One Day Itinerary
The Redwoods National and State Parks are a must-see destination for any National Parks lovers or nature enthusiasts. Every year these parks attract thousands of visitors who want to get closer to the outdoors and hike among America’s giant and ancient trees. It is a common misconception that all there is to the Redwoods are the trees, but if you know where to go you, can also see fern and moss-filled canyons, stunning wildflower-covered beaches, and wild elk in this one day Redwood National Park Itinerary.
While you could easily spend multiple days in the Redwoods, you can also get a good feel for all the Redwoods have to offer in one adventure-filled day! If you only have one day, make the most of it and see the variety available in this National Park. This one-day Redwood National Park Itinerary will walk you through visiting Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Wilson Creek Beach, as well as other great trail recommendations in the area.
How to Get to the Redwoods
The Redwoods are about 5 hours 30 minutes from San Francisco and 5 hours from Portland, making it a great weekend destination or a day trip to get away from the city. It is also located along the famous Highway 101, making it easy to incorporate it into a scenic, long road trip. Drive down the Oregon Coast seeing all the amazing stops before ending your trip at the Redwoods.
We visited when we planned our National Parks road trip that included Zion and Yosemite. The drive into the Redwoods is almost as magical as the park itself, winding through the trees and over vibrant blue rivers that are iconic to the Pacific Northwest.
San Francisco to Redwood National Park
The Redwoods are only a 5 and a half-hour drive from San Francisco right along the 101, making it a great destination for a scenic drive.
You can also take a short flight into the Eureka/ Arcata Regional Airport (ACV), and rent a car on your arrival.
Portland to Redwood National Park
If you are visiting from Portland you can take a little over a 5-hour drive down to Crescent City, California, near the North end of Redwood National Park. This route takes the I-5 South for the majority of the drive before exiting onto US-199 at Grants Pass, Oregon.
You can also take a longer but more scenic drive down the 101 and see the many stops on the Oregon Coast.
Sacramento & Napa Valley to Redwood National Park
If you are visiting from Sacramento or Napa Valley, the drive will also clock in at just over 5 and a half hours. Take I-5 North from Sacramento before exiting at Redding and continuing on CA-299.
This will also be the route you will take if traveling from Yosemite on your National Parks Road Trip! The drive from Yosemite to Redwoods National Park will take around 9 hours of driving.
Best Places to Stay in Redwood National Park
We stayed in one of the nearby campgrounds, but there is an abundance of options for where to stay in the Redwoods. If you can’t get a campsite or cabin within the National Park, make sure to check nearby forests and state parks.
If camping is your thing, there is no better place than the Redwoods! Waking up to the trees towering over you is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. However, if you would rather stay in a hotel, there is plenty of options in Crescent City to the North or in Eureka to the South. Stay close to the park to be able to make the most of your one day in the Redwoods.
Campsites in the Redwoods
The list below is not comprehensive, but a good starting point to seek out campgrounds near the Redwoods National and State Parks.
- Jedediah Smith Campground– Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this campground has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Jedediah Smith Campground is reservable from May to October.
- Mill Creek Campground– Mill Creek Campground is located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, South of Crescent City.
- Elk Prairie Campground– This campground is on the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway and has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins for reservation year-round.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground– Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach has a campground that allows you to sleep just steps from the ocean and near the famous Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
- Panther Flat Campground– This is where we stayed. We found it to be quite clean with showers available for a fee and walking distance to Smith River
Other Lodging Options
- Bed and Breakfasts– Bed and breakfasts are perfect for a weekend trip or romantic retreat!
- Airbnb– Airbnb is great if you are looking for a private place to stay. I especially love this tiny house and dome house!
- Glamping– If camping isn’t your thing, but you still want to connect with nature, try out glamping! An adorable treehouse or secluded cabin might be perfect for you.
One Day Itinerary in the Redwood National Park
Morning- Fern Canyon Loop
Getting to Fern Canyon
The first spot on your Redwood National Park Itinerary should be Fern Canyon. Fern Canyon is located near the coast and Gold Bluffs Beach. This is off the Redwood Highway down about 8 miles of gravel and bumpy road. This was definitely doable in a two-wheel-drive car, but if you have a four-wheel-drive it will be a bit easier and more comfortable. The last mile or so of the road was blocked by a creek washing it out and we walked the last mile or so to the trailhead. This was an easy walk and along the road is a common area for elk to graze.
There is a small entrance fee of $8 that is also covered by state and national park passes.
Fern Canyon Hike
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.1 miles
- Elevation: 118 ft
- Scenic Rating: 5/5
Fern Canyon Loop is an easy hike for all ages and one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever been on! The ferns reach high above your heads making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s not hard to see why Spielberg chose this area to film parts of the Jurassic Parks films.
The loop can be divided into two parts. The lower part will take you through the canyon, while the upper part will lead you along wooden boardwalks among massive trees covered in moss.
Tip: The walk is easy, but it may be best to bring your waterproof shoes! There are several water crossings in the canyon that are very shallow but too wide to cross without getting your feet wet. There are sometimes wooden planks or logs, but those can be precarious at best and shouldn’t be completely relied on.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Getting to Lady Bird Johnson Grove
While Fern Canyon is beautiful it is not the typical Redwood experience. If you are looking to see the more classic, towering redwood trees, check out Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. The trailhead is about 30 minutes from Fern Canyon and has no entrance fee.
About 2.5 miles off Redwood Highway down Bald Hills Road, you will find the trailhead. The road is narrow and a little rough but doable in most four-wheel vehicles. A large wooden bridge will mark the beginning of the trail and after crossing you will reach the loop part of the trail.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.3 miles
- Elevation: 75 ft
- Scenic Rating: 4.5/5
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a beautiful trail that will allow you to see the best of the redwood trees and nature in the region. The beginning of this trail has pamphlets you can take for a self-guided tour as you go. This makes it great for families or kids to make it an educational, fun trip! It is often foggy in the mornings and the trees tower above you, rising through the mist. While I was initially worried it would ruin the views, it made the trail that much more unique and awe-inspiring.
Afternoon- Redwood Scenic Drive
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
After hiking Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, head North on the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway, a ten-mile scenic drive that parallels Highway 101. This drive should be a stop on everyone’s Redwood National Park Itinerary. It will take you through the redwoods with the benefit of many places to stop and hike on the way.
Things to See on the Redwoods Scenic Drive
- Prairie Creek Visitor Center– Close to the South end of the drive, wild elk can often be spotted and viewed from a distance near the Visitor Center
- Big Tree– A massive redwood, thought to be 1500 years old
- Corkscrew Tree– A unique, well-named tree that twists around itself in a corkscrew fashion
Wilson Creek Beach
Getting to the Beach
If you are staying near Crescent City, Wilson Creek Beach is a great place to end your Redwoods road trip to have a picnic lunch or watch the sunset. It is located 20 minutes South of Crescent City or 30 minutes north of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. If you are coming from the South you can even drive up through the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for a beautiful view of the trees. Parking is available at the Lagoon Creek Picnic Ground and DeMartin Beach Picnic Area.
Wilson Creek Beach
If you park next to Lagoon Pond it is a quick walk to Wilson Creek Beach. When we visited in late May, there was a blossoming field of purple wildflowers popping against the beach’s black sands. I was not expecting that and it was one of the highlights of my trip! The actual beach was beautiful as well and in the summer would be a great place to spend an afternoon.
Other Redwoods National Park Trails
If you have more time than one day in your Redwood National Park itinerary, below are some more hikes to fit in your schedule!
- Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail– Continuing down Bald Hills Road from Lady Bird Johnson Grove will lead to the Tall Trees Access Road. There is a permit required for this trail that you can get from the visitor center or online (during COVID).
- Hidden Beach and False Klamath Rock– This is a long trail if you hike the whole thing, but only about a quarter of a mile from the Lagoon Pond parking area has a beautiful lookout of False Klamath Rock.
- Prairie Creek– Prairie Creek is another great trail to see the beauty of the redwoods and the parking area is more accessible than Tall Trees and Lady Bird Johnson Grove.
- Cathedral Trees Trail– This is an easy 3-mile trail through the Redwoods, off the Newton B Drury Scenic Drive.
- Miner’s Ridge and James Irvine Trail– This long trail begins at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and continues through Fern Canyon and to the beach.
Best Time to Visit the California Redwoods
Spring in the Redwoods
Spring is one of the best times to visit the Redwoods, especially in late Spring. The weather starts to warm slightly and the rain begins to drop off. Fog in the mornings can make for a misty, magical walk, but the summer visitors have not arrived in full yet. Spring is also when you will find wildflowers along the trails in the Redwoods.
Summer in the Redwoods
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Redwoods. Many people come by for a day or several on summer vacation when the rain is gone and the weather warmer. Although it never gets too warm with highs in the 60s.
If you do visit in the summer be sure to check for local fire warnings.
Fall in the Redwoods
Fall is similar to Spring, and another great time to visit the Redwoods. The weather is still fairly warm, but the rain starts to pick up in October and November, so there will be fewer visitors.
Winter in the Redwoods
Winter in the Redwoods is chilly and rainy. It rarely snows this close to the coast, but it does rain and storm often. If you can put up with rain and cold, this is a time to visit the park in solitude in the off-season.
Final Tips for Visiting the Redwoods
- Check if trails allow dogs! Many of the National Park trails do not allow dogs so make sure to do your research and obey the local rules. If dogs are allowed, keep them on a leash and pack out anything your dog may leave behind (you know what I mean).
- Be respectful of others on the trail! When we went it was so nice and quiet and that was part of what made it so special. Try not to make excessive amounts of noise and only listen to music through headphones.
- If you are on a budget, not all trails require a fee like many National Parks, so this can be great for an inexpensive trip!
- While most of these trails are not excessively difficult and well-maintained, hiking boots or waterproof shoes can make your hike easier if there is a chance of muddy trails.
- Many of the trails are far apart. If you plan on multiple hikes in one day, pick trails near each other or order them so you don’t have to double back.
- Extend your stay in California. California is huge! If you have more time, go on a weekend getaway to recharge. Consider going on a road trip to Big Sur, camping in Joshua tree, or wine tasting at Napa Valley!
Packing List for the Redwoods
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
- Sandals– The beach will be hard to walk on without sandals. Teva’s are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip flops will do.
- Hiking Boots– If you are doing any hikes in the Redwoods waterproof hiking boots are a must, especially in the rainy season. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters.
- Rain Jacket– Anytime you are visiting Northern California it is a great idea to bring a rain jacket, especially near the coast. Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
- Heavy Coat– Even in the summer the Redwoods can get quite chilly in the morning. Bring a packable heavy coat, so you will be prepared for chilly mornings!
- Tote– If you are planning a beach day or long picnic, don’t leave without a beach tote! Out of the Woods makes sustainable totes made of paper that are perfect for the beach.
- Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
- Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap to keep ticks away when hiking.
- Blanket– A beach blanket is a must if you are going to be having a picnic or spend a long time at Wilson Creek Beach or one of the other great beaches near the Redwoods.
- Cooler– A cooler will both keep your lunch cold for that picnic and can be used to chill your snacks and drinks as you road trip along the coastal highway.
You May Also Like
- Best Things To Do on the Oregon Coast
- 11 Scenic Drives in the World for a Road Trip
- 2 Days in Yosemite National Park
- Budget for a National Parks Road Trip (Under $2000)
SAVE IT FOR LATER
12 Comments