Eager to experience the wonder of ancient redwoods? The national park isn't the only game in town. Here are the five best parks to see redwoods and get your iconic-tree fix.
5. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Just south of Crescent City, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including old-growth forests, coastal habitats, and riverine environments, supporting diverse wildlife such as elk, black bears, and numerous bird species. In addition to coast redwoods reaching heights of over 350 feet, there are several trails for hiking, including the popular Stout Grove, which offers views of ancient redwoods. The park’s coastal location provides views of the Pacific Ocean along with opportunities for beachcombing and tidepooling.
4. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Located in Humboldt County, California, this park is part of the Redwood National and State Parks. The views of the redwood trees are just a short walk from the visitor’s center. There are 75 miles of hiking trails, bike trails, scenic drives, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Although the park is known to have some of the best views of the oldest redwoods, it is also known for Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon, a tranquil creek surrounded by walls of ferns.
3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 9 miles away from the picturesque town of Boulder Creek, CA, and 35 miles away from San Jose, CA. Big Basin is California’s oldest state park and is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. Some trees at Big Basin are over 2,000 years old. Big Basin is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including banana slugs, deer, frogs, raccoons, and coyotes.
2. Jedediah Smith State Park
Jedediah Smith State Park joined Redwoods National Forest in 1994 and has become a popular site to see the Redwood Trees. The Park is located in Crescent City, and contains 7% of the world’s remaining old-growth redwoods, including some of the world’s largest specimens. Visitors can hike through a rainforest, fish, snorkel, or kayak in the Smith River, drive on Howland Hill Road, or enjoy a campfire.
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is in Marin County, just a few miles north of San Francisco. The Redwoods trees found in the park and along the coast of California are the tallest living on Earth and the last remaining ancient redwood trees in the Bay Area. Muir Woods is also home to the Northern Spotted Owl and Northwestern pond turtles, one of two remaining native freshwater turtles in California.
Top photo of Muir Woods National Monument by Lisa Landers
