Trails in Redwood National and State Parks

California Coastal Trail - Crescent Beach Section

Walking along coastal bluffs, the sounds of gulls and sea lions fill the air amidst crashing breakers. Gray whales occasionally spout in the vast blue waters below, while wind whistles through alder trees. Trails lead down to secluded beaches where driftwood piles and ancient rocks hide crabs and sea stars. Delicate tidepool creatures and sandy beaches await exploration, offering a unique coastal experience distinct from the region's famous redwood forests.

California Coastal Trail - Klamath Section

Hike along steep coastal slopes through Sitka spruce, red alder, and salmonberry, offering glimpses of sea stacks and rocky coves. The trail leads to Hidden Beach and provides views of the mouth of the Klamath River. Wildlife sightings include sea lions, gray whales, and a variety of seabirds. The path undulates through fern-lined alders and thimbleberry thickets, culminating at a railed viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Lady Bird Grove Trail

Walk through a lush, secluded forest of giant redwoods and Douglas firs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail features a mix of old-growth trees and undergrowth, with opportunities to see fallen trees and unique plant interactions. The misty environment creates dramatic photo opportunities.

Tall Trees Trail

Descend into a lush, old-growth forest along Redwood Creek, surrounded by massive redwoods and diverse flora. Highlights include the Libbey Tree and other towering giants, set amidst a backdrop of ferns and smaller trees. The trail offers a serene escape from crowds, despite its popularity.

California Coastal Trail - DeMartin Section

Wander through a lush forest of old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and redwoods. The trail offers glimpses of the Pacific coastline and descends to prairie bald spots with sweeping ocean views. Abundant wildlife and plant life, including rhododendrons and berries, are highlights along the way. The route passes through a mix of temperate rainforest and scenic overlooks, providing a diverse and immersive hiking experience.

California Coastal Trail - Flint Ridge Section

Winding through lush woodlands adorned with moss, wildflowers, and mushrooms, the path follows the coastline, offering a secluded experience amidst giant redwoods. The trail climbs vertiginously via switchbacks, eventually descending to a backcountry campground with Pacific views. The forest transitions from tall, stately trees to shorter ones with crowded branches near the ridge top. Coastal fog often envelops the area, adding to its mystique.

California Coastal Trail - Gold Bluffs Beach Section

Walk along broad beaches and through forests of Sitka spruce and alder, passing historic mining sites and scenic rock outcrops. The trail offers views of the Pacific coastline, including Split Rock and the Ossagon Rocks. Wild elk frequent the coastal prairies, while the sound of the surf echoes from the cliffs above. Waterfalls and hidden coves add to the natural beauty of this coastal route, which also features access to secluded beaches and tidepools teeming with marine life.

California Coastal Trail - Klamath Crossing

Hike along steep slopes through Sitka spruce, red alder, and salmonberry, offering glimpses of sea stacks and rocky coves. The trail passes Hidden Beach, where you might spot basking sea lions and gray whales in migration season. The overlook provides stunning views of the Klamath River's mouth and a narrow, cobbled beach to the north. Wildlife such as bald eagles and vultures are often seen here.

California Coastal Trail - Last Chance Section

Follow the shoreline bluffs overlooking the Pacific, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The trail winds through moist spruce and fir forests, meadows, and historic sites like the DeMartin home. Wildflowers and huckleberries add to the natural beauty, making this a rewarding hike. Steep drop-offs and varied weather conditions require careful attention and preparation. The trail's unique blend of ocean vistas, dense forests, and historic landmarks creates a memorable experience.

California Coastal Trail - Orick

Wander through a mix of coastal forests, sandy beaches, and Sitka spruce groves. The trail passes by fern-lined creeks and offers views of the ocean from ridgetops. Skunk cabbage thrives in riparian areas, adding a unique element to the landscape. The forest, though once logged, now features large redwood stumps and some spared ancient trees. The scenic overlooks provide a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the area.

California Coastal Trail - Skunk Cabbage Section

Wander through mixed forests of spruce, hemlock, and Douglas fir, past ferns and beneath the canopy of giant trees. The trail follows Skunk Cabbage Creek, where the namesake plant thrives in riparian areas, its broad leaves and vibrant flowers creating a striking landscape. As the path descends, it opens onto a wide, deserted beach, offering a serene coastal experience. The area's history is marked by remnants of old-growth logging, with some stumps still visible along the route.

Coastal Trail

Hike along the rugged coastline, discovering delicate tidepool creatures, sandy beaches, and dramatic ocean views. The trail offers a mix of scenic overlooks and secluded spots, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a coastal adventure.

Hiouchi Trail

This trail winds along the Smith River, offering stunning views of old-growth redwoods, including California bay, Douglas-fir, and tanoak. It passes through lush greenery with ferns and rhododendrons, providing access to Mill Creek and Stout Grove. The trail is less crowded than more popular routes, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Little Bald Hills Trail

This trail traverses diverse habitats, including old-growth forests, second-growth forests, and pine-studded prairies. It offers stunning views and is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. The trail connects the Smith River National Recreation Area with Jedediah Smith State Park, providing a unique blend of ecosystems and scenic vistas.

Lost Man Creek Trail

Wander through old-growth redwood groves and restored second-growth forests, following a scenic creek lined with Alder trees. The trail passes over salmon-friendly bridges, part of ongoing riparian restoration efforts. It offers a glimpse into a landscape recovering from past logging, with interpretive signs highlighting its designation as a World Heritage Site. The path is ideal for photography, wildlife viewing, and family outings, with accessible sections suitable for all ages.

Lyons Ranch Trail

This trail leads to the historic Lyons Ranch, showcasing a blend of Native American and European American cultural influences. The site features a large redwood barn, historical orchards, and various outbuildings set amidst sweeping prairies. The ranch is significant for its role in California sheep ranching history and its use of traditional land management practices.

McArthur Creek Loop

Winds through a serene landscape of towering old-growth redwoods and lush ferns. The trail meanders along the banks of McArthur Creek, offering visitors the chance to observe the vibrant aquatic habitats that thrive there. Along the path, hikers may encounter a variety of wildlife, from Roosevelt elk to diverse bird species. The trail's peaceful ambiance and the surrounding forest's natural beauty provide a tranquil hiking experience. In spring, the trail is adorned with a colorful display of wildflowers, adding an extra layer of charm to the journey.

Redwood Creek Trail

Follow Redwood Creek through a lush riparian corridor, featuring hemlock, spruce, and old-growth redwoods. The trail leads to the renowned Tall Trees Grove, known for its towering giants. The hike offers scenic views and opportunities for dispersed camping, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers.

Yurok Loop Trail

This trail offers stunning views of the ocean, including offshore sea stacks covered in shore birds. It winds through Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce woods, past wildflowers, and various coastal habitats. The trail is part of the California Coastal Trail and provides access to a hidden beach with unique driftwood formations.

California Coastal Trail - Tey-wo-lew Section

Davison Trail

C.R.E.A. Trail

This trail provides a quiet, easy hike through a forested area, suitable for those looking for a shorter, less demanding walk. It offers a chance to enjoy nature without the need for extensive hiking experience.

Davidson Trail

This trail winds through a picturesque landscape, providing opportunities for fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. The area is known for its tranquil atmosphere and diverse wildlife.

Grove Trail

No description available

Ridge Loop

This loop trail offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, with varied terrain that includes ground surfaces. It provides a moderate hiking experience suitable for those looking to explore natural beauty without extreme challenges.

not a trail

No description available