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Home/Countries/United States/Nature & outdoors/Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks

The tallest trees on earth - ancient coast redwoods soaring over a misty northern California coast, a UNESCO site.

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Redwood National and State Parks

Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.

UNESCO World Heritage

Typeforest
WhereCalifornia
Nearest cityCrescent City
Best seasonMay to October
Time to allowA day to two
Getting thereFar northern California coast; drive up Highway 101 from the Bay Area or from Oregon
EntryFree for the national park; some state parks charge

Along the far northern coast of California grow the tallest living things on earth, the coast redwoods, ancient trees soaring over a hundred metres into the fog. Protected across a joined system of national and state parks, and a UNESCO site, their cathedral groves are among the most humbling places in America, wrapped in coastal mist.

What you actually see

  • The tall groves - the ancient redwoods towering into the canopy along trails like Tall Trees.
  • Avenue of the Giants - the scenic road through the old-growth (in nearby Humboldt).
  • Fern Canyon - the walls of ferns in a green ravine.
  • Roosevelt elk - the herds grazing the prairies among the forest.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for the driest weather, though the coast is often foggy, which suits the redwoods' mood. Winter is very wet. The forest is green and impressive year-round.

Honest expectations

It is a long way up the northern coast, a real drive from the main California cities. The coast is often foggy and cool even in summer, so bring layers. The parks are spread out along the highway, so plan which groves to visit.

Nearby

The rugged northern California coast and Oregon border spread around; the Avenue of the Giants lies to the south.

What to pack for Redwood National and State Parks

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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