3 Tips for An Awesome Trip to the Redwoods

The Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the oldest and largest living things on the planet.  These giant trees can grow to heights of over 350 feet!  And, talk about old, there are trees here that were likely alive during the the time of the Roman Empire!

The Redwoods are a great vacation destination for all ages.   A trip to these coastal forests provides a unique opportunity to walk among giants and learn about the ecosystem in which they thrive.  Here are 3 tips to help you make the most out of your visit:

1. Understand the Structure of the Park:  The Redwood National and State Parks are a unique arrangement. It is more like a coalition of state and federally managed lands rather than a single park.  You will see references to the parks as a whole as well as individually.  For example, the Jedediah Smith State Park is part of the Redwood National and State Parks.  While these lands are all in the same region of Northern California, they aren’t all connected to each other.  I highly recommend spending time reviewing the park map before your trip!  Otherwise, the layout can feel a bit overwhelming.
2. Focus on Quality vs Quantity:  The Redwood National and State Parks are in the same general region, but it is spread out.  The parklands stretch about 50 miles from north to south.  There are 5 visitor centers as well as many groves and points of interest, so it is tempting to try to see as much as possible.  However, I recommend spending quality time in 2 or 3 areas of the park than trying to rush and see it all.  Plan to spend more time on foot rather than in the car, so you can stop and stare up!
3. Don’t Miss the Other Magic:  Of course, the trees are the main event at the Redwood State and National Parks, but there is so much more to enjoy in this area.  These groves are located in a beautiful area right on the coast.  The ocean is a huge part of Redwood ecosystems, so watching the fog roll in off the ocean is a real treat!  I love the fact that there are miles and miles of uncrowded beaches. This beach experience is much different than the typical trip to the beach as you’ll likely be wearing a jacket!  The Roosevelt Elk herds as well as a hike through Fern Canyon are other highlights!
   

   

   Northern California Beach

   

   

Visiting the Redwood National and State Parks is an incredible experience! A stroll through these forests will no doubt leave you with a sense of awe and possibly a crick in the neck! While it is impossible to capture the immense scale of these trees in photos, you will certainly have a delightful time trying!