There are multiple traffic stops along Highway 101 from Orick, CA to Crescent City, CA due to road construction. Extra time may be needed to travel throughout the park. Delay times may vary. Please stay alert and drive cautiously.
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
For anyone traveling through California, Redwood National and State Parks provides a refreshing and educational outdoor adventure. This national and state parks is highly recommended for visitors who want to learn about the area's heritage while enjoying scenic trails and local wildlife.
About Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks is a national and state parks located in California. Visitors should be prepared for cooler and damp weather. Dress in layers and expect to get wet. Year-round temperatures along California's redwood coast: mid-40s°F (7°C) to mid-60s°F (18°C). Summer can be foggy, with highs occasionally reaching low 70s°F (20°C). Winters are cooler with considerable rain. October through April averages 60-80 inches of rain over the region.
Redwood National and State Parks is located in northernmost coastal California - almost on the Oregon border. The parks are about 60-miles long, with four visitor centers from north to south. We are a six to seven-hour drive (325 miles) north of San Francisco, a six-hour drive (330 miles) south of Portland, OR and a four-hour drive (170 miles) west of Redding, CA.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Redwood is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Redwood National and State Parks offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, and 35 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Redwood
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Redwood
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Redwood before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Redwood. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Redwood get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Redwood. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Renowned for the world’s tallest trees, Redwood’s landscapes span from open prairies and oak woodlands to pristine rivers and untamed coastline. This ancient home has supported people for thousands of years. The National Park Service and California State Parks now work to safeguard and rejuvenate these lands for everyone’s enjoyment, learning, and inspiration.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Redwood
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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