23 Best Places to See the Redwoods on a North California Road Trip

Are you planning your first visit to California to explore the redwood forests? Perhaps you live close enough to have road trip adventures every weekend in the redwoods. Never fear, there are plenty of amazing forests, trees, and hikes for you to discover.

With this guide, pinpoint some of the best places to see the redwoods during your North California road trip.

There is something simply awe-inspiring, even spiritual, when you first encounter the redwoods. One minute you are driving along in California, and suddenly the road is flanked with dense forests of giant redwood trees.

What is so Great about a North California Road Trip to the Redwoods?

Did you know that the Coast Redwoods are THE tallest trees on earth? You will find them primarily in Northern California but there are also a few amazing groves along the Southern Oregon Coast (not more than 50 miles inland).

Why do these coastal redwoods grow best within 50 miles of the coast?

• They love fog
• They flourish best at 2,000 feet of elevation or less
• They grow well in areas where there is heavy rain in the winter months
• They thrive in moderate year-round temperatures.

Some of these amazing tall trees soar to heights well above 360 feet.

23 Best Places to See the Redwoods on a North California Road Trip

You may not have time to visit all of the named redwood trees on one North California road trip, but if you are looking for a few highlights, this guide should help.

You may even wish to pinpoint the 8 “must-see” tall trees on a map and plot your road trip to the redwoods accordingly.

Please note that pets and bikes are not allowed on most trails in the Redwoods National Park.

1. Big Tree

Located in Redwood National & State Parks, Big Tree is 68 feet around. You can find it near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center along the Newton Drury Scenic Parkway. The tree is estimated to be 1,500 years old. Though it is called Big Tree, it does not hold the distinction of being the tallest tree.

2. Corkscrew Tree

Not too far from Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is another interesting redwood tree that actually has four trunks intertwining together. The Corkscrew Tree is a perfect example of a cathedral ring where the trunks of individual coast redwood tall trees have grown together in a gnarly, twisted form.

3. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree

Have you always wanted to drive thru a tree on your North California Road Trip? In the community of Myers Flat about 4 miles from Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you’ll find the Shrine Tree, along the Avenue of the Giants. Shrine Tree was hollowed out by fire (possibly from a lightning strike).

Other drive thru tall trees include:

• Chandelier Tree
• Tour Thru
• Tunnel Log
• California is a walk thru tunnel tree

4. Christmas Tree – An Albino Redwood

Also along the Avenue of the Giants, you will find a rare albino redwood tree. It is in the Women’s Federation Grove near the grove entrance. The trail here is not marked, but you can ask for directions at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center.

5. The Star Wars Tree

Did you know that parts of Return of the Jedi was filmed in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park? Cheatham Grove is the location where you might recognize the fallen trees and intertwining limbs of the giant trees featured in the movie where storm troopers on the big screen zipped and sped through the grove.

6. Tall Trees Grove 

The current redwood “tallest tree” record holder is hidden in an undisclosed location; however, you can still hike to Tall Trees Grove. Pick up a free permit at the Orick Visitor Center.

7. Giant Tree

Does it seem as though they began to run out of titles for these magnificent redwoods? Tall Tree, Big Tree, and now Giant Tree.

Giant Tree’s distinction is that it wins for the most beautiful tree in terms of height, diameter, and crown spread. It may be considered the biggest redwood by mass. This tree is found in the Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

8. Dyerville Giant

Can you imagine the thunderous sound this giant redwood must have made as it crashed to the forest floor in 1991?

The Dyerville Giant is thought to have once stood 400 feet. Still, Dyerville Giant draws crowds to its uprooted trunk, roots and the huge crater left behind. You’ll find this tree off the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s Founders Grove.

9. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

To visit the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, start your North California road trip to the redwoods about 9 miles east of Crescent City. Established in 1929, you will find a densely forested areas with giant ancient trees in this state park.

In fact, this park contains over 10,000 acres of California’s old-growth redwoods.

Did you know that this park is composed of seven percent of all the old-growth redwoods remaining in the world? 

Best Hikes in the Redwoods to See Tall Trees

Some of the notable hikes and trails within the state park are:

10. Boy Scout Tree Trail

Follow this 5.5 mile path on the Boy Scout Tree Trail and you will also arrive at Fern Falls where the trail ends. Reach the trailhead via the unpaved and sometimes bumpy Howland Hill Road. Follow this old-growth trail and enjoy some of the world’s most pristine redwood scenery.

Note * Parking at the trailhead may be limited.

11. Nickerson Ranch Trail

This trail is a nice add-on to the Boy Scout Tree Trail. While not as scenic as the Boy Scout Tree Trail, Nickerson Ranch Trail is much less busy.

12. Mill Creek Trail

This trail is currently closed due to construction. It is in the same area as the Boy Scout Tree Trail and the Nickerson Ranch Trail

13. Hiouchi Trail

This 4.4 mile out and back trail begins in a beautiful redwood grove next to Stout Grove. You’ll see the best scenery at the beginning of the hike and then a mixed-species forest for the rest of the hike.

14. Hatton Trail

A 3.3 out and back hike with moderate traffic and moderate effort that allows you to explore redwoods on the south side of Hwy 199. The trail parallels the highway for much of the hike, so you will hear traffic noise.

15. Simpson-Reed Trail

This is a short loop of less than a mile that circles close to the Smith River. In 2011, the start and end of the trail was moved away from Hwy 199 with signs that directed hikers to the new location. Once the most popular trail in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, it is now less trafficked as the trailhead is somewhat hidden off of Walker Road.

16. Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops

Close to the Simpson-Reed Trail, you will find the connected Leiffer and Ellsworth Loops. Access the Loop Trails off of Walker Road. Start off on the 1.0 mile Leiffer Loop and add on the 0.5 mile Ellsworth Loop if you have time.

Be prepared for your hikes by making sure you have the 10 essentials for your best day hikes packed.

17. Stout Memorial Grove and Stout Tree

Stout Memorial Grove is a beautiful, 44-acre grove of old-growth trees worth the side trip on your road trip to the Redwoods. It has a significant amount of downed trees along the 0.6 mile trail. The trail is easy to follow and well-marked.

The Stout Tree has a viewing platform built around it to help you get up close and personal with the tree while also protecting the area around the tree.

18. Prairie Creek State Park

Not only is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park among the best places to see the redwoods, but you will also find campgrounds, sandy beaches, and open meadows that are often frequented by herds of grazing elk.

There are many family-friendly trails in the park that are clearly marked and are some of the best hikes in the redwoods. Be sure to add these trails to your itinerary for your North California road trip to the redwoods.

19. Cathedral Trees Trail

An easy to moderate 3.0 mile out and back trail.

20. Rhododendron Trail

If you happen hike to Rhododendron Trail and then continue on around the loop to the Foothill Trail, and your children are hiking with you, you may end up hiking a lot longer than they planned! Just saying. It is 8.6 miles and some children may consider it a moderate to challenging hike! Again, just saying. The best time to explore Rhododendron Trail when the flowers are in their prime would be late May to mid June.

21. Fern Canyon Loop Trail

All skills levels should enjoy this popular 1.1 mile trail. If you happen to be camping at Gold Bluff, the trailhead isn’t too far away. Steven Spielberg featured this trail in Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World. Be prepared to get your feet wet.

22. Foothill Trail

If you are hoping to visit Big Tree, you will find it along this trail. Foothill Trail, Cathedral Trees Trail, and Rhododendron Trail form one big loop.

A Cool Place to Sleep Among Redwoods

23. Fern Hook Cabin

The Fern Hook Cabin, not too far from the hamlet of Hiouchi, CA and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, is a quaint find. This serene cabin among the tall trees can sleep up to 6 guests with two bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a fully-stocked kitchen, a living room, a front porch and free parking.

The cabin sits among the redwoods trees in a forest blanketed by ferns. The area is secluded but offers easy access to the highway.

If you happen to be taking a North California road trip to the redwoods along highway 101, check out the Fern Hook Cabins.

Search for additional accommodations with Booking.com.

Crescent City, CA

Crescent City is a natural stop on your road trip to the Redwoods as it only 10 miles from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

A few things to do in and around Crescent City:

• Visit Trees of Mystery and take your picture with the larger-than-life Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox statue
• Visit Ocean World Aquarium
• Stroll along South Beach
• Explore the tide pools at Battery Point at low tide
• Visit Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum at low tide
• Watch for whales
• Enjoy a picnic lunch (a foldable cooler comes in handy)

Road Trip Quotes

A North California road trip deserves some timely road trip quotes, don’t you think?

• Roads were made for journeys, not destinations. ~ Confucius
• People don’t take trips, trips take people. ~ John Steinbeck
• Happiness is a road trip.
• Look at life through the windshield, not the rearview mirror. ~ Byrd Baggett
• If you come to a fork in the road, take it. ~ Scott Myers
• No road is long with good company. ~ Turkish proverb
• Sometimes the best therapy is a long drive, upbeat music and good company.
• A family that travels together, stays together.
• I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. ~ Susan Sontag
• It doesn’t matter how old you get, buying snacks for a road trip should always look like an unsupervised 9 year old was given $100.
• Every day should feel like a day at the beach.
• I feel like most of my problems could be solved with a trip to… anywhere.
• Yeah, working is great…but have you tried travelling?
• Take only memories, leave only footprints.
• Making memories, one road trip at a time.
• The journey, not the arrival, matters. ~ T.S. Eliot
• Adventure awaits.
• Just wander more.
• The best therapy is a long drive and good music.
• Life’s too short to not take the scenic route.
• Good friends and great adventures make the best road trips.

Travel Gear for a North California Road Trip

The benefit of a road trip is that you can keep all of your gear with you. When you want to stop and take pictures, you’ve got your equipment. If you get hungry, you’ll have a pre-made lunch ready to go. So, don’t forget to pack your road trip essentials.

A backpack is the perfect size to fit all of my travel and camera essentials:

• iPad
• iPhone
• Canon 6d Mark II Camera
• Canon EF 24-105 mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
• Canon Nifty Fifty Lens
• Lenses
• Camera insert
• Waterproof Backpack Cover

Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink throughout the day along with snacks. Pack up your backpack with Goldfish, trail mix, Zipfizz, peanut M&Ms, and maybe even some applesauce pouches

I also recommend:

• Good walking/hiking shoes
• A visor or hat
• Light jacket
• Sunscreen
• Camelbak hydration reservoir

Check out My Amazon Favorites to discover more of my favorite travel gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on 23 Best Places to See the Redwoods on a North California Road Trip

Your first encounter with redwood trees on your road trip to the redwoods will most certainly be memorable. The height of these tall trees is almost dizzying as you stand at the base and look up and up and up. It is amazing to think that some of these trees have been alive for over 2000 years.

On your way home, I’m pretty sure you’ll say, “That trip was awesome!”

And, I have included some great road trip quotes when it comes time to create your Instagram captions.

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