My friend Kay defeats a fallen tree. Luke and Leia ducked under this tree while riding the speeder bike … [+]
Redwoods is one among my favorite national parks and it has one thing in common with my other favorites: otherworldliness. Being there really appears like you will have been transported to a different world because there isn’t any other place like this. Sure, there are forests elsewhere too. There are even forests on coasts, but not like this. Coast redwoods, which give the park its name, are the tallest on the planet.
You can have thought you had seen tall trees before. And perhaps you will have too. A related species, the trees in Sequoia National Park are definitely big. But while these are large, the redwoods are large. When you walk amongst these giants, you are feeling as if the entire world has grow to be larger.
The park itself has a lot to supply, which is why it’s among the finest national parks in California. Here’s what it is best to know before you go.
1) Trees!
The giant sequoia trees that give the park its name.
When I expressed my enthusiasm for redwoods, I used to be often met with confusion. “Aren’t they just big trees?” Yes and no. These are trees like you’ve got never seen before. Significant Taller than normal trees, they’re the tallest on the planet. They are so large that it’s difficult to photograph them. Get far enough away to capture the complete tree, it can appear small. If you set someone next to it, the person almost disappears.
They are a lot taller than any trees you will have ever seen.
They are also greater than just trees…
2) It’s not only big trees
On the left is the view to the south from the High Bluff Overlook. On the best is the view to the north … [+]
The principal attraction of the park is after all the mighty sequoia trees. However, much of the park extends to the coast, including beaches, rivers, tide pools and lagoons. Remember that there could also be an ocean here quite cold and infrequently unpredictable. This is a coastline for exploring, not beach days. However, there are swimming areas and rivers nearby.
However, don’t expect to see the most important sequoias near the beaches. They don’t love the salt water.
3) It’s not only a park
The aptly named Big Tree.
Redwoods National Park is technically made up of Redwood National and State Parks Coast redwoods of Del Norte, Jedidiah Smith RedwoodsAnd Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Nearby are Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Klamath National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest, Trinity National Forest and King Range National Conservation Area. This signifies that the complete area has extensive national and state nature reserves. Because it’s an enormous area and lots of roads have strict speed limits, it could feel as huge because the trees inside it.
4) Forgotten and almost hidden history of World War II
The not-so-hidden radar huts of the B-71 radar station.
Along the coast, near Klamath, are remnants of a few of the almost forgotten history of World War II. Radar station B-71 was once an early warning radar and air defense station. Inside were the varied electronic devices needed to operate the radar, a generator for electricity and anti-aircraft weapons. Today only the overbuilt shells remain. Scary looking almost-houses with no windows and boarded up doors. A cool place for history buffs.
On my first visit to the park in 2022, the homes weren’t locked. This is what the within looks like … [+]
To get to this location you will have to pass the High Bluff Overlook, which offers some incredible views south over the rocky shoreline. On the opposite side of the identical parking zone, a small path leads all the way down to one other overlook looking north. Once you will have enjoyed this view, proceed walking and there’s a small pullout from which you’ll hike all the way down to the homes.
5) The Forest Moon of Endor
The speeder bikes pass under these trees around 59:30 in Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars fans will remember the Ewoks Return of the Jedi. The Forest Moon of Endor was filmed in and around Redwoods National Park. Unfortunately, lots of the areas utilized in the film were private properties which can be now forested. However, almost every hike through the various forests here can have you feeling like an Ewok or aspiring Jedi (or Imperial Scout Trooper, if that is your thing).
Some of the speeder bike backgrounds were filmed at Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek State Park. The tree within the image at the highest of this story could be seen at 58:55 within the film, where the YouTube clip above begins. The crossed trees within the image at the highest of this section are at 59:30 within the film and 1:03 within the clip.
This is a helpful guideHowever, note that it’s difficult to search out exact locations as there isn’t any cell service in Cheatham Groove. Download screenshots in the event you can!
6) For the kids
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Apparently life-sized.
There is a huge Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. This roadside tourist trap is situated on the 101 north of Klamath. Luckily you may take photos without spending a dime and there are clean restrooms and a present shop. At the adjoining Trees of Mystery there’s an Ewok-style treetop path, but I didn’t do it because there’s a fee for it (it is not a part of the park).
There are drivable trees, but they’re all privately owned and require a fee.
7) Epic rides
Unfortunately the clover is normal size.
The Avenue of the Giants is a wonderful and leisurely drive that runs parallel to US Route 101 (also called “the 101” in my dialect) on a well-paved road with loads of exits for parking. Depending on which side you approach the park(s) from, that is an incredible solution to get to know the enormous trees. There are also some short hikes here.
Depending in your vehicle, Avenue of the Titans is one other breathtaking ride on the north end of the park, near Crescent City. It’s mostly a single lane dirt road with plenty of tight turns, limitless ups and downs and, if it’s rained, mud. The huge sequoia trees often line the road. In other areas the sting slopes away to the streams below. Do not Try this in any size RV. There is not any solution to turn back in the event you cannot pass a piece. Even Sprinter-sized RVs could have problems.
Driving on the 101 alone offers some breathtaking views as you travel between different parts of the park. There are many additional drivesand routes just like the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway run parallel to the 101 and offer even higher views.
8) Hikes galore
My friend Kay and I in a tree that remains to be alive but pretty burned.
One of probably the most accessible hikes is thru Lady Bird Johnson Grove. It’s a straightforward walk, although occasionally muddy, and you may admire some beautiful trees. This tiny and sometimes crowded parking zone is definitely the principal reason I selected a pickup truck to construct my RV. Two years after my first visit, I returned with the van, which inspired me greatly. Another easy trail is Cheatham Grove mentioned above, which can also be mostly flat.
An much more burnt out trunk that Kay waits patiently for.
There are quite a few other short hikes accessible via small parking lots and pullouts along the 101 and adjoining streets. It’s definitely value consulting a park ranger to see what they recommend for the time of yr you are visiting.
9) Wild, wildlife.
A curious moose near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
Moose live in every single place within the forests and infrequently graze in the various meadows. The aptly named Elk Meadow north of Orick is place to stop.
Hello.
Along some beaches you may see seals and even perhaps sea lions.
10) Free!
Is that Old Man Willow from Lord of the Rings?
Because of its location on a serious highway, its multiple residential units, and adjoining state parks, Redwoods is one among the few national parks that doesn’t charge an entrance fee. Certain specific areas within the park require reservations, which can incur fees, and naturally if you would like to camp, it’s essential to accomplish that pay for a campsite. However, a lot of the park is free.
There is Visitor centersthat are value visiting for up-to-date information in regards to the park in addition to ideas on what to do and what’s accessible depending on the weather.
If you are keen on more of my travel chatter, my book Budget Travel for Dummies is offered in every single place, amongst others Amazon And Barnes & Noble.
My friend Kay and I love the Van Duzen River from the Van Duzen River bridge near Cheatham … [+]
