How to Visit the Redwoods in California

The ancient Coast Redwoods grow across 500 miles of Northern California. The great trees can grow as tall as 380 feet, and range in age from 500 to 800 years old. Although loggers have destroyed most of the Redwoods that used to stretch across the country, the Redwood National Park has protected a patch of trees in California. You can visit the park for free and hike, bike or ride a horse through the trees. You can camp in the forest, watch the wildlife and breathe the fresh air that the California Redwoods create.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Drive or bike Route 101, which runs along the coast. If you're coming from inland, take Route 199 to 101. Stop at one of the five National Park Service Visitor Centers, three of which are located on Route 101. Pick up maps and get information about events and hikes from the park rangers.

2. Hike through the ancient trees of the Muir Woods National Monument, located just 12 miles north of San Francisco. The monument was named by President Theodore Roosevelt. Hug the tallest tree in Muir Woods, which reaches 258 feet into the sky.

3. Watch an American Indian dance demonstration. These free summer events are hosted by the Yurok and Tolowa tribes. Call [phone] or [phone] for more information.

4. Be very quiet to observe the wildlife. You can see elk, lions, bears and Chinook salmon--and if you're lucky the endangered Marbled Murrelet, a small bird that lives in the tree tops. You can also watch the gray whales all year at the Klamath River Overlook. Catch a view of the whales migrating from November to December and March to April at Crescent Beach Overlook, Wilson Creek, High Bluff Overlook, Gold Bluffs Beach and Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.

5. Ride a horse along the Redwood Creek, Little Bald Hills or Mill Creek Horse Trail. Bring your own horse or contact Redwood Trails at Stone Lagoon for guided tours.

6. Bring a tent or stay in the Redwood National Park Hostel. There are four campgrounds in the Redwood National State Park, but none of them offer trailer hook-ups. The Redwood Hostel is only open on weekends during the winter, so call in advance. There are no hotels in the park.

Tips & Warnings

• The weather is mild and wet all year long (40 to 60 degrees). The summers are warm, but foggy on the coast. Bring rain gear.
• Wild animals are dangerous. Never feed wildlife, and find out about other precautions from the National Park Service.

Resources

• Redwood National Park Service
• Redwood Forest Hostel
• Local Weather Forecast
• Redwood Trails Horseback Riding