“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.“
John Steinbeck
Redwood National Park, located in northern California, is a wonderland for nature enthusiasts and hikers. This beautiful park, known for its stunning old-growth redwoods, offers visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. If you’re planning a trip to this majestic park, here are the top things to do:
Top Things To Do In Redwoods National Park
1. Explore the Redwood Forest
The park’s old-growth redwood forests are the main attraction and for good reason. These towering trees, some of which are more than 300 feet tall, are awe-inspiring to behold. Take a walk through the forest on one of the many hiking trails, or take a drive along the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive that winds through some of the most stunning redwood groves in the park.
2. Visit Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is one of the most unique and beautiful spots in the park. This narrow canyon is lined with towering walls covered in ferns and moss, giving it a prehistoric feel. The canyon is accessible via a short, easy hike and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
3. Go Wildlife Spotting
Redwoods National and State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, mountain lions, and Roosevelt elk. Keep your eyes peeled as you hike or drive through the park, and be sure to bring your binoculars to spot some of the many species of birds that call the park home.
4. Visit the Coastal Areas
The park’s coastline is just as beautiful as its forests. Take a drive along the Coastal Drive or hike down to the beach to take in the stunning views of the rugged coastline, sea stacks, and crashing waves.
5. Camp in the Park
Redwoods National and State Park has a variety of campgrounds for visitors to choose from, including both tent and RV sites. Camping in the park is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park and get a true wilderness experience.
6. Take a Scenic Drive
If you’re short on time or just want to take in the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car, take a scenic drive through the park. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a 10-mile drive that winds through some of the park’s most stunning old-growth forests.
Where To Stay Near Redwood National Park
There are several places to stay near Redwood National Park. Here are some options:
- Jedediah Smith Campground – This campground is located within the park and offers tent and RV camping.
- Hiouchi RV Resort – This resort is located just outside the park and offers RV sites, cabins, and tent sites.
- Redwood Hotel Casino – This hotel is located in Klamath and offers comfortable rooms and a casino.
- Klamath River RV Park – This RV park is located just south of the park and offers RV sites and tent camping.
- The Trees of Mystery – This attraction is located just south of the park and offers cabins, RV sites, and tent camping.
- Curly Redwood Lodge – This lodge is located in Crescent City and offers comfortable rooms.
These are just a few options, there are many more accommodations available in the surrounding area. It’s best to research and book in advance, especially during peak season.
Things To Remember In Redwood National Park
1. Hydration
- If traveling in the summer, for one, you are crazy; two, make sure you pack lots of water!
2. Follow the signs
- If the signs tell you to stay on the trail, you should stay on the path. Make sure that future generations will be able to experience incredible sights as well.
- If a sign says, “don’t feed the animals,” then don’t. Feeding wild animals harms their overall health. It also makes animals more likely to come up to cars, which leads to more animals getting killed by cars.
3. Leave your four-legged friends at home
- While dogs are allowed in the campground, dogs are not permitted on the trails. If a ranger sees you trying to take your dog on a trail, they will turn you around.
4. Leave No Trace
- As the saying goes, “Leave only Footsteps.” Don’t spoil the landscape with your trash. It wasn’t there when you got there, so pack it out with you. Leave no trace also means that you should leave the environment as it is. It is illegal to remove anything from the park, including plants, artifacts, and even rocks. Redwood National Park is a place of natural beauty, so make sure you leave it cleaner than you found it.
5. Be sure to wear clothing and footwear suitable for your adventure.
- Make sure your shoes still have traction, as the sand and stone combination can be rather slippery.
- Dress in layers. It rains quite a bit in the winter and can get quite cold. Plan accordingly and check the local weather.
TL;DR:
- Explore the Redwood Trees: The park is home to some of the tallest trees on earth, including the famous Hyperion tree which stands at over 379 feet tall. There are several hiking trails and scenic drives throughout the park where visitors can admire the towering giants.
- Wildlife Watching: The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain lions, and several species of birds. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
- Scenic Drives: Redwood National Park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s landscapes. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and the Howland Hill Road are two of the most popular drives, taking visitors through forests, meadows, and along the coast.
“Redwood National Park reminds us that even the mightiest trees were once tiny seeds, and that the greatest wonders of the world often start as the smallest of things. May we always remember to nurture our dreams and aspirations, for with patience, perseverance, and time, they too can grow tall and reach for the sky.”
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Get more info from the source at https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm
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