Visited National Parks Map

Redwood National and State Parks is a jointly managed system of Redwood National Park plus Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks along far northern California's coast. It protects the world's tallest trees as well as prairies, rivers, oak woodlands, cultural landscapes, and about 40 miles of rugged coastline. The park is internationally significant because the complex preserves a major share of the remaining old-growth coast redwood forest and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park rewards slow travel more than a single viewpoint. First-time highlights include Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Prairie Creek, Big Tree, Trillium Falls, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Howland Hill Road when conditions allow, coastal overlooks, tidepools, and Fern Canyon. Roosevelt elk often graze in prairies near Orick and Prairie Creek, but visitors should keep a safe distance and never approach them. Families can do short redwood walks and visitor-center stops; hikers, photographers, cyclists, naturalists, and road-trippers can fill several days.

NPS states that no entrance pass is required to access Redwood National and State Parks, and there are no fees to drive the scenic roads or highways through the national park and three state parks. Some state-park day-use areas charge fees, and the Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon road in Prairie Creek has a fee that is waived for federal America the Beautiful passholders. Fern Canyon, Tall Trees Grove, backcountry camping, special uses, and some photography or filming activities may require permits or reservations; developed campgrounds require reservations through ReserveCalifornia and were listed by NPS at $35.

Plan at least one long day for a sampler route, or two to three days to see both northern Jedediah Smith and southern Prairie Creek/Orick areas without rushing. Spring and early summer bring lush green forest and rhododendron bloom; winter is quieter but can bring heavy rain, downed trees, flooded trails, and road closures. Cell service is limited, so download maps before leaving Crescent City, Orick, Arcata, or Eureka. Nearby pairings include Trinidad, Humboldt Lagoons, Trees of Mystery, Crescent City, and the Smith River corridor.

Visitor Tip: Check current conditions before driving to Fern Canyon, Howland Hill Road, or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Redwood's best places are spread along U.S. 101, so plan by cluster rather than trying to see every famous grove in one day.

• NPS verified the joint national/state park structure, core landscapes, visitor centers, scenic drives, walks, biking, camping options, permit categories, and May 2026 page currency.
• NPS verified current no-entrance-pass policy, state-park day-use exceptions, Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon fee note, campground fees, and backcountry permit requirement.
• Independent references verified old-growth redwood significance, World Heritage context, recommended seasons, limited cell service, campground reservation planning, and major itinerary highlights.