Redwood National Park lies along the northern California coast in the western United States, near the Oregon border. It is renowned for its coast redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. Towering trunks, lush ferns, dense undergrowth, and fog drifting through the hills create the atmosphere of an ancient forest.
Area and conservation history
Redwood National Park was established on October 2, 1968. Its boundaries were expanded in 1978 to protect additional forests and watersheds from the effects of logging. Today, the federal park is managed together with three California state parks: Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. The combined area of the park system is about 563 square kilometers, or 56,300 hectares. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Giant coast redwoods
The park's defining species is the coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens. Under favorable conditions, these trees grow more than 100 meters tall and may live for around two thousand years. Their thick bark helps protect them from fire, while moist ocean air and coastal fog support the forest during relatively dry periods. The protected landscape contains substantial areas of old-growth forest, where ancient redwoods grow alongside younger trees, Douglas firs, and other plants typical of the Pacific coast's temperate forests.
Forests, rivers, and the Pacific coast
Redwood is much more than a forest of giant trees. Its landscapes include prairies, oak woodlands, rivers, streams, and stretches of Pacific coastline. Redwood Creek, the Klamath River, and other waterways provide habitat for fish, amphibians, and many invertebrates. Along the coast, visitors may see seabirds, sea lions, and animals living in tidal pools. The combination of forest, freshwater, and marine habitats makes the area important for biodiversity conservation.
Wildlife
Among the most noticeable large mammals are American black bears and Roosevelt elk. Deer, raccoons, foxes, and numerous bird species also inhabit the forests. Salmon and other fish occur in the rivers, while marine mammals can sometimes be seen offshore. Several species, including the northern spotted owl and western snowy plover, require special conservation attention. Protecting old-growth forests and restoring landscapes affected by past logging remain major management priorities.
What to see
Fern Canyon is one of the best-known destinations: a narrow gorge whose steep walls are covered in ferns. In the Prairie Creek area, visitors can walk among towering redwoods and sometimes watch elk grazing in open meadows. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park protects impressive old-growth groves, while the scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway passes through beautiful forest. Longer hikes can lead to Tall Trees Grove, although access to certain areas may require a permit or advance planning.
Indigenous history and culture
The forests and coastline of northern California have been home for thousands of years to Indigenous peoples, including the Yurok, Tolowa, and Chilula. Their cultural connections to the land and traditional knowledge continue today. The region's history also includes extensive logging, which greatly reduced old-growth forests. Conservation campaigns led to the creation of protected areas, and current programs focus on preserving remaining forests and restoring rivers, slopes, and landscapes damaged by earlier land use.
When to visit and how to prepare
The parks are accessible year-round, but coastal weather is often cool and damp. Summer fog is common, while winters bring substantial rainfall. Before visiting, check road and trail conditions, access rules for Fern Canyon and Tall Trees Grove, and campground availability. Mobile phone coverage is limited in some areas. Most of the main park areas have no entrance fee, although some day-use areas within state parks charge a fee. Stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and carry out all rubbish to help protect this fragile ecosystem.
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