Redwood National Park Itinerary: With Kids

Explore a canyon straight out of Jurassic Park, paddle in a crystal-clear river or hug the world’s tallest trees – Redwood National Park is an unforgettable experience. There are so many ways to enjoy these parks, even if your little adventurers can only manage a mile or two of hiking. Here’s your Redwood National Park itinerary to help you plan an epic family trip to the majestic Californian Redwoods.

Redwood National And State Parks Facts

• Redwood National and State Parks, to give its full name, is made up of Redwood National Park plus Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek State Parks.
• Hyperion, the world’s tallest tree, resides in the park but its location is a secret.
• Scenes for The Lost World: Jurassic Park were filmed in Prairie Creek State Park.
• Almost half (45%) of all old-growth redwood forest can be found here.
• The United Nations made this National Park a World Heritage Site in 1980.
• For more facts about redwoods – and a great story about the team who made the scientific breakthroughs – read The Wild Trees.

Where To Stay At Redwood National And State Parks

If you want to stay in the Parks themselves, your only option is camping or a cabin. Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and National Park campgrounds are kept to a high standard – but they also get booked up quickly. I would recommend making a reservation six months ahead, when the spots open up for your dates. 

For a taste of traditional hospitality, stay in Eureka at Hydrangea Inn, which offers families comfortable two-bedroom apartments and includes a delicious breakfast.

There are also plenty of cottages to rent in the area, such as this three-bedroom home in nearby Orick, or wake up in the forest at this two-bed cabin.

At the northern end of the Parks, stay at the cozy Hiouchi Motel, located just off the 101 in Crescent City, a few minutes from the Hiouchi Visitor Center. 

What Will I Need To Take?

Bring good shoes, a baby or toddler carrier if your kids are little, water bottles and a picnic (no food sold in the park). I have a packing list if you are looking for recommendations on what to take.

Redwood National Park Itinerary: One Day

Plan to bring all your food with you: Redwood National and State Parks has no restaurants within the park boundaries. The visitor centers have restrooms and drinking water. This itinerary starts from Orick, at the south end of the parks. Flip the itinerary if you are approaching from the north!

Morning: Tidepools And Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon is a not-to-be-missed spot in Prairie Creek State Park, which featured in the Jurassic Park sequel. This requires driving on an unpaved road, so don’t attempt it with an RV.

To get there, take the 101 for 2.5 miles north of Orick to find Davison Road. This seven-mile, mostly unpaved, road meanders toward the Pacific Ocean, terminating at Gold Bluff’s Beach. 

At the beach, there are tidepools like mini aquariums, dolphins off shore and peregrines soaring above.

Find the Fern Canyon parking lot and head up the creek to discover a magical canyon lined with ferns. It’s easy to imagine a dinosaur crashing out of the jungle to liven up your stroll.

During the peak summer season, you will be sharing this popular walk with other hikers. However, steam crossings render the trail impractical during the winter. At the end of the canyon, take the steps back up to the car park.

Soak up the sunshine at the beach before turning back to the cool of the redwoods. Continue north on the 101 until you reach the Prairie Creek State Park visitor center.

Lunch: Picnic With Elks

After checking out the visitor center to pick up a Junior Ranger program, head to Elk Prairie Meadow where you will find picnic tables under the redwoods. The lush meadow hosts a herd of beautiful Roosevelt elk, which you can admire while enjoying your lunch.

Elk are California’s largest land mammal, weighing up to 1,100 pounds. They seem pretty docile but don’t get too close! During the mating season, from August to October, the peace is disrupted by bulls calling loud challenges to each other.

Afternoon: Kid-Friendly Forest Hike

Prairie Creek State Park has some great trails for kids.

For a quick walk, ideal for toddlers, head to Prairie Creek State Park for the Big Tree Wayside trailhead. This wheelchair and stroller accessible trail is designed to showcase one of the area’s tallest trees: the Big Tree.

It’s only 100 meters from the parking lot to the Big Tree so this won’t take too long.

Once you have admired the Big Tree from the viewing platform, check out some of the other short nearby trails such as the Circle Trail, which will take around 15 minutes.

Kids will also love the Revelation Trail, which starts just behind the Prairie Creek State Park Visitor Center. The short, quarter-mile loop, encourages visitors to stop and listen to the sounds of the forest, breath in the scent of the bay laurel and feel the soft bark of a redwood.

For a longer hike, take a 3.2 mile loop through this beautiful area. Starting at Prairie Creek State Park headquarters, hike the Prairie Creek Trail north until you see an intersection. Take the right turn, towards the sound of traffic, and cross the parkway to join the Cathedral Trees trail. Head south, passing by Big Tree, before ending back at the visitor center.

This trail features bridges, babbling brooks, ancient forest and “tunnel trees” that you can walk through. It’s also wheelchair and stroller friendly, suited to all ages and abilities.

Next, go for a scenic drive north along Newton B. Drury Parkway. This 10-mile winding road takes you into the heart of the old-growth groves and has plenty of opportunities to stop for a walk. Avenue of the Giants might be more famous but this is an absolute gem of a drive.

The road is open every day throughout the summer. Between October to May on the first Saturday of the month, cyclists rule the road when the stretch is closed off to cars.

Two Days in Redwood National And State Parks

If you have one day, the best family-friendly hikes and activities are all in Prairie Creek State Park. However, if you have more time, head further north to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is a short, 300-meter stroll to a grove of some of the world’s tallest trees, soaring 300 feet into the sky. The majestic spot is a reward for getting there.

First, drive the narrow, unpaved Howland Hill. After parking at the trailhead, pick your way down to the Smith River, where you will find a footbridge open only in the summer season. Finally, follow the path into the forest where you will find the trees.

Take your time on this adventure. It’s unlikely you will get across the river without pausing to take a dip in the refreshing waters, or playing on the pebble beach.

For families with children aged 10 and up, ranger-led kayak tours are available on the Smith River in the summer. The tours last around three hours, go through Class I-II rapids and are guided by knowledgeable rangers who can point out wildlife.

Jedediah Smith State Park also hosts Native American dance demonstrations in July (although these have been on hold since 2019 due to COVID-19) showcasing the cultural traditions of the indigenous Tolowa. Check the Park’s event calendar if you are headed there in July.

How To Get To Redwood National And State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are located in Humboldt and Del Norte counties in the far north of California, on the 101.

The closest airport is Eureka/Arcata (ACV), a regional airport serviced by United Airlines, American Airlines and Avelo. This gives you the option of flying from Denver CO, Phoenix AZ, San Francisco CA or Los Angeles CA, then renting a car for the 40-minute trip north up the 101. 

The best way to see the redwoods is as part of a road trip. It’s a six hour’s drive from San Francisco, CA, or similar from Portland, OR. There are plenty of great places to visit along the way, including Point Reyes, Mendocino and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Further north, Crater Lake National Park is a stunning spot in Oregon.

When To Visit Redwood National And State Parks

The best (although most crowded) time to visit is during the summer, where temperatures max out at around 80F. September is my favourite time of year to visit California’s northern coast, as the fog recedes slightly, making the trip marginally warmer. October is also beautiful but there is more chance of rain.

Unfortunately, fire season, which traditionally hits California in early October, extends throughout the summer. For the best chance of avoiding smoky skies, try May or June. 

Winter is beautiful but wet and will make many of the trails impassable. Temperatures fall to between 40-60F.

Are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments!