Day Hike - Northern California Redwood National and State Parks

Linda Shewey's Redwoods trip posting generated so much interest we are adding additional hikes to accommodate more hikers!  We will post daily hikes from Wednesday, March 26th through Sunday, March 30th.

We'll continue to monitor weather, trail condition reports, and park opening /staffing concerns as the dates approach. Please be open and flexible if routes need to be adjusted. Our aim is to get an overview of the area and explore as much of the 3 state Parks as possible during the five days. Linda has organized a kayak trip on the 27th that we believe is still open to join.

We will first walk the Tall Trees Grove loop  ~ 3.6 mi.  This is a hike through a remote part of Redwood National Park. The trail runs gently down to the Redwood River through some impressive groves of giant trees. It is about 1.5 miles down, then there is a 1 mile flat loop at the bottom with really interesting flora and more huge trees.

Then we will drive 30 min. north and hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove to Trillium Falls 5.64 mi/1483' - one way with car shuttle.

Situated around the dedication site of Redwood National Park, this moderate walk winds through stands of old-growth redwood, Douglas-fir, and tanoak. A brochure at the trailhead corresponds to marked posts along the trail and guides you along this historically significant route. In spring, rhododendrons and azaleas abound. The trail leads you through the misty hallways of an ancient redwood home. Along the path, families of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce reside under the shade of the world’s tallest trees. The forest floor creates a moist sanctuary for red tree voles, Pacific giant salamanders, and banana slugs. Scattered patches of silky white trillium bloom along the creek in the spring. Near the waterfall (a 10-foot cascade over deep green, moss-covered rocks), the heavy, sloping limbs of big-leaf maple reach out in every direction.

Finally, we can drive to Sue-meg State Park, which sits on a lushly forested promontory beside the Pacific Ocean.The one-square-mile park is densely packed with potential adventures. On a short walk of 1.5 mi around the park's perimeter, you can hunt for agates, explore tidepools, and walk through a jungle of shrubs and trees as you peer out at seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. In the park’s interior, you’ll find a visitor center, a native plant garden, and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village.

Participants are responsible for their transportation and lodging, although carpooling options to the trailhead can be arranged.  Lodging options will be discussed with participants but could include individual hotel rooms in Crescent city or a shared Airbnb.  Nearby airports include Eureka/Arcata (about 30 mi) or Medford, OR (100 mi).  Leaders plans to fly into Medford on Mar 25 and rent a car.   There will be options for dining together and sharing free time activities.

Redwood National Park does not charge entrance fees, but   Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks collect day-use fees at developed campground entrance stations. These three California State Parks will honor the federal "America the Beautiful" pass.

Please reach out to Britt or Karen if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. While our hikes tend to be a bit longer, there are options (via car shuttle/drop) on some of the hikes to do a shorter version if that would work better for you. 

9:00 am Tall Trees Grove Trailhead (requires a free permit)   ~1.5 hours south of Crescent City.  A car shuttle is involved in this itinerary.

Depending on the group's desires, we could easily meet in Crescent City and carpool.  Trailhead is ~15 min. from Crescent City.