Overview
Redwood shelters the world's tallest trees—some surpassing 370 feet—in a coastal rainforest that feels genuinely primordial. With 623,000 annual visitors across 206 square miles, you'll find solitude even in summer (congestion index: 3.2/10). The free entry is unbeatable, but the trade-off is real: San Francisco sits 440 miles south, and fog shrouds the coast most mornings. May offers the best balance of clear skies and manageable crowds, though July remains peak season. The park's signature drives and short trails like Fern Canyon make the tallest trees surprisingly accessible.
Skip the crowded Lady Bird Johnson Grove and hike the Tall Trees Trail instead—it requires a free permit (limited to 50 daily) and a steep descent, but you'll stand alone among titans. Apply for permits at the visitor center first thing in the morning during summer weekends.
When to Go
The sweet spot is August — good weather meets manageable crowds. Peak season hits in July.
Warmest, driest month with strong crowds but best trail conditions. Cathedral Trees Trail shows the redwoods at their most photogenic.
Monthly crowd levels — click a month for details
How Busy Is It?
How Redwood National and State Parks compares to all 62 national parks
Busier than 27% of national parks
ModerateMore crowded trails than 26% of parks
ModerateHigher campsite pressure than 13% of parks
Below AverageNotable Trails
Redwood National and State Parks has more trail mileage than 66% of national parks, with 125 miles across 65 maintained trails.
The difficulty split leans moderate to strenuous — only 31% of trails are rated easy.
Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop
Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail
Walk the Karl Knapp (Prairie Creek) to Foothill Trail Loop
Hike Zig Zag Loop
Start early — Redwood National and State Parks's most popular trailheads fill up by mid-morning in peak season.
Camping
4 campgrounds with 332 total sites. All sites require reservations.
Top Activities
Redwood National and State Parks excels at 10 of 17 activity types — here are the standouts rated 7/10 or higher.
Photography
10/10Iconic redwoods, fern canyons, dramatic coastline, and wildlife offer exceptional photo opportunities
Hiking
9/10125 miles of trails from easy walks among redwoods to strenuous coastal hikes
Scenic Driving
9/10Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and coastal roads offer stunning views
Wildlife Viewing
9/10Roosevelt elk, mountain lions, black bears, river otters, and seabirds
Bird Watching
8/10Marbled murrelets, spotted owls, bald eagles, and migratory bird species
Ranger Programs
8/10Ranger talks, guided walks, and junior ranger programs
Backpacking
7/10Backcountry camping available with permits along coastal and inland routes
Horseback Riding
7/10Horseback riding available on select trails and open prairie
Kayaking Canoeing
7/10Rivers and coastal kayaking available; calm water paddling in some areas
Fishing
7/10Salmon, steelhead, and trout fishing in rivers and streams
Who It's For
Planning Your Trip
Getting There
Nearest city: San Francisco, CA (440 mi). Fly into ACV.
In-Park Services
No gas in park · No lodging in park · Cell: limited
Gateway Town
Eureka, CA — full amenities
Featured In ?Rankings based on data-driven scoring across all 62 national parks.
Stories
Gateway Cities
Road Trips
Redwood National and State Parks is a stop on this road trip:
Compare Redwood National and State Parks
See how Redwood National and State Parks stacks up against other national parks — crowds, trails, and more.
Compare Redwood National and State ParksFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks?
The best month to visit Redwood National and State Parks is August, based on a balance of weather, crowds, and accessibility. Peak visitation is in July. The park has 5 comfortable months for visiting.
How crowded is Redwood National and State Parks?
Redwood National and State Parks is moderately crowded, with a congestion index of 3.2/10. The park receives 623K visitors annually across 206.2 square miles.
How many trails does Redwood National and State Parks have?
Redwood National and State Parks has 125 miles of trails across 20 easy, 30 moderate, and 15 strenuous routes. Popular trails include Fern Canyon Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Cathedral Trees Trail.
Can you camp at Redwood National and State Parks?
Yes, Redwood National and State Parks has 4 campgrounds with 332 total sites. Some sites are available first-come, first-served.
Is Redwood National and State Parks open year-round?
Yes, Redwood National and State Parks is open year-round, though some roads and facilities may close seasonally. The park's climate is classified as temperate_coastal_rainforest.