WHERE TO SEE THE BEST REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA

Towering hundreds of feet above the forest floor, California’s coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. And one of the most impressive natural sights in the state. Most people first hear about them through Redwood National & State Parks, but what many people don’t realize is just how many incredible places there are to see and experience redwood forests of California.

Over the past decade, we’ve spent a lot of time exploring these forests, from the far north all the way down toward the Bay Area and Central Coast. In this guide, we’re sharing the redwood forests of California that stand out the most to us, along with a few places that don’t always get as much attention but are absolutely worth visiting. Whether you’re planning a full redwood road trip or just want to see these trees without driving too far, this will help you figure out where to go.

WHAT MAKES THE REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA SO SPECIAL?

Coast redwoods only grow in a narrow stretch along the Pacific Coast, from southern Oregon down into central California. The combination of cool air, coastal fog, and consistent moisture is what allows them to reach extreme heights that no other trees in the world can match. Some of the tallest redwoods are over 350 feet tall and have been standing for more than a thousand years.

A lot of the original old-growth forest was logged years ago, which makes the remaining protected groves even more special today. While Redwood National & State Parks gets most of the attention, there are still plenty of places across California where you can walk among massive old-growth trees and experience these forests up close.

WHERE TO SEE THE BEST REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA

Before jumping into the list, it’s worth pointing out that not all redwood forests of California feel the same. Some are known for huge old-growth groves, while others mix redwoods with coastal views, scenic drives, or quieter trails. If you’re trying to figure out which one makes the most sense for your trip, check out the “Which Redwood Forest Should You Visit?” section near the bottom for our recommendations.

Our California Bucket List Guide has not only these places to see the best redwood forests of California, but over 650 other places and things to do also! Places to stay, places to eat and drink and much more. Click the map above to check it out!

With that being said, let’s jump in to the list!

REDWOOD NATIONAL & STATE PARKS

Redwood National & State Parks is the most iconic place to experience California’s redwoods, and easily the most well-known destination on this list. But it’s also the hardest to get to of all the parks in this list. It’s located in far Northern California and protects some of the largest remaining old-growth redwood forests in the world. While many people think of it as a single park, it’s actually a joint partnership that includes three California State Parks working together under one system.

What makes this area stand out is the scale. The trees are massive, the forests feel endless, and there are multiple distinct areas to explore depending on how much time you have. Popular spots like Fern Canyon, the Tall Trees Grove area, and the scenic drives along the Newton B. Drury Parkway all offer very different ways to experience the park. It’s one of those places where you can spend a full day and still feel like you barely scratched the surface.

• LOCATION – Del Norte & Humboldt Counties
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds & paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – Four developed campgrounds
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Redwood National & State Parks

If you’re interested in learning more about this iconic park, we have a few designated articles to help:

• REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS: HOW TO PLAN YOUR VISIT
• 10 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK AND STATE PARKS
• ONE DAY IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK IN CALIFORNIA

HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of the best places in California to experience massive old-growth redwoods without the same level of crowds you’ll find farther north. Located along the Eel River in Northern California, it protects a huge stretch of ancient forest, including some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. The scale here is hard to fully grasp until you’re actually standing beneath the canopy.

What makes this park stand out is how accessible the redwoods are once you’re inside. You don’t need long hikes to see impressive groves, and some of the best trees are located just steps from the road. Trails like Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest offer some of the most memorable walks in the entire state. It’s a place where you can explore at your own pace without feeling like you’re rushing from one viewpoint to the next.

AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway that runs directly through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, rather than being a separate destination. It follows the old highway route through the heart of the redwoods and offers one of the easiest ways to experience the forest without committing to long hikes.

Along the drive, there are dozens of pullouts, short trails, and roadside groves where you can step out and walk among some of the largest trees in the park. It’s one of those rare drives where slowing down and stopping often is the whole point, not something that interrupts the experience.

• LOCATION – Humboldt County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds & paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – Three developed campgrounds
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Humboldt Redwoods State Park

BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK

This park is one of the most historically important redwood parks in California, and it holds the distinction of being the state’s first state park. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s much closer to the Bay Area than most of the major redwood destinations in Northern California. Before the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, it was known for its dense old-growth forest, waterfall hikes, and easy access to towering redwoods.

Today, Big Basin is in a long recovery process following the wildfire, which burned through a significant portion of the park. While some areas have reopened in a limited capacity, much of the park remains closed as restoration and rebuilding continue. Trails, visitor facilities, and access points are gradually returning in phases, but conditions can change and closures are still common. Even with the damage, the surviving groves offer a powerful reminder of both the scale of the forest and the resilience of the landscape.

• LOCATION – Santa Cruz County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds & paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – Five developed campgrounds (currently all closed)
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Interested in learning more about this park, check out our guide to EXPLORING THE BEST STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA.

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Probably the most visited park outside of Redwood National Park, Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most famous redwood destinations in California. Located just north of San Francisco in Marin County, it’s often the first place people go to experience old-growth coastal redwoods without driving deep into Northern California. The park is relatively small compared to others on this list, but it packs a lot into a compact and very accessible canyon.

Because of its popularity, Muir Woods operates with a required reservation system and limited parking, which helps control crowds but also means planning ahead is essential. The main boardwalk loop makes it easy to explore the forest floor, with massive redwoods surrounding the trail in every direction. For a slightly longer experience, nearby trails connect into Mount Tamalpais State Park, offering more elevation gain and quieter forest sections once you leave the main grove.

• LOCATION – Marin County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Pets are not allowed
• CAMPGROUNDS – No campgrounds
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Muir Woods National Monument

HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK

Located just outside Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the most accessible redwood forests of California. It offers a mix of dense old-growth redwoods and wider trail systems that feel less restricted and more flexible, and is a strong alternative to Muir Woods if you want more space to explore. It’s a popular choice for both quick visits and longer hikes without the same reservation pressure you’ll find farther north.

What makes this park stand out is the variety of ways you can experience it. The Redwood Grove Loop is the most well-known section and delivers a classic old-growth redwood experience in a relatively short walk. It’s honestly one of our favorite redwood hikes despite being short and easy. For something longer, the trails that connect into the San Lorenzo River area offer more open terrain, varied scenery, and fewer crowds. It’s one of the better “all-around” redwood parks if you want options without committing to a full-day hike.

• LOCATION – Santa Cruz County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Pets are allowed in campgrounds, paved areas and some trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed campground
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Interested in learning more about this park, check out our guide to EXPLORING THE BEST STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA.

ARMSTRONG REDWOOD STATE NATURAL RESERVE

Located just outside Guerneville in Sonoma County, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is one of the most peaceful redwood experiences in Northern California. The park protects a small but impressive grove of old-growth coast redwoods, with some trees reaching over 300 feet tall. Unlike larger parks, Armstrong feels focused and contained, which makes it easy to experience the redwoods without a lot of planning or navigating. There are actually a lot of similarities between Armstrong Redwoods, Muir Woods and Henry Cowell.

What makes this reserve stand out is how simple the experience is. A flat loop trail takes you through the main grove, passing some of the largest trees in the park, including the Colonel Armstrong Tree and the Parson Jones Tree. For those wanting a longer hike, nearby trails connect into Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which shifts quickly from dense redwood forest into open, drier terrain. It’s a good option if you want a quieter alternative to the more heavily visited Bay Area parks.

• LOCATION – Sonoma County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds & paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – None (nearby Bullfrog Pond Campground)
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

REINHARDT REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK

You’d never guess this was just outside of Oakland. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is one of the largest remaining natural redwood forests in the East Bay, located in Oakland. It’s part of the East Bay Regional Park District and offers a surprisingly dense redwood experience just minutes from a major city. While it doesn’t have the same old-growth scale as parks farther north, it’s one of the easiest ways to see coastal redwoods without leaving the Bay Area.

What makes this park stand out is how quickly you can get into the forest. Trails like the Stream Trail and Canyon Trail take you through shaded redwood groves, rolling hills, and creek crossings within a short distance from the trailhead. It’s a popular spot for locals, but it rarely feels as overwhelming as Muir Woods, making it a solid option for a quick redwood hike close to Oakland and Berkeley.

• LOCATION – Alameda County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds, paved areas and some trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – Primitive group sites only
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Reinhard Redwoods Regional Park

PORTOLA REDWOODS STATE PARK

One of the more secluded redwood experiences in the Santa Cruz Mountains is Portola Redwoods State Park, located just outside La Honda. It sits deeper in the forest than many of the more popular Bay Area parks, which helps it feel quieter and more removed despite being relatively close to Silicon Valley and the coast. The park is known for its dense canopy, shaded canyons, and slower pace compared to busier redwood destinations.

What makes Portola stand out is how quickly you can leave crowds behind. Trails like the Tip Toe Falls Trail lead through thick redwood groves, creek crossings, and moss-covered forest sections that feel more rugged and less developed. It’s not a large park, but that works in its favor—it feels more intimate and less structured than places like Muir Woods or Henry Cowell, especially on weekdays.

• LOCATION – San Mateo County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds & paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site, and one family walk-in site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Portola Redwoods State Park

STILLWATER COVE REGIONAL PARK

The Sonoma Coast offers one of the few places in California where you can experience coastal redwoods and ocean scenery in the same visit, Stillwater Cove Regional Park. Honestly, this is one of our absolute favorite places in this list. The park sits right along the shoreline, with forested canyons that drop down toward rocky coastal views. It’s a smaller and less developed park compared to many inland redwood destinations, but that simplicity is part of what makes it appealing.

What makes this area stand out is the short canyon hike that leads from the forest out toward the cove itself. The Stillwater Cove Canyon Trail moves through shaded redwood groves before opening up toward coastal bluffs and tidewater areas. Conditions can vary depending on weather and ocean activity, but the combination of dense forest and immediate coastline makes it one of the more unique redwood experiences in Northern California.

• LOCATION – Sonoma County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds, paved areas and some trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Stillwater Cove Regional Park

If you’re interested in visiting this park, consider camping at one of the nearby campgrounds:

• OCEAN COVE CAMPGROUND: CALIFORNIA’S MOST UNDERRATED CAMPGROUND
• 5 COASTAL CAMPGROUNDS IN SONOMA COUNTY IN CALIFORNIA

FOREST OF NISENE MARKS STATE PARK

One of the largest undeveloped redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains is The Forest of Nisene Marks. Located just outside Aptos, this park covers a wide stretch of second-growth redwoods that have slowly regrown since historic logging, giving it a more rugged and less manicured feel than many other Bay Area redwood destinations. It’s a popular choice for people looking for longer hikes and fewer developed facilities.

What makes this park stand out is how quickly it feels remote once you’re on the trails. The main access road leads you deep into the canyon, where trails like the The Old Growth Trail and the old railroad grade take you farther into dense forest and quiet creekside sections. The farther you go, the less developed it feels, making it one of the better options for a longer, more immersive redwood hike close to the coast.

• LOCATION – Santa Cruz County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Paved areas and some trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – One primitive hike-in site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

BOTHE-NAPA VALLEY STATE PARK

One of the few places in Napa Valley where you can walk through a redwood forest while being surrounded by wine country is Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Located just outside Calistoga, the park sits in a narrow canyon that transitions between coastal redwoods, Douglas fir, and oak woodlands. It’s a smaller park compared to many other redwood destinations, but it’s a solid option if you’re already exploring Napa Valley.

What makes this park stand out is the mix of environments within a relatively short distance. Trails like the Redwood Trail take you through shaded groves that feel surprisingly dense given the park’s location in wine country. The Coyote Peak Trail adds elevation and opens up views of the surrounding valleys, giving you a mix of forest hiking and open landscape in a single visit. It’s not an old-growth showcase, but it’s one of the more unique redwood stops on this list.

• LOCATION – Napa County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds and paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK

One of the most well-known redwood parks on the Central Coast is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, located along Highway 1 in Big Sur. The park sits in a narrow canyon carved by the Big Sur River, where dense redwood forest meets steep coastal mountains. It’s a popular stop for people driving the coast, but it still manages to feel immersive once you’re on the trails and away from the highway.

What makes this park stand out is the combination of river, canyon, and redwoods in a compact area. The Big Sur River Gorge Trail offers a straightforward way to experience the canyon setting, while the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View Trail system provides access to shaded forest sections, seasonal waterfalls, and elevated viewpoints. Trail conditions can vary depending on maintenance and seasonal closures, but when open, it’s one of the most accessible ways to experience redwoods in Big Sur.

• LOCATION – Monterey County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds, river and paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Interested in learning more about this park, check out our other articles:

• EXPLORING THE BEST STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA
• PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK: THE ULTIMATE BIG SUR CAMPGROUND

RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK

Just north of Mendocino along the Northern California coast, Russian Gulch State Park offers one of the most diverse short hiking experiences on this list. The park features a deep canyon filled with redwoods that eventually opens toward coastal bluffs and ocean views. It’s smaller than many major redwood destinations, but the variety of landscapes packed into a single park makes it stand out.

What makes this park unique is how quickly the environment shifts as you move through it. The Fern Canyon and Waterfall Loop takes you through dense redwood forest, mossy canyon walls, and a seasonal waterfall before transitioning toward the coast. The Headlands and Devil’s Punchbowl Trail adds another layer with ocean views and dramatic shoreline features. Conditions vary depending on rainfall and ocean swells, but the contrast between forest and coastline is what defines the experience.

• LOCATION – Mendocino County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campground, beach and paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Russian Gulch State Park

Interested in learning more about this park, check out our other articles:

• EXPLORING THE BEST STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA
• 10 OUTDOORSY THINGS TO DO ALONG THE MENDOCINO COAST

MOUNT MADONNA COUNTY PARK

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Watsonville, Mount Madonna County Park it offers one of the more unique redwood experiences in the region. The park sits on a high ridge, where redwood groves mix with open grasslands, oak forests, and occasional views toward the Monterey Bay. It’s less visited than many nearby state parks, which makes it feel quieter and more spread out.

What makes this park stand out is the combination of forest and elevation. Trails like the Amphitheater and Valley View Loop take you through shaded redwood sections before opening up to ridge views and rolling terrain. It’s not a dense old-growth forest experience like you’ll find in Humboldt or Armstrong, but it offers a different perspective that feels more open and less enclosed. It’s a good option if you want redwoods without the crowds or canyon-focused hikes.

• LOCATION – Santa Clara County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campground, paved areas and some trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – Four developed sites
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Mount Madonna County Park

SAMUEL P. TAYLOR STATE PARK

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is located in Marin County and offers one of the most relaxed redwood experiences in the Bay Area. We camped here in 2021, but it’s been long on our list to revisit. The park sits in a wooded valley along Lagunitas Creek, where dense redwood groves mix with shaded campgrounds and open picnic areas. It’s not as famous as nearby Muir Woods, but it’s a solid option if you want redwoods in a quieter, less structured setting.

What makes this park stand out is how easy it is to spend a full day here without a strict plan. Trails like the Cross Marin Trail follow the old railroad grade through redwood forest and creekside sections, making it more of a casual walking experience than a strenuous hike. It’s especially popular for camping, with sites tucked into the trees that make it feel more immersive overnight. While it doesn’t have the scale of larger redwood parks, it’s one of the more approachable and repeatable experiences in Marin.

• LOCATION – Marin County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campground, paved areas and Cross Marin Trail
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Samuel P Taylor State Park

SANBORN COUNTY PARK

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Saratoga and Highway 9, Sanborn County Park it offers a quieter redwood hiking experience compared to nearby state parks. The park is made up of dense redwood forest, steep hillsides, and connecting ridge trails that sit just above the Saratoga Gap area. It’s less visited than places like Big Basin or Henry Cowell, which makes it a good option when you want space on the trails.

What makes this park stand out is the variety of loop options and elevation gain. Trails like the San Andreas and Nature Trail Loop and connections into the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail system move through shaded redwood groves, ridge views, and creek canyons depending on your route. It’s not a single signature grove destination, but more of a network-style park where you can customize the length and difficulty of your hike. It works well for people who want redwoods plus a solid workout without heavy crowds.

• LOCATION – Santa Clara County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campground, paved areas and Cross Marin Trail
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site, four group sites and an equestrian group site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Sanborn County Park

INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

Probably the least known on the list, Indian Tree Open Space Preserve is located in Marin County near Novato, and it’s one of the smaller and more local redwood experiences in the Bay Area. The preserve protects a pocket of redwood forest tucked into a steep canyon, surrounded by residential hills and open space trails. It’s not a destination park, but it’s a convenient option if you want a short redwood hike without driving far.

What makes this area stand out is how quickly you can get into the forest from the trailhead. The loop trail passes through shaded redwood groves, creek crossings, and hillside terrain in a relatively short distance. It doesn’t have the scale or iconic groves of larger parks, but it’s a solid local escape when you want a quick walk under redwoods without crowds or planning.

• LOCATION – Marin County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Leashed on trails
• CAMPGROUNDS – None
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Indian Tree Open Space Preserve

The final three parks, are places we’ve not been to yet, but are on our bucket list and worth noting.

BUTANO STATE PARK

Butano State Park is located on the San Mateo County coast, tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains between Pescadero and the Pacific Ocean. The park is known for its dense redwood forest, steep canyons, and quiet trail system that feels more remote than many nearby Bay Area parks. It’s not as heavily visited as places like Big Basin or Henry Cowell, which makes it a good option if you want a more low-key experience.

What we’ve been told makes this park stand out is how quickly it feels isolated once you drop into the canyon. Trails like the Butano Creek and Six Bridges Trail moves through thick redwood groves, creek crossings, and shaded hillsides with very little development. It’s a smaller park overall, but the forest feels deep and uninterrupted, especially compared to more structured or crowded redwood destinations closer to the Bay.

• LOCATION – San Mateo County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds and paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – One developed site
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Butano State Park

MONTGOMERY WOODS STATE NATURAL RESERVE

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is noted as being one of the most impressive old-growth redwood groves in California, located in Mendocino County inland from the coast. The reserve is small and relatively remote, but it protects some of the tallest and largest coast redwoods in the state. It doesn’t have a large trail system or multiple zones to explore, but the main grove is the entire experience.

What we’ve been told makes this place stand out is the scale of the trees compared to how little effort it takes to see them. Similar to Henry Cowell, Armstrong, and Muir Woods. A short loop trail leads you directly into a dense stand of massive redwoods, where the canopy feels almost continuous overhead. It’s not a park you spend all day hiking through, but rather a place you visit for a focused experience with some of the most significant old-growth trees in California. The quiet setting and limited development make it feel especially preserved.

• LOCATION – Mendocino County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Pets not permitted
• CAMPGROUNDS – None
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve

RICHARDSON GROVE STATE PARK

Richardson Grove State Park is located in Southern Humboldt County along Highway 101, and it’s often considered the southern gateway to California’s major redwood region. The park protects a stretch of old-growth redwoods along the Eel River, where the forest begins to feel larger, denser, and more remote than many of the Bay Area and Central Coast parks. It’s a popular stop for people driving north, especially as they transition deeper into Humboldt County.

What we’ve been told makes this park stand out is the feeling of entering a different landscape entirely. Trails like the Toumey Grove Loop pass through massive redwoods and river-adjacent forest that feel more rugged and less curated than smaller regional parks. It’s not as widely known as places like Muir Woods or Humboldt Redwoods State Park, but it offers a strong sense of arrival into true Northern California redwood country.

• LOCATION – Humboldt County
• PET-FRIENDLY – Campgrounds and paved areas only
• CAMPGROUNDS – Three developed sites
• OFFICIAL WEBSITE – Richardson Grove State Park

WHICH REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA SHOULD YOU VISIT?

If you’re trying to figure out where to actually go, it helps to think about what kind of experience you want. These are our straightforward recommendations based on the parks in this guide.

IF YOU WANT THE MOST ICONIC REDWOOD EXPERIENCE:

Redwood National & State Parks is the clear choice. It has the biggest trees, the most variety, and the most to explore overall. But this is a park you plan an entire trip around simply because of it’s remote location.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DRIVE FAR FROM SAN FRANCISCO:

Muir Woods National Monument is the easiest option, but expect crowds and timed entry requirements. It’s also one of the smaller groves redwood forests of California.

IF YOU WANT THE BEST ALL-AROUND BAY AREA REDWOODS PARK:

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park gives you a good mix of accessibility, trails, and fewer restrictions than Muir Woods. It’s easily our favorite in the area.

IF YOU WANT A QUIET REDWOOD FOREST NEAR THE COAST:

Stillwater Cove, Portola Redwoods State Park or Butano State Park are all solid choices with fewer crowds and deeper forest feel.

IF YOU WANT MASSIVE OLD-GROWTH TREES WITHOUT THE CROWDS:

Humboldt Redwoods State Park or Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve are your best options.

IF YOU WANT A SCENIC REDWOOD DRIVE EXPERIENCE:

The Avenue of the Giants is the easiest and most scenic way to experience huge redwoods without a long hike.

IF YOU WANT REDWOODS PLUS COASTLINE VIEWS:

Russian Gulch State Park or Stillwater Cove Regional Park both combine forest and ocean in one hike.

IF YOU’RE ROAD TRIPPING THROUGH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:

Richardson Grove State Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park make great stops as you head into deeper redwood country.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA

The good news is that California’s redwood forests can be visited year-round. The experience just changes depending on the season and which part of the state you’re visiting.

Spring is usually the best overall time to go. The forests are green, creeks are flowing, and hiking conditions are comfortable across most regions. It’s one of the most reliable times for a full redwood road trip without major weather issues.

Summer is the easiest time for access and road trips. Trails are generally in the best condition, but this is also when the most popular parks get crowded, especially Muir Woods and Redwood National & State Parks.

Fall is one of the most underrated times to visit. Crowds tend to thin out, and conditions are still good for hiking in most areas, especially along the Central Coast and Bay Area redwood parks.

Winter brings the most dramatic forest conditions, with fog, rain, and flowing waterfalls. This is actually our favorite time to visit these parks. There’s something special and magical about a foggy and misty forest. However, it also comes with the highest chance of muddy trails, road closures, and limited access in some parks. So plan accordingly.

Conditions vary quite a bit between Northern California and the Central Coast, so timing can feel slightly different depending on where you’re going.

WHERE TO SEE THE BEST REDWOOD FORESTS OF CALIFORNIA

The redwood forests of California are spread out across the state. But they all share the same thing in common: they leave a lasting impression once you’ve experienced them in person. From the massive groves of Humboldt to the coastal canyons of Big Sur and the more accessible parks near the Bay Area, there’s no single “right” place to go.

The best choice really comes down to how far you want to travel and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Some parks are quick stops off the highway, while others are full-day or multi-day destinations worth planning a full trip around. If there’s one takeaway from this guide, it’s that you don’t need to see them all to understand why these forests are so special—but it’s also hard to stop at just one.

CALIFORNIA BUCKET LIST MAP & GUIDE

We’ve spent over 10 years exploring and mapping out this incredible state. And we put all the details, info, links, tips and recommendations in to a single California Bucket List Guide. Like GPS location, dog-friendliness, cost, and more. This guide now has over 850 unique locations and things to do around California, with some bonus locations in Oregon and Nevada. So if you’re looking for things to do, or places to go, this guide is for you!

Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. And happy exploring!

• Ryan & Katy