Weekend in Redwood National Park (CA)

TRAVEL TO REDWOOD

In August 2023, we headed down to Redwood National Park in Northern California. This trip definitely threw us some curve balls; we'd been so excited to come here all summer, but peak wildfire season put a wrench in some of our plans. We had been watching the wildfire forecast all week, and fires kept popping up all along the border. We had debated whether or not to even attempt the trip. There are 3 main highways stemming from our town in southern Oregon, and the main route had closed down a few days before. What was supposed to take us only 2-3 hours (depending on the area of the park), ended up taking us 5.

Our original campsite reservation was also cancelled, but this actually ended up working out in our favor. We had a summer bucket list in mind, but usually didn't make any camping reservations far in advance. We had originally settled for a reservation at Patrick Creek Campground, even though it was 1.5 hours away from most activities, since that was all that was available initially.

Well, due to the wildfires, people ended up cancelling at other campgrounds. Last minute, we ended up scoring one night at Gold Bluffs Beach and another at Elk Prairie. Both of these campsites were the coolest places we have ever stayed. We got to camp steps away from the beach one night, and relax among the tall, green trees another. Unfortunately, the fog mixed with smoke didn't make for the optimal experience at Gold Bluffs Beach, but it was still awesome nonetheless. We got to see seals bobbing in the ocean which was so neat. Our night at Elk Prairie was luckily unaffected by weather conditions and was really peaceful after a long hiking day.

HIKES

Redwood National Park overlaps with 3 state parks: Del Norte, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. We spent time in Redwood National Park & Prairie Creek Redwoods. Due to wildfire & power outages, we couldn’t visit the northern areas, but we were totally satisfied with what we got to see & achieve.

↟ Tall Trees Grove (3.6 miles): this hike was awesome and the most strenuous we did. Because of its popularity, a free permit is required. There is a gate at the parking lot of the trailhead and you'll be provided a code with your reservation.

This moderate hike with 1,600 ft elevation gain is a half-day adventure that truly allows you to experience the beauty of the Redwoods. Since this trail has limited visitors, it felt as if we had the place to ourselves. The magnitude was impressive, and was the most tranquil walk we've ever taken. Everything felt so open and earthy.

This area of the park is famous for possessing the world's tallest tree "Hyperion." Its specific location is kept secret in order to preserve its condition. According to what we've read, its size can't be observed from the ground and would require a lot of off-trailing hiking to reach. Even though we couldn't see it, there was something fascinating about knowing it was out there close by.

↟ Lady Bird Johnson (1.7 miles): this is an excellent hike if you are wanting something quick and easy. This family friendly hike is equally as mesmerizing as Tall Trees Grove

↟ Fern Canyon (1 mile): reservations are required May - September if you aren't a camper at one of the local campsites (see website for more details). The trailhead is off the same road as Gold Bluffs Beach, and the very long, narrow gravel road doesn't allow for much traffic. There will be a parking lot right next to the Fern Canyon entrance.

This was an absolutely beautiful hike. The trail first takes you along a cobbled creek with ferns so luscious and pristine. Their walls climbed taller than your eyes could wander. Then, the trail ends back on a soiled path in the open tall redwoods. It was such an easy and majestic walk that we went through the loop twice. Apparently this area was even a backdrop in one of the Jurassic Park movies!

↟ Trillium Falls (1 mile): located near Elk Meadow, this was a swift hike in the forest. The falls themselves weren't much, but the scenery around it was worth walking through if you have the time to spare. The entire trail is apparently over 2.5 miles, but we only walked to the falls and back.

EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

After heading out of the park on Sunday, we drove about 45 minutes south to Eureka. This was a bit out of our way, but we were interested in checking out a brewery and the Redwood Skywalk.

Located at the Sequoia Park Zoo, the Redwood Skywalk is a self-guided stroll along a bridge that's 100 feet off the ground. The path isn't long, but it was a neat experience getting to see redwoods from a unique perspective. We even got to touch their branches - something we definitely couldn't do in the park! The Skywalk also made for great photo ops. Entrance fees to the park were around $25/person and the zoo itself was unimpressive, so coming here just for that may or may not be worth it to some.

Last but not least, we stopped at Lost Coast Brewery. Getting lunch and a beer tasting (for Hunter) at the same time was always a win in our book. The place was busy, and decorated in a vibrant, cartoon-artist style. They served a lot of IPAs and stouts, along with American grub.

GOING HOME

Our trip back home was just as messy, if not messier than our way there. The drive was smooth up until we were about an hour - hour and a half away from home in a very remote area of California, along the Klamath River. We started heading into heavy smoke with no way to really turn around. We reached a halt of traffic waiting to be guided by the fire department. Parts of the road were starting to close off due to more widespread wildfire.

Panic started to set in since we had no idea where they would be taking us to. Luckily, the wildfire was well ahead of our turn, and we were able to make it back to Medford safely. It was a slightly scary experience, but makes for a crazy memory. While the travel was hectic, our time in the Redwoods was magical. Everything around you there surely made you feel so small!

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TRIP BREAKDOWN

LENGTH OF STAY: 2 DAYS

📍 Orick, CA

💲 $0 for the park (no entrance fees)

⛺ $85 (two nights)

🦒 Zoo: $25/person

⛽ 🍽️ : variable

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Camping Reservations - Gold Bluffs & Elk Prairie

AllTrails List