Incredible Experiences in Redwood National & State Parks

STORY BY Megan Hughes 18th November 2017

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Redwood National Park” are those magnificent trees. The world’s largest living things, Redwood trees can reach over 350ft in height and almost half of the entire global redwood population are located within this network of stunning parks on the North-Western edge of California.

However, Redwood National & State Parks have a lot more to offer than simply trees. Visit California are shining a spotlight on Redwood National & State Parks this year to demonstrate all the other incredible natural wonders and experiences that abound in this area.

A huge variety of life other than trees awaits you in these parks; roosevelt elk, wild beaches, tide pools and fern lined gorges to name but a few. Three state parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods) here work in partnership with Redwood National Park to protect the region, all offering a vast amount of ways to learn, explore and discover while satisfying your need for adventure. Your only difficulty will be choosing where to head first!

Redwood National Park

The big one. The Redwood National Park is enough to make even the tallest amongst us feel downright tiny. Visit California recommend that you start your trip here at the excellent Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, one mile south of Orick. Of the five visitor centres in the Redwood National and State Parks, the Thomas H. Kuchel Centre is the largest, with numerous exhibits, videos, a great bookshop and access to a gorgeous sandy beach.

Incredible Experiences in Redwood National & State Parks

Next, why not take a drive to the Klamath River Overlook, where the freshwater river meets the Pacific Ocean at a huge estuary. 650 feet above the sea, this overlook point is a prime spot for watching migrating grey whales (best time is December to April). Then, drive or mountain bike south to the Coastal Drive, a 9-mile-long road that follows the coastline, passing a very interesting radar station that was incredibly camouflaged to look like a farmhouse and barn during World War II.

Keep a eye on the sea for whales, sea lions and brown pelicans. In spring and summer, thousands of seabirds nest on offshore rocks. For keen hikers, the Klamath area features a lovely coastal walk, the Yurok Loop, which alsoAdd New visits the pristine Hidden Beach (1 mile round-trip). Or, for an easier stroll beneath the towering redwoods, walk the 1-mile Lady Bird Johnson Grove loop.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is home to Elk Prairie, a grassy, golden meadow where you are lucky enough to be in with a chance of seeing Roosevelt elk. California’s largest land animals, these regal beasts can weigh up to 1,100 pounds. While they come across docile as they graze on grass, it’s wise to give them some space, especially big males during the autumn rut.

For walkers, Trillium Falls Trail here offers a fantastic 2.5-mile/ loop through the ancient redwoods. For adventurers with a car, the unpaved Davison Road travels to Gold Bluffs Beach, a 10-mile stretch of waterfront where 1850s prospectors mined for gold dust. It is possible to camp on the beach, just don’t forget to stake your tent—the wind can be fierce.

Fern Canyon

A narrow gorge lined by around seven different types of ancient ferns, the trail here is one of the most beautiful and entertaining in the area. Perhaps unsurprising then, that it was chosen by Steven Spielberg as a filming location for Jurassic Park II. This Jurassic association is further fitting, as some of these ferns trace back 325 million years. Living underneath their leafy shade are some eye-catching amphibians, including Pacific giant salamanders, which can measure nearly a foot in length. The trail follows a series of small footbridges deep into the canyon where drooping ferns create hanging gardens, miniature waterfalls pour down rock faces and moss wallpapers every surface.

Enderts Beach

One of Redwood National Park’s most beautiful beaches, Enderts Beach is a driftwood-laden shoreline perfect for sunset walks or lazy sunny afternoons. It’s a gentle hike of just under 1 mile on a now-abandoned stretch of the old Coast Highway to reach. The biggest attraction is at low tides, when vibrant tide pools are revealed on the beach’s south end. The pools are rich with sea stars, urchins and giant green anemones and are definitely a sight worth seeing. Rangers occasionally lead tide pool walks here so be sure to check at one of the park visitor’s centres for details.

Activities & Camping

While it is possible to experience the magic of this area by yourself, having a guide can make your trip that little bit better. Redwood Adventures offer guided hikes, mountain bike rides, river-fishing excursions, kayak trips, horseback rides and more—exploring both well-known and secret treasures. Mountain biking tours take beginners on wide dirt roads and more advanced riders venture out on single-track trails, while ocean kayaking tours explore the region’s rocky shores.

Incredible Experiences in Redwood National & State Parks

In summer, you can join a park guide to paddle down the Smith River. A designated Wild & Scenic river, the Smith is the state’s largest free-flowing river system and the easy, 3.5-mile paddle is free (including kayak, paddles etc). You don’t need to have any experience, though there are a few gentle rapids along the way to keep you entertained! Here you will also benefit from the local knowledge of your guide, who will explain the region’s unique geology and how it contributes to the immense size of the region’s coast redwoods. For more adrenaline, try a zip line adventure through the redwood canopy, a rock climbing and abseiling class or year-round birding tours.

While it’s not all about the trees, you can’t take a trip to Redwood National & State Parks without visiting Tall Trees Grove. Here the Redwoods reach a staggering 379 feet high. Nature-lovers also have the opportunity to spend the night under these incredible trees, with camping available in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Elk Prairie and Mill Creek areas.

However, one thing to remember that all that all this green foliage, outstanding nature and thriving wildlife is here for a reason. Annual rainfall, (usually falling from October through to April) averages 60 – 80 inches, so make sure to bring rain gear and sturdy, non-slip shoes.

To learn more, head to: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/uk/destination/spotlight-redwood-national-state-parks

Images from Visit California via [http://www.visitcalifornia.com/uk/destination/spotlight-redwood-national-state-parks]

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