Putting together this Redwood National Park itinerary brought back so many amazing memories. This National Park in the Northwest corner of California is one of my favorite places on Earth. It was the last big stop on our road trip last fall + we definitely saved the best for last.
You need a high clearance vehicle to make it to Gold Bluffs Campground, where we stayed while at the park. It was amazing to hear the waves all night + be able to walk to the beach to explore first thing in the morning.
Another perk of camping at Gold Bluffs is that it’s within walking distance of Fern Canyon, one of the most iconic trails in Redwoods National Park. It’s an easy one-mile trail through a narrow canyon where – aptly – ferns grow all along the canyon walls. Wear waterproof shoes since there is a river running through the canyon!
Fern Canyon connects at both ends to other trail systems, so it’s easy to add on more distance if you choose.
Prairie Creek is another great trail for seeing the National Park’s namesake, giant Redwoods. It’s really hard to capture on video the scale of these massive trees. The park is stunning in the fall foliage and when the sun peeks through the cloud. However, it’s got a special kind of magic when it’s cloaked in its classic fog.
I definitely recommend hiking the Coastal Trail for a stretch to experience a different side to the park. We did the portion that included the Coastal Beach Overlook. We hiked the trail one way + then walked the beach back to the car.
No Redwood National Park itinerary would be complete, of course, without watching the sunset over the ocean with the seals + seabirds as companions. It’s a magical part of any visit to the Redwoods.
More National Park Itinerary Goodness
Ready for more wanderlust? Check out the other installments from our Western US road trip, Bryce Canyon National Park + Lassen Volcanic National Park.
