By Lauren Himiak
National & State Parks Expert, about.com
Stand in the middle of the vast redwood forests and you may feel like
you have stepped back in time. It’s hard not to be amazed when staring
at Earth’s tallest living things. And that feeling continues everywhere
in the park. Whether strolling along the beaches or hiking in the woods,
visitors are in awe of the natural surroundings, abundant wildlife, and
quiet peace. Redwood National Park is a reminder of what can happen
when we don’t protect our lands and why it is so important to continue
to conserve them.
History
Old-growth
redwood forest used to cover more than 2,000,000 acres of the California
coast. At that time, about 1850, Native American lived in the northern
area until lumbermen and gold miners discovered the area. Many trees
were logged to areas like San Francisco
that were gaining popularity. In 1918, the Save-the-Redwoods League was
formed in an effort to conserve the area, and by 1920 many stat parks
were established. Redwood National Park was created in 1968 even though
about 90% of the original redwood trees had already been logged.
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In 1994, The National Park Service (NPS) and the
California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) combined the park
with the three Redwood State Parks to help stabilize and conserve the
area.
When to Visit
Temperatures range
from 40 to 60 degrees year round along the redwood coastline making it a
great place to visit any time of year. Summers tend to be mild with
warmer temperatures inland. The crowds are heavy this time of year.
Winters are cool and provide a different kind of visit, though there is a
higher chance of precipitation. If you’re into bird watching,
plan your visit during the spring to see migration at its peak. You may
also want to consider a visit during the fall to catch amazing fall foliage.
Getting There
If
you plan on flying, Crescent City Airport is the most convenient
airport and uses United Express/SkyWest airlines. The Eureka-Arcata
Airport is also used by visitors and uses Delta Air Lines/SkyWest, or
Horizon Air.
For those driving into the park, you will use U.S. Highway 101
whether you are traveling from the north or south. If you are traveling
from the northeast, take U.S. Highway 199 to South Fork Road to Howland
Hill Road.
Local public transportation
is also available into the park. Redwood Coast Transit travels between
Smith River, Crescent City, and Arcata, stopping in downtown Orick
Fees/Permits
One
of the best things about this national park is it’s free to visit!
That’s right! There is no entrance fee for Redwood National Park.
However, if you plan on camping in the park, fees and reservations are
requires. Call 800-444-7275 for more information or reserve a spot online. Backcountry sites also require fees and permits, particularly at Ossagon Creek and Miners Ridge.
Major Attractions
Lady Bird Johnson Grove:
A great place to begin your journey in the park. The grove’s mile-long
trail showcases giant redwoods, hollowed-out trees that are still
living, and amplifies how quiet and serne the park is.
Big Tree:
It’s 304 feet tall, 21.6 feet in diameter, and 66 feet in circumfrence.
Oh, and it’s about 1,500 years old. You get the idea of how it got it’s
name.
Hiking: With more than 200 miles of
trails, hiking is by far the best way to view the park. You will have a
chance to view redwoods, old growth, prairies, and even beaches. Check
out the Coastal Trail (about 4 miles one way) for amazing shores,
lagoons, and wildlife. In the spring and fall, you may even see
migrating whales!
Whale Watching: Plan your trip during November
and December or March and April for peak migration months for viewing
gray whales. Bring your binoculars and watch for their spouting at
Crescent Beach Overlook, Wilson Creek, High Bluff Overlook, Gold Bluffs
Beach, and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
Dance Demos:
American Indian dance demonstrations are presented by members of the
Tolowa and the Yurok tribes. Every summer, visitors learn about the
significance of each American Indian culture and view amazing dances.
Call 707-465-7304 for dates and times.
Education:
Two in-park facilities are available by reservation for educational
programs: Howland Hill Outdoor School (707-465-7391), and Wolf Creek
Education Center (707-465-7767). Programs are offered both day and
overnight with a primary focus on wetland, stream, prairie, and
old-growth forest communities. Teachers are encouraged to call the
numbers listed above. Visitors may also contact the parks' education
specialist for information about ranger-guided activities for children
at 707-465-7391.
Accommodations
There are
four developed campgrounds—three in the redwood forest and one on the
coast—provide unique camping opportunities for families, hikers, and
bikers. RVs are also welcome but please note that utility hookups are
not available.
[post_ads]Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek
Campground,Elk Prairie Campground, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground are all
first-come, first-served though reservations are recommended for camping
at the Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, and Elk Prairie campgrounds between
May 1 and September 30. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in
advance online or by calling 800-444-7275.
Visitors
traveling on foot, bike, or horseback are also welcome to camp in the
park’s extraordinary backcountry. Camping at Redwood Creek, and the Elam
and 44 Camp backcountry campsites requires a free permit, which is
available at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. Camping at the Ossagon
Creek and Miners Ridge backcountry campsites also requires a permit
(and $5 person/day fee) available at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
Although
there are no lodges within the park, there are many hotels, lodges, and
inns located in the area. Within Crescent City, check out the Curly
Redwood Lodge which offer 36 affordable units. Visit Kayak to search for
more hotels near the park.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park
Crater Lake National Park:
Located about 3.5 hours away from Crescent City, CA, this national park
is home to one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country.
With stunning cliffs towering over 2,000 feet above, Crater Lake is
tranquil, stunning, and a must-see for all who find beauty in the
outdoors. The park offers beautiful hiking, camping, scenic drives, and
more!
Oregon Caves National Monument: Travel only
an hour and a half away and take a tour of intricate caves of marble
bedrock. If you’re not much for the underground, don’t worry, the ground
above is just as spectacular. With hiking and ranger-led programs, this
national monument offers fun for the whole family.
Lassen Volcanic National Park:
If you have the time, take the 5-hour trek to this national park for
some dramatic volcanic landscapes. There’s lot to do here, including
hiking, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and
ranger-led programs. The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through the park, offering longer distance hikes.
Contact Info
Redwood National and State Parks
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, California 95531
707-464-610
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, California 95531
707-464-610
