The California redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. These amazing giant redwood forests can be found at the Jedediah Smith Redwood Forest outside of Crescent City and the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park a few miles further south.
These mammoth redwood trees may weigh over 500 tons and grow to be taller than the Statue of Liberty and the Giant Sequoia trees. Amazingly, the redwoods have shallow roots, often only 6 feet deep, but can spread out to 250 feet interlocking with nearby trees.
Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park
Jedediah Smith State Park is stocked with towering old growth redwoods. These redwood groves are the most scenic in existence. The oldest are 2,000 years old and show no signs of dying out. Heights can reach 350 feet with base diameters of 20 feet or more. Howland Hill Road passed through the center of the park giving casual visitors easy access to these stunning beauties. While the road is not paved, it is easily accessible by auto from Highway 101 or Route 199. Smith River, last major free flowing river in California, runs along the park’s northern boundary and along Route 199.
Portions of the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park are shrouded in mystery. The location of the largest trees including the Grove of Titans and the Del Norte Titan have been kept secret. Lost Monarch, one of the trees in the grove, is one of the largest coast redwood in the world. In addition to Lost Monarch, the grove also consists of the Del Norte Titan, Sacajawea, Aragorn, Aldebaran, and the Screaming Titans.
Recently, several people have leaked information about the location of these titans, causing many people to travel off path. This has resulted in significant damage to the area. Park officials request that people remain on the main trails so that these trees can continue to live. There are apparently long-term plans to build access to the groves.
There are 20 miles of hiking and nature trails plus fishing for salmon and steelhead during their fall and winter runs.
There are 89 camping and RV sites (no hookups) are available at the park. Amenities include a boat launch ramp, swimming, and accessible restrooms. Reservations can be made online.
There are two horseback riding trails. The Little Bald Hills Trail is stock-ready primitive camp. The Mill Creek Horse Trail is available for day use only.
Download a brochure (with map) at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
The Jedediah Smith Information Center is located is located along Route 199, a short distance east of US Route 101, near Crescent City, California. A park info sheet and campground brochure and park brochures can be downloaded (may have to right-click to download the file).
Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park
The Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park has 6400 acres along eight miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. The park includes a stretch of the California Coast Trail which is a great place to day hike. There are miles of trails along the redwoods as well as beach walking for the hikers.
At US 101 mile marker 15.6 is a trailhead down to Wilson Beach where 30 foot tall rhodedendrons bloom during May and the first part of June.
Damnation Creek Trail starts nearby at the 16 mile marker and heads west through the redwoods and Douglas-fir plus Sitka Spruce. At low tide, it is possible to tide pool by hiking 1,000 feet down the cliffs and discover the crabs, sea stars, and sea anemones.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Visitor Center
Redwoods National and State Parks-Crescent City Information Center
This information center is located a short distance west of US Route 101 and is full of information on the area attractions in the Redwood National Forests. The people working at this center are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They have maps and other handouts plus first hand information about where to visit.
707-464-6101
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA
Redwood National & State Park – Hiouchi Visitor Center
Located off of US 199 near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.