Redwood National and State Parks: Exploring the Beauty of Nature

Who doesn’t love the beautiful scenery of nature? I know that I do, and one of my favorite places to visit is the Redwood National and State Parks. Stretching across California and Oregon, these parks preserve an expanse of redwood trees that are some of the oldest living things on the planet! In this article, we’ll explore the history of these parks and how you can visit them as well. Let’s get started!

The Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Redwood National and State Parks. There are many different trails to choose from, each offering its own unique view of the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging survival hike, there’s something for everyone in these parks.
The Natural beauty that surrounds you while hiking through Redwood National and State Parks will have you feeling rejuvenated by the time your trip is over. These parks offer plenty of things to do, so be sure to bring some time on your vacation just for exploring them! Some popular things to do include caving, camping, boating, horseback riding, fishing and more.
With this much to explore it’ll feel like you’ve been here forever before your vacation is up! When you want to take a break from all the fun activities, try taking in some breathtaking views by going on a walk. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Redwood National and State Parks.

Boating

The parks are home to some of the tallest trees in the world, as well as a variety of other plant and animal life. Boating is a great way to explore the parks, as there are many coves and inlets to discover.

Be sure to bring all the necessary supplies for your survival, as there are no stores or gas stations once you enter the park. You may be able to rent a boat from one of the rangers stationed at various points throughout the parks. And if it’s not too foggy, make sure to go out on a clear day with an unobstructed view of the redwoods and open ocean.
-The land within the Redwood National and State Parks was designated by President Nixon in 1968
-Allowing public access while protecting these ancient giants that have existed since before recorded history. Hiking: If you want to see more than just the forest floor, hiking might be a better option for exploring the beauty of this natural wonderland. With 300 miles of trails that stretch across four counties, much of the Redwood coast has been preserved-not only due to its natural state but also because people love exploring nature.

Camping

Redwood National and State Parks offer some of the best camping in California. The parks are home to giant sequoias, redwoods, Douglas firs, and other evergreens, as well as many animals. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Camping in the parks is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature. And if you can’t camp out, there are over 90 different campsites with tent pads that can accommodate small and large groups.

• Make sure to plan ahead because reservations can fill up fast during peak season!
• Visitors should not camp within 300 feet of any water source or trail.
• And don’t forget about fire safety! Fires must be contained within a ring of rocks or sand, at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet high. You may only build fires outside of developed areas or near designated fire rings in developed areas.

Picnicking

There’s nothing like a picnic lunch in nature to rejuvenate the soul. The best part about picnicking in Redwood National and State Parks is that there are plenty of scenic spots to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read or a place to people watch, you’ll find it here. So, pack a lunch and enjoy the beauty of these parks! Picnic Spot #1 – Lost Man Creek Trail (5 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #2 – Mima Mounds (3 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #3 – Klamath Overlook (1 mile roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #4 – Cooks Meadow Loop Trail (6 miles roundtrip) Picnic Spot #5 – Tolowa Dunes Loop Trail (3 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #6 – Stone Lagoon Beach (1 mile roundtrip) Picnic Spot #7 – Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park (20 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #8 – Jedediah Smith Memorial Grove (9 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #9 – Steelhead Falls Fish Hatchery (2 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #10 – Humboldt Redwoods State Park (25 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #11 – Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (22 miles roundtrip)
Picnic Spot #12 – Millers Flat Campground (1 mile loop trail).

Scenic Drives

The roads wind through towering redwoods, lush ferns, and along pristine beaches. There are also many pull-offs along the way where you can stop to take in the views or go for a short hike.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of these parks is to take a drive through them.

1) A loop around Lady Bird Johnson Grove – Lady Bird Johnson Grove features an accessible trail that starts near the parking lot. Along this trail there are numerous signs with information about the trees, history of the area, and more.
2) Avenue of Giants – In Humboldt Redwoods State Park you’ll find one of the largest living things on earth: While driving down the Avenue of Giants look out for Highway 101, which parallels it on your left. On your right will be the vast and expansive forest of gigantic sequoias that make up Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Viewpoints

1. The first thing that strikes you when you enter Redwood National and State Parks is the sheer size of the trees.
2. The next thing you notice is the quiet – it’s easy to forget how noisy the world can be when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty.
3. As you explore the different trails, you’ll find yourself marveling at the variety of plant and animal life that exists here. You’ll also get a glimpse into the history of these redwoods, some over 2,000 years old.
4. You may also want to check out one of their many visitor centers along your way – they offer interesting exhibits on all aspects of redwoods and nature in general, from flora and fauna to geology and more! For those interested in local indigenous cultures, stop by their Yurok Visitor Center for exhibits about the people who once called this land home.

Wildlife Watching

There are few experiences more thrilling than watching wildlife in their natural habitat. At Redwood National and State Parks, you can find elk, black bears, ospreys, sea lions, and even migrating whales. This is a perfect place to bring your binoculars and camera to capture some unforgettable memories.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot an elusive cougar or bald eagle! Make sure to keep an eye out for other nocturnal animals too, like foxes and raccoons. We recommend taking a walk along Fern Canyon Trail where you’ll get up close with the redwoods!
The trail starts at the park’s visitor center and winds through pristine old-growth forest before descending into lush green fern canyon. As you’re walking, make sure to take note of all the unique creatures that live here – such as salamanders, opossums, deer, snakes and frogs – they might just end up being your favorite new friends!
When you reach the bottom of the canyon, there will be two viewing platforms on either side of a stream where you can see these amazing trees up close.