20 BEST Things To Do In Redwood National Park [2026 Guide]

Last updated: May 27, 2026

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A large bull elk with prominent antlers stands in a coastal meadow, one of the most memorable things to do in Redwood National Park, California. Conifer-covered rocky cliffs rise through the mist behind the elk, with a weathered driftwood log in the foreground beneath an overcast sky.

Redwood National Park in California is one of the state’s most underrated national parks.

Located in the far north of the state, the six-hour drive from San Francisco keeps the crowds away. But those who make the trip are rewarded with pristine hiking trails, trees that soar over 300 feet into the air, unspoiled beaches, and refreshing rivers.

The park is actually four parks in one. Redwood National Park is jointly managed with three California state parks: Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods. Together, they protect nearly half of all remaining old-growth coast redwoods on Earth.

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll want to know which groves are worth the detour, which hikes require permits, and what to know before you go. I’ve visited these parks multiple times and put together this guide on the best things to do in Redwood National Park so you can make the most of your visit.

Looking for the best route to get to the parks? Check out our road trip guide from San Francisco to Redwood National Park.

Plan Your Visit to Redwood National Park

A woman hiker in a teal jacket and white beanie walks between two large redwood trunks on the James Irvine Trail, Fern Canyon Loop, Redwood National Park, California

Location: Along Highway 101 between Orick and Crescent City in Northern California
Entrance fee: Free to enter Redwood National Park. Day-use fees at the state parks are waived with an America the Beautiful Pass.
How to get there: Six hours north of San Francisco on Highway 101. The closest airport is Del Norte County Airport (CEC) in Crescent City, just minutes from the northern parks, though it has limited flights. For more flight options, Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is about 40 minutes south of the park. A car is essential since there’s no public transit within the parks.
How many days: At least two days to see the highlights. Three or more to hike, camp, and explore the coast.
Best time to visit: Summer (June through September) has the best weather and the most ranger programs, but also the biggest crowds. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer visitors. Fall is quiet and often sunny. Winter is rainy but peaceful.
Permits you’ll need: Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach require reservations from May 15 through September 15. Tall Trees Grove requires a free permit year-round (~only 65 per day). Get permits here.
Cell service: Patchy to nonexistent. Download your maps before you arrive.
Pet policy: Dogs are allowed at campgrounds, paved viewpoints, and some beaches, but not on trails.

Map of Things to do in Redwood National Park

An Introduction to Redwood National Park

A wooden footbridge with rail fencing curves across a creek through dense ferns and tall conifer trunks at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California. Green foliage and moss-covered trees fill the background on both sides of the bridge.

One thing that trips people up when planning a visit is that Redwood National Park is actually four parks in one.

Three state parks were created in the early 20th century to protect the remaining old-growth redwoods, which had been decimated by decades of logging that ultimately destroyed 95% of California’s original redwood forests.

Redwood National Park was established in 1968 to protect additional land surrounding these parks, and all four are now jointly managed by the National Park Service.

The parks are spread out along Highway 101 from south to north, so here’s a quick overview to help you get oriented.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is where I’d spend the most time if you’re short on days. This is where you’ll find Fern Canyon, Gold Bluffs Beach, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and herds of Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is where the redwoods meet the coast. The Damnation Creek Trail here is one of the best hikes in the entire park system, and the Mill Creek Campground is one of the most popular places to stay overnight.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the farthest north, near Crescent City, and my personal favorite. It feels the most untouched. Don’t miss the Grove of Titans or a drive along the unpaved Howland Hill Road.

In between and around these three state parks, you’ll find attractions that fall under the national park itself, including Lady Bird Johnson Grove, the Tall Trees Grove (permit required), and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, which is a great first stop.

Best Things to do in Redwood National Park

I’ve roughly ordered these from the experiences I’d prioritize most to the ones I’d add with extra time. My recommended itineraries are below as well, if you want an idea of how to put all of these things to do together for your trip.

#1 Explore Fern Canyon

A male hiker in a red plaid shirt, shorts, and blue hat stands on flat wooden planks laid over a shallow creek inside Fern Canyon at Redwood National Park, California. Tall canyon walls covered in dense green ferns rise on both sides, with redwood trunks visible in the background.

Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (or 10.4 miles via James Irvine Trail) | Difficulty: Easy (moderate for James Irvine) | Fern Canyon Loop Trail, James Irvine Trail

This is one of those places that looks too dramatic to be real. A narrow gorge with 50-foot walls completely draped in ferns, with a shallow creek running through the middle. It’s no surprise that Jurassic Park: The Lost World filmed scenes here.

The hike itself is short and manageable for most abilities, but you will get your feet wet crossing the creek. In summer, wooden footbridges are installed over the deeper crossings, but you should still wear waterproof shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting soaked.

Outside of summer, the bridges are removed, and water levels are higher, so come prepared for deeper crossings and check road conditions before you go. A reservation is required from May 15 through September 15. Reserve here.

If you’d rather skip the reservation and turn it into a full-day adventure, start from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center on the James Irvine Trail instead.

The 10.4-mile out-and-back takes you through miles of quiet old-growth forest before delivering you to the canyon from the back side. You can also add the Miner’s Ridge Trail and a beach walk to make it an 11-mile loop.

#2 Walk Through the Grove of Titans

A worm's-eye view photograph looks straight up through multiple coast redwood trunks toward a small pale sky opening at Grove of Titans, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California. Green foliage clusters near the tops of the trunks on all sides with additional redwoods visible in the background.

Distance: 1.7 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy, flat boardwalk | Trail map

A 1,300-foot elevated walkway takes you into the heart of one of the most impressive redwood groves in the entire park system.

Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this grove is home to some of the largest coastal redwoods in existence. Interpretive signs along the trail were developed in collaboration with the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and add meaningful context about the indigenous history of the area.

#3 Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

A quiet, empty two-lane road with yellow center lines curves through dense old-growth redwood forest on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

Distance: 10 miles one way in a car | More info

This ten-mile paved road runs parallel to Highway 101 through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and it’s the best way to experience the redwoods without lacing up your hiking boots.

Giant redwoods tower over the road on both sides, and there are several pullouts and short trailheads along the way (including Big Tree Wayside).

Keep your eyes open for Roosevelt elk, which often graze in the meadows right alongside the parkway.

On the first Saturday of the month between October and May, the road is closed to cars and open to walkers, cyclists, and leashed dogs, which can be fun if you happen to be visiting at that time.

#4 See the Famous Stout Memorial Grove

A narrow dirt path forks across a forest floor covered in dense green groundcover and sword ferns at Stout Memorial Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California. Large coast redwood trunks and green foliage fill the background under an overcast sky.

Distance: 0.6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy, flat trail | Trail map

If you’ve ever seen a photograph of golden light beams streaming through redwoods to a fern-carpeted forest floor, it was probably taken at Stout Grove.

This relatively compact grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is widely considered the most photogenic redwood grove in the parks. Try to visit in the late afternoon during summer when the sun slants through the canopy at just the right angle.

If you have a large vehicle or trailer, park at the Jedediah Smith campground and walk the half-mile riverside trail to the grove instead of driving to the small lot at the end of Howland Hill Road.

#5 Hike the Damnation Creek Trail

Narrow dirt hiking path winding through a foggy redwood forest on Damnation Creek Trail in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California, lined with ferns and pink rhododendron blooms.

Distance: 4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous (1,000+ ft elevation change) | Trail map

This is one of those hikes that doesn’t get as much attention as Fern Canyon or the big groves, but it might be the single best hike in the parks.

The trail descends steeply through dense, moody old-growth forest in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park before dropping you onto a fog-soaked beach scattered with sea stacks.

The climb back up is no joke, but the combination of ancient forest and wild coastline is hard to beat anywhere in California.

#6 Stroll Through Lady Bird Johnson Grove

A straight wooden plank bridge with curved redwood railings leads into a dense green redwood forest at Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Humboldt County, California.

Distance: 1.4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat with a gentle slope | Trail map

This is one of the most accessible old-growth redwood experiences in the parks and a great first stop. The easy loop has interpretive signs that explain the history and ecology of the forest, and during May and early June, you might spot rhododendrons blooming along the route.

It’s located right off Bald Hills Road, so you can pair it with a stop at the nearby Redwood Creek Overlook for one of the best sunset views in the park.

#7 Hike to the Tall Trees Grove

A wooden bench sits along a sunlit dirt trail flanked by large coast redwood trunks and clusters of sword ferns at Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail in Redwood National Park, California. Additional redwood trunks and green foliage fill the background under a partly sunny sky.

Distance: 3.7 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate (800 ft elevation change) | Trail map

Before the Libbey Tree lost its crown (literally and metaphorically), the world’s tallest tree grew right here. Tall Trees Grove is still home to some of the tallest trees on the planet, and the limited permit system keeps it feeling peaceful and uncrowded.

The hike descends 800 feet to the alluvial flats of Redwood Creek, so be prepared for a solid climb back out. A free permit is required year-round, with only 65 available per day. Get your permit here.

#8 Kayak or Swim in the Smith River

The Smith River flows through a rocky canyon lined with evergreen trees and rock cliffs in Del Norte County, California, with large mossy boulders and a small shrub visible in the foreground.

The Smith River is the largest undammed river system in California, and during the summer, it’s one of the best places to cool off after a day of hiking.

Park rangers offer free guided kayak tours departing from the Hiouchi Visitor Center in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The three-hour paddle includes wildlife spotting and geology along the way.

Tours depend on river conditions and aren’t offered every year, so check ahead. Children must be at least ten years old and able to swim in moving water to participate.

If you’d rather go on your own, Redwood Rides in Crescent City rents kayaks and gear. Or just find a calm spot along the bank and jump in for a swim.

#9 Drive Howland Hill Road

A narrow unpaved road curves through old-growth redwood forest on Howland Hill Road in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte County, California, flanked by giant moss-covered trunks and green ferns.

This unpaved, ten-mile road cuts through the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and puts you closer to the giant redwoods than any other drive in the parks.

The old stagecoach route is narrow and winding, and the trees feel close enough to touch from your car window. It’s not suitable for RVs or trailers, but any standard vehicle can handle it.

The road also connects to trailheads for Stout Grove and the Boy Scout Tree Trail, so you can easily combine the drive with a hike

#10 Stop at Big Tree Wayside (and Hike the Big Tree Loop)

Distance: A few steps from the car (or 3 miles for the Big Tree Loop) | Difficulty: Easy | Trail map

If you only have a few minutes, this is your best bet for seeing an enormous redwood without any real hiking. The Big Tree is 21 feet in diameter and sits just steps from the parking area off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

If you have more time, the three-mile Big Tree Loop connects the Cathedral Trail and Prairie Creek Trail and takes you through some beautiful groves surrounding the wayside.

#11 Picnic on Gold Bluffs Beach

Wide sandy beach with shallow tidal pools, sparse marsh grass, and a driftwood log at Gold Bluffs Beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California, with tree-covered bluffs visible on the right.

After hiking Fern Canyon, drive the short distance to Gold Bluffs Beach and spread out a picnic. This wide, windswept beach sits at the base of golden bluffs in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and it’s one of the few places where you can go from old-growth forest to ocean in minutes.

Keep your eyes open for Roosevelt elk, which often graze right around the beach and campground area. Pick up snacks from Shoreline Deli & Market in Orick before you head out since there’s nothing to buy once you’re in the park.

#12 Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail

A narrow dirt path winds through old-growth redwoods on Boy Scout Tree Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte County, California, with sunlight filtering through green ferns and moss-covered branches.

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Trail map

Note: A portion of this trail is closed from November 1 through May 1 to protect the trail during the wet season. Plan this one for a summer or early fall visit.

Take the scenic Howland Hill Road to this trailhead for a moderately challenging hike through some of the most pristine coastal redwood forest you’ll ever encounter.

Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the trail is quieter than many of the more popular routes and feels genuinely remote. The turnaround point at the massive Boy Scout Tree is the highlight.

#13 Explore the Tide Pools

A clifftop view from Crescent Beach Overlook shows a sandy cove, scattered sea stacks, and blue Pacific Ocean waves breaking along the coastline at Enderts Beach, Redwood National Park, California. Tree-covered cliffs line the left side of the frame, dry golden grasses appear in the foreground, and a partly cloudy blue sky stretches above the open ocean.

The beaches along Redwood National and State Parks have some excellent tide pools, where you can spot sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other marine life without getting more than your feet wet. Time your visit for low tide, when there will be more to see.

The best spots are Enderts Beach (near Crescent City, with a short trail down to the pools), False Klamath Cove, and the beach at the bottom of the Damnation Creek Trail if you’re already making that hike.

#14 Walk the Trillium Falls Trail

Trillium Falls drops over dark rocks beneath a large moss-covered fallen log draped with ferns, surrounded by redwood trees and dense green vegetation in Redwood National Park, Humboldt County, California.

Distance: 2.6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Trail map

This is an easy-to-moderate, family-friendly loop through old-growth redwoods in Redwood National Park that ends at a small cascading waterfall.

It’s right off Highway 101, making it a perfect stop if you’re driving through and don’t have time for a longer hike. The trail is well-maintained and shaded, so it’s comfortable even on warmer days.

#15 Take in the Views from Klamath River Overlook

Elevated view of the rugged Pacific Coast from Klamath River Overlook in Redwood National Park, Del Norte County, California, showing turquoise water, scattered sea rocks, green coastal bluffs, and a cloudy pink and blue sunset sky.

This overlook on the Coastal Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Klamath River. It’s one of the best spots in the parks for whale watching during spring and fall migration, and you can often see seals lounging on the sand below.

Access it from Requa Road off Highway 101. If you have more time, High Bluff Overlook is another stunning coastal viewpoint about a 20-minute drive south.

#16 Drive Bald Hills Road

A high-elevation panoramic view from Bald Hills Road in Redwood National Park, California, looking out over a vast conifer forest with scattered open clearings and rolling hills. A distinctive pointed mountain peak rises in the distant background under a clear blue sky.

If the forest canopy is starting to feel heavy, head up Bald Hills Road for a completely different landscape. This drive climbs out of the redwoods into open prairies with sweeping views over the parks. In April, the meadows light up with violet lupines.

In the evening, Redwood Creek Overlook (one of the pullouts along this road) is one of the best sunset spots in the parks, with views over thousands of acres of old-growth forest. This is also the road you’ll take to reach Lady Bird Johnson Grove and the Tall Trees Grove trailhead.

#17 Do a Multi-Day Hike Along the Coastal Trail

A wide sandy beach runs alongside low vegetated bluffs covered in green and golden scrub, with conifer-covered hills in the background at Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

The parks have over 70 miles of coastal trail cutting across beaches, forests, and streams. If you have the time and the gear, a multi-day backpacking trip along sections of the Coastal Trail is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the full range of landscapes here.

Backcountry camping (permit required) is available at Nickel Creek, Flint Ridge Camp, and Gold Bluffs Beach. Pick up a free backcountry permit at the Hiouchi or Kuchel Visitor Center up to 24 hours in advance.

#18 Stargaze at Elk Prairie or Gold Bluffs Beach

A stargazing night sky photograph showing the Milky Way and dense stars above a dark conifer tree line at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

The parks are far enough from any city that the skies get seriously dark. If you’re camping at Elk Prairie Campground or Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, step outside your tent after dark and look up.

The open meadow at Elk Prairie and the wide beach at Gold Bluffs both give you unobstructed views for spotting constellations, planets, and the Milky Way. Summer and early fall tend to have the clearest skies.

#19 Go on a Ranger-Led Walk or Talk

A young male forest ranger in a tan jacket and brown wide-brimmed hat watching forest territory through black binoculars in a conifer forest. A green cord and brown strap hang around his neck.

Rangers lead free tours throughout the summer season, from guided nature walks to campfire talks and stargazing programs. These are always worth fitting into your schedule, especially if you’re visiting with kids. Head to a visitor center when you arrive to find out what’s happening during your stay.

The Junior Ranger program is also a great option for families. Pick up a booklet from any visitor center, let your kids work through the activities as you explore the parks, and turn it in to a ranger to earn a badge.

#20 Visit Trees of Mystery in Klamath

A large wooden Bigfoot chainsaw carving statue standing on rocks outside a building at Trees of Mystery tourist attraction in Klamath, California, with a Modelo beer sign visible in the background

You can’t miss the giant Paul Bunyan sculpture waving at traffic on Highway 101 in Klamath. Trees of Mystery is a privately owned attraction right outside the parks that’s fun and educational.

There’s a gondola ride through the redwood canopy, short family-friendly trails with interpretive signs, and a museum of local indigenous artifacts.

It’s not a must-do, but if you’re driving through Klamath with kids or just want a break from the national park experience, it’s a worthwhile stop.

Where to Stay

There are no hotels or lodges inside Redwood National and State Parks, so your options are camping in the parks or staying in a nearby town. The parks stretch across 50 miles of coastline, so where you base yourself matters.

If you have two or more days, staying in one central location (like Klamath or the campgrounds in Prairie Creek) will minimize driving.

If you only have one night, choose based on which part of the parks you plan to explore most. Staying near Crescent City makes sense if you’re focused on the northern parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast), while Trinidad or Orick work better if you’re prioritizing the southern parks (Prairie Creek, Fern Canyon, Redwood National Park).

Camping in the Parks

Travelers setting up a camping site at a Redwoods campground with a Cougar fifth-wheel RV parked among tall conifer trees. A glowing metal fire pit and two camp chairs are set up outside, with a bicycle mounted on the rear of the RV.

There are four developed campgrounds, all located within the state parks. Reservations are made through ReserveCalifornia. Book early for summer dates.

Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is centrally located and a good base for Fern Canyon, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and the elk meadows. It also has rustic cabins with heating and electricity if you don’t want to tent camp.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park sits right on the beach. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to elk wandering through camp. It’s also the closest campground to Fern Canyon.

Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is one of the biggest campgrounds in the parks and makes a good base for Damnation Creek Trail and exploring the northern sections.

Jedediah Smith Campground in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park puts you under towering old-growth redwoods right next to the Smith River. The downside is some road noise from Highway 199. Cabins are available here too.

For backcountry camping, free permits are available at the Hiouchi and Kuchel Visitor Centers up to 24 hours in advance. Dispersed camping is also allowed along the Redwood Creek gravel bar, 1.5 miles from the trailhead.

Staying in Nearby Towns

A car driving along the narrow winding dirt road of Howland Hill Road through tall coast redwood trunks and ferns at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California.

Trinidad is my top pick for where to stay near Redwood National Park. It’s a small coastal town about 25 minutes south of the parks and one of the most charming places to stay in the area. It has ocean views, good restaurants (Larrupin Cafe for dinner, Seascape for breakfast), and a quieter, more scenic feel than the bigger towns farther south. Emerald Forest Cabins is a great option here, with furnished cabins tucked into a redwood grove with a creek running through the property. It’s a good alternative to camping if you want to sleep among the redwoods without roughing it.

Crescent City is about five minutes from the northern parks and the most practical base if you want to be close to Jedediah Smith and Del Norte Coast Redwoods. It’s not the most charming town, but it has the most hotels and grocery stores of any nearby option. The Curly Redwood Lodge is worth booking for the novelty alone. The entire lodge was built from a single curly redwood tree that produced 57,000 board feet of lumber, and the rooms have a fun mid-century feel with modern updates.

Klamath is right in the middle of the parks, about 20 minutes from Prairie Creek to the south and 30 minutes from Jedediah Smith to the north. There aren’t many options here, but the Historic Requa Inn is a standout with an upscale restaurant overlooking the Klamath River.

Orick is the closest town to the southern entrance (about five minutes) but has very limited services. It’s better for grabbing snacks at Shoreline Deli & Market than for overnight stays.

Arcata and McKinleyville are about 45 minutes south of the parks and have the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and supplies. They’re a good fallback if everything closer is booked, but the drive adds up if you’re heading to the northern parks each day. The Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata is a solid, reliable option with free breakfast and an indoor pool, and it’s close to the Arcata-Eureka Airport if you’re flying in.

Where to Eat

There are no restaurants inside the parks, so plan to bring food with you. Here are some options for stocking up or grabbing a meal nearby.

Shoreline Deli & Market, Orick for picnic supplies before heading into the park.
Edebee’s Snack Shack, Orick for a quick lunch. Try the elk burger.
The Log Cabin Diner, Klamath for a filling all-day breakfast before a big hiking day.
The Historic Requa Inn, Klamath for a nicer sit-down dinner overlooking the Klamath River.
Seaquake Brewing, Crescent City for craft beer and pub food after a day on the trails.
North Coast Co-op, Arcata for coffee, pastries, and deli sandwiches to pack for the day.

Suggested Redwood National Park Itineraries

A narrow wooden boardwalk with rail fencing winds through dense sword ferns and tall redwood and conifer trunks at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

One Day in Redwood National and State Parks

If you only have one day, focus on Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and the southern part of the parks.

Start your morning at Tall Trees Grove (grab your permit in advance) for a peaceful hike among some of the tallest trees on Earth. Head to Lady Bird Johnson Grove around midday for an easy loop and stop at Redwood Creek Overlook nearby.

In the afternoon, drive to Fern Canyon (reservation required May 15 through September 15) and walk through the fern-draped gorge. If time allows, drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway on your way out and keep your eyes open for Roosevelt elk.

Two Days in Redwood National and State Parks

Day 1 (Southern Parks): Start at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center to get oriented. Hike Tall Trees Grove in the morning (permit required), then stop at Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Redwood Creek Overlook. In the afternoon, head to Fern Canyon and spend time on Gold Bluffs Beach afterward. Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and stop at Big Tree Wayside on your way back.

Day 2 (Northern Parks): Drive Howland Hill Road through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, stopping to hike the Grove of Titans and Stout Memorial Grove. If you’re up for more hiking, add the Boy Scout Tree Trail. In the afternoon, head to the Klamath River Overlook for coastal views, or explore the tide pools at Enderts Beach near Crescent City.

Three Days in Redwood National and State Parks

Follow the two-day itinerary above, then add a third day for the experiences that need more time.

Day 3: Hike the Damnation Creek Trail in the morning for the best forest-to-coast experience in the parks. In the afternoon, kayak or swim in the Smith River (check if ranger-led tours are available).

Drive Bald Hills Road in the evening for wildflower meadows and a sunset at Redwood Creek Overlook. If you’d rather do a longer hike instead, take the James Irvine Trail from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to Fern Canyon and back (no reservation needed this way).

Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald is a travel writer based in the Bay Area. She writes for the national parenting website Red Tricycle and on her own family travel blog, Tiny Trailblazers. She loves exploring California’s outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop. When she’s not writing reviews and travel guides, you’ll likely find her trying to keep up with her kids on a hiking trail.

Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 30 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (7 years), where she currently resides.