5 Bucket List Things to Do in the Redwoods
Visiting Redwood National and State Parks in California is a bucket list item in and of itself. Seeing these magnificent giants in person is an awe-inspiring moment. Adding to the adventure, there are a number of experiences you just can’t miss while you’re here. There are so many amazing things to do in the Redwoods, but these are five you should definitely add to your bucket list.
These are the 5 bucket list things you have to do in the Redwoods.
5 Bucket List Things to Do in the Redwoods
1. Hug a tree
This one is a given! While Coast Redwoods are known more for their height than their girth (you’ll find wider trees in Sequoia National Park), there are plenty of giants in the old-growth forests at Redwood National and State Parks. These big guys are perfect for that iconic tree hug photo, so get ready for some tree lovin’! Stout Grove or Cal Barrel Road are perfect spots to find some huggable redwoods.
INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY: Hugging a redwood is certainly a bucket list moment, but what no one tells you is these beauties are covered in spider webs. The spiders themselves are rarely seen, but you will need to be strategic about where to touch these trees to avoid getting tangled in an icky web.
2. Walk amongst the giants in Stout Grove
Speaking of Stout Grove, this is one spot you absolutely can’t miss on your first trip to the Redwoods! It’s often regarded as the most scenic grove in Redwood National and State Parks. As sunbeams peek through the dense, old-growth redwoods, dancing on the ferny undergrowth and fallen giants of the forest, it’s easy to see why.
Related Post: First Timer’s Guide to Redwood National Park.
3. Hike Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon could be straight out of a fairy tale. Stepping into the canyon feels like stepping into another world. Lush ferns and mosses cover the walls, enveloping you in this emerald gem. A shallow creek runs through the canyon floor, and if you hike the entire one-mile loop, your feet will definitely be getting wet. If you want to keep dry and don’t have waterproof boots, you can stick to the beginning of the canyon and still have a great experience.
The trail in Fern Canyon is an easy hike (just a one-mile, flat loop), but getting there is a bit of an adventure. Be sure to check out my hiking guide below for the details.
Read More: 5 Amazing and Easy Hikes in Redwood National Park
4. Search for banana slugs
Sure, they’re a bit slimy and gross, but there’s something really exciting about spotting these big yellow slugs! We actually came across these quite frequently on the trails – especially on Cathedral Trees Trail. Banana slugs have a special little friendship with the redwoods. They ignore redwood saplings while spending their days eating the young saplings that would compete with redwoods for resources. In turn, the redwoods are able to grow and maintain the shady, cool, moist environment in which banana slugs thrive. Win-win!
5. Visit the coast
So many people are surprised to learn that Redwood National and State Parks also include over 40 miles of protected coastline. Often referred to as the Lost Coast, the shores of Northern California are largely undeveloped, remote, and natural. That’s all to say – it’s a real beauty! There are several beaches and coastal hikes in Redwood National and State Parks. Gold Bluffs Beach, Enderts Beach, and Crescent Beach are all great places to start. If you want an incredible view of the coast from above, check out Klamath River Overlook and High Bluffs Overlook.
What about the drive-through trees?
There actually aren’t any trees in the park you can drive through, but there are three located outside of the park. Klamath Tree is nearest to the center of Redwood National and State Parks. The other two are located about two hours to the south near Humboldt State Park. Each is privately owned and will charge a small fee to drive through. Learn more here.
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