California’s Redwoods - Northern California

California’s Redwoods

If you have ever been curious about the stately redwood forests located in northern California, then you are not alone. These amazing trees can live for over 2000 years and also grow over 300 feet tall. No one knows why they live so long or grow so tall, but theories abound on the subject. Most visitors are awed by the majestic size and beautiful surroundings.

The Redwood National and State Parks is one of the most beautiful areas to visit in northern California. They are just south of the Oregon-California bordering, along the Pacific coast. The parks are situated between Crescent City to the north and Eureka to the south. Instead of just one park, however, this area encompasses four different redwood parks. These parks are Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park. These four parks contain much of what is left of the redwood forests. The main goal of combining the management of these parks is to ensure the future of the redwoods so that generations can enjoy them.

Before the various national and state parks were created, settlers to the area thought the redwoods supplied an almost infinite source of wood. However, with the passage of time, the redwood forests were becoming depleted, and it was then that the Save-the-Redwoods league stepped in and lobbied the state of California to protect these massive trees.

Visitors today can visit one or all four of the parks year-round. Summer is the peak season for area travel, with temperatures being cool and mild while winter time is when there is a lot of precipitation. It is always a good idea to dress in layers that can be added or removed as needed and to pack rain gear for visits during the winter months.

There is currently no entrance fee to the Redwood National Park, and the other three parks charge a nominal fee of $6 per day, with camping fees running about $20 a night and group camping for $120 a night. There are several very good information centers to learn more about the forests, speak to rangers and orient yourself about what areas you would like to visit. The Crescent City, Thomas H, Kuchel Visitor Center and Prairie Creek information centers are open all year, but the Jedediah Smith and Hiouchi Visitors centers are open seasonally, and it is a good idea to check out the specific dates before going.

There are many lodging options both in the parks and in the nearby areas. Advance reservations are suggested for the summer months, as accommodations fill up quickly. There are many things to see and do while visiting California’s Redwoods, so make sure you take the time to leave the highway and see what these beautiful forests have to offer.

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