Confused by all the options - please advise.

Question

Hello All,

My wife has always wanted to see the Redwoods so this year we are making a point of getting there with our two sons (age 19 and 21). We will be arriving on Wednesday after spending the morning at Oregon Caves National Monument, and need to be back in Medford sometime Friday night, so we have 2.5 days in the area. Arriving from the north (driving from Montana) I assume we will stay the first night in Crescent City. From there, our options are open.

This park confuses me. I am used to more "contained" parks like Yellowstone or Glacier when you are "in the park" and things to see/do are fairly well defined. Having several state parks plus the NP at Redwoods, plus the coast and all the towns mixed in, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed in my planning. There are a few things I definitely want to include, such as tide pooling at the beach (where?) and Grove of the Titans, driving Avenue of the Giants, driving "through" a tree (if they still allow that), and Fern Canyon if we can grab a permit. With 2.5 days I assume we can fit all this in, but I am hopeful for information on other can't-miss or don't-bother locations. My wife will probably want to spend some time getting a feel for the towns such as some light shopping and checking out the local architecture (did someone say Victorian houses!). Happy to trade info on Yellowstone.

Thanks.

Answer

Redwood National and State Parks can indeed feel sprawling compared to more "contained" parks like Yellowstone, as the area includes multiple state parks, the national park, the rugged coast, and small towns. With 2.5 days, you can fit in most of the iconic sights, but careful planning will help maximize your time.

Here’s a suggested approach based on your interests:

Day 1 – Arrival in Crescent City: After driving from Oregon Caves, settle in Crescent City. Explore the waterfront, Battery Point Lighthouse, and enjoy some tide pooling at Crescent Beach or Enderts Beach. If arriving early enough, a short stroll in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a great intro to the giant trees.
Day 2 – Northern Redwoods & Fern Canyon: Start early and drive south along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Stop for the Grove of the Titans hike (requires some off-trail walking; it’s a bit rugged but iconic). If you have a Fern Canyon permit, plan your visit midday to avoid crowds. Also consider the Lady Bird Johnson Grove for a shorter, well-maintained trail option.
Day 3 – Avenue of the Giants & local towns: Head further south along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Enjoy the scenic drive and stop at the classic “drive-through” tree (touristy but fun photo opportunity). Depending on your time, stop in small towns like Ferndale to admire Victorian architecture and browse local shops before heading back north toward Medford.

Other tips and considerations:

Tide pooling is best at Enderts Beach near Crescent City or Gold Bluffs Beach near Prairie Creek. Check tide schedules for best wildlife spotting.
Fern Canyon is often accessed via a short shuttle from the Gold Bluffs Beach parking lot. Make sure you have your permit confirmed before you go, as it can be busy.
Grove of the Titans is off the main trail, so wear good hiking shoes. Be mindful of environmental protections (no climbing on trees, stick to paths where indicated).
Avenue of the Giants drive takes about 1.5–2 hours if you go straight, but allow extra time for stops and short walks.
Small towns like Ferndale or Trinidad offer charming shops, cafés, and scenic viewpoints—great for a slower pace and photo stops.

Must-do highlights if short on time:

Tide pooling at Crescent City or Gold Bluffs Beach
Grove of the Titans hike
Drive the Avenue of the Giants
Optional Fern Canyon hike if permit allows
Quick stop in a Victorian town like Ferndale

Don’t-bother areas if pressed for time: skipping some of the smaller roadside groves in favor of the iconic attractions will give you more quality experience. Also, limit backtracking by grouping sites geographically.

With 2.5 days, this plan balances hiking among the redwoods, coastal exploration, and a taste of the local towns while still leaving time to return to Medford Friday night.

Confused by all the options - please advise.

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