Ideal amount of time for Redwoods , Hikes, recommendations!

Question

Hi! Wondering how many days are best to allocate to see the Redwoods? Want to do it justice, have time to hike and enjoy. What is the ideal time to dedicate to this area? Is Late June or Late July better?

Where should we base? Two bases best? Family of 5. Best hikes. Any permits we need to get in advance?

We have a NP Pass

We have been over most of central and southern CA including Yosemite, Sequoia, Pinnacles, Point Lobos, Monterrey, LA, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Sacramento, Napa, Sonoma and more. Looking forward to our very first visit to Northern CA!!!

Answer

The Northern California Redwoods are spectacular, and it’s great that you’re dedicating time to explore them properly. For a family of five wanting to hike and enjoy the scenery, 3–4 full days is an ideal minimum to do justice to the area without feeling rushed.

Regarding timing, both late June and late July are good, but late June tends to have slightly cooler temperatures and fewer tourists than late July, which can make parking and trail access easier.

For bases, it’s practical to consider two locations to minimize daily driving distances since the Redwoods stretch over a large area. Crescent City and the area around Eureka/Arcata are common choices:

Crescent City: Convenient for exploring the northernmost parks, such as the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and close to scenic drives along the coast.
Eureka/Arcata: Good base for visiting Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Avenue of the Giants. Provides more dining and lodging options for a family of five.

Recommended hikes for families, with varying lengths and experiences:

Stout Grove (Jedediah Smith): Easy, iconic trail among towering old-growth redwoods, perfect for kids and family photos.
Boy Scout Tree Trail (Jedediah Smith): Moderate, about 4 miles roundtrip with bridges and giant redwoods.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove (Redwood National Park): Moderate, about 1.5 miles, very scenic with accessible viewpoints.
Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park): Multiple trail options from easy to moderate, including the Founders Grove and Rockefeller Loop.
Prairie Creek Trail to Fern Canyon: About 2–3 miles roundtrip, easy and breathtaking with lush ferns and redwoods.

Permits:

No special hiking permits are required for day hikes in state or national parks in the Redwoods, but if you plan to camp in certain sites, reservations are required, especially in summer.
Your National Parks Pass will cover entrance fees to the Redwoods National Park, but Humboldt Redwoods State Park requires a day-use parking pass for certain areas like Founders Grove.

Tips for your visit:

Start hikes early to avoid crowds and get cooler morning temperatures.
Bring layers as coastal fog can make mornings chilly, even in summer.
Plan your drives to maximize scenic views, including coastal drives near Crescent City and the Avenue of the Giants near Humboldt.
Allow flexibility in your schedule to explore hidden spots or take extra breaks; kids especially enjoy stopping at creek crossings, picnic areas, and small side trails.

Overall, splitting your stay between Crescent City and the Eureka/Arcata area, spending 3–4 days, and mixing easy and moderate hikes will give your family a well-rounded and memorable Redwoods experience.

Ideal amount of time for Redwoods , Hikes, recommendations!

More Crescent City Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions