Best coastal views in or around redwoods np?

Question

What would be some of the best coastal views in the area? I'm not a big fan of sandy beaches but I find rocky coastline irresitable especially if it has natural scenery and not been overly developed. Preferably I'd find some good spots that are easier to get to (less than 3 hour hikes to get to a lookout because I will have others to think of, too - although no one elderly or incapable of a basic hikes with some elevation change) or drive up locations.

Answer

The Redwood National and State Parks region has some of the most dramatic rocky coastline in California—rugged cliffs, crashing surf, sea stacks, and wild, undeveloped shoreline. Even better, many of the best viewpoints require only short walks or are fully drive-up accessible. Below is a detailed guide to the top spots that match your preferences: rocky coastline, natural scenery, minimal development, and accessible trails.

These recommendations focus on areas within or very close to Redwood National and State Parks, all easily reachable from the main visitor areas like Prairie Creek, Crescent City, and Klamath.

Top Rocky Coastal Viewpoints (Easy Access / Short Walks)

Enderts Beach Overlook (near Crescent City)
One of the best coastal vistas in the area. You get wild rocky shoreline, tidepools, and sea stacks. The overlook itself is a short walk from the parking area, but you can also hike down toward the beach for more dramatic views. This is an undeveloped, rugged-feeling area great for photography.
Crescent Beach Overlook
Very close to Enderts, but higher up and more panoramic. It’s a designated viewpoint with a direct short walk from the parking lot. Excellent for sunset or watching rough surf.
Klamath River Overlook
Where the river meets the ocean, surrounded by cliffs and constant marine fog drifting in and out. Easy drive-up access and one of the best whale-watching spots during migration. Rocky shoreline views extend for miles.

Rugged, Wild Coastline That Feels Untouched

False Klamath Cove & Wilson Creek Beach
Beautiful rocky cove south of Crescent City with dramatic surf and scattered sea stacks. While there is a beach, the landscape is more about rugged coastline than sand lounging. Easy to access right off Highway 101.
Damnation Creek Trail (first 1 mile)
You don’t need to hike the full, steep 4-mile round-trip to get great coastal views. Even hiking just the first mile through old-growth redwoods gives you peeks of the ocean from above. If your group is up for it, the full trail leads to one of the most spectacular hidden coastline areas in the region, but note the steep return climb. If staying under three hours, turn around before the final descent.
Patrick’s Point / Sue-Meg State Park (20–30 minutes south)
Technically just south of the National Park boundary, but absolutely worth it. This area gives you multiple drive-up rugged coastal viewpoints with massive rock formations and ocean cliffs. Some of the best include Wedding Rock, Patrick’s Point Overlook, and Rocky Point. Very little development, lots of wild shoreline, and short, easy trails between viewpoints.

Best Drive-Up or Quick Stop Coastal Spots

Trees of Mystery SkyTrail (for a coast view from above)
Not actually on the coast but near Klamath. The gondola ride gives you an elevated viewpoint where you can look out toward the ocean and forest canopy at the same time. No hiking required — great with a group.
Pebble Beach Drive (Crescent City)
A scenic road along the coastline with multiple pullouts overlooking rocky points and large sea stacks. You can hop out for short walks to viewpoints and enjoy consistent dramatic surf.
Battery Point Lighthouse (Crescent City)
The lighthouse sits on a rocky island and is accessible by a tidal causeway (check tide times). Even if you don’t go inside, the area offers extremely scenic rocky coastline views just steps from the parking area.

If You Want a Short Hike With Great Payoff

Yurok Loop Trail (near Klamath)
Very easy 1-mile trail around a coastal bluff with sweeping views of the rugged shoreline. It's one of the most underrated ocean trails in the whole region. The trail connects to Hidden Beach if you want a longer add-on.
Hidden Beach Trail (from the Klamath Overlook area)
A longer option (2.6 miles round trip), still under your preferred limit. It features forested bluff walking and ends at a rocky, secluded beach. Feels wild and untouched.

Summary & Best Choices Based on Your Preferences

You prefer rocky coastline, natural scenery, minimal development, and relatively easy access. The following are the best matches:

Enderts Beach Overlook
Crescent Beach Overlook
Klamath River Overlook
Patrick’s Point / Sue-Meg State Park
Yurok Loop Trail
Pebble Beach Drive

All of these spots offer dramatic rocky coastal scenery without requiring a long hike. They are perfect for a group, easy to reach, and showcase some of the most beautiful coastline in Northern California.

If you have time for only a few, the absolute musts are Klamath River Overlook, Enderts Beach Overlook, and Patrick’s Point (Sue-Meg). All three deliver classic, rugged redwood-country coastline with minimal effort.

Best coastal views in or around redwoods np?

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