Redwood and Sequoia National Park help

Question

My partner and are planning a trip. We want to fly in- either to Redwood or Sequoia (whatever airport is cheaper). Rent a car and visit both Redwood & Sequoia parks, hike, camp/airbnb then drop off the car and fly back home from whatever other airport.

Time of year is preferable spring-fall. Any fun adventures, in town things? We are from New England, so the west coast is brand new to us. We are coming for the forest, but also would love to see as much as we can between the two parks as well. ANY info is welcome.

Answer

Visiting both Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California and Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada is an ambitious but incredibly rewarding trip. With proper planning, you can enjoy the giant forests, scenic drives, and unique towns along the way.

Airports:

For Redwood National Park, the closest commercial airports are Arcata-Eureka (ACV) or Medford, Oregon (MFR). ACV is smaller but convenient, while Medford may have cheaper flights.
For Sequoia National Park, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport.
Flying into one park and out of the other is a great way to avoid backtracking, but be prepared for a long drive between them—roughly 8–10 hours, depending on your route.

Route and timing:

Spring through fall is ideal—spring has fewer crowds and wildflowers, summer is warm but busy, and fall offers vibrant colors in the foothills.
One approach is to fly into the northern airport near Redwood, spend 3–4 days exploring the parks (Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Tall Trees Grove), then drive south through coastal or inland California to Sequoia (1–2 nights for the drive), arriving at Sequoia for 2–3 days.

Activities in Redwood National Park:

Hiking: Tall Trees Grove, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for easy to moderate hikes.
Scenic drives: Avenue of the Giants is a must-see.
Wildlife viewing: Elk are common near Prairie Creek, and Roosevelt elk are iconic.
Optional coastal detours: Trinidad, Gold Bluffs Beach, and scenic overlooks along Highway 101.

Activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park:

Hiking: Moro Rock, Congress Trail, and Crescent Meadow for giant sequoias.
Scenic drives: Generals Highway through Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Camping: Lodgepole Campground or nearby cabins for immersive forest experiences.
Adventure: If you’re up for it, a day hike to the High Sierra trails can offer alpine views, waterfalls, and solitude.

Towns and stops along the way:

On the Redwood side: Eureka and Arcata have charming downtowns and local food.
Between parks: Redding or Chico are good stopovers for meals and overnight stays.
On the Sequoia side: Visalia has restaurants and services; Three Rivers is a gateway town to Sequoia with cozy lodging and access to trails.

Tips:

Reserve accommodations and campgrounds well in advance, especially in summer.
Check road conditions—Highway 101 in the north is generally good, but some routes inland may be mountainous and slower.
Plan your driving days with buffer time—8–10 hours is a long day, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
Bring layers, as coastal redwoods can be cool and misty, while Sequoia foothills can be hot in the sun.

Overall, this route lets you experience both the towering coastal redwoods and the majestic Sierra sequoias, while also giving opportunities to explore charming towns and scenic drives through California. With 7–10 days, it’s a balanced mix of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing in nature.

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