Itinerary Advice

Question

Hi. Would love advice on our draft itinerary:

Thursday (5/22): Drive from SFO to Santa Rosa.

Fri (5/23): Drive from Santa Rosa to Humboldt State Park. Spent the day hiking and driving on the Ave of Giants. Stay in Fortuna.

Saturday (5/24): Trinidad Lighthouse and Redwood National Park. Stay in Acata

Sunday (5/25): Priairie Creek Redwoods. Newton Scenic Parkway. Fern Canyon. Big Tree Loop. Stay at VRBO in Crescent City for 2 nights.

Monday (5/26): Jebediah State Park: Simpson Reed trail, Stout Memorial Trail, Grove of Titans.

Tuesday (5/27): Drive to Medford Oregon. Stop by Oregon Caves.

Any great food recommendations? I missed the Fern Canyon make ahead reservation, so hoping I get a day before reservation. Thanks!

Answer

Your draft itinerary for the Redwoods area looks well-paced and covers many highlights of Northern California’s coast and parks. Here’s some advice and suggestions for each day:

Thursday (5/22): SFO to Santa Rosa

This is mostly a driving day. Consider leaving early to avoid Bay Area traffic. If you have time, a stop in Marin County (Muir Woods) could give you a quick introduction to coastal redwoods before reaching Santa Rosa.

Friday (5/23): Santa Rosa to Humboldt State Park / Avenue of the Giants

Hiking: The Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest offer iconic old-growth redwoods and relatively easy trails.
Scenic Drive: Avenue of the Giants is beautiful for stops and short hikes along the way.
Stay: Fortuna is a convenient base with food and lodging options.

Saturday (5/24): Trinidad Lighthouse and Redwood National Park

Trinidad Head offers short trails with ocean views and great photo ops.
Redwood National Park: Consider the Lady Bird Johnson Grove or Big Tree Trails for a manageable day hike.
Stay: Arcata is a lively college town, good for dinner options.

Sunday (5/25): Prairie Creek Redwoods, Newton Scenic Parkway, Fern Canyon, Big Tree Loop

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: The Big Tree Loop is easy and iconic.
Fern Canyon: If you missed reservations, try arriving early in the morning or check with visitor centers for any cancellations. If not possible, you could do the Fern Canyon Trail the following day instead.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Great for a leisurely drive with stops for short walks.
Stay: Crescent City is a solid two-night base to explore the northern parks and prepare for the Oregon drive.

Monday (5/26): Jedediah Smith State Park

Hiking: Simpson Reed Trail and Stout Memorial Trail are relatively flat and showcase lush old-growth redwoods.
Grove of Titans: Must-see, but expect some crowds. Early morning is best.

Tuesday (5/27): Drive to Medford, Oregon

Stop at Oregon Caves: Book ahead if possible, as tours can fill up quickly.
Scenic drive: Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) is a beautiful route connecting the parks to Medford.

Food Recommendations:

Fortuna: The River’s Edge and Bella Rosa offer casual, tasty meals.
Arcata: Plaza Grill, Lost Coast Brewery, or the Coffee Cat Cafe for breakfast/lunch.
Crescent City: SeaQuake Brewing and Good Harvest Café for relaxed dining.
Trinidad: Lighthouse Grill for seafood with ocean views.

Additional Tips:

Make the most of early mornings in popular trailheads to avoid crowds.
Have a backup hike or trail in mind if Fern Canyon reservations are not available.
Pack layers; the coastal redwoods and northern California can be cool even in late May.

Overall, your itinerary balances driving with sightseeing and hiking. It’s well-paced and achievable while still allowing time to enjoy the Redwoods’ iconic scenery.

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