Redwood Natonal Parks

Question

We'll be coming from Smith River and would like to do the following:

Stout Grove

Grove of the Titans

Ladybird Johnson Grove

Drive at least part of Howland Hill Rd.

Drive the Newton Drury Parkway

Staying the night in Humboldt Bay

Is this realistic? Did we miss any highlights that don't involve long (over 3 mile) hikes?

Answer

Your plan for a day traveling from Smith River through Redwood National and State Parks to Humboldt Bay is ambitious but doable if you start early and manage your time carefully. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Realistic Itinerary Overview:

Starting from Smith River, the drive to Stout Grove takes about 1–1.5 hours. Stout Grove is an easy, short walk among massive redwoods and should take 30–45 minutes. Next, the Grove of the Titans requires a bit more effort. While the hike is relatively short (~0.7 miles from the parking area), it is unmarked and slightly rough terrain, so allow extra time to locate the grove and navigate safely. Ladybird Johnson Grove has a 1.5-mile loop trail that is moderate and scenic. Both Howland Hill Rd and Newton Drury Parkway are scenic drives, with Howland Hill offering some dirt-road charm and great photo opportunities.

Stout Grove: Easy access, very photogenic, 30–45 min.
Grove of the Titans: Short but unmarked; allow ~1–1.5 hrs including walking and finding the grove.
Ladybird Johnson Grove: 1.5-mile loop, excellent for seeing towering redwoods.
Howland Hill Rd: Scenic dirt road; partial drive possible depending on time and comfort.
Newton Drury Parkway: Paved scenic drive; allows multiple pullouts for quick stops and short walks.

Timing Tips:

Start early from Smith River to maximize daylight.
Factor in driving times plus 30–60 minutes per grove for short walks and photos.
Allow extra time for unmarked areas like Grove of the Titans—GPS or park maps are essential.

Additional Highlights (short walks, under 3 miles):

Big Tree Wayside: Very short stroll to see one of the largest trees.
Trillium Falls Trail: ~2.5 miles round trip, easy-moderate hike with waterfall.
Lady Bird Johnson Trail Overlook: Several viewpoints along the loop trail; quick stops possible.
Prairie Creek Visitor Center: Nice short trails nearby like the Big Tree Loop.

Overall, your plan is feasible, but it will be a full day with several stops and some off-trail navigation for the Grove of the Titans. Staying the night in Humboldt Bay after a long but scenic day is perfect. Prioritize the groves and drives you most want to experience, and consider skipping one shorter stop if you need more time to enjoy the giants without rushing.

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