Road trip to Redwoods from Washington state

Question

We will be road tripping down the coast from Washington and going as far south as the California Redwoods (staying 2 nights in Trinidad). I know Trinidad is still quite a ways north of the Humboldt State Park area that has tons of attractions, but I guess I'm wondering if I should still make the drive down there, or if there will be enough attractions in the Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith State Park to satisfy. I remember stopping at many cute and quirky tourist spots in the Redwoods as a kid, and I would love to see a bunch of those again. I can't remember if those were all in Humboldt, or if they are in the more northern groves as well.

Also, we have a dog traveling with us, and it looks like most trails don't allow dogs. Any suggestions on where we can take our dog for nice woodsy walks while still seeing the Redwoods?

Answer

Trinidad is a charming coastal town and makes a great base for exploring the northern California Redwoods, including parts of Redwood National and State Parks and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. While it is north of the more concentrated Humboldt groves, you will still find impressive old-growth redwoods, scenic drives, and coastal viewpoints without having to drive far south. For a two-night stay, focusing on the parks near Trinidad allows you to see some of the most iconic groves while avoiding too much extra driving.

In terms of attractions and quirky stops:

Redwood National and State Parks: The northern groves near Prairie Creek and Orick have famous trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and the Big Tree Wayside. You’ll see towering trees and lush fern canyons similar to those further south.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Located near Crescent City, it’s home to some of the largest old-growth trees in the area, including the Stout Grove. It’s about an hour north of Trinidad but worth a half-day visit if you have time.
Scenic Drives: Highway 101 through the parks and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park provide accessible ways to see large trees without long hikes. You can also stop at viewpoints and pullouts for quick walks and photo ops.
Quirky Stops: Many roadside attractions and historic sites (e.g., Klamath River Overlook, Trees of Mystery near Klamath) are further north along Highway 101, so if nostalgia is part of your goal, these northern stops will satisfy without heading all the way into southern Humboldt groves.

Regarding hiking with a dog:

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on trails inside Redwood National and State Parks or Jedediah Smith State Park. However, they are allowed on paved areas, some campground loops, and roadside paths.
Dog-Friendly Walks: Consider the following options for woodsy walks with your dog:

Trinidad Head Trail – Short loop with ocean views and forested areas, dog-friendly on leash.
Patrick’s Point State Park – Some trails are dog-friendly on leash, offering coastal forest walks.
Newton B. Drury Parkway – While most trails are off-limits, the scenic road itself allows leashed dogs on pullouts and paved sections.

In summary, staying in Trinidad and focusing on nearby Redwood National and State Parks will provide plenty of iconic redwood experiences, scenic hikes, and coastal views. If you want to revisit nostalgic “quirky tourist” stops, you can incorporate some northbound detours along Highway 101. For your dog, stick to dog-friendly trails, campgrounds, and paved paths while enjoying the forest and coastal scenery.