Plan your trip to Redwood National Park, CA

Along the northern California coast, Redwood National and State Parks contain 45 percent of all protected old-growth redwood forests in the state. Logging in the 19th century nearly resulted in the extinction of California’s coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), but, thanks to the Save-the-Redwoods League founded in 1918, over 100,000 acres of the majestic trees were purchased for preservation between 1920 and 1960.

The unique environment of the park has allowed redwoods in the area to thrive for 20 million years, relatives of trees that existed during the Jurassic Era some 160 million years ago. Dinosaurs would feel right at home here. But even the Brachiosaurus would be no match for the redwood, which can grow to a height of 367 feet with a width of 22 feet at its base, or equivalent to a 35-story skyscraper in tree form.

Stop by one of five visitor centers to find out about ranger-led programs in the park or to pick up a map of the park with some places not to miss. Suggestions include a drive through old-growth redwoods along Howland Hill Road and through Stout Grove, a stop at Klamath River Overlook for a chance to see gray whales and a hike along Trillium Falls Trail to visit one of the few falls in the parks. Wherever you go in the park, you’ll feel as if you’ve returned to prehistory and stand awed (and dwarfed) by nature.