Did you know Del Norte Coast Redwoods shelters trees older than the Roman Empire? Some redwoods here have thrived for over 1,800 years, standing taller than 100 m (328 ft)! These ancient sentinels have witnessed centuries pass while overlooking the dramatic Pacific coastline, creating one of California’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Ancient redwoods tower above the forest floor at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is located along Highway 101 in northern California, approximately 10 km (6 miles) south of Crescent City. The park stretches across 31,261 acres of pristine redwood forest and rugged coastline, offering visitors a true wilderness experience.
Planning Your Trip
Ready to explore these ancient giants? Start by booking your flights to the nearest airports: Del Norte County Regional Airport in Crescent City (20 minutes away) or Arcata-Eureka Airport (90 minutes south).
By Air
The closest airport is Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) in Crescent City, offering limited service. For more flight options, consider flying into Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) about 135 km (84 miles) south, or Medford International Airport (MFR) in Oregon, approximately 150 km (93 miles) northeast.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car via Highway 101, which runs directly through the park. From San Francisco, the drive takes approximately 6-7 hours. From Portland, Oregon, expect a 6-hour drive. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended as public transportation is limited in this remote area.
For maximum flexibility exploring the park and surrounding areas, we recommend renting a car. SUVs provide better clearance for some of the park’s unpaved roads.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Morning fog creates a magical atmosphere in the redwood forest
The climate at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is characterized by mild temperatures year-round, with significant rainfall during winter months. The coastal influence creates a unique microclimate that supports the ancient redwood ecosystem.
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F) with wildflowers blooming and less rainfall
- Summer (July-August): Peak season with temperatures averaging 18-21°C (64-70°F) and minimal rainfall, though morning fog is common
- Early Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds and beautiful forest colors
Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (November-March): Heavy rainfall with up to 254 cm (100 inches) annually, potential flooding, and road closures
- Early Spring (April): Unpredictable weather with lingering rain and muddy trails
Weather Tip: Pack layers regardless of when you visit! Even summer days can start with cool morning fog before warming up by afternoon. Waterproof gear is essential year-round, as coastal mist and sudden showers are common even during drier months.
Getting Around Locally
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park covers a vast area with limited public transportation options. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the park and surrounding attractions.
The scenic Howland Hill Road winds through towering redwoods
Park Roads
The main access to the park is via Highway 101, which runs north-south through the park. Several scenic drives branch off from the highway, including:
- Howland Hill Road: A narrow, unpaved road offering an intimate redwood experience (suitable for most vehicles but challenging for RVs)
- Enderts Beach Road: A short paved road leading to coastal trails and beach access
- Damnation Creek Trail Road: Access to one of the park’s most popular hiking trails
Biking
Cycling is permitted on park roads but not on hiking trails. The narrow, winding nature of many park roads makes cycling challenging but rewarding for experienced riders. Bring your own bike as rental options are limited to Crescent City.
Hiking
Many of the park’s best features are accessible only by foot. Trail difficulty ranges from easy coastal strolls to challenging descents to the beach. Always carry a park map, as cell service is unreliable throughout most of the park.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in and around Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park range from rustic campgrounds to comfortable lodges. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the peak summer season.
Camping among the redwoods at Mill Creek Campground
Camping in the Park
Experience the magic of sleeping beneath ancient redwoods at Mill Creek Campground, the park’s primary campground with 145 sites available seasonally from May through September. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and food lockers, with restrooms and showers nearby.
Rates: $35 per night
Reservations: Required up to 6 months in advance through Reserve California
Nearby Lodging
Crescent City (10 km/6 miles north) offers the closest hotel accommodations to the park, with options ranging from budget motels to oceanfront properties. The Crescent Beach Motel and Oceanview Inn provide convenient access to both the park and coastal attractions.
For a more upscale experience, consider the Historic Requa Inn, a charming bed and breakfast located at the mouth of the Klamath River, about 20 minutes from the park.
Vacation Rentals
Several vacation homes and cabins are available in the surrounding area, particularly near Crescent City and along the coast. These options are ideal for families or longer stays, offering full kitchens and more space than traditional accommodations.
Klamath, about 25 minutes south of the park, also offers several riverside cabins with beautiful forest views and easy access to the park.
Insider Tip: No matter where you stay, book accommodations at least 3-4 months in advance for summer visits. The limited options in this remote area fill quickly during peak season.
Dining & Local Cuisine
The remote location of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park means dining options within the park itself are nonexistent. Visitors should plan to bring their own food for day trips or prepare meals at campgrounds. However, nearby communities offer several dining options featuring fresh local seafood and casual fare.
Fresh Dungeness crab is a local specialty in coastal restaurants near the park
Crescent City Dining
The closest city to the park, Crescent City offers the most dining options:
- Chart Room: A local favorite for fresh seafood with harbor views
- SeaQuake Brewing: Craft beers and pub fare in a casual atmosphere
- Good Harvest Cafe: Hearty breakfasts and lunches with vegetarian options
- North Coast Grill: Seafood specialties and steaks with ocean views
Klamath Area
South of the park near the Klamath River:
- Historic Requa Inn Restaurant: Farm-to-table dining featuring local ingredients (dinner by reservation only)
- Woodland Villa Market: Small grocery store with deli sandwiches, perfect for trail lunches
Picnic Tip: Several designated picnic areas within the park offer tables and restrooms. Enderts Beach, Wilson Creek Beach, and the Mill Creek Day Use Area are particularly scenic spots for a picnic lunch.
Provisions
Stock up on supplies at these locations:
- Safeway and Walmart Supercenter: Located in Crescent City for comprehensive grocery shopping
- Harvest Natural Foods: Health food store in Crescent City for specialty items and organic produce
- Yurok Country Market: Small market in Klamath with basic supplies and local items
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park offers a perfect blend of ancient forest and dramatic coastline experiences. From challenging hikes to leisurely scenic drives, the park provides numerous ways to connect with this unique ecosystem.
Hikers explore the famous Damnation Creek Trail through ancient redwoods
Top Hiking Trails
Damnation Creek Trail
Moderate to Difficult 7.2 km (4.5 miles) round trip
This signature trail offers the quintessential redwood-to-sea experience. Beginning among massive old-growth redwoods, the trail descends 305 m (1,000 ft) through changing forest zones to a secluded rocky beach. The return hike is strenuous but rewarding.
Highlight: The dramatic transition from ancient forest to coastal ecosystem
Coastal Trail
Easy to Moderate Various lengths
Part of the California Coastal Trail, this path runs through the park with several access points. The section from Enderts Beach Road offers spectacular coastal views, passing through sitka spruce forests and coastal prairies.
Highlight: Whale watching opportunities during migration seasons (December-January and March-May)
Mill Creek Trail
Easy 4.8 km (3 miles) round trip
Located in the Mill Creek Addition, this family-friendly trail follows an old logging road along Mill Creek. The relatively flat path winds through second-growth redwoods and offers excellent opportunities to see Roosevelt elk.
Highlight: Salmon spawning in Mill Creek during fall months
Explore With Local Experts
Enhance your redwood experience with a guided tour. Local naturalists offer insights into the park’s ecology, history, and hidden gems that most visitors miss.
Scenic Drives
Stunning coastal views from Highway 101 in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: A 10 km (6.2 mile) alternative to Highway 101 that winds through old-growth redwoods without commercial traffic
- Howland Hill Road: A narrow, unpaved road through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offering intimate encounters with massive redwoods
- Coastal Drive Loop: A 13 km (8 mile) partially unpaved road with spectacular ocean views and World War II radar station ruins
Wildlife Viewing
The park’s diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife:
- Roosevelt Elk: Best spotted in meadows near Elk Valley Road and in the Mill Creek area, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Marine Mammals: Harbor seals, sea lions, and seasonal whale migrations visible from coastal overlooks
- Bird Watching: Over 280 species including marbled murrelets, osprey, and various woodpeckers
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Beyond hiking and scenic drives, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and the surrounding area offer numerous opportunities to connect with nature through various outdoor activities.
Kayaking on the Smith River offers a different perspective of the redwood ecosystem
Water Activities
Beach Exploration
The park’s 13 km (8 miles) of protected coastline offers numerous beaches and tide pools to explore:
- Enderts Beach: Accessible via a 1.6 km (1 mile) trail, offering excellent tide pooling at low tide
- Wilson Creek Beach: Rocky shoreline with dramatic views and driftwood
- Crescent Beach: Just north of the park, offering a long sandy stretch perfect for beachcombing
Safety Note: Never turn your back on the ocean and check tide tables before exploring. Sneaker waves and strong currents make swimming dangerous along most of this coastline.
River Activities
While not within the park boundaries, the nearby Smith River (the largest undammed river in California) offers exceptional recreation:
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Gentle floats or more challenging rapids depending on the section
- Fishing: World-class salmon and steelhead fishing (proper licenses required)
- Swimming: Safe swimming holes with crystal clear water during summer months
Photography
Magical light rays filter through the redwood canopy during golden hour
The park offers extraordinary photography opportunities for all skill levels:
- Best Morning Light: Damnation Creek Trail and Howland Hill Road when fog is lifting through the trees
- Best Evening Light: Coastal areas and Enderts Beach for dramatic sunset colors
- Rainy Day Photography: The vibrant greens of the forest pop during light rain, and water droplets add texture to close-up shots
Photography Tip: Bring a tripod for the challenging low-light conditions under the redwood canopy. A wide-angle lens helps capture the full height of the trees, while a macro lens reveals the intricate details of the forest floor.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Safety information is posted throughout the park to help visitors stay safe
Park Safety
- Wildlife: Never approach or feed wildlife. While black bears are present in the park, encounters are rare. Store food properly at campgrounds.
- Falling Objects: Be aware of your surroundings in the forest. Branches and cones can fall from great heights.
- Navigation: Cell service is extremely limited. Carry paper maps and let someone know your hiking plans.
- Coastal Hazards: Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves, strong currents, and cold water temperatures make swimming dangerous.
- Weather Preparedness: Dress in layers and carry rain gear regardless of the forecast. Coastal weather can change rapidly.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve this ancient ecosystem by following these principles:
- Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive understory plants
- Pack out all trash, including food scraps
- Leave natural objects where you find them (no collecting redwood cones, branches, etc.)
- Respect wildlife by observing from a distance
- Minimize campfire impacts by using only designated fire rings
Important: It is illegal to collect any plant material, including fallen redwood burls or cones, within the park. These items are crucial parts of the forest ecosystem.
Cultural Respect
The park and surrounding areas are the ancestral lands of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ and Yurok peoples. These tribes maintain strong cultural connections to the land:
- Respect any posted areas that may be culturally significant
- Visit the Yurok Country Visitor Center in Klamath to learn about indigenous perspectives
- Support Native-owned businesses in the region
Visitor Comments About Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
“A spiritual experience walking among giants! The Damnation Creek Trail took my breath away—literally on the climb back up, but the descent through different forest zones to the ocean was magical. Worth every step.”
“Perfect mix of forest and coastline. We spent three days camping at Mill Creek and barely scratched the surface. The rangers were incredibly knowledgeable, and we saw Roosevelt elk grazing near our campsite each morning.”
“Bring rain gear even in summer! We visited in August and experienced everything from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons to light rain. The changing weather created amazing photography opportunities as light filtered through the trees.”
Practical Travel Tips
Morning fog is common year-round in the redwood forest
What to Pack
- Layered Clothing: Even summer days can begin cool and foggy
- Waterproof Jacket: Essential year-round for coastal mist and rain showers
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Many trails are muddy and uneven
- Binoculars: For wildlife viewing and coastal whale watching
- Refillable Water Bottle: Limited water sources on trails
- Flashlight/Headlamp: The dense canopy creates dark conditions even during daylight
Planning Essentials
- Park Map: Available at visitor centers or download before arrival
- Offline Maps: Download Google Maps offline for the region
- Cash: Some smaller establishments don’t accept cards
- Full Gas Tank: Gas stations are limited in the area
- Reservations: Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance for summer
- Park Fees: $8 day-use fee per vehicle
Local Insights
- Visitor Centers: Stop at the Crescent City Information Center for maps and ranger advice
- Photography: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light
- Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk provide the best opportunities
- Accessibility: Limited accessible trails; check with rangers for current options
- Connectivity: Download entertainment before arrival; cell service is minimal
Cruise the Northern California Coast
Crescent City serves as a port for coastal cruises exploring the Pacific Northwest. Consider combining your redwoods adventure with a scenic cruise along the dramatic coastline.
Ready for Your Redwoods Adventure?
The dramatic Pacific coastline at sunset from Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Ready to walk among ancient giants? With misty trails, roaring coasts, and skies pierced by redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park isn’t just a park—it’s a living cathedral. These ancient trees have stood witness to centuries of history, and now they await your visit.
Whether you’re seeking solitude on a foggy forest trail, the thrill of discovering tide pool creatures, or simply the humbling experience of standing beside a living being that predates the Roman Empire, Del Norte Coast Redwoods offers experiences that will remain with you long after you’ve returned home.
Pack your layers, charge your camera, and prepare for wonder. The redwoods are calling.
Start Planning Your Journey Today
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