Did you know that Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park shelters coast redwood trees that have stood for over 1,000 years, with some reaching heights of 91 m (300 feet)? This hidden gem in Northern California spans just 430 acres but offers an intimate experience with ancient giants that few other redwood parks can match. While larger parks often steal the spotlight, Grizzly Creek’s secluded groves provide something increasingly rare in today’s world – the chance to stand alone among towering redwoods in perfect silence, especially on weekdays when you might be the only visitor in an entire grove.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is located 32 km (20 miles) southeast of Eureka on Highway 101, then 27 km (17 miles) east on Highway 36. The park sits along the Van Duzen River in Humboldt County, California. The nearest town is Carlotta, with the exact address being 16949 Highway 36, Carlotta, CA 95528.
If you’re flying in, the closest major airports are in Eureka (30 km/19 miles) and Redding (160 km/100 miles). From either location, you’ll need to rent a car as public transportation to the park is limited.
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Best Time to Visit Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
The park is open year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures ranging from 21-27°C (70-80°F), making it ideal for swimming in the Van Duzen River and camping. This is also peak tourist season, though Grizzly Creek remains less crowded than other redwood parks.
Spring (April-May) showcases wildflowers and lush greenery with temperatures between 15-21°C (60-70°F). Fall (September-October) offers pleasant hiking weather with fewer visitors and temperatures similar to spring.
Winter (November-March) sees temperatures drop to 4-10°C (40-50°F) with significant rainfall (up to 165 cm/65 inches annually). While camping may be less appealing, the misty redwood groves take on a magical quality during this season.
| Season | Temperature | Precipitation | Crowd Level | Recommended Activities |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 21-27°C (70-80°F) | Low | Moderate | Swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 15-21°C (60-70°F) | Moderate | Low | Hiking, photography, fishing |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 4-10°C (40-50°F) | High | Very Low | Photography, short hikes, solitude |
| Spring (Apr-May) | 15-21°C (60-70°F) | Moderate | Low | Wildflower viewing, hiking, bird watching |
Plan Your Perfect Season Visit
Secure your accommodations early, especially for summer visits when camping spots fill quickly.
Getting Around Locally
The park is relatively small at 430 acres, making it easy to explore on foot. There are 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of hiking trails that connect the various redwood groves. The main campground area is within walking distance of the visitor center, picnic areas, and trailheads.
If you’re planning to visit nearby attractions like Humboldt Redwoods State Park or the Victorian village of Ferndale, you’ll need your own vehicle. There is no public transportation or shuttle service within the park or connecting to nearby destinations.
For those with limited mobility, the visitor center and some picnic areas are accessible, but most trails require navigating uneven terrain. The Cheatham Grove trail is one of the more accessible options with a relatively flat path.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to fully experience Grizzly Creek and the surrounding redwood region.
Where to Stay
Camping in the Park
The park features 30 single-family campsites nestled among the redwoods along the Van Duzen River. Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate. Facilities include drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers. Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 9 m (30 feet) in length.
Camping fees are approximately $35 per night. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months and can be made up to 6 months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system.
Nearby Accommodations
If camping isn’t your style, several lodging options are available within a 30-minute drive:
- Redcrest Resort (16 km/10 miles) – Cabins among the redwoods
- Fortuna (24 km/15 miles) – Various hotels and motels
- Ferndale (32 km/20 miles) – Historic B&Bs and Victorian inns
- Ancient Redwoods RV Park (16 km/10 miles) – Full hookup RV sites
- River’s Edge RV Park (27 km/17 miles) – Riverside RV camping
Sleep Among the Giants
Book your stay early to secure the best camping spots or nearby accommodations.
Dining & Local Cuisine
There are no dining facilities within Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, so visitors should come prepared. The park offers several picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills, making it perfect for a forest meal. The main picnic area is located near the visitor center and includes tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
For groceries and supplies, the nearest options are in Carlotta (5 km/3 miles) and Fortuna (24 km/15 miles). Fortuna offers a wider selection of grocery stores, including Safeway and local markets where you can stock up on camping essentials.
If you’re looking for restaurants, Fortuna and Ferndale provide the best options within a 30-minute drive. Local specialties include fresh seafood, particularly salmon and Dungeness crab when in season. The region is also known for its artisanal cheeses, local craft beers, and wines from the nearby Eel River Valley.
Camper’s Tip
The campground has food storage lockers to protect your supplies from wildlife. Always store food properly and never leave it unattended at your campsite.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Redwood Groves
The park features four distinct redwood groves, with Cheatham Grove being the crown jewel. This exceptional stand of coast redwoods was what inspired Owen R. Cheatham, founder of Georgia-Pacific Corporation, to preserve the area. Film enthusiasts might recognize Cheatham Grove as a filming location for scenes in “Return of the Jedi” from the Star Wars series.
Hiking Trails
The park offers 7.2 km (4.5 miles) of hiking trails that wind through ancient redwood groves and along the Van Duzen River. The Nature Trail is a family-friendly 1 km (0.6 mile) loop that showcases the diverse plant life. For a more immersive experience, the Cheatham Grove Trail provides a 1.6 km (1 mile) loop through one of the most pristine redwood stands in the region.
River Activities
The Van Duzen River flows alongside the campground, offering excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking during summer months. The river features several swimming holes with sandy beaches and shallow areas perfect for families. Anglers can try their luck catching steelhead and salmon (seasonal fishing regulations apply).
Enhance Your Redwood Experience
Discover guided tours and activities that will make your visit to Grizzly Creek and surrounding redwood areas unforgettable.
Visitor Center & Educational Opportunities
The park’s visitor center offers a wealth of information about the ecology and history of the redwood forest. Interactive exhibits explain the life cycle of coast redwoods, the park’s diverse wildlife, and the cultural history of the area. A small bookstore sells field guides, nature books, and souvenirs.
During summer months, the park hosts evening campfire programs at the outdoor amphitheater. These ranger-led talks cover topics ranging from redwood ecology to local wildlife and are suitable for all ages. Check with the visitor center for the current schedule upon arrival.
For families with children, the Junior Ranger program provides educational activities that help young visitors learn about and appreciate the natural environment. Activity booklets are available at the visitor center.
Did You Know?
Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the tallest trees on Earth, with some specimens exceeding 110 m (360 feet). They can live for more than 2,000 years and are remarkably resistant to insects, fire, and rot thanks to natural tannins in their bark and wood.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
When visiting Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, safety should be a priority. The Van Duzen River can have strong currents, especially after rainfall, so always supervise children near the water. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk and avoid diving into unknown waters.
Wildlife encounters are possible, including black bears, though they’re rarely seen. Store food properly in provided lockers at the campground and never approach or feed wild animals. Poison oak is common in the understory, so learn to identify and avoid it.
Park Etiquette
- Stay on designated trails to protect sensitive ecosystems
- Practice “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash
- Observe quiet hours in the campground (10 PM to 6 AM)
- Keep pets on leashes no longer than 1.8 m (6 feet) at all times
- Do not carve into or damage trees in any way
- Respect other visitors’ space and experience
What to Pack
- Layers of clothing (temperatures can vary significantly)
- Rain gear (even in summer, coastal fog can create moisture)
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottles and food containers
- Flashlight or headlamp for nighttime navigation
- Camera with wide-angle lens for redwood photography
Visitor Comments About Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
“We discovered this hidden gem while driving through on Highway 36. Much less crowded than the more famous parks, we had entire groves to ourselves! The campsite along the river was peaceful and the evening ranger talk was fascinating for our whole family.”
“Cheatham Grove took my breath away. Standing among those ancient giants in complete silence was a spiritual experience. The trails are well-maintained and the visitor center staff provided excellent recommendations for our day hike.”
“We spent three days camping at Grizzly Creek and loved every minute. The swimming holes in the Van Duzen River were perfect for cooling off after hiking. Campsite #20 was spacious and private with beautiful redwoods overhead. Will definitely return!”
Practical Travel Tips
What are the park entrance and camping fees?
Day use fee is $8 per vehicle. Camping fees are approximately $35 per night for standard sites. Additional fees apply for group sites and environmental camps. Fees are subject to change, so check the California State Parks website for current rates.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months (June-August) and weekends. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through the California State Parks reservation system or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Yes, pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.8 m (6 feet) at all times. They are permitted in the campground, picnic areas, and on paved roads, but not on unpaved trails or in park buildings. Always clean up after your pet.
Is there cell phone service in the park?
Cell service is limited and unreliable within the park. It’s best to download maps and information before your visit and inform someone of your plans if hiking in more remote areas.
What nearby attractions are worth visiting?
Within a one-hour drive, you can visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park with the famous Avenue of the Giants, the Victorian village of Ferndale, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, and the coastal city of Eureka. The park is also a good stopping point on a longer redwood coast road trip.
Ready for Your Redwood Adventure?
Start planning your trip to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park today!
Experience the Magic of Grizzly Creek Redwoods
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park may be small in size, but it offers an authentic redwood experience that larger, more crowded parks often can’t match. The intimate setting allows visitors to forge a deeper connection with these ancient trees and the ecosystem they support. Whether you’re camping alongside the Van Duzen River, hiking through Cheatham Grove, or simply sitting in contemplation beneath a thousand-year-old giant, this hidden gem of California’s state park system promises memories that will last a lifetime.
As you plan your visit, remember that the true value of Grizzly Creek lies in its tranquility and natural beauty. Take your time, move slowly, look up often, and allow yourself to be humbled by the magnificent redwoods that have stood witness to centuries of history. Your adventure among the giants awaits!
The above is subject to change.
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