Standing at the base of a sierra redwood tree can prove to be a life changing experience. At average heights between 250 and 300 feet tall, redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, as tall as the Statue of Liberty. The Redwood National Forest offers 200 miles of hiking trails lacing through prairies, old-growth redwood forests and along beaches. Maintained by the U.S. National Park Service or NPS, it protects 37 miles of rugged California coastline open year-round to hikers. Trails are sectioned into North, South and Coastal trails.
About the Northern Trails
The northern trails start along Highway 199 near Hiouchi in Crescent City and ending at the Klamath River. The Park offers 24 northern trails along the coast, the river and deep into the woods. Choose a northern trail based on how long you would like to walk and through what areas of the forest. The Hatton-Hiouchi Trail, for example, is a 1.2-mile trail ideal for families or larger groups who want to take photos and enjoy a general swath of the forest without too much physical strain.
A Couple North Trails
The River Trail, located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, offers hikers a brief mile hike at a moderate difficulty level. Prepare to hike a few steeper climbs but do not expect extreme hills. During the summer, when the river cuts into the forest, you can watch the water flow beside the old-growth redwoods.
If you are up for a challenge, hike the Mill Creek Horse Trail located in the Redwood National Park. A 7.75-mile trail, the hike is strenuous with steep hills and switchbacks. Look forward to weaving through areas of red alder and second-growth redwood forest feeling the immensity of the woods.
About the Southern Trails
If you want to experience wide prairies, expansive beaches and sun-splintered forest-scapes, choose a southern trail. Offering a variety of difficulty levels, these trails let hikers choose directions on the path. For instance, if you plan to travel with a larger group with children, choose the short but moderately uphill path, the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail. At just 0.3 miles, the trail allows children or older hikers to enjoy the lush scenery without too much strenuous exercise.
A Couple Southern Trails
If you want the option of having a pause while you walk, choose The Ossagon Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. The 1.8 mile hike is fashioned like an old road winding through the dense second-growth forest. Passing through campgrounds and a secluded beach, you can stop for a picnic lunch or set up a tent for the night.
For hikers craving a longer excursion, take the Rhododendron Trail. This 6.3-mile trail is ideal in mid-spring and early summer when you can see the bright pink and red blooms in the green tree-shade. Photographers and artists especially enjoy this trail for its exquisite lighting.
Coastal Trails
While the Redwood Forest is known predominantly for the trees, the coastal trails offer 70 miles of adventurous paths along the jagged Pacific coastline. Walking along a coastal bluff, you can spot soaring seagulls, hear crying sea lions and maybe catch the distant sound of a gray whale spout. The trails lead to secluded beaches and ancient rocks.
The Demartin Section trail, for example, is a 6-mile scenic route offering some steep grades and switchbacks. Travel through grand old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and redwoods along the way.
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