The first time I visited Redwood National Park was a little after college graduation. I was visiting my friends in San Francisco, and we took a day trip to the park from Eureka on the Northern California coast. It was just after Labor Day but the always-active days of summer were winding down; we didn't have to fight the masses. Part of me wishes we'd made the trip during prime season, but the peaceful atmosphere of September was nice since it felt like we were exploring this majestic place by ourselves.
1. Hike the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail is a 42.6-mile trek that takes you from the ridgeline of the park down to the ocean’s edge. It’s a great trek for hikers of all skill levels and can be done in four days or less if you’re on a tight schedule. The best time to hike it is during fall because most of the trees will have changed color by then. 2. Visit Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park Just north of Redwood National Park lies Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, which was named after explorer Jedediah S. Smith who explored northern California in 1826 and discovered several groves of redwoods there (and elsewhere). The park has three visitor centers including one at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, where you can learn more about Jedediah Smith as well as other aspects of this unique ecosystem like its history and unique characteristics such as tannin leaching (which gives it its dark appearance). 3. See the redwoods The Redwood National and State Parks have plenty of hiking trails, but if you want to see the tallest trees in the world, it's best to go during the winter months when many of them are without leaves. The tallest known tree in the world is a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) named Hyperion that was discovered in 2006 and stands 379 feet tall. It is located within Redwood National Park near Crescent City, California. The other famous tall trees in the park include Helios and Icarus, which are both around 370 feet tall. 4. Go Camping Near a Creek Redwoods are known for their massive size and height, but did you know they also grow near creeks? There are several campsites located near creeks in Redwood National Park where you can pitch a tent and enjoy some peace and quiet while listening to the water flow by. You'll feel like you're camping in an old-growth forest! 5. Drive Through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Prairie Creek is home to one of the oldest groves of redwood trees on Earth — some trees date back as far as 2,200 years old! The park also features several short trails that follow boardwalks through towering redwoods, as well as paths leading down to a beach along Prairie Creek where visitors can go swimming or fishing during summer months (there's no swimming during winter months). Also, Read This: Where Should I Stay When Visiting The Redwoods National Forest?
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