01
Immersive redwoods classic
Boy Scout Tree Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods, East Of Crescent City • Deep Old-Growth Forest Trail • Classic Redwoods Experience
A winding, moderately strenuous trail that plunges you into some of the most impressive old-growth redwoods in the region.
This out-and-back trail feels like a full immersion in the redwood world, with towering trunks, thick ferns, and soft, needle-covered tread underfoot. Expect roots, occasional mud, and a steady grade that rewards you with quiet, cathedral-like groves far from road noise. Plan several hours so you can slow down, look up often, and make the Boy Scout Tree itself a true destination rather than a rushed turnaround.
02
Most dramatic forest-and-coast combo
Damnation Creek Trail
Redwood National Park, South Of Crescent City • Steep Coastal Redwood Canyon Hike • Best Dramatic Scenery
A short but demanding trail that drops through dense redwoods toward a cliffside overlook above the pounding surf.
Damnation Creek packs a lot into just a few miles, with misty redwoods, lush undergrowth, and sudden glimpses of the coastline far below. The grade is sustained and can be slick, so it feels like a real workout despite the modest distance. Even if lower sections or the old bridge are closed, the forest and high viewpoints still make this a standout hike on a clear or foggy day.
03
Best quick coastal fix
Enderts Beach via Coastal Trail
South Of Crescent City, Enderts Beach Area • Short Bluff Walk To Pocket Beach • Best Tidepooling And Quick Views
A brief walk along a seaside bluff that drops to a tucked-away beach with classic North Coast views.
From the small parking area, a gentle path follows the bluffs with wide views of offshore rocks and shifting fog before leading down to the sand. At lower tides you can explore tidepools and driftwood, then climb back to the overlook for an easy sunset or fog-watching outing. It is an ideal pick when you want big scenery without committing to a long or technical hike.
04
Easiest in-town option
Crescent City Coastal Trail
Crescent City Waterfront • Paved Multi-Use Oceanfront Path • Most Accessible Option
A mostly level shoreline path that strings together beaches, viewpoints, and harbor scenes right from town.
The Coastal Trail lets you walk or bike beside the surf without leaving Crescent City, making it perfect for evening strolls, birdwatching, or stretching your legs between road miles. Sections take you past Battery Point Lighthouse, tide-washed rocks, and grassy picnic spots, with plenty of benches to stop and watch waves or harbor activity. The smooth surface and gentle profile make it friendly for families, casual walkers, and anyone needing an easy-access coastal experience.
05
Wild and windswept escape
Tolowa Dunes State Park Trails
North Of Crescent City Near Lake Earl • Sandy Dunes And Wetlands Wander • Quiet Wildlife Escape
A network of sandy paths and old tracks that leads through rolling dunes, wetlands, and out toward a broad, uncrowded beach.
Tolowa Dunes feels more remote than its drive time suggests, with big skies, low dunes, and the chance to spot elk, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Trails are less formal here, so expect soft sand, occasional puddles, and a choose-your-own-adventure feel rather than a signed loop. It is a great choice when you want solitude, room to roam, and a different side of the North Coast than the towering redwood groves.