01
Quick redwood immersion
Gould Grove Nature Trail
Near Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center Just North Of Phillipsville • Short, Flat Redwood Grove Loop • Best Roadside Leg-Stretcher
A mellow loop right off Avenue of the Giants that lets you walk among giant trees with almost no effort.
Gould Grove is the go-to stop when you want an authentic redwood walk but do not have much time. The loop is wide, mostly level, and close to the road, so it works well for mixed-ability groups or a quick walk before dinner. Watch for early-morning fog and evening light, when the filtered sun makes the grove feel especially cinematic.
02
Essential redwoods classic
Founders Grove Nature Trail
North Of Phillipsville Off Avenue Of The Giants • Iconic Interpretive Redwood Grove Trail • Best First-Time Redwoods Stop
A short but spectacular loop that shows off some of the tallest and most photogenic trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Founders Grove is where many visitors finally grasp just how big these forests really are. The signed nature trail makes it easy to learn a bit of history and ecology while you wander between massive trunks and toppled giants. Go early or late in the day to dodge mid-day crowds and hear the grove at its quietest.
03
Deep-woods river wander
Rockefeller Loop and Bull Creek Flats
Bull Creek Area West Of Avenue Of The Giants • Big-Tree Riverbottom Loop Network • Best Half-Day Redwood Immersion
Linked loops along Bull Creek that combine towering old-growth, river views, and a real sense of being away from the highway.
Starting from the Rockefeller Forest area, you can stitch together short loops or a longer wander along Bull Creek Flats without repeating much scenery. The trail rolls gently under some of the park's most impressive old-growth, with constant glimpses of the creek and lush understory ferns. It is a great pick when you want more than a quick grove stroll but do not feel like a steep climb.
04
Moody fern-filled escape
Drury-Chaney Trail
Myers Flat, A Short Drive North Of Phillipsville • Shady Out-And-Back Redwood Corridor • Best For Quiet, Contemplative Walks
A hushed, mossy trail where the highway noise fades fast and the forest feels particularly intimate.
The Drury-Chaney Trail trades big viewpoints for atmosphere, with dense ferns, downed logs, and a soft tread underfoot. It is long enough to feel like a real walk but gentle enough for most casual hikers, especially if you turn around when you are ready. Cloudy days and light rain suit this trail perfectly, deepening the greens and muting the sounds even more.
05
Serious climb, serious payoff
Grasshopper Peak Trail
Albee Creek Area On The Park's Western Side • Steep Summit Day Hike Through Mixed Forest • Best Workout And Views
A demanding climb from the redwoods up to wide-open ridges with big views over Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Grasshopper Peak is the hike locals mention when you ask where to go for a real challenge near Phillipsville. The trail starts in shaded forest and then breaks onto higher, more open slopes, giving you a sense of how the ecosystem changes with elevation. Bring plenty of water, start early, and plan on tired legs and a grin when you tag the summit and look back over the sea of trees you just climbed above.