01
Best easy redwood walk
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Redwood National Park Near Orick • Classic Redwood Grove Loop • Easy First-Timer Pick
A short loop through misty old-growth redwoods that feels surprisingly remote for such an accessible trailhead.
If you’re making your first redwood stop after leaving Weitchpec, this is a gentle way to dive in. The loop is mostly level, with wooden footbridges, interpretive signs, and huge trees crowding in on all sides. Fog often lingers here, so bring a layer and plan extra time for photos—you’ll want it.
02
Best mix of falls and wildlife
Trillium Falls Trail
Elk Meadow, Redwood National Park • Forest Loop With Waterfall And Meadow Views • Best For Wildlife Watching
A moderate loop that pairs a ferny waterfall with prime chances to spot Roosevelt elk grazing nearby.
Starting near the open fields of Elk Meadow, this trail quickly tucks into deep forest and climbs steadily toward Trillium Falls. The waterfall itself is modest but framed by mossy rock and dense ferns, making it a great turnaround point if you’re short on time. Walk the meadow edges before or after your hike to look for elk, especially in the cool hours of morning and evening.
03
Best forest-to-beach outing
Ossagon Trail
Southern Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park • Shaded Forest Trail To Wild Beach • Best Coastal Escape
A rewarding out-and-back that drops from redwood forest down to a quiet stretch of sand and sea stacks.
From the inland trailhead, the path winds beneath tall redwoods and along lush gullies before gradually descending toward the coast. The final approach opens onto wide, usually uncrowded beachfront where you can wander among driftwood and watch the surf. Remember that the return trip is mostly uphill, so pace yourself and leave time to climb back before dark.
04
Best all-day adventure
James Irvine Trail and Fern Canyon Loop
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Interior • Long Redwood Trek With Narrow Fern-Lined Canyon • Best For Experienced Hikers
An immersive full-day hike that strings together deep redwood forest and the famous, water-carved walls of Fern Canyon.
Starting from the Prairie Creek visitor area, the James Irvine Trail heads into some of the park’s quietest old-growth, with long stretches of rolling singletrack under massive trunks. Linking the route with Fern Canyon adds creek crossings and close, dripping canyon walls that feel almost otherworldly. It’s a big outing with real elevation change, so it suits those comfortable being out for several hours with food, water, and layers.
05
Best summer river corridor hike
Redwood Creek Trail from Tall Trees Grove
Redwood National Park, Tall Trees Access Road • Backcountry-Style River And Sandbar Walk • Best For Adventurous Explorers
A choose-your-distance outing along a broad river corridor, where sandbars, swimming holes, and towering bluffs steal the show.
From the Tall Trees trailhead, you drop through redwoods to reach the cobbled banks of Redwood Creek and then follow the river upstream on sand and gravel. On warm days, hikers spread out along the bars to picnic, wade, and explore side channels framed by high canyon walls. Water levels and access rules change with the seasons, so check conditions in Orick or with rangers before planning a longer push up the corridor.