index

Redwood
National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks protect old growth coast redwoods, some of the world's tallest trees. Less well-known are the prairies and oak woodlands and the coastal and marine ecosystems. Three California state parks and the National Park Service unit represent a cooperative management effort of the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park was established on August 13, 1923; Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park on October 26, 1925; and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park on June 3, 1929. Redwood National Park was established in 1968 and enlarged in 1978. Together these parks are a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve protecting resources cherished by citizens of many nations.

VISITATION

Visitation is highest in June, July, August, and September and lowest in January.

LOCATION

Del Norte County and Humboldt County, California

ADDRESS

Redwood National and State Parks

1111 Second Street

Crescent City, California 95531

TELEPHONE

(707) 464-6101

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS

Redwood Information Center

Daily, year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Prairie Creek Visitor Center

Daily, summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; daily, winter: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Crescent City Information Center

Daily, year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Hiouchi Information Center

Daily, summer 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jedediah Smith Visitor Center

Daily, summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; daily, winter: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Summers are generally mild. Fog is often encountered near the coastline, with sunny, warmer weather more common inland in the foothills. Winters are generally cool with considerable precipitation.

Wear layers of clothing to accommodate cool to warm temperatures and good walking shoes. Rain protection should be included at any time of year.

DIRECTIONS

Redwood National and State Parks are situated along a long, narrow stretch of northern California coast, nearly abutting Oregon.

From the north, travel south 28 miles along U.S. 101 from Brookings, Oregon to headquarters in Crescent City, California. Jedediah Smith State Park is 4 miles northeast of Crescent City. Nearby Lake Earl State Park Project provides an excellent coastal wildlife refuge.

From the northeast, use Highway 199 from Grants Pass, Oregon. It is 47 miles to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and another 4 miles to U.S. 101 at the north endof Crescent City.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is south of Crescent City 4 miles along U.S. 101.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is south of Crescent City 25 miles along U.S. 101. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which exits U.S. 101, is a two-lane road which passes through Prairie Creek State Park to rejoin U.S. 101 further south. U.S. 101, meantime, remains a four-lane highway and climbs several summits.

From the south, travel north from San Francisco along U.S. 101 for 397 miles to Redwood Information Center, 2 miles west of Orick.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is north of Redwood Information Center past Orick 8 miles along U.S. 101.

TRANSPORTATION

To Park:

Visitors can make arrangements to fly into the Eureka-Arcata Airport, located in McKinleyville, 28 miles south of Redwood Information Center. Car rentals are available.

Transportation is almost exclusively by personal vehicle, although some tour companies stop at sites in Redwood National and State Parks.

In Park:

Once in the park foot, horse, and bicycle trails expand the travel possibilities.

FEES, COSTS, RATES

Park entrance:

There are no entrance fees for Redwood National Park sites. There is a usage fee at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park,and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Camping:

There are no camping fees for Redwood National park sites. There are camping fees at all state park campgrounds. Reservations are available up to 7 months in advance through PARKNET.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Information Centers:

Redwood, Prairie Creek, Crescent City, Jedediah Smith, and Hiouchi Information Centers provide information for Redwood National and State Parks.

Roads and Trails:

Over 200 miles of trails explore the various habitats of Redwood National and State Parks. A variety of paved and gravel roads provide access.

Programs and Activities:

Regularly scheduled ranger-guided programs are available during the summer.

Environmental education programs are offered during the spring and fall at two outdoor schools.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

Camping is available in and near Redwood National and State Parks. Lodging is available near the parks.

Food and Supplies:

Food and other supplies are available in and near Redwood National and State Parks

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Facilities and Opportunities:

Redwood Natural History Association and North Coast Redwoods Interpretive Association operate bookstores at five locations in Redwood National and State Parks.

Redwood Hostel (AYH) offers lodging within Redwood National and State Parks.

Accessibility:

All information centers are physically accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are not available. TDD phones are not available.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES

Four information centers are open throughout the year to help plan yourtrip. Driving scenic roads and walking trails are recommended. During the summer, partake of a variety of ranger-guided programs.

RESERVATIONS AND PERMITS

Reservations are strongly encouraged for camping in the state parks from May through September. Write or call

PARKNET:

P.O. Box 85705

San Diego, CA 92138-5705

1-800-444-7275

Backpackers must secure a free permit at any information center withinRedwood National and State Parks. A fee is charged for the backpack sites in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Animal-proof food canisters are available to borrow free-of-charge at Redwood Information Center.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Visit one of four information centers (five in summer).

See Elk Prairie or Klamath Overlook.

Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Gold Bluffs Beach, or Howland Hill Road.

Walk to Ladybird Johnson Grove, Tall Trees Grove, Big Tree, Yurok Loop, Enderts Beach, Stout Grove, or Simpson-Reed Grove.

Backpack along Redwood Creek or Flint Ridge.

VISITOR IMPACTS

Roads and trails can become impassable during wind and rain storms fromfallen trees and flooding, particularly during the winter months. RedwoodCreek Trail is impassable during high water; it is available during most of the summer and early fall. Consult our Electronic Visitor Center for moreinformation.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

Patricks Point State Park, Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Klamath Tour-Through Tree, Trees of Mystery. For information on local attractions,contact the Chambers of Commerce of Orick at (707) 488-2885 or Crescent City at (707) 464-3174.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, contact:

Redwood National and State Parks

1111 Second Street

Crescent City, CA 95531

(707) 464-6101

Developed by KIKAS Productions and Smitty Parratt at Redwood National and State Parks