Primeval Redwood Hikes

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park has dozens of trails that wind through primeval redwood forests. The six mile Last Chance Trail is a strenuous hike with steep grades and switchbacks that pass through red alder, Sitka spruce and old-growth redwoods. Back country camping is available at the Nickel Creek Primitive Camp. The Flint Ridge Trail, which climbs 4.5 miles through one of the finest old-growth redwood forests to ocean views, is also a strenuous hike with steep grades. Primitive camping is available at the Flint Ridge Camp.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park has dozens of trails that range from easy to difficult. Bull Creek Trail North takes hikers through the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in the world. The moderately difficult hike is about four miles each way and takes an average of four hours to complete. The Grasshopper Peak Trail is the most difficult hike in the park, and ascends 3,100 feet to give the hiker 100-mile views in every direction. Hikers should be in good shape to attempt this 13 mile hike, which takes about eight hours.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park has several trails that run through primeval redwood forests. Damnation Creek Trail is a four mile hike with an 1,100 foot elevation drop that runs along California Highway 101. The trail, which is often covered in fog, runs through a variety of pristine woodland environments in addition to old-growth redwoods. The trail ends at the ocean, where you can walk along a rocky beach. The DeMartin Trail, which is 12 miles long and climbs 2,400 feet, starts at the beach and climbs up into old-growth redwoods and meadows.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has 70 miles of hiking trails through old-growth redwoods. The trails range from one-half mile to 20 miles round trip. Many of the redwoods are taller than 300 feet, and some have reached 340 feet. The park has one developed campground and areas for primitive camping. The Gold Bluffs Beach trail is especially scenic. Elk, tailed frogs and salmon make their home in the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.