Richardson Grove State Park

Richardson Grove is a protected forest spanning about 2000 acres with coastal redwood stands along the South Fork of the Eel River in northern California. Networks of trails lead through dense groves of trees that are several centuries old, creating a fully forested landscape.

The area was established as a protected park in 1922, named after California Governor Friend Richardson, marking an early effort to preserve these forests from logging. This designation came during a time when such protections were relatively uncommon in the state.

The coastal redwood groves hold deep meaning for people connected to this region, representing ancestral lands and a living link to the past. Visitors walking beneath these trees often experience a sense of their significance beyond just their age.

The park offers camping options in different sections and numerous trails varying in difficulty for visitors of different experience levels. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions, with moderate temperatures and good walking conditions throughout the groves.

US Route 101 runs directly through the forest, creating its narrowest section along the entire highway from California to Washington. The road threads between the massive tree trunks, offering drivers an unusual experience of traveling through old-growth redwood forest.

Location: Humboldt County

Inception: 1922

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Address: US 101

Phone: +17072473318

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=422

GPS coordinates: 40.01670,-123.80000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42