Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are a group of protected areas in Humboldt County and Del Norte County in northern California that stretch along the Pacific coast. The protected lands include dense forests of ancient coast redwoods, fog-draped valleys, wild river estuaries, and coastal sections with rock formations.

The protection of these forests began in 1968 when the American government declared a new national park and incorporated three existing California state parks. The initiative emerged in response to decades of heavy logging that had destroyed large portions of the original stands.

The coastal forests served for centuries as a vital living space for indigenous communities who hunted, fished, and held ritual ceremonies here. Many traditional paths and clearings still bear witness to this long history of use and the close bond between people and trees.

The numerous hiking trails lead through different vegetation zones, from coastal prairies to shaded valleys, and sometimes require sturdy footwear due to slippery roots and rocks. Visitor centers along the main access roads offer maps, information on current trail conditions, and notices about wildlife sightings.

Beneath the canopy of the tallest trees develops its own ecosystem where rare ferns, mosses, and even small amphibians grow and live in branch forks. These hanging gardens form because organic material accumulates over centuries in the upper stories.

Location: Humboldt County

Location: Del Norte County

Inception: October 2, 1968

Operator: National Park Service

Part of: California Coast Ranges Biosphere Reserve, Redwood National and State Parks

Phone: +17074646101

Website: https://nps.gov/redw

GPS coordinates: 41.52917,-124.05833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:27