Soft Adventure Majestic Redwood Forests of Del Norte County Itinerary

A woman stands in awe of the majestic redwoods in Del Norte County.

The ancient coast redwood ecosystem preserved in the parks of Del Norte County contains some of the planet's most majestic forests. Redwood trees are an American icon, the tallest trees in the world. These amazing complex forests, where trees frequently stretch skyward over 300 feet, beg for exploration.

Walking through a redwood grove on a fog-shrouded morning can be an unforgettable experience. Sounds are reduced to the musical gurgle of water trickling among ferns and mossy rocks. Light ebbs with the somber mist and shafts of sun hang like cobwebs. Stillness and peace weave their spells upon the adventuring traveler.

Soft Adventure Redwood Forest Itinerary Day One: The Howland Hill/Hiouchi Loop

• Head out on Howland Hill Road from Crescent City for a spectacular drive through old growth redwoods in Redwood National and State Parks.

• Stop at the Nickerson Ranch trailhead and stretch your legs on a comfortable 2-mile walk along Mill Creek, over a moss covered bridge, finish on Howland Hill road back to your vehicle.

• Proceed east to Stout Grove and the easy .5-mile walk through the river bottom grove of tremendous trees.

• Continue east, following signs and through the covered bridge to Hwy. 199 and head west.

• In Hiouchi, plan a lunch break or buy lunch and head for the picnic area in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, just west of town. Lounge among giant trees beside the Wild and Scenic Smith River. A little warm? Plan a cooling dip in the river. There isn’t a more beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

• As you head back to Crescent City, top off your redwood experience with a stroll in the one-mile Simpson-Reed Nature Trail where you will encounter large redwoods, octopus trees (hemlock), and many redwood-associated plants.

Soft Adventure Redwood Forest Itinerary Day Two: Klamath Redwoods

• Plan to spend the morning at Trees of Mystery, maybe you will be greeted by Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox. Enjoy experiencing giant redwoods from the forest floor or aboard the Sky Trail, high up on the canopy. Be sure to catch the End of the Trail Museum, an extensive collection of Native American artifacts.
• How about a drive through the base of a giant redwood? Head south on Hwy. 101 to the Klamath Tour-Thru Tree off the Terwer Valley exit.
• For a magnificent mix of ocean views and redwood forest cross south of the Klamath River on Hwy. 101, take the first exit. Turn west to the mouth of the Klamath River and the Coastal Drive. You get off the beaten path on this adventure! This 8-mile rough and tumble road winds past expansive Pacific Ocean views. Look through binoculars at the massive off shore rocks to spy thousands of seabirds nesting. Whales, sea lions, and pelicans are often seen on this journey. (Recreational vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on Coastal Drive).
• At the southern end of the Coastal Drive one can turn north and soon catch Hwy 101 back toward Klamath. An outstanding option is to turn south and capture the incredible Newton-Drury Parkway that traverses 7 miles through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park until it intersects with Hwy. 101. Numerous short (and longer) hikes off the parkway offer wonderful options to get out in an inspiring old growth redwood forest and maybe see an elk or two in Elk Prairie.
• As you return north, not to be missed is the awesome Klamath River overlook, mixing a vista of ocean and river mouth often teeming with wildlife. Travel west on Requa Road from Hwy. 101 and maybe see whales, sea lions, osprey, and more, along with the spectacular view.
• Top off the day with an ocean sunset from along Hwy 101. Try the short walk to the beach at the Yurok Loop Trail for a private show, or park at one of the many overlooks like at Wilson Creek or Vista Point above Crescent City.

Soft Adventure Redwood Forest Itinerary Multi-Day: Sleep Among The Ancient Trees

• For a memorable multi-day experience in the heart of an ancient redwood forest try camping at the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. The location of the Jed Smith campground is about perfect. In the summer the mixing of the cool coastal fog and warm inland temperatures creates an idyllic environment of moderate temperatures. In the winter, the campground is shielded from the intensity of Pacific storms by coastal hills and the redwood forest. In addition, the campground’s location next to the beautiful Smith River that teems with wildlife creates a wonderful place to camp. People have used this area for thousands of years.
• In the summer a footbridge is installed across the Smith River that allows easy access to spectacular Stout Grove and the Mill Creek and Hiouchi trails. And fishing, the Smith River is world renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs. This is a classic camping experience in the truest sense.