Redwood National and State Parks
United States ·
Description
Coastal redwoods have grown in this California strip for 160 million years, surviving dinosaurs and glaciations. Hyperion, the world's tallest tree, measures 115.92 meters — taller than the Statue of Liberty with pedestal. Pacific fog nourishes these giants that can live 2,000 years. Walking among them is to shrink; silence becomes sacred while giant ferns cover a floor that hasn't known fire for centuries.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Redwood Parks protect the last extensive coastal redwood forests, the planet's tallest living organisms. The ecosystem documents unique environmental conditions where marine fog sustains forests of exceptional diversity with relict species from prehistoric eras.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Its exact location is kept secret to protect it. However, there are dozens of trees over 100 meters on accessible trails. The size is still overwhelming.
May-September has less rain, but summer can be crowded. Spring has rhododendrons blooming. Fall and winter are quieter but rainier.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove (easy, iconic), Tall Trees Grove (permit required), Fern Canyon (giant ferns, appeared in Jurassic Park), and the Avenue of the Giants (driving among giants).
Nearest airports are Arcata/Eureka and Crescent City. San Francisco is 6 hours driving along the spectacular Highway 101. A car is essential.
Campgrounds are the option inside the park (book ahead). The towns of Eureka, Arcata, and Crescent City have hotels and B&Bs.