{"id":1808,"date":"2022-11-01T19:53:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T19:53:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casago.com\/redwood\/?p=1808"},"modified":"2025-02-10T21:19:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T21:19:09","slug":"our-guide-to-redwood-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quotes.casago.com\/redwood\/our-guide-to-redwood-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Guide to Redwood National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Redwood National Park astounds visitors worldwide with some of the tallest and oldest trees. Situated on over 139,000 acres, the prospect of visiting can be overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n

For this reason, we created our guide to Redwood National Park. We’ve done the heavy lifting to provide you with an information-rich resource to help you better plan your getaway.<\/span><\/p>\n

This national park is one of the most remarkable destinations on the West Coast — or anywhere in the country! One reason it’s so popular is that it’s a day’s\u00a0<\/span>drive or a short flight<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Redwood National Park is open year-round, summer is the most popular time to visit. This is due to the sun being the sunniest from June through August and the coastal climate and trees keeping temperatures moderate. For a less crowded experience, visit during May, September, and October.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter when<\/span> you decide to visit, each season offers unique perspectives, opportunities, and adventures on a\u00a0<\/span>Casago Redwood<\/span><\/a>\u00a0vacation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Amazing Redwood Trees<\/h2>\n

The biggest draw to this iconic park is the Redwoods. While they grow along the coasts of Northern California and Oregon, those at Redwood National Park are astounding. They date back to BCE times, are coniferous, and can reach 300′ in height with a circumference of 20′!<\/p>\n

Another reason the redwood attracts visitors is because it’s the tallest tree in the world. But you probably figured that out based on the 300′ height. Equally impressive is the root system. A typical redwood’s roots are only 6 to 12 feet deep, which isn’t deep considering their height. To create the strength to withstand windstorms and floods, it extends its roots up to 100′ outward.<\/p>\n

Did you know redwoods grow in circles called “fairy rings” or “family circles”? This phenomenon is a result of younger trees sprouting from the parent. The intertwining roots provide additional strength and nutrients, enabling the “family” to grow.<\/p>\n

Naturalists and biologists flock to the redwoods to witness the ecosystems within the branches high off the ground. Due to the redwood’s size and age, its shed leaves collect on the branches, where dust and water accumulate. \u00a0Eventually, this becomes soil and is the genesis of a mini-ecosystem. Scientists have discovered ferns, moss, lichen, huckleberries, and even other full-sized trees thriving in the canopies of redwoods.<\/p>\n

All these fantastic facts add to the redwood’s allure, attracting visitors worldwide.<\/p>\n

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Getting to Redwood National Park<\/h2>\n

The park is located along the Northern California coast, approximately equidistance from Portland, San Francisco, and Sacramento.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you decide to drive from either city, plan on the trip taking 5.5 hours, not including rush hour traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>flights<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from either city are short, and the closest airport to Redwood National Park is Eureka\/Arcata Regional Airport (ACV). United Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo service this regional airport.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you secure your rental car, plan on a half-hour drive from ACV to Redwood National Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lodging in Redwood National Park<\/h2>\n

Camping is the only lodging available in the park, with four developed campsites and seven designated backpacking sites along the 200 miles of trails.<\/span><\/p>\n

The developed sites are\u00a0<\/span>Jedediah Smith<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Mill Creek<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Gold Bluffs Beach<\/span><\/a>, and\u00a0<\/span>Elk Prairie Campground<\/span><\/a>. Each has unique features and amenities, and some accommodate RVs. To protect the bark, hammocks and ropes are not allowed in the trees, so plan accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during the busy summer season. Contact information is on any of the above links.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seven backpacking sites along the extensive trail system let you immerse yourself in nature away from the busier developed sites. These are for those seeking a rugged, off-the-grid experience with limited cell service. Be advised that these sites are in bear and mountain lion country, and help in an emergency is far away. They also don’t have drive-up access, so you’ll need to hike, bike, ride horseback, or raft to your site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before heading out, you’ll need a\u00a0<\/span>free permit<\/span><\/a> and should review the safety guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

If camping isn’t your thing, there are hotels in Eureka, Arcata, and Trinidad. Additionally, Casago offers several short-term rentals in\u00a0<\/span>Eureka<\/span><\/a> and\u00a0<\/span>Arcata.<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

Trinidad is further north and on the coast. It offers higher-end hotels, bread and breakfasts, small resorts, and\u00a0<\/span>Casago rentals<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you stay in an RV, tent, hotel, or Casago rental, visiting the Redwood National Park will be one of the highlights of your vacation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tour Redwood National Park by Car<\/h2>\n

Exploring Redwood National Park by car is possible year-round, ideal for those who can’t hike, and keeps you warm and dry should the weather change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your first stop should be at any of the five visitor centers: Hiouchi, Jedediah Smith, Crescent City, Prairie Creek, and Thomas H. Kuchel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, you can get a map and talk with park rangers, who are a wealth of information. They have insight regarding what areas are closed, must-visit places to see, and animal and flora updates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, select any of the eight top drives at Redwood National Park! These include:<\/span><\/p>\n