Exploring the Ancient Giants: Our Journey Through the Redwoods National & California State Parks
Our recent adventure took us to the awe-inspiring Redwoods National and California State Parks in Humboldt County, California. Nestled in the heart of towering ancient giants, our four-night stay in McKinleyville offered the perfect base to explore both the northern and southern sections of this incredible park. From tranquil hikes to the discovery of hidden canyons and majestic wildlife, every moment spent among these ancient trees felt like stepping back in time.
Base Camp: McKinleyville We chose to stay in McKinleyville, a cool little city that provided easy access to the park's major attractions. Its central location allowed us to explore both the northern and southern sections without the need for long drives. McKinleyville itself is a charming town, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking through the redwoods. The town’s close-knit community vibe, coupled with its proximity to the rugged coastline, made it an ideal base for our trip.Day 1: The Tall Trees Grove Hike One of the highlights of our trip was the hike to Tall Trees Grove, located just outside Orick, CA. Access to this trail requires a special permit, which we were fortunate enough to obtain. The hike is renowned for its seclusion and the sheer size of the ancient redwoods that line the trail.The experience was surreal. As I ventured alone along the trail, the towering trees created a canopy so dense that even when it began to rain, the water droplets barely reached the forest floor. It felt like a world untouched by time. Anna, exhausted from the previous day's activities, stayed back, so I had the rare opportunity to be completely immersed in the tranquility of the forest. The end of the hike brought a light rain, but under the shelter of the giants, it was hardly noticeable—a gentle reminder of the forest's protective embrace. Meanwhile, Anna mentioned it had been raining at the parking lot for quite a while, but I was oblivious, lost in the serenity of the redwoods.Lunch in Trinidad: Beachcomber Cafe After the hike, we headed to Trinidad, a quaint seaside town just south of McKinleyville. We stopped at the Beachcomber Cafe for lunch, where we enjoyed a delicious meal. The cafe is known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and its cozy atmosphere. The combination of great food and stunning ocean views made this a memorable stop on our journey.Exploring Fern Canyon One of the most exciting parts of our trip was exploring Fern Canyon. After speaking with rangers in Orick, we learned that we could access Fern Canyon after 5 pm without a permit. We set off and arrived around 6:30 pm. The sign at the gate warned that it would be locked half an hour after sunset, but we weren’t deterred. We parked outside the gate and walked the additional 1.25 miles to the trailhead.On our way to the trailhead, we were greeted by a large elk grazing just 8-10 feet from the road. It was a breathtaking encounter; the elk seemed unfazed by our presence, calmly eating while occasionally glancing up to see what we were up to.Fern Canyon itself is a magical place, its walls covered in lush, green ferns that create an almost prehistoric atmosphere. The canyon has been featured in several movies, and it’s easy to see why—it's like stepping into another world. The trail through the canyon includes several short plank bridges over a stream, but be warned—the planks flex, and your feet will likely get wet. The canyon’s fallen trees, which form large X shapes across the path, add to the otherworldly feel.Day 2: Avenue of the Giants The following day, we drove the famous Avenue of the Giants, a 40-mile scenic drive that winds through some of the most majestic redwoods in the park. This drive is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Along the way, we took several small hiking trails, each offering a unique perspective on the massive trees that make this park so special. Walking among these giants is a humbling experience, reminding us of the incredible power and beauty of nature.Additional Information & Directions:Tall Trees Grove: To reach the trailhead, drive north on Highway 101 from McKinleyville for about 20 miles until you reach Bald Hills Road. The road is narrow and winding, but the scenery is spectacular. Follow Bald Hills Road for about 16 miles until you reach the Tall Trees Access Road. A permit is required to access this trail, which can be obtained online or at the park visitor center in Orick.Fern Canyon: Fern Canyon is located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, about 8 miles north of Orick. After leaving Highway 101, follow Davison Road to the Fern Canyon parking area. If you arrive after 5 pm, you can park outside the gate and walk the additional 1.25 miles to the trailhead. Keep in mind that the gate closes half an hour after sunset.Avenue of the Giants: This scenic drive is accessible from Highway 101, about 45 minutes south of McKinleyville. The route is well-marked, with several pull-offs and parking areas where you can stop to explore the redwoods up close. Some popular stops along the way include Founders Grove, the Immortal Tree, and the Drive-Thru Tree.Our trip to the Redwoods National and California State Parks was an unforgettable experience. From the peaceful solitude of the Tall Trees Grove to the cinematic beauty of Fern Canyon and the grandeur of the Avenue of the Giants, every moment spent among these ancient giants was magical. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to soak in the beauty of nature, the Redwoods offer something for everyone. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible park.