Planning a Trip

Getting There

The southern gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks is the town of Orick. Even though U.S. 101 runs right through the middle of town, you can't miss it anyway: Look for the dozens of burl stands along the road. Carved with chisels and chain saws, these former redwood logs have been transformed into just about every creature you can imagine. The northern gateway to the park is Crescent City near the Oregon border. It's your best bet for a cheap motel, gas, fast food, and outdoor supplies.

Visitor Information

In Orick you'll find the Redwood Information Center, P.O. Box 7, Orick, CA 95555 (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5265), one of California's rare examples of well-placed tax dollars. Stop here and pick up a free map; it's open daily from 9am to 5pm. If you missed the Orick center, don't worry: About 10 miles farther north on U.S. 101 is the Prairie Creek Visitor Center (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5300), which carries all the same maps and information. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm in summer, daily from 10am to 4pm (sometimes later) in winter.

Before touring the park, pick up a free guide at the Redwood National and State Parks Headquarters and Information Center, 1111 Second St. (at K St.), Crescent City, CA 95531 (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5064). It's open daily from 9am to 5pm.

If you happen to be arriving via U.S. 199 from Oregon, the rangers manning the Hiouchi Information Station (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5067) and Jedediah Smith Visitor Center (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5113) can also supply you with the necessary maps and advice. Both are open daily in summer from 9am to 5pm, and in winter when staffing is available. For more information about the Redwood National and State Parks, visit the website at www.nps.gov/redw.

Fees & Permits

Admission to the national park is free, but to enter any of the three state parks (which contain the best redwood groves), you'll pay a $6 day-use fee, which gains you entry into all three. The camping fee is $20 per night for drive-in sites. (Reservations are highly recommended in summer.) Walk-in sites are free, though a permit is required.

Ranger Programs

The park service runs interpretive programs -- covering phenomena from trees to tide pools, legends to landforms -- at the Hiouchi, Crescent Beach, and Redwood information centers in summer months, and year-round at the park headquarters in Crescent City. State rangers lead campfire programs and other activities throughout the year as well. Call the Parks Information service for both the national and state parks (tel. 707/464-6101, ext. 5265) to get information on current schedules and events.