Scenic Drives Through the Redwoods National and State Parks
Wether you are just passing through or staying awhile to explore the Redwoods National and State Parks these six scenic drives (plus a bonus one!) will leave you inspired and in awe. These incredible scenic drives take you through ancient redwood forests, the expansive coastline, prairies, and oak woodlands.
If you will be driving an RV or pulling a trailer make sure to check on the type/size advice and restrictions.
Check out the Current Conditions page on the Redwood National and State Parks website for the updated info on roads & the park.
For a complete guide to exploring the California Redwoods read,
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE REDWOODS NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS (HIKES, SCENIC DRIVES, AND MORE!)
Best Scenic Drive in Jedediah Smith State Park
1. Howland Hill Road
Distance & Duration: 10 miles, one way (From Crescent City to junction with U.S. 199, Hiouchi, Calif.). Takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Where do I even begin?! This was our favorite scenic drive we did through the Redwoods. The road is narrow at times and is unpaved but it sure is beautiful! We drove very slowly and admired all the tall trees on either side of us. A couple times we even pulled off to get out and take pictures because the trees were just overwhelmingly beautiful! This road is an alternate route and provides entry to Boy Scout Trail, Stout Gove and other great hiking trails.
If you’re on a motor home or trailer then it’s advised to not go on this road.
Best Scenic Drives in Del Norte Coast State Park
2. Enderts Beach Road
Distance & Duration: 2 1/4 miles, one way (From Crescent City to Enderts Beach Road) Takes 5 minutes to complete.
This is a great short drive to view elk, to do some whale watching, see amazing coastal views and picnic at the Crescent Beach Picnic area. Make sure to stop at the Crescent Beach Overlook for some beautiful views.
The road is paved but RVs and trailers are not advised to go beyond the Crescent Beach picnic area.
3. Coastal Drive (Loop)
Distance & Duration: 9 miles, round trip (From Klamath, Calif drive south on US 101 and exit Klamath Beach Road, follow signs to Coastal drive). Takes about 45 minutes to complete.
This is a mostly paved, one-way road that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Klamath River. You can enjoy whale watching, the ocean views or picnics at the overlooks. Make sure to make a stop at the High Bluff Overlook and check out the World War II radar station that was disguised in the 1940s to look like a farmhouse and barn.
Motorhomes/RVs and trailers are prohibited.
Best Scenic Drives in Prairie Creek State Park
4. Newton B. Drury Parkway
Distance & Duration: 10 miles, one way ( Take exit off of U.S. 101 for Newton B. Drury Parkway). Takes about 20-30 minutes.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is an alternate rout to U.S. 101 and passes right through the old-growth redwood forest in Prairie Creek State Park. Along the way there are pull outs for hikes, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, and Elk Prairie Campground. You’ll be able to see beautiful old-growth redwood forest as well as the resident herd of Roosevelt Elk that make their home in the state park.
5. Davison Road
Distance & Duration: 7 miles, one way ( Take exit for Davison Road, 2 1/2 miles north of Orick, Calif on U.S. 101). Takes 30 minutes to compete.
This road is mostly unpaved and can get very bumpy with all the pot holes. This road passes through meadows where you can see grazing Roosevelt Elk, second-growth redwood forest, Gold Bluffs Beach and finally Fern Canyon. It’s great drive to go on if you want to spend time at Gold Bluffs Beach or hike the beautiful Fern Canyon.
There’s a kiosk where you will have to pay a day fee of $8 but its free if you have the America the Beautiful Access Pass or the California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass.
Motorhomes, RVs and trailers are prohibited.
Best Scenic Drive in Redwoods National Park
6. Bald Hills Road
Distance & Duration: 17 miles, one way (From U.S. 101 to Lyons Ranch trailhead). Takes 45 minutes to complete.
Bald Hills Road is a great scenic drive to do for a peaceful and beautiful drive. This road gives you access to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail and the Tall Trees Grove Trail which are beautiful trails to go on to see more of the Redwoods National Park. The drive features redwoods, oak woodlands, prairies where you can spot some wild elk, and the Redwood Creek Overlook which provides gorgeous views. In addition, you can see all the effort being done to repair the damage done by the timber industry.
Bonus: A Scenic Drive Through a Redwood Tree
As a bonus, experience a scenic and exciting drive through a Redwood tree at one of these three locations.
Klamath Tour Thru Tree is located in the town of Klamath, Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is located in the town of Myers Flat and Chandelier Tree in the Drive-Thru Tree Park is located in the town of Leggett. There is a minimal fee to drive through the trees, so be prepared.
Planning Your Trip To The Redwoods National and State Parks
We hope that this has been a helpful guide for your scenic drives through the Redwoods National and State Parks. These drives will not only leave you in awe but also have you planning a trip back!
If you need more inspiration or ideas, follow us on our Instagram @thatoneadventurecouple!
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our Adventure Newsletter where we feature all our favorite travel spots and tips!
If you visit the Redwoods in California, let us know by tagging us in your pictures on Instagram #thatoneadventurecouple #idratherplayoutside!
1 Comment
Top 5 Best California State Parks to Camp In
September 16, 2020 at 11:07 pm[…] […]