10 National and State Parks in the US Where You Can See Ancient Redwoods

Redwood trees, renowned for their towering heights and ancient lineage, are among the most majestic natural wonders in the world. Found primarily along the coastlines of California and Oregon, these iconic giants belong to the species Sequoia sempervirens and can live for over 2,000 years. With origins tracing back to prehistoric times, redwoods once covered vast regions of the Northern Hemisphere but are now largely confined to protected areas. Their staggering heights, often exceeding 300 feet, and massive trunks inspire awe and reverence. If you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone seeking serenity, you will definitely be happy witnessing ancient redwoods at these ten national and state parks in the US.

Redwood National Park, established in 1968, is located along California’s northern coast. It was created to protect the remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, which had been significantly reduced by logging activities.

You can witness the beautiful Tall Trees Grove, home to some of the tallest known redwoods, and the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, named in honor of the former First Lady, wife of Lyndon B. Johnson, one of the most notable democratic presidents in US history. The park also features diverse ecosystems, including prairies, oak woodlands, and 40 miles of untamed coastal landscapes, supporting a rich array of wildlife, such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, and marbled murrelets.

2. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California

A highlight of the park is Fern Canyon, a lush, fern-draped gorge recognized as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway provides a picturesque drive through old-growth forests, while the Big Tree Loop offers an accessible trail showcasing some of the park’s most impressive trees.

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows, and the park’s diverse ecosystems support species like the tailed frog and several types of salmon.

3. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Del Norte County was established in 1929.  The park safeguards over 10,000 acres of pristine coastal redwoods, with many trees surpassing 300 feet in height and living for more than 1,000 years.

When you visit this state park, you’ll be drawn to the iconic Stout Memorial Grove, a serene loop trail surrounded by colossal redwoods bathed in golden light. For the adventurous, Howland Hill Road offers a rugged drive through the heart of ancient forests, where towering trees frame the narrow, scenic route. The Grove of Titans, a hidden gem, houses some of the largest trees by volume, their immense trunks shrouded in moss and ferns.

Also, the Smith River winds through the park, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and quiet reflection. Wildlife, from black bears to river otters, thrives here.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, established in 1925, spans over 31,000 acres along California’s rugged northern coastline. This park uniquely combines ancient coastal redwood forests with eight miles of wild Pacific shoreline, offering visitors a diverse natural experience.

A significant portion of the park is covered by old-growth redwoods, some towering over 300 feet and living for more than a millennium. The Damnation Creek Trail provides hikers with a journey from the dense redwood groves down to the dramatic coastal cliffs, showcasing the park’s diverse ecosystems.

In 2002, the park expanded with the addition of the 25,000-acre Mill Creek watershed, enhancing its ecological diversity and making it California’s fifth-largest state park. This area offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation, with species such as black bears, Roosevelt elk, and various bird species inhabiting the region.

Take in sweeping views of the ocean from the Crescent Beach Overlook, a prime spot for whale watching during migration seasons.

5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

Nestled in Northern California, Humboldt Redwoods State Park was established in 1921. It spans over 53,000 acres, making it California’s third-largest state park. The park is home to the world’s largest contiguous old-growth coastal redwood forest.

Avenue of the Giants, a 32-mile scenic drive that winds through towering redwoods, can be found in this charming park. It offers you the chance to see the iconic ancient forests. As for the Rockefeller Forest, located within the park, it’s the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in the world, showcasing the majesty of these ancient giants.

For those seeking adventure, the park offers over 100 miles of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The South Fork of the Eel River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and picnicking along its serene banks.

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park, preserving over 18,000 acres of ancient coastal redwood groves nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was established in 1902 and is home to the Redwood Loop Trail, a gentle path that winds through some of the park’s most impressive trees, including the Mother of the Forest and Father of the Forest.

For those seeking a tougher expedition, the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail offers a 30-mile journey from the park’s highlands down to the Pacific Ocean, showcasing diverse ecosystems along the way.

The park also features several waterfalls, such as Berry Creek Falls, accessible via a strenuous hike that rewards visitors with stunning views. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter black-tailed deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.

7. Muir Woods National Monument, California

This park is a sanctuary for ancient coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), some towering over 250 feet and exceeding 1,000 years in age. Located just north of San Francisco in Marin County, California, this 554-acre monument, founded in 1908, offers visitors a tranquil retreat into nature’s grandeur.

The park boasts a system of trails ideal for various fitness levels. The Main Trail Loop is a popular choice, providing an accessible path through the heart of the redwood grove. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Ben Johnson and Dipsea Trails offer a moderate hike with rewarding vistas of the forest canopy.

If you’re a wildlife fan, you may encounter species such as black-tailed deer, northern spotted owls, and banana slugs, all thriving within this protected ecosystem. The park’s diverse flora includes not only the majestic redwoods but also a variety of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers that carpet the forest floor.

This hidden gem nestled along California’s Van Duzen River was established in 1943. Spanning approximately 430 acres, this secluded park offers visitors an intimate experience with ancient coastal redwoods, some towering over 300 feet.

One of the most significant parts of the park is the Cheatham Grove, added in 1984, which features a serene loop trail through majestic redwoods. This grove gained fame as a filming location for the forest moon of Endor scenes in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

The park offers approximately five miles of hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. The Memorial Trail Loop provides a moderate hike through diverse forest landscapes, while the Fisher Wouk Trail offers a shorter, accessible walk among towering redwoods.

The Van Duzen River, which flows alongside the park, provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and picnicking along its serene banks.

9. Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve, California

Located along California’s Highway 101, four miles north of Leggett, Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve is home to the Frank and Bess Smithe Grove, featuring majestic old-growth redwoods that have stood for centuries.

A notable feature of the reserve is the 60-foot waterfall, Dora Creek Falls, which cascades gracefully amidst the towering trees. The South Fork of the Eel River winds through the park. It offers chances for fishing and swimming in its serene waters.

When you’re there, make sure to check out a picnic area nestled among the redwoods. It’s such a peaceful setting to relax and marvel at the natural surroundings. The reserve’s easy accessibility makes it an ideal stop for travelers seeking a brief yet enriching experience with California’s iconic redwood forests.

This 1958-established park is found along the Chetco River in southern Oregon. It was named in honor of Alfred A. Loeb, a Portland businessman who, in 1948, sold 160 acres to the State Board of Forestry and Save the Myrtle Woods, Inc., aiming to protect the area’s native myrtle trees and diverse vegetation.

You can explore the Riverview Nature Trail, a 0.75-mile path that meanders through a grove of ancient myrtlewood trees, some over 200 years old, and leads to the northernmost coastal redwood grove in the United States. The park’s 53 campsites and three rental cabins offer accommodations nestled among these majestic trees.

The pristine Chetco River offers excellent fishing, swimming, and rafting opportunities, renowned for its exceptional fall and winter salmon and steelhead fishing along the southern coast.