Humboldt Redwoods State Park
About
What It Is
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a California state park located in southern Humboldt County, roughly 30 miles south of Eureka, accessible via U.S. Route 101 and the Avenue of the Giants [2]. Established in 1921 through the efforts of the Save the Redwoods League, largely on land purchased from the Pacific Lumber Company, it has grown to 51,651 acres and is now the third-largest park in the California State Park system [2]. The park contains Rockefeller Forest, recognized as the world's largest remaining contiguous old-growth coast redwood forest, with 17,000 acres of old-growth redwoods encompassing the entire Bull Creek watershed [2]. It is named after the nineteenth-century German scientist Alexander von Humboldt [2].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can drive the 32-mile Avenue of the Giants, an auto tour with eight stops through park highlights [2]. The park offers more than 100 miles of hiking trails, including the Founders Grove Nature Trail, which passes the fallen Dyerville Giant and the standing Founders Tree [2]. Additional activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming in the South Fork Eel River [2]. Guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and environmental learning programs are also available [1].
The park is home to over 100 of the 137 known trees exceeding 350 feet in height, all coast redwoods, as well as the Stratosphere Giant, the fourth-tallest measured living redwood at 370.5 feet [2]. Wildlife present includes black-tailed deer, gray foxes, Steller's jays, and raccoons, among others [2].
Practical Access
The park sits 45 miles south of Eureka along the Avenue of the Giants and 20 miles north of Garberville, with U.S. Route 101 providing the primary road connection [1][2]. Vehicle day-use entry costs USD 8.00, with various California State Parks annual and discount passes accepted [1]. The park is open year-round; the Visitor Center is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between May and September, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from October through April [1].
Camping is available across nearly 250 sites, including equestrian, tent, group, hike-and-bike, and remote options [1][2]. Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia, with a maximum stay of 15 nights at individual sites and 2 consecutive nights at hike-and-bike sites [1].
Restrictions
Dogs are not permitted on trails; service animals are excepted [1]. Camping is allowed only in designated areas [2]. The park is prone to fire hazards, which may affect access or activities [2]. Prescribed burns have been planned in the park, and visitors should check current conditions before visiting [1].
What Makes It Distinctive
Humboldt Redwoods State Park contains the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coast redwood forest on Earth, a distinction no other park holds [2]. More than 100 of the world's known tallest trees — all coast redwoods exceeding 350 feet — grow within its boundaries, including the Stratosphere Giant, currently the fourth-tallest measured living tree of any species [2]. Only 5 percent of old coastal redwood forests remain globally, making the park's 17,000 acres of old-growth redwoods an irreplaceable ecological reserve [2]. The combination of a scenic auto route, an extensive trail network, and direct river access gives the park a range of experiences unusual for a single destination of this type [1][2].
Sources
- Open year-round
Access & fees
- vehicle day use $8.00
Things to do
- camping
- drive the 32-mile avenue of the giants
- fishing
- hiking
- horseback riding
- junior ranger activities
- kayaking and canoeing
- mountain biking
- nature and landscape photography
- picnicking
- ranger-led nature walks and interpretive programs
- swimming
- walk among ancient coast redwoods
- wildlife and birdwatching
Before you go
- fees subject to change
- fire hazard risk
Amenities
- ev charger locations
- picnic areas
- restrooms and outdoor showers
- visitor center with exhibits
Best time to visit
- may–september
Events & seasons
- burlington campfire program
- redwood ecology nature walk
Features
- 100+ miles hiking trails
- avenue of the giants drive
- founders grove nature trail
- largest old-growth redwood forest
- stratosphere giant tree
- total park area
Nearby
- eureka, ca
- garberville, ca
- u.s. route 101
Good to know
- campsite reservations
- dogs banned on trails
- if you only have a few hours, drive the avenue of the giants and walk founders grove.
- park open year-round
- reservations 6 months ahead
- visitor center hours vary
Photos
