Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Tucked along the Van Duzen River near Carlotta in Humboldt County, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park packs an outsized experience into its 430 acres. This is one of the last remaining old-growth redwood groves in California that you can practically have to yourself — far from the crowds that flock to the bigger parks along the coast.

The park’s centerpiece is the Cheatham Grove, a cathedral-like stand of ancient redwoods so stunning it served as a filming location for Return of the Jedi. Walking beneath these towering trees, some over 300 feet tall, delivers the same jaw-dropping scale as Redwood National Park but with a fraction of the visitors.

Hiking trails wind through old-growth and second-growth forest, ranging from easy nature loops to moderate riverside paths. The Van Duzen River runs along the park’s edge, offering swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off during warm summer months, plus seasonal fishing for steelhead and salmon. Birdwatching is excellent here, with pileated woodpeckers, varied thrushes, and marbled murrelets frequenting the canopy.

Summer through early fall is the best window to visit, when river levels are ideal for swimming and fog burns off by midday. Spring brings lush fern understories and wildflowers but expect rain.

With a 4.5-star rating across 273 reviews, Grizzly Creek consistently earns praise for its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained trails. It’s a strong pick for anyone wanting an intimate redwood experience without the tourist infrastructure of the larger North Coast parks.

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