Tucked away in Del Norte County near Crescent City, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park protects over 10,400 acres of old-growth coastal redwoods—some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. Named after the legendary mountain man who explored this region in 1828, this park offers an immersive experience among ancient giants that tower 300 feet or more into the misty sky.

What sets Jedediah Smith apart is its pristine, undeveloped character. Unlike more trafficked redwood destinations, you’ll find genuine solitude here. The Smith River—California’s last major free-flowing river—winds through the park, creating stunning contrasts of emerald water against rust-colored bark and fern-carpeted forest floors.

Hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. The Stout Memorial Grove Loop offers wheelchair-accessible paths through magnificent old-growth stands, while the Boy Scout Tree Trail rewards dedicated hikers with towering specimens in cathedral-like settings. Fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the Smith River draw summer visitors, and wildlife watching yields sightings of Roosevelt elk, black bears, and countless bird species.

Summer and early fall bring the most accessible conditions, though the forest transforms beautifully in winter when rainfall intensifies the green palette and river flows strengthen.

With a stellar 4.9/5 rating from over 4,000 visitors, expectations run high—and the park delivers. Come prepared for cool, damp conditions year-round, pack layers, and plan to linger. These trees have stood for millennia; they deserve more than a quick stop.

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