Tucked away near the small town of Redway in Humboldt County, John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Natural Reserve protects 1,164 acres of ancient coast redwood forest in California’s legendary Redwood Country. This state natural reserve—a designation reserved for lands of outstanding ecological significance—offers visitors an intimate encounter with some of Earth’s tallest and oldest living organisms.

What sets this reserve apart is its pristine, undeveloped character. Unlike busier redwood parks, Dewitt remains a quiet sanctuary where towering redwoods create cathedral-like canopies overhead, filtering sunlight into soft green rays that illuminate fern-carpeted forest floors. The reserve’s relatively remote location means you’re likely to share the trails with more banana slugs than fellow hikers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the reserve through hiking and nature observation, with opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and simply absorbing the profound stillness of an old-growth forest. The dense understory supports diverse plant life including rhododendrons, which bloom spectacularly in late spring.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when weather is mildest and trails are most accessible. Summers bring coastal fog that keeps the forest cool and mystical. Winter visitors should prepare for rain and muddy conditions, though the forest takes on a dramatic beauty in wet weather.

Come prepared with sturdy footwear, layers for variable temperatures, and a willingness to slow down. This isn’t a place to rush through—it’s a place to breathe deeply and remember what wilderness feels like.

Explore Nearby

• Cape Mendocino Light — Lighthouse in California
• King Range National Conservation Area — Public Land
• King Range Wilderness — Public Land in California
• Punta Gorda Light — Lighthouse in California
• Zane’s Ranch Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in California