Tucked along the winding Navarro River in Mendocino County, this 727-acre park offers an intimate alternative to California’s more crowded redwood destinations. The park stretches for 11 miles along Highway 128 between Boonville and the coast, following the river through a stunning corridor of old-growth and second-growth redwoods.

What Makes It Special

Unlike larger redwood parks, Navarro River Redwoods feels refreshingly uncrowded. The combination of towering redwoods and the gentle Navarro River creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking solitude. The park’s linear layout along the river means you’re never far from the sound of flowing water, and the dappled light filtering through the canopy makes for exceptional photography.

Key Activities

Kayaking and canoeing the Navarro River are highlights, particularly in winter and spring when water levels are ideal. Fishing for steelhead (seasonal) draws anglers, while hikers enjoy trails that wind through fern-covered forest floors. Birdwatching is rewarding here—look for kingfishers, herons, and various songbirds along the riverbanks.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather, though winter visits reward you with fuller river flows and dramatic fog drifting through the redwoods. Summer mornings can be misty, burning off to pleasant afternoons.

What to Expect

Come prepared for variable coastal weather—layers are essential. The nearby town of Elk offers dining and supplies, and you’re just a short drive from the Mendocino coast’s dramatic headlands.

Explore Nearby

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• Point Arena-Stornetta Unit to the California Coastal National Monument — Public Land in California
• Point Arena Light — Lighthouse in California
• Little Darby Nature Trail — Public Land in California
• Mendocino National Forest — National Forest in California