The Redwoods National and State parks are made up of many different areas. It’s easier to get an understanding of the area before I tell you about all the amazing sights to be seen while visiting some of the tallest trees on the planet. There are 3 parks that make up the state park portion of the redwoods.

1. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
2. Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park
3. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Last, but not least, is the Redwood National Park area. All of these areas are completely mesmerizing, but our personal favorite was Jedidiah Smith. I will go into more detail later on.

Wildlife

Roosevelt Elk are commonly sighted in meadows and yards across the area. They have dark longer hair on their back and neck mimicking a kind of mane. While majestic in their vastness, these elk can be extremely aggressive, so maintaining a good distance is always wise. We were fortunate enough to come across these beautiful creatures many times throughout our week here. At one point, when visiting Praire Creek Redwoods State Park where the “Lost World” of Jurassic Park was filmed, we came across so many elk that we could not cross the trail. We ended up detouring and having an early picnic dinner on the beach, where more elk came to join. We were able to watch them from afar and finally when they retreated from our trail we were able to make our hike we had planned.

Banana slugs are common among damp wooded areas, such as the temperate rainforests of Washington. However, they can also be found among the redwoods. We personally came across two on our adventures and were blown away to see something so brightly colored among the decay of fallen wood. We were fascinated with them until finding out a fun little fact…

FUN FACT: Banana slugs, though about the size of an index finger, have 27,000 teeth… YIKES.

Snails are another common gastropod found in the redwoods. I believe this to be a pacific sideband snail. Although, I am not a snail expert of any sort. Sideband snails seems to be a commonly found in the Redwoods. However, this particular one has a different shell than those photographed. If you happen to know more, please educate me in the comments.

Just down the road from our incredible campground was an amazing spot for viewing sealions and seals playing in the surf. Just as the sun begins it’s descent, the wildlife begin to play. The sea lions jump into the crashing waves and arch their backs on the sandy beaches, while the birds swoop and fly in hopes of catching their evening meal. It’s absolutely mesmerizing, even without the inclusion of the landscape. Down on this beach one can enjoy an evening fire, while taking in these breath taking views. We have found more and more often that the most impactful places in nature are those off the beaten path, unknown to many.

On our return to camp, we happened across a delapidated house on the side of the road. Upon the edge of the roof, closest to our truck, stood a brazen black bear. I yelled “BEAR!” My husband slammed on the breaks, all of us flying forward, as my son screamed RAWRRRR! The windows wide open, the bear looked straight at us and ran to the opposing side of the roof where I captured a photo. He seemed to be abling about the roof looking for food, as there was smoke coming from the chimney. What a wild experience?! I’m still kicking myself of not catching a photo when he was so very close. Regardless, that intense moment will stay with us all for a very long time.

Mountain Lions are another animal that frequents the area. Signs on hiking trails indicate to make sure small children do not fall behind the group, as mountain lions are known for taking off with small stragglers. One day, I decided to head off on my own, as I really needed a break from the kiddos. Sometimes the smallness of the camper and the intensity of two small children can be a little overwhelming, to state it modestly. I headed off for a hike in the Redwoods. Knowing that mountain lions were in the area, I chose a trail that left from the visitor center. It was my assumption that leaving from a populated area would allow me little likelihood of being alone and in danger on the trails. Unfortunately, I did not pick the most populated trail.

While hiking along, I was alone for quite some time. As I turned to head up a steep hill, I heard a strangled growl that was unlike any sound I have ever heard. It put the fear of God in me. I stopped in my tracks scanning the area. Thankfully, I have the skills to know how to react when approached by different wildlife. I’m even more thanful I didn’t have to use those skills, as the sound was far below and despite my waiting and lack of movement I did not hear it again. I went along my way slowly, but just little noises scared the bejesus out of me from there on out. I warned fellow hikers as I passed and made my way to the end of the trail. Once I reached the end of the trail, I recalled that I was on an out and back trail. I was not going to dare chance coming across the mountain lion again and detoured my way back to the visitor center using my map and a different trail. Warning to all: Don’t go out alone in mountain lion country. No matter how populated you believe the trail to be. Always bring bear spray or pepper spray. Last, make sure you keep your map with you, even if you know the trail. It just might happen that you have to take a brief little detour.

Nature

Redwoods grow right off the pacific coast with rocky coastline that breaks off into tumultuous waves. The water rarely looks tempting to get in, as the temperatures remain fairly cool here. Dense fog hangs onto the trees like a blanket and it is so very calming with the absence of sound absorbed by the thick moisture and moss. On occasion, we would have sunny days where the light would play through the giant trees and the vibrant greens of the forest would show off their hues. Writing this is like poetry, I think I’ve fallen in love with this region…

Trails

Fern Canyon located in Prairie Creek Redwoods SP

This trail is located just off the pacific ocean and is where parts of the Jurassic Park 2 “New World” movie was filmed. The walls of the canyon are approximately 50ft high and are completely concealed by a coverage of ferns and moss. The valley has water running through with fallen trees laying about for log jumping. The entire hike is absolutely breath taking, but specifically entertaining for the little ones. Rain boots or water proof hiking boots are a must. Personally, my favorite part of the canyon was the water dripping from the mossy walls. In some parts, the water cascades down the walls in small water falls, catching the light, glistening as it falls. I can’t possibly recommend this trail more. With one exception, please beware of the Roosevelt elk. As I mentioned earlier, a herd of elk have a pasture between the ocean and the hiking trail where they bed down. They tend to crowd near the trail and can be very aggressive if approached. We attempted to begin our hike and when thwarted by the elk, we headed out to the beach for a picnic dinner before returning to the trail and completing our hike. The secluded beach was beautiful and a perfect backdrop for an amazing sunset as we headed home.

Jediadiah Smith Redwoods

The Jediadiah Smith Redwoods stood out as our favorite portion of the parks simply because of the seclusion of the woods. While most of the park areas were bursting with people, this place was a haven of quiet and streaming sunlit paths. Our particular trail, Stout Grove, could not be accessed directly due to road construction. We parked and walked the extra length to reach the trail access, which likely diverted many of the tourists. The wild ferns are the primary ground cover that absorb sound as the trees reach to the skies. While we do not recommend biking this trail, bikes did provide an easy way to get the kids to the trailhead.

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

While we did not take time to hike Del Norte Coast Redwoods, we embraced the beach views and soaked up the wild calm of the ocean.

Accomodations

Klamath River RV Park is hands down the best RV park we have stayed at to date. The views are superb with the Klamath river running adjacent to the campground. There are fire pits and adirondack chairs out by the water for relaxing views of the river. The majority of their sites allow for waterfront views and the staff are more than accomodating for any and all things. As full timers, we occasionally need to do maintanence on our vehicle. Gary, the one of the owners, not only allowed us to work on our vehicle, but even asked if we needed any help! The staff are always around chatting with campers and are so helpful with all questions. They provide extremely clean restrooms and laundry room, with free reading materials and a waiting and folding area. They have a playground for kids with unique play equipment and even a coffee shop for mom and dad. Their front store offers any necessities and warns of the mysterious bigfoot, who may be spotted nearby. We are so thankful to have had such a wonderful stay at their resort and HIGHLY recommmend any campers looking for accomodations to seek them out at https://klamathriverrvpark.com/

Nearby attractions

Tridad, California is one of those places you happen upon and get totally wrapped up in, never wanting to leave. The town falls off into the ocean and leaves you wanting more. The jagged cliffs, wildflower beaches, and expansive skies are overwhelming in their intensity. I came here on my own. I sat and absorbed this scene photographed below. I was intoxicated. The following day I brought the entire family back to this magical place where we explored tide pools and the sea creatures of the area. I highly recommend a detour to this town, if you ever get a chance to see the Redwoods.

The redwood region has surpassed all other areas we have visited thus far. If you have yet to visit, do not let this place pass you by. Your bucket list is not complete without having seen the california redwoods. Do your soul a favor and walk the path of the giants. Come join us next time as we make our way into the state of Oregon.