📍- Redwood National and State Parks, California
It took us a year of exploring the United States to find our favorite forest in Redwood National and State Parks. This unique woodland, ethereal and haunting, is tucked away in the northernmost corner of California where it waits to put visitors under its spell of enchantment. Simply saying that the redwood forests here are beautiful does not do this place any sort of justice. To walk amongst the redwoods is to be swallowed by a sea of ferny vegetation, constantly mesmerized by the trunks of the rust-colored watchmen that guard the sacred land around you. Impossibly large, you simply can’t help but crane your neck to try and catch sight of the treetops, most of which hide from view as they disappear into the heavens.
If the forest calls to you as it does to me, your attention will likely be directed toward marveling at the giant beings guarding the sacred land around you, causing you trip over a few more trail encroaching roots than usual. If you take a moment of stillness, you can expect to hear nothing more than the rhythmic tapping of a Pileated Woodpecker, the murmur of a slow-flowing stream, or perhaps a mysterious rustle in the nearby brush that motivates you to not stay still for very much longer.
The land of Redwood National and State Parks is mother nature’s masterpiece and rapidly became one of our favorite places in the United States after traveling for a little over a year. And yet, overshadowed by its big brother, Sequoia National Park, many people overlook the Redwoods when planning to tour the west coast national parks. While Redwood National Park may not own the largest tree in the world, or be an easy drive from iconic destinations like Yosemite, it is more than worth a detour to explore this spellbinding park, all the same.
After spending a week in the redwoods, and stealing every spare second we could to explore its landscapes, we feel like we’ve uncovered the best things to do at this underrated national park. So, if you’re headed to the park anytime soon, or if you’re trying to decide if a trip to the redwoods is for you, keep reading to learn about the 9 best activities that you should do in Redwood National and State Parks.
