Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park protects some of the tallest and most pristine old-growth coast redwood forests on Earth along the northern California coast. The park offers rare opportunities to walk among ancient trees in near-silence, paddle the Smith River through forested corridors, and experience one of the planet’s most extraordinary forest ecosystems just a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.
This guide explains what makes Jedediah Smith worth visiting, how to explore its trails and waterways, when to go, what to expect physically, and how to plan a visit that respects these irreplaceable groves.
What Is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Why Visit?
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a 10,000-acre protected area in Del Norte County, California, containing some of the last undisturbed coast redwood forests in the world. You visit to walk beneath canopies reaching over 300 feet tall, paddle the clear Smith River, explore quiet trails far less crowded than many California redwood parks, and witness an ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
Location and Access
The park sits roughly nine miles northeast of Crescent City, California, along Highway 199. You reach it by driving east from U.S. Highway 101 at Crescent City or by traveling north from the Eureka area on 101 and then inland on 199.
The nearest commercial airport is in Crescent City, though most visitors fly into Arcata-Eureka Airport about 80 miles south or Medford, Oregon, roughly 140 miles north. Public transportation to the park is extremely limited, so a personal vehicle is nearly essential for visiting.
Getting Around the Park
Jedediah Smith is a drive-and-hike destination. You park at designated trailheads along Howland Hill Road or near the Jedediah Smith Campground and explore on foot or by kayak or canoe on the Smith River.
Howland Hill Road, a narrow, unpaved scenic drive, provides access to several trailheads and offers close views of the redwood groves from your vehicle. The road is not suitable for RVs or trailers, and conditions can deteriorate in winter.
Best Things to Do in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Most visitors spend their time hiking forest trails, paddling the river, or driving Howland Hill Road. The park rewards those who take time to walk slowly, look up frequently, and absorb the scale and silence of the redwood groves.
Hiking the Trails
Jedediah Smith offers trails ranging from easy riverside walks to longer loops through dense forest. Trail conditions are generally excellent, though roots, uneven ground, and occasional muddy sections require attention.
- Boy Scout Tree Trail: A 5.3-mile round-trip hike leading to a notable double-trunked redwood, with lush fern understory and a quiet, immersive forest experience
- Stout Grove Trail: A short, flat 0.6-mile loop through one of the most photographed redwood groves in the park, accessible and suitable for most fitness levels
- Simpson-Reed Trail: A 1-mile interpretive loop near Highway 199 offering an introduction to redwood ecology with minimal elevation change
- Mill Creek Trail: A longer 7.6-mile loop combining old-growth forest with creek crossings and more varied terrain
Trails are generally well-marked, but carrying a park map is advisable. Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, so download maps or bring printed copies before arrival.
Paddling the Smith River
The Smith River flows through the park and is one of California’s few major undammed rivers. Kayaking or canoeing the calm summer stretches offers a unique perspective on the redwood forest from the water.
Most paddlers put in near the Jedediah Smith Campground and float downstream. Water levels vary seasonally, and the river can be dangerous during high flows in winter and spring, so check current conditions with park staff before launching.
Wildlife Watching
The park supports Roosevelt elk, black bears, river otters, banana slugs, and over 100 bird species. You may encounter elk grazing near trails or roadsides, especially in morning and evening hours.
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Black bears are active in the park, and proper food storage is required at campsites and parking areas. Never approach elk, which can be aggressive during calving and rutting seasons.
When to Visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The park is open year-round, but seasons bring significant differences in weather, river conditions, trail access, and visitor numbers. Your timing affects comfort, safety, and the experience you’ll have.
Summer
June through September offers the most reliable weather, with mild temperatures, minimal rain, and calm river conditions ideal for paddling. Trails are dry and easily navigated, and campgrounds are fully operational.
This period sees the highest visitation, though Jedediah Smith remains less crowded than Redwood National Park’s more accessible groves. Mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter.
Fall and Spring
October through November and April through May bring cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and fewer visitors. Trails remain open, and the forest takes on a lush, saturated quality after rains.
River levels begin rising in fall and can be unpredictable in spring, making paddling more challenging or impossible. Check current conditions before planning water activities during these months.
Winter
December through March brings heavy rain, high river flows, and the possibility of road closures or trail flooding. Some facilities, including campgrounds, may close or operate with limited services.
Winter visits reward hardy travelers with solitude and dramatic forest atmospheres, but require flexibility, waterproof gear, and readiness to alter plans based on weather. Verify road and facility status with California State Parks before winter trips.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options near Jedediah Smith range from in-park camping to lodging in Crescent City. Your choice depends on budget, comfort preferences, and how much time you want to spend in the forest.
Camping in the Park
Jedediah Smith Campground offers 86 sites among the redwoods along the Smith River, with restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Sites accommodate tents and small RVs, though size restrictions apply due to narrow access roads.
The campground typically operates from late spring through fall, with exact dates varying annually. Reservations are strongly recommended in summer and can be made through the California State Parks reservation system. Check availability and current operating dates before planning your visit.
Nearby Lodging
Crescent City, nine miles west, provides motels, hotels, and vacation rentals at various price points. Staying in town offers easier access to supplies, restaurants, and fuel while remaining close enough for daily park visits.
Klamath, about 25 miles south, and Brookings, Oregon, roughly 20 miles north, offer additional lodging options if Crescent City is fully booked or doesn’t meet your needs.
What to Bring
Preparation for Jedediah Smith depends on your planned activities, but certain items prove useful for nearly every visit. The coastal redwood climate stays cool and damp even in summer, and conditions change quickly.
- Layered clothing including a waterproof jacket regardless of season
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction for uneven, root-covered trails
- Printed or downloaded maps, as cell service is unreliable
- Water and snacks, as no food or drink is sold within the park
- Bear-proof containers or readiness to use provided storage if camping
- Binoculars for wildlife watching and viewing canopy details
- Camera with settings for low-light forest photography
If paddling, bring or rent appropriate watercraft, personal flotation devices, dry bags for valuables, and layered clothing that performs when wet. The Smith River remains cold year-round.
Fees and Permits
As of the most recent information, day-use parking at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park does not require a fee at most trailheads, though this may change. Camping fees apply at the Jedediah Smith Campground, with rates varying by site type and season.
Verify current fees, reservation requirements, and any permit needs with California State Parks before your visit, as policies and pricing are subject to change. Some combined passes cover multiple redwood parks in the area.
Safety and Responsible Visiting
Jedediah Smith is a wild area where your safety depends on preparation, awareness, and respect for natural hazards. The park’s beauty should not obscure real risks from wildlife, river conditions, weather, and forest terrain.
Trail and Forest Safety
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile understory plants and redwood root systems, which extend broadly but grow shallowly. Redwood roots are easily damaged by foot traffic, and compaction harms these ancient trees.
Watch for falling branches, particularly in wind or after storms. Dead wood, called “widowmakers,” can fall without warning from high canopy. Never climb on or carve into redwood bark, which damages living tissue and invites disease.
River Safety
The Smith River’s calm summer appearance can be deceptive. Always wear a personal flotation device when on the water, and scout unfamiliar sections before paddling.
Water levels and flows change rapidly after rain, especially in fall through spring. Check with park rangers about current river conditions, and never attempt to paddle during high water or advisory periods.
Wildlife Precautions
Store all food, scented items, and trash in bear-proof containers or your vehicle. Black bears are intelligent and persistent, and improper storage creates dangerous habituation.
Give elk at least 50 yards of space, more if animals show signs of agitation such as raised hackles, ear positioning, or vocalizations. Cow elk with calves and bulls during rut are particularly defensive.
Combining Jedediah Smith with Other Redwood Parks
Jedediah Smith is one of several protected redwood areas in Del Norte and Humboldt counties. Many visitors combine it with nearby parks for a more complete redwood experience.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park lie south along Highway 101, each offering distinct groves, trails, and coastal access. Redwood National Park units intersperse with these state parks, and a joint pass may provide cost savings if you plan to visit multiple sites.
The Trees of Mystery attraction in Klamath and the Tall Trees Grove in Redwood National Park (permit required) add variety to multi-day itineraries. Allow ample driving time between sites, as coastal roads wind slowly and parking at popular trailheads fills quickly in summer.
How Long to Spend
A half-day visit allows time to walk Stout Grove and drive Howland Hill Road. A full day lets you hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail and explore additional short walks or paddle a river section.
Two to three days enable deeper exploration, including longer hikes, paddling, photography, and wildlife watching without rushing. Combining Jedediah Smith with neighboring redwood parks typically requires at least three to four days to avoid excessive driving and fully appreciate each area.
Planning Your Visit
Start by checking California State Parks’ official website and the National Park Service Redwood National and State Parks page for current conditions, closures, and facility status. Road conditions on Howland Hill Road and river levels on the Smith River change seasonally and after storms.
Book campground reservations well in advance for summer visits, and secure lodging in Crescent City early during peak travel periods. Download or print maps before arrival, as you cannot rely on cell service for navigation within the park.
Fuel up in Crescent City or other towns before heading to the park, as no services exist within Jedediah Smith. Bring sufficient food and water for your planned activities, and prepare for cooler, damper conditions than inland California destinations.
Making the Most of Your Time
Arrive at popular trailheads like Stout Grove early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer people and better light filtering through the canopy. Midday visits are perfectly worthwhile, but parking may be limited and trails busier.
Walk slowly and pause frequently. The redwood forest experience depends less on covering distance than on absorbing scale, texture, light, and silence that are difficult to comprehend from a moving vehicle or hurried pace.
Ask rangers about current elk locations, recent wildlife sightings, trail conditions, and river status. Park staff offer insight that guidebooks and websites cannot provide, especially regarding time-sensitive conditions.
Final Thoughts
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers encounters with some of Earth’s most magnificent living organisms in a setting that remains remarkably undisturbed. Whether you walk the Stout Grove loop, paddle the Smith River, or spend hours photographing light and shadow among ancient trunks, the park delivers experiences that no other ecosystem can replicate.
Begin planning your visit by confirming current park conditions, fees, campground availability, and road status through California State Parks’ official channels. With realistic expectations, appropriate preparation, and respect for these irreplaceable forests, Jedediah Smith rewards every visitor willing to slow down and look up.
We hope this guide helps you explore Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with confidence and appreciation for one of the natural world’s most extraordinary places.