Redwood National & State Parks: Free Trails, Giant Trees, and Zero Fees?

 

Let’s be real — we love a good national park, but sometimes the fees, permits, and crowd-control rules make it feel like a full-on mission just to see a tree. That’s why visiting Redwood National and State Parks was such a refreshing surprise.

We explored Grove of the Titans, Stout Grove, and another nearby trail — and guess what? No entrance fee. No reservation. No stress.

Wait… It’s a National Park With No Entrance Fee?

Kind of. Redwood National & State Parks are a little different than your typical “gate and ranger” type of national park. It’s actually a combined system of federal and state lands, managed together as one big park family — including Redwood National Park and three California state parks:

  • Jedediah Smith

  • Prairie Creek

  • Del Norte Coast

Most of the areas, especially around Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, are totally free to explore. No fee. No pass needed. Just pull up and walk among literal giants.

🪵 Grove of the Titans — Majestic & Surprisingly Chill

This one’s been on my list forever. The trail was redone a few years ago with raised walkways to protect the forest floor, and it’s SO well done. You feel up-close to the trees without feeling like you're damaging the ecosystem. The trail itself isn’t long or hard, but it’s pure magic the entire way. The trees are MASSIVE. Like, neck-breaking levels of tall.

And again — free to park, free to hike, no permit needed. Love that for us.

🌲 Stout Grove — Short, Sweet, and Straight-Up Stunning

This one is more of a stroll than a hike, and it’s 100% worth it. We went late afternoon and had parts of the grove to ourselves. The light filtering through the redwoods? Unreal. It felt like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie — or like the forest version of Fern Canyon (which, btw, does require a day-use fee, so this felt like a steal in comparison).

😅 The One That Got Away: Simpson-Reed Trail

Okay, so we meant to hike Simpson-Reed too. It’s right off the highway, super close to the other trails, and is supposed to be just as beautiful — but we were tired, hungry, and running out of energy.

Classic "eyes-bigger-than-legs" moment.

We pulled into the lot, sat in the car for a minute… and then made the executive decision to save it for next time. No regrets — just more motivation to come back.

🌿 Fern Canyon — The Only One With a Fee (Thanks, TikTok)

If you’ve seen a video of someone walking through a lush green canyon with ferns dripping off the walls — that’s Fern Canyon, and yes, it’s every bit as stunning as it looks.

But unlike the other spots we visited, Fern Canyon does have a day-use fee if you drive in ($12 per vehicle — or free if you have a CA State Parks or America the Beautiful pass).

Also, the road to get there is rough. Like, drive-through-streams kind of rough. I’d highly recommend a car with clearance (or at least one you’re not super attached to). Totally doable, but don’t roll in with your low little sedan expecting a smooth ride.

We skipped it this trip, but it’s definitely on the list for next time — maybe when we have more time and energy and a sturdier car.  

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a peaceful, jaw-dropping escape with zero planning stress, Redwood National & State Parks are calling. Whether you’re chasing coastal fog, forest air, or just trying to dodge the Sacramento heat — this place delivers.

No fees. No crowds (if you time it right). Just pure, wild beauty.

Next time: Simpson-Reed, I’m coming for you 🌿


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Hikes Near Sacramento: 10+ Trails Under an Hour Away

Image
                              Best Hikes Near Sacramento I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. For most of my life, I stuck to the same familiar spots—weekend sailing trips, local favorites, and the go-to California road trip routes. But it wasn’t until recently that I started to really explore what’s right in our own backyard. What surprised me the most? Just how many beautiful hiking trails and hidden waterfalls are less than an hour outside of Sacramento. Whether you’re looking for something low-key and beginner-friendly or ready to challenge yourself a bit more, there’s something on this list for every kind of day trip. If you are new to hiking, here is my guide on what to bring:  Click here If you’re craving fresh air, epic views, or a quick nature escape without a long drive, these are some of my favorite trails and waterfalls to check out: 1. Sly Park (Jenkinson Lake Trail) This one is...
Read more

Top Beginner Hikes in Lake Tahoe – Scenic & Easy Trails

Lake Tahoe’s Best Hikes for Beginners Tahoe is such a great spot for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway . Lately, I’ve been tackling some tougher hikes like Horsetail Falls and Ralton — those are definitely only for experienced hikers though . Tahoe’s become a huge destination with people coming from all over the world. Weekends get pretty crazy busy, honestly, it’s a bit much for me to deal with the crowds. I usually stick to day trips on the outskirts of Tahoe to avoid the madness. But if you’re up for the weekend hustle, just make sure to get there early for parking because the traffic is no joke.  If you are new to hiking, here is my guide on what to bring: Click here Here are the Top Beginner's Hikes in Tahoe: 1. Eagle Lake Trail Distance: 2 miles round-trip Location: Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe Highlights: Stunning alpine lake, waterfalls nearby, forested trail with granite views Why It’s Great for Beginners: Short and scenic with a mild incline. One of Tah...
Read more

A Day Trip to Mendocino & Fort Bragg

 If you’re looking for an easy day trip that feels like a breath of fresh air (literally), Mendocino and Fort Bragg are a coastal dream — especially when you’re trying to escape the Sacramento heat. When it’s 100+ degrees in the valley, the foggy NorCal coastline hits so different. We didn’t do everything we planned to — but what we did do? Totally worth it. (I only have videos, if you want to see all of the stops, head to my Tiktok/IG @ClaireAnneTravels) Here’s how our day trip went down 👇 First stop: Glass Beach Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s still magical. The little colorful pieces of sea glass scattered across the shore make it feel like a hidden treasure spot — even if you’re sharing it with a few other people. It’s not a typical sandy beach, but it’s beautiful in its own rugged way. And honestly, it’s just one of those places that makes you pause and go "wow, California really has it all." Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes — the trail to the beach is easy, but a little ...
Read more