NATIONAL PARK SPOTLIGHT

+ REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK +

**FEATURING:**

History of the Park
Popular Day Hikes
Fun Facts
Backpacking Routes & Information
Wildlife Highlights
Ways to Support the Park

“No one knows exactly when or where the redwood entered the history of life on earth, though it is an ancient kind of tree and has come down to our world as an inheritance out of deep time.”

— Richard Preston

Gruesome History of Redwood NP

EARLY 1800’S

The Indigenous tribes had made their home in Redwood National Park for thousands of years. Traditionally, they made homes (and canoes like the image here) from fallen Redwood Trees.

Once gold was discovered on the coast of California in the early 1800’s, outsiders took over. The newcomers brutally massicured, enslaved, and hunted many indigenous people.
White homesteaders, & miners began to infiltrate the native’s premier landscapes, to slaughter any remaining man, woman or child. Upon the white mans return, they were often paid by the state government for their ‘work’.

Yurok and Tolowa ancestral territories include land and resources now contained within Redwood National Park.

MID 1800’S

When the settlers made their way, they needed raw materials for housing and their everyday needs. This began the logging of Redwoods, in the mid 1800s. Once they realized the durability and profit they would make by selling these hardwoods, they began commercial clear cutting old-growth forests.

At first, loggers used basic tools. Axes, hatchets, and handsaws were used to cut the tree. They then used horses and oxen to transport trees. Once they began stream-lining Redwoods, they turned to locomotives, and railroad logging became the fastest way to move logs to the mills.

90% of all original old growth Redwoods were logged between 1800’s-1960s.

EARLY 1900’S

By the 1910s, concerned citizens began showing interest in saving the fast dwindling Redwood National Forest.

The Save-the-Redwoods League began, and eventually they were able to save 3 different areas within the park, from clear cuts. For the next 58 years, these original Tree Hugger’s preserved & encouraged the National Park to take note of their actions.
In 1968 Redwood National Park was established. In 1978 Congress added more protection areas, thus further defending our Coastal Redwoods.

Redwood Trees have been linked with fossil records millions of years old, they are looked upon as a living link with the past! The urge to protect these trees, come not from an aesthetic concern, but a scientific one.

MODERN DAY

While the history of this (and most parks) are pretty gruesome, they all have a few things in common. Supporting the ecosystem, preserving the beauty & creating a safe space for everyone to enjoy.

Constant climate change, wildfires, droughts, and vandalism continue to threaten these historic groves. You can do your part while visiting to continue to Save-the-Redwoods, like the league’s mission.

When visiting Redwood National Park (or anywhere frankly)
PLEASE OBSERVE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES.

Popular Day Hikes in Redwood NP

The amount of trails within Redwood National Park can keep you busy for weeks. From short trails featuring the tallest trees in the world, to long meandering trails that weave through the many ecosystems that Redwood NP hosts.

Here is our list for the most popular day hikes & why.
**James Irvine Trail** 10.4 miles out & back. Look for wild elk, epic redwood groves, wide flat(ish) cushioned trails, and low crowds. Beginning at the visitor center, and ending a popular film site, Fern Canyon. THIS IS A MUST SEE.
**Ossagon Trail** 3.6 miles out & back. This one is a lesser known trail, featuring old growth redwoods & ends at a protected beach. Lots of good rock climbing off of the Ossagon Rocks. This trail connects to the long trail known as, The California Costal Trail.
**Cathedral Tree Trail** 3-4.5 miles with the option to make it a loop instead of an out & back. This trail is super easy access, incredibly flat & ends at a circle of redwoods in which you can step inside and feel like your in a cathedral.

An honorable mention would be Tall Trees Grove. 3.3 mile loop trail features 1/7 tallest trees in the world. Undisclosed to the public, due to potential vandalism, this grove hosts the famous tree Hyperion. Note; you must have a permit to do this hike, obtained 48 hours in advance through the Permit Portal for Tall Tree Grove.

Fun Facts!

Redwood National Park is known for its giant trees, but is also home to 40 miles of rugged coastline!
The Pacific hosts Gray Whales, Humpbacks, Orcas, Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and the elusive Great White Shark.
Humboldt county has had 16 attacks since 1960, most likely mistaking surfers for seals.
While many trails are in the redwoods, some trails will take you down to the pacific, like Ossagon Trail.
Redwood National Park also borders the largest expansive lagoon system in North America! These lagoons offer kayaking, if surfing or ocean kayaking isn’t your thing.
Tide-pooling is popular in Redwood National Park. Click HERE to learn about tide pooling within the park.
Make sure to check local tide-charts before setting off for a coastal hike or tide-pooling!

Backpacking 101 for Redwood NP

Backpacking in Redwood National Park is a true treat. Whether you’ve never strapped on a pack before, or if you prefer to live out of yours… Redwood NP has a few trails to choose from.

First things first; you’ll need permits. In order to select dates, take these factors into consideration.
**Weather.** *Like mentioned previously, Redwood National Park receives anywhere from 60-80 inches of rain annually. This is a rainforest. Be prepared.*
**Food Storage.** *Many established camps in Redwood NP have bear lockers, but make sure you have proper storage for the wildlife you could be encountering.*
**Logistics.** Most of these trails are miles down backroads that are littered with potholes, no shoulders, zero cell service, and possible tree downs you’ll have to navigate. Make sure your vehicle is able to handle the drive in & out. (do not leave any trace of food in your vehicle, bears can attempt to break in).

List of Recommended Backcountry Treks in Redwood NP

REDWOOD CREEK TRAILHEAD TO TALL TREE GROVE// 16.8 MI ROUNDTRIP//>500 FT ELEVATION GAIN//OUT & BACK: This is one of my personal favorites. Redwood Creek Trailhead to gain access. Meander through a winding creek for 8 miles, through a dense redwood forest, spawning salmon and gravel sand bars. Once you see the sign for Camp 44, you’ll find a few designated tent pads, bear lockers & picnic tables. Once you’ve set up camp, continue the mile(ish) trek to cross Redwood Creek again, to enter the prehistoric grove known as Tall Trees. Tall Tree’s Grove is the home of Hyperion. While the Hyperion location is discreet, this mile loop will blow your mind. Once you’ve finished the loop, cross the creek again to head back to camp at Camp 44. I’ve done this hike many times, and have yet to see another person on trail.

Warning: I personally have heard & been stalked by a mountain lion while on a day hike. I have also seen many bears near the creek so be cautious and never backpack alone.

COASTAL TRAIL FLINT RIDGE SECTION//9.2 MILES//1520FT ELEVATION GAIN//OUT & BACK: This is really the only multi-day backpacking trip within the park. Begin ascending through small hardwoods, until reaching a band of old logged redwood evidence. The trail continues on to reach full blown, monster sized, old-growth Redwoods. You then begin to descend into coastal tree species, ferns, and surf sounds. You’ll reach the campground to set up, and continue your trek to the steep, aggressive beach path to the sand. This trail is awesome for a group, as there are lots of camping opportunities. Be bear aware, as the trail is majorly lined with huckleberry and blackberry bushes.

Interested in learning more about backpacking? Shoot me a message!