With the recent drop in water levels following the region’s later than
usual spring rains, two footbridges across Redwood Creek in Redwood National Park have finally been installed for the summer season. Day hikers and backpackers now have access to the full 8 miles of the Redwood Creek Trail from Orick to the Tall Trees Grove. This outstanding trail follows the course of Redwood Creek from its junction with Prairie Creek to the Tall Trees Grove, birthplace of Redwood National Park. The 8-mile trail (16 miles round trip) makes for an ambitious, but rewarding full day hike underneath the towering redwood forest.
Dispersed backcountry camping is also available along portions of
Redwood Creek. Through a free required permit obtained at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, backpackers can pitch their tent on any of the creek’s gravel bars upstream from Bond Creek. Bond
Creek is located approximately 5 miles upstream from the Redwood Creek trailhead, or 2 ½ miles downstream of the Tall Trees Grove. Dispersed camping is not allowed within ¼ mile of the Tall Trees
Grove itself. Camping is permitted upstream of the Tall Trees Grove as well, though there is no established trail and hikers must be prepared to wade across the creek in several locations.
A free backcountry permit is required for camping along Redwood Creek. Permits are available at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, located just south of Orick, CA on Highway 101. Backcountry
access is also possible via the Tall Trees and Emerald Ridge Trails. A separate permit is required to access the road to those trailheads. The Kuchel Visitor Center is open every day from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Additional information on backcountry camping opportunities in Redwood National & State Parks can be obtained by calling 707-465-7765.
This News release can also be viewed, downloaded, and/or printed (PDF, 29 KB)
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
