Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park

Redwood Creek Trail

Redwood Creek is a long and, at times, remote, trail that offers multi-day options for hikers.

Plan Around Redwood Creek Trail

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Redwood Creek Trail Details

The beginning of this trail is a wide, level, gravel path that lasts until the first creek crossing. An out-and-back to this point would total three miles. The trail continues to follow the creek on its west bank, and at 2.7 miles runs meets a trail leading to Elam Horse Camp. You'll cross several of Redwood Creek's tributaries in the middle section of the trail and eventually pass another turnoff, this one for 44 Camp, a campsite also accessible via old logging roads and horse trails. Another crossing of Redwood Creek takes you back to the east bank and deposits you at Tall Trees Grove, home of majestic old-growth redwoods. The first mile and a half of this hike is incredibly popular, but from there it quiets down and you can go for hours without seeing anyone. Redwood Creek is the only area in the park where dispersed camping is allowed, so the only visitors out here are typically backpackers. The wide creek bed offers excellent campsites for six miles upstream of the first creek crossing, and at least a quarter mile downstream of the Tall Trees Grove. Keep in mind that there are two crossings of Redwood Creek, and bridges are only in place seasonally (June-September). During the winter months it can be dangerous to try fording the stream, so be sure to check with park staff before planning a winter trip. Access the 15.4-mile Redwood Creek Trail from the marked trailhead off Bald Hills Road. Other access points are Tall Trees Grove and on the Dolason Prairie Trails.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

15.4 miles

Estimated time

2 days

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Redwood Creek Trail

Compare nearby parks around Redwood Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

3.1 mi away

Redwood

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Yosemite

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366.5 mi away

Pinnacles

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395.9 mi away

Mount Rainier

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Redwood Creek Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Redwood Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Tall Trees Trail

The Tall Trees Trail winds throughout a remote lowland redwood grove.

0.9 mi away

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

One of the most popular trails in the park, the Lady Bird Johnson Trail is a great quick hike if you're short on time.

0.9 mi away

44 Loop Trail

A long loop trail connecting with the other trails of the Orick Horse Trail System.

0.9 mi away

McArthur Creek Loop Trail

This is a 14-mile loop suitable for hiking or horseback riding.

0.9 mi away

Elam Horse Camp Loop

Access a backcountry equestrian camp via a system of horse trails.