5 Family-Friendly Activities in the Redwood Forest

The redwood forest in Northern California is one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by some of the world's tallest trees, travelers will discover a variety of outdoor activities. From camping and kayaking to searching for Bigfoot, here are five ideas to help plan your trip to the Redwood National and State Parks.

Explore the Avenue of the Giants

The Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of road along old Highway 101 on the California coast, offers views of coastal redwoods, ocean shoreline, grasslands and small rural towns. Visitors can stop at restaurants, campgrounds and attractions along the way, amid 350-foot-tall trees that have stood for thousands of years. For a unique experience, dine in the Eternal Tree House Café in Humboldt County, which boasts a “20-foot room inside a 2,500-year-old living tree.”

Go Camping Beneath the Redwoods

The Redwood National and State Parks offer several developed campgrounds and RV parks for travelers. Elk Prairie Campground, located in the heart of the redwoods, has numerous hiking and biking trails and seasonal ranger-led tour programs. It also offers hot showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and barbecue grills. Or pitch your tent on the beach at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Spot the Park’s Wildlife

Each year, gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles from Alaska to Baja California and back. Families who visit Klamath River Overlook November, December, March and April can get a spectacular view of spouting gray whales and nesting seabirds near the shore. The Redwood National and State Parks are also home to Roosevelt elk, the largest species of elk in North America. Families can view the biggest herd in the Bald Hills, along the park’s southeastern edge.

Take to the Water

Make a splash rafting or kayaking in one of the many waterways near the redwood forest, including Humboldt Bay, The Lagoons and the Trinity River. Consider a kayak tour down the Smith River, the state’s largest free-flowing river, led by experienced park rangers of the Redwood National and State Parks. Several outfitters and guides are also available to help plan excursions.

Try to Find Bigfoot

The legend of Sasquatch originated in the redwood forest. Families hoping for a glimpse should first visit the Willow Creek-China Flat Museum, which is home to a one-of-a-kind Bigfoot exhibit, including footprints and other artifacts. Families can also stop by Early Bird restaurant to enjoy its famous Bigfoot Burger before heading out into the woods to seek out the forest’s most famous creature.