Feel like bringing your bike or kayak along with you during your visit to Redwood National and State Parks? Maybe you’d just like to roll the windows down for a scenic drive through the parks. Perhaps you'd like to try out rod and reel in the parks' waters. You’ll have the opportunity to do a little or a lot of these activities.
Bicycling
While most national and state parks prohibit bicycling on backcountry hiking trails, there are several hike/bike routes available mainly on rehabilitated logging roads where you can explore both redwood forests and coastal cliffs. Electric bikes are allowed on hike/bike trails that are completely inside the boundary of Redwood National Park. There are some places within the park, however, where E-bikes are not permitted.
A perfect route to enjoy bicycling through redwood forests is along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. While you can ride anytime on this road, the first Saturday of each month (October to May) the Parkway is closed to motorized vehicles, making it a treat for bicyclists and walkers.
Kayaking
Ranger-led kayaking on the Smith River, Redwood National and State Parks / NPS file
According to park staff:
For a limited time in summer, Redwood National and State Parks presents ranger-led kayak tours of the Smith River—a crown jewel of the National Wild & Scenic River System and the largest free-flowing river system in California. Led by experienced park rangers, visitors will explore a variety of topics, including the unique geology of the Smith River watershed and how it contributes to the growth of the world’s largest trees, all while paddling pristine waters and enjoying unparalleled scenery.
To learn more about these tours, click here.
Scenic Drives
Howland Hill Road winds through tall coastal redwood trees at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a part of Redwood National and State Parks / Rebecca Latson
In addition to the Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive, the park also offers seven other scenic forest and coastal roads along which you may enjoy these tall, tall trees within a sun-and-shade-dappled forest, or breathe in the Pacific salt air while viewing rocky shorelines and ocean-blue waters. Do note, however, most of these routes are partially or totally unpaved and may not be suitable for RVs/trailers. It’s also a good idea to check current road conditions.
Fishing
Feel like casting hook and line into water to test your angling skills? You can do that in Redwood National and State Parks. You might reel in salmon or trout from the Smith or Klamath rivers or parts of Redwood Creek. There are also opportunities to fish for surf and night smelt as well as sun perch along the coast. Click on the links below to discover what you might catch with your rod and reel.
You can also download this fish checklist to help you identify and keep track of fish you discover in creeks, rivers, tidepools, and the Pacific Ocean.
According to park staff:
Regulations vary by species and location, including open seasons, daily bag and possession limits, and fishing hours. It’s important to contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or call 707-445-6493 for the most up-to-date regulations. You can also inquire at any park visitor center. All recreational anglers must possess a valid California state fishing license while fishing within the parks.
