Pros & cons
PROS
- Awe‑inspiring old‑growth redwoods on a short, easy 0.5–0.6 mile loop
- Short spur to the Smith River for picnicking, paddling, and summer swims
- Gorgeous light and a serene, cathedral‑like atmosphere
CONS
- Small trailhead lot; parking fills quickly in peak season
- Access via narrow, mostly unpaved Howland Hill Road (no RVs or trailers)
- Mosquitoes in summer and occasional highway noise
Overview
Stout Memorial Grove is a compact, knockout 44‑acre stand of old‑growth redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (part of Redwood National and State Parks). Expect towering, 300‑foot giants, a hushed forest floor padded with needles, and that uncanny cathedral feel people rave about. It’s an easy loop that delivers a lot of wow for very little effort.
The Experience
The loop itself is about 0.5–0.6 miles with gentle grades. From the parking area, a short downhill brings you to the grove, where wide, well‑maintained tread winds among immense trunks. A spur drops to a cobbled beach on the Smith River—great for a picnic, a paddle, or a refreshing summer dip. The grove’s famous Stout Tree is ringed by a low viewing platform to protect its roots. Expect lush groundcover like ferns and redwood sorrel, occasional banana slugs, and a peaceful quiet that’s rare even in redwood country.
Nature note: Along the grove’s northern edge by the river you’ll see a dramatic run of fallen giants from recent decades—an impressive reminder that this forest is alive and changing. Do bring bug spray in summer; mosquitoes can be noticeable. On some days, faint traffic noise from Highway 199 filters through.
Getting There
You’ve got two solid approaches:
- Year‑round: Drive the eastern section of Howland Hill Road to the trailhead. It’s narrow, winding, and mostly unpaved—fine for cars and vans, but not for large RVs or trailers. The trailhead lot is small and fills early in peak season.
- Summer only: Park at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground day‑use area (fee may apply). From there, walk along the river to a seasonal hikers’ bridge that crosses into the grove. The bridge is removed in fall.
Why It’s Special
Many travelers call this the most scenic stand of redwoods they visit—partly the sheer scale, partly the intimacy. You’re right in among the giants, not just looking at them from afar. Late‑day sun slanting through the canopy can look otherworldly, and overcast mornings give beautifully even light for photos.
History
In 1929, Clara W. Stout donated this old‑growth tract in memory of her husband, Frank D. Stout, making it the first dedicated grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Today it’s lovingly kept minimalist—few signs or fences—so the forest itself takes center stage.
Best Time to Visit
- Daily timing: Arrive early morning to beat the parking crunch and tour bus windows. For photography, late afternoon brings dramatic beams; cloudy mornings are perfect for even, saturated greens.
- Seasonally: Summer adds the hikers’ bridge and river lounging. Shoulder seasons are quieter, though winter and weekdays can carry a touch more road noise and the bridge is out.
Add‑On Options
In summer, that seasonal bridge can link you to longer riverside rambles (for example, toward the Hiouchi area) if you’re craving more trail time after the loop.
Know Before You Go
- Cell service is spotty—have an offline map and a backup plan.
- Pets aren’t allowed on park trails.
- Leave No Trace: these soils and roots are delicate; stay on established paths.
Where it is
41.7904, -124.0829Tips for Stout Memorial Grove
- 01Arrive early morning to snag a spot in the tiny trailhead lot.
- 02Driving a big vehicle? Use the campground day‑use parking in summer and cross the seasonal footbridge.
- 03Bring water shoes or sandals for the Smith River’s cobbles; the water stays cold even in summer.
- 04Late afternoon gives the most dramatic light; overcast mornings are great for even, color‑rich photos.
- 05Download maps and info before you go—cell service is unreliable, and pets aren’t allowed on the trail.
Amenities
Near Stout Memorial Grove
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayRiver TrailEasy forest stroll from camp with big trees and a creek crossingEasy · 1 mi · 30 min
0.1 mi awayStout Grove TrailCathedral-like loop among ancient redwoods with river accessEasy · 0.6 mi · 20 min
0.4 mi awayJedediah Smith Visitor CenterSmall, seasonal hub for trail intel, maps, and Smith River accessVisitor Center · Restroom
0.4 mi awayHiouchi Visitor CenterSmart first stop for maps, exhibits, and ranger intelVisitor Center · Restroom
0.5 mi awayLittle Bald Hills TrailRemote redwood-to-savanna climb with bikes, horses, and solitude.Moderate · 18.3 mi · 9.5 hr
1.5 mi awayGrove of TitansShort boardwalk loop to some of the largest redwoods on earthEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
1.5 mi awayGrove of the TitansBoardwalk access to some of the park’s biggest redwood titansRestroom · Parking
2.3 mi awayBoy Scout TreeFused giant redwood deep in a hushed old-growth groveRestroom · Parking
