Tall Trees Grove

Tall Trees Grove is an old-growth coast-redwood grove on Redwood Creek’s alluvial floodplain. The open creek edge and huge trunks make it one of the park’s standout big-tree stops, but getting there takes a drive, a reservation, and a serious climb back out. Come if you want time among the trees, not a quick roadside stop. You need an online reservation to open the locked access gate.

The hike is about 4.5 miles round trip. It drops 800 feet during the first 1.5 miles, then you loop through the grove and climb back to your car. That return climb is the hard part, so take your time. Set aside at least four hours including the drive and hike; the trailhead is about an hour from the nearest visitor center.

The access road winds, and the last six miles to the trailhead are dirt. The lot is small: RVs over 21 feet and vehicles with trailers won’t fit.

These coast redwoods grow on the rich, moist soil of Redwood Creek’s floodplain, with plenty of water and protection from winter winds. NPS says many trees in the grove exceed 350 feet. The floodplain is why this pocket feels so different from the slopes you descend through.

A 1963 National Geographic feature spotlighted a redwood here measured at 368 feet. The discovery helped build the public push for Redwood National Park. NPS calls the former record-holder the Libby Tree: its top died back in 1994, and it now ranks 34th tallest.

Once down on the floodplain, the grove loop runs through large trunks and ferns. Side paths bring you to Redwood Creek’s gravel banks and views toward redwood-covered hills. For a photo, the opening by the creek has more light than the deep grove; include the gravel bar with the trees to give the scene scale.

Two vault toilets, a shelter, and interpretive panels sit at the trailhead. NPS advises bringing food and water for the hike. The trail isn’t ADA accessible, and pets aren’t allowed on park trails; service animals are welcome.