Redwood Creek Trail

Overview

This is a long, mostly level out-and-back that follows a broad valley beside Redwood Creek rather than plunging into a dense redwood cathedral. Expect a peaceful corridor of alder, maple, and spruce with scattered redwoods and big trees looming on the surrounding hillsides. When seasonal bridges are in, the classic push is about 15.4 miles total (out-and-back) with roughly 1,100 feet of cumulative gain—more of an endurance walk than a climb.

What You’ll See

The first 1–1.5 miles are the most diverse and scenic: open meadows with blackberry brambles, mossy maples, red alders, and views to old-growth redwoods on the slopes. Keep an eye out for a lovely moss-covered spruce grove and, farther in, the memorable crossing of Forty-Four Creek on a large footbridge over a ferny gully with small cascades. Don’t expect a continuous old-growth grove along the trail itself; you’ll glimpse big trees primarily off-trail or on the hillsides.

Seasonality and Crossings

The route crosses Redwood Creek twice. Seasonal footbridges are typically installed June–September. Outside that window, crossings can range from easy ankle-deep wades in late summer/early fall to completely impassable after storms. From December into spring, the creek can become a raging torrent and is not crossable. As a rule of thumb, avoid fording when discharge is above roughly 400 cfs—flows can be swift and around 18 inches deep.

Camping

This is the park’s only area that allows dispersed camping on the broad gravel bars. Camp upstream of the first crossing and at least a quarter-mile from Tall Trees Grove. Choose gravel bars well above the waterline, follow Leave No Trace, and check current fire restrictions before building a campfire. Backcountry regulations apply—review the latest rules before you go.

Trail Conditions and Tips

Expect occasional overgrown stretches, muddy patches, and some downed trees beyond the first crossing; sturdy, waterproof footwear helps. The initial segment is wide, gravel-surfaced, and wheelchair-accessible. GPS apps can be unreliable here—bring a printed park map and plan your route. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. A practical short option is to turn around at the first major creek crossing for a mellow, scenic outing. If your goal is immersive old-growth, the Tall Trees Grove (at the far end of this corridor when crossings allow) offers the grandeur many hikers are seeking.

Best Time to Hike

Summer to early fall is prime for low, clear water and installed footbridges. Start early for cool temps, softer light in the valley, and fewer people on the popular first miles. In winter and early spring, expect high, fast water that usually blocks travel beyond the initial miles—and often cancels the long option entirely.