River Trail

Overview

A short, mellow taste of the redwoods right from camp. This out-and-back walk is about 1.0 mile total with roughly 16 feet of elevation change, starting inside Jedediah Smith Campground near Hiouchi. It’s easy overall, but expect an uneven tread with roots and the occasional step-over.

Trail Experience

The path rolls through towering redwoods on natural dirt, crosses a small footbridge over Cedar Creek, and keeps things simple the whole way. Despite the name, there isn’t direct river access—plan on forest time rather than a riverside scramble. Reviewers note it’s not overly crowded and that trekking poles can make the rooty bits more comfortable. After storms, you may encounter downed trees to go over or under.

Best Time to Hike

This one is forgiving—short, shady, and typically quiet—so it slots easily into any itinerary. If you catch the rhododendrons in bloom, the color pops nicely against the redwood greens.

Know Before You Go

Phone navigation is unreliable in this region. Bring or download an official park map and sort your route before driving. Pets aren’t allowed on forest trails here, and while no permit is needed for this stroll, some other popular spots in the park complex require advance permits or reservations. If you want a bigger wow-factor nearby, pair this with Stout Grove or the Boy Scout Tree Trail.