Pros & cons
PROS
- Convenient stroll right from Jedediah Smith Campground
- Quick redwood immersion with a charming Cedar Creek footbridge
CONS
- No direct river access despite the name
- Expect occasional downed trees or step-overs after storms
Begin at Jedediah Smith Campground near Hiouchi; park at the campground and walk from there.
GPS can misroute in the redwoods—carry a printed park map. Uneven, rooty tread with possible downed trees; not ADA accessible. No direct river access from the 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.
Elevation
1 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
41.7897, -124.0848Wildlife on this trail
Near River Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayStout Grove TrailCathedral-like loop among ancient redwoods with river accessEasy · 0.6 mi · 20 min
0.1 mi awayStout Memorial GroveCathedral-like redwoods on an easy loop with Smith River accessTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayJedediah Smith Visitor CenterSmall, seasonal hub for trail intel, maps, and Smith River accessVisitor Center · Restroom
0.5 mi awayHiouchi Visitor CenterSmart first stop for maps, exhibits, and ranger intelVisitor Center · Restroom
0.6 mi awayLittle Bald Hills TrailRemote redwood-to-savanna climb with bikes, horses, and solitude.Moderate · 18.3 mi · 9.5 hr
1.4 mi awayGrove of TitansShort boardwalk loop to some of the largest redwoods on earthEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
1.4 mi awayGrove of the TitansBoardwalk access to some of the park’s biggest redwood titansRestroom · Parking
1.9 mi awayBoy Scout Tree TrailOld-growth redwood cathedral to a hidden double giant and fallsModerate · 5.5 mi · 3 hr
