Stout Grove Trail

Overview

Stout Grove is the showpiece of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (part of Redwood National and State Parks): a compact, alluvial-flat of old‑growth coast redwoods with very little understory. That open feel lets you actually see the full stature of these 300‑foot giants instead of peering through brush. The official loop is short and easy—about 0.6 miles total—with minimal elevation change, yet it delivers a top‑tier redwood experience.

Getting There

Most visitors drive in on Howland Hill Road. It’s gorgeous, but it’s also narrow, winding, and mostly unpaved—fine for cars in dry conditions but not suitable for large RVs or trailers. Parking at the grove is a small, unpaved lot that fills quickly in peak months. In summer, you can instead park at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground day‑use area (fee may apply) and walk along the Smith River to a seasonal hikers’ bridge that leads straight into the grove. Expect roughly a half‑mile to just under a mile of walking to reach the loop from this option, depending on routing.

On the Trail

From the trailhead, a short descent drops you into the heart of the grove. The path is generally wide and smooth with gentle grades, weaving among titans in a fern‑ and redwood‑sorrel carpet. A spur leads down about 20 feet to a cobbled beach on the emerald Smith River—perfect for a summer picnic, paddle, or quick dip. Look for the Stout Tree and its protective viewing platform; please stay on the trail and platform to help protect roots and soils. If you’re a film buff, it’s easy to imagine why redwood groves like this stood in for Endor in Return of the Jedi.

Accessibility and Facilities

Surfaces vary from compacted dirt to short paved/boardwalk segments. Grades are mostly gentle, but there’s a brief steeper section depending on direction of travel; mobility devices with all‑terrain tires or assistance handle it best. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, with additional facilities at the campground day‑use area. Cell service is limited—download maps ahead of time. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

Best Time to Hike

This grove shines year‑round, but summer afternoons can be magical when sunbeams angle through the canopy—often around mid‑ to late afternoon. That said, summer also brings crowds and limited parking; go early or late in the day. After rains, the approach road can be muddy and slow, so check conditions. Expect mosquitoes in summer and, occasionally, a hint of highway noise drifting in.

Should You Hike It?

Absolutely—this is one of the most photogenic, family‑friendly redwood walks anywhere, delivering an “awe per minute” ratio that’s hard to beat. If you’ve got more time, pair it with nearby Grove of the Titans or the Boy Scout Tree Trail for a deeper dive into Jed Smith’s old growth.