Redwood National Park: planning guide
Coast redwood forest in far northern California. Tall trees, fog, and state-park stretches mixed into the visit.
Redwood National Park is in CA, United States. The nearest town is Westhaven-Moonstone — roughly 18.4 mi (29.6 km) out, about 44 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May through October. Shoulder season: April and early November.
Winter brings cold, shorter days, and reduced services, though lower-elevation trails often stay walkable.
Peak summer weekends and autumn colour weekends fill parking lots early — arrive before mid-morning.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Westhaven-Moonstone | 18.4 mi (29.6 km) | 44 min |
| McKinleyville | 25 mi (40.2 km) | 55 min |
| Blue Lake | 28.8 mi (46.4 km) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Arcata | 30.3 mi (48.7 km) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Willow Creek | 31.4 mi (50.6 km) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Bayside | 31.8 mi (51.2 km) | 1 hr 7 min |
| Bertsch-Oceanview | 32.3 mi (52 km) | 1 hr 8 min |
| Crescent City | 33.2 mi (53.4 km) | 1 hr 9 min |
Where Redwood National Park sits
Official Redwood National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
A volcanic landscape in northern California with hot springs, cinder cones, and a plug-dome peak.
- Crater Lake National Park
A deep, clear lake in the collapsed caldera of an old volcano in Oregon. The rim road and overlooks are the usual visit.
- Yosemite National Park
A granite valley and high Sierra country in California. Waterfalls in spring; valley floors get crowded in summer.
- Pinnacles National Park
Volcanic rock spires and talus caves east of the Salinas Valley in California. Condors sometimes soar overhead.
Common questions
Where is Redwood National Park?
Redwood National Park sits in CA, United States, and the closest town of any size is Westhaven-Moonstone — about 44 min away.
When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park?
Generally May through October, with April and early November quieter on either side.