Parks Manager

Getting to Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park sits in CA, United States, with Westhaven-Moonstone the nearest town of any size — about 18.4 mi (29.6 km) out, or roughly 44 min of driving.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Redwood National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Westhaven-Moonstone18.4 mi (29.6 km)44 min
McKinleyville25 mi (40.2 km)55 min
Blue Lake28.8 mi (46.4 km)1 hr 2 min
Arcata30.3 mi (48.7 km)1 hr 4 min
Willow Creek31.4 mi (50.6 km)1 hr 6 min
Bayside31.8 mi (51.2 km)1 hr 7 min
Bertsch-Oceanview32.3 mi (52 km)1 hr 8 min
Crescent City33.2 mi (53.4 km)1 hr 9 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Redwood National Park?

Westhaven-Moonstone, about 18.4 mi (29.6 km) away — roughly 44 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Redwood National Park?

The practical bases are Westhaven-Moonstone, McKinleyville, and Blue Lake — all within a reasonable drive of the park.