Updated March 2025
There are giants in California. They jut out of soil dampened by fog rolling in from the Pacific and reach greater heights than any other living thing on the planet. They are the coast redwoods: the world’s tallest trees. Many of them grow to be over 200 feet tall and the tallest soar to over 350 feet – higher than a 30-story building. Many have been around for centuries, or even millennia. When you’re in the middle of redwoods and look up, you won’t be likely to see the tops of the trees, and it’s fascinating to realize there’s a hidden world in the canopy above. For many people, being in the presence of these giants rouses feelings of reverence and awe for the Earth. So, where can you see these amazing trees in person? The coast redwood habitat extends from the southern coast of Oregon to California’s Central Coast, and there are a number of national and state parks full of redwoods near HI USA hostels. Here are a few places in Northern California where you can experience the coast redwoods.
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Named after John Muir, California’s preeminent conservationist, Muir Woods is one of the state’s most popular redwood groves. This old-growth redwood forest was established as a national park in 1908. The main path that visitors stick to is a gentle walkway filled with educational placards, but there are also a number of trails for longer, secluded hikes. Just 12 miles north of San Francisco, Muir Woods makes for a good day trip from the city. If you plan on driving, be sure to make reservations ahead of time: you’ll need them to park, and spots sell out quickly.
2. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
In the hills that extend several miles inland near HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse hostel, you’ll find Big Basin, California’s oldest state park and a California Historical Landmark. It covers 18,000 acres, filled with over 80 miles of trails and a large number of ancient redwoods. While the park was severely damaged by wildfires back in 2020, you can still take in old-growth groves like those you’ll find along the Redwood Loop trail. In addition to coast redwoods and several waterfalls, the park is home to a wide variety of animal species including deer, frogs, woodpeckers, banana slugs, coyotes, and bobcats. Across the street from the Highway 1 entrance to Big Basin is Waddell Beach, a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
3. Butano State Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the redwoods, Butano State Park is a great option. About 6.5 miles inland from HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse hostel, this is a lesser-known park that’s full of streams that flow year round. Its secluded location means there are often fewer crowds at this park. While you’re here, try to find the Candelabra Tree, a redwood with five huge branches (each as big as trees themselves) protruding from its massive trunk.
4. Portola Redwoods State Park
Tucked away in the hills east of Highway 1, near both HI Point Montara Lighthouse hostel and HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse hostel, Portola Redwoods State Park is another secluded and serene place to visit the redwoods. This park has 18 miles of trails that connect with four adjacent San Mateo County parks: Pescadero Creek Park, Memorial Park, Sam McDonald Park, and Heritage Grove. The Sequoia Nature Trail loop makes for an easy introduction to Portola Redwoods, though there are more challenging hikes here, as well.