It was the middle of September when we headed south out of Oregon for Redwood National Park. We diverted from Lake Tahoe because of the wildfires threatening that resort community. Looking for someplace else to explore, we quickly focused on the Redwood forests of Northerm California.
Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park was our first destination as he headed for Stout Grove along the Smith River. Turning off Highway 199 just before Hiouchi, CA, we followed Douglas Park Drive until it turned from asphalt to dirt. We were now in the state park.
Stout Grove
From the start of the dirt road, it was only 1.2 miles to the turnoff for the Stout Grove Trailhead. We headed down the trail and into the grove. The peaceful quiet of the grove set the tone for the trek. This is a very easy and relatively flat trail other than a short descent in and climb out. The immensity of some of these redwoods left us in awe. Some were as big around as our car.
It took about 30 minutes to walk the circular path, and soak in the quiet and unexpected size of these old-growth trees in this grove. Then we climbed back to the parking area and moved on. We headed west through the park on a dirt road. Unfortunately, we found that road was blocked about two miles in due to nearby wildfires. So, we backed-tracked to Highway 199 and continued west to Crescent City.
Redwood National Park
Driving south along US-101 and the Pacific coast, we quickly entered Redwood State and National Parks. Just south of the Klamath River we turned off 101 onto the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. If you get to Northern California, you have to take this drive. The parkway traverses miles and miles of old-growth Redwoods. We stopped several times, got out of our car, and just walked among these giant sentinels.
Redwood National and State Parks
Beautiful writing and beautiful pictures! So glad your foot is better so that you were able to hike and walk amongst these beautiful redwoods!