Your Guide to Jedediah Smith Redwoods

Jedediah Smith Redwoods is the northernmost redwood park in the state and arguably one of the most impressive, too!

The park covers 10,000 acres and is vast. It houses some of the world’s biggest trees, which is quite a claim.

With vast areas of undisturbed old-growth redwoods and a few incredible walks—you can experience a riverside redwood wonderland.

Here are the best spots in Jedediah Smith Redwoods.

Top 7 Trails in Jedediah Smith Redwoods

You’ll need to work to get some of the best views of these towering redwoods. Don’t worry; we have the low down on the most worth-it hikes you’ll want to check out.

1. Simpson-Reed Trail

Distance: 0.9 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 62 feet

The Simpson Reed Trail offers a wonderful escape into a scenic redwood grove. Interpretive panels line the path, making it easy to learn more about the lives of the redwoods in Jedediah Smith Redwoods.

In addition to the groves, you’ll pass creeks, ferns, dense greenery, and huckleberries, making for a beautiful, nature-rich trail.

2. Hatton Loop Trail

Distance: 0.3 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 59 feet

Short and sweet, the Hatton Loop Trail forms just a small part of the Hatton Trail. Despite its length, it packs a lot of punch!

Check out the giant trees and hop over the mighty logs, and if you have enough time, this trail continues for miles!

3. Hiouchi Trailhead

Distance: 5 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 364 feet

Following the rushing calls of the Smith River as you walk along the Hiouchi Trail, you won’t find many old-growth trees, but it is a good place for a stroll if you don’t want to bump into people every few steps.

Along the way, look out for the huge boulders that litter the path. They won’t be hard to spot, with some weighing almost 200 tons!

4. Jedediah Smith River Trail

Distance: 1 mile
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 16 feet

Head out on the Jedediah Smith River Trail, along the banks with the sound of the gurgling water to keep you company almost the entire way.

Although there are not as many huge redwoods along this trail as there are on some of the others in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, you still get your fair share of big trees!

TIP: The access point can be found here, not on Google!

5. Stout Grove Trail

Distance: 0.6 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 32 feet

This is one of our favorite spots in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and a must-do if you are in the area.

The trail is gorgeous, and almost as soon as you step foot on the path, you enter the world of the giants.

The huge trees in Stout Grove are known as the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. They are massive, reaching heights of around 300 feet.

6. Grove of Titans Trail

Distance: 1.7 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 137 feet

Head into the depths of giants on the Grove of Titans Trail, following dirt pathways and elevated walkways, giving you a different perspective of these towering trees.

The grove is home to some of the largest redwood trees known to exist, and take it from us; they are seriously impressive.

Be sure to check out the Lost Monarch tree, which has a circumference so big that a tennis court couldn’t wrap its way around it, or the Screaming Titans, which is made up of 2 trees that have somehow managed to fuse together.

7. Boy Scout Tree Trail

Distance: 5.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 951 feet

This is another one of our favs in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The Boy Scout Tree Trail takes you deep into the ethereal, prehistoric woods, offering some of California’s best displays of towering redwoods.

The hike got its name from the Boy Scout Tree, two trees merged into one, and it looks like the Boy Scout salute!

Other Things to Do in Jedediah Smith Redwoods

Yes, the redwoods are the stars of the show here, but there are a few other stops you can make while in the area.

Hiouchi Visitor Center

Find the Hiouchi Visitor Center next to the campground and get your park knowledge. The center is filled with helpful staff who can give you plenty of hints and tips on how to get the most from your visit.

You can pick up maps, learn the history of the forest, and check out the exhibits.

Jedediah Smith Campground, Cabins and Day Use Area

Just across the road from Stout Grove is one of the cooler campgrounds in Redwood National and State Parks. Why, you ask? Because there are huge redwoods right in the camp!

The camp is home to beautiful cabins and some tent camping sites. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and food storage lockers.

The day-use area has a small fee per vehicle, but it makes for a great base for boating, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.

Be warned: It is very popular in the summer, but we can’t blame people—it’s a beautiful place to hang out!

Myrtle Beach

Relax on the shores of the Smith River at the Myrtle Beach swimming hole. The shore is beautiful but relatively rocky, but it is all worth it as soon as you dip your toes in the cool waters.

Society Hole Day Use

You won’t find too much info online about this tiny day-use area, but we got you. Society Hole is a beautiful little spot located here, with a small parking area.

It is popular for picnics but is mainly used as a spot to put your kayak in and head up and down the Smith River.

Hit up Howland Hill Road

If you’re short on time, this is our fav area in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It’s where you’ll find the Boy Scout Tree, Grove of Titans, and Stout Grove Trails.

You’ll have to be prepared to drive down a narrow lane and can’t be afraid of getting a little dusty. The drive alone is beautiful, but the trails are worth exploring.

It won’t take long before you pass your first cluster of monstrous trees. You’ll also pass through a cool covered bridge. You’ll feel miles away from the highway, surrounded by ferns and a thick canopy.  

We hope this helped you plan your visit to Jedediah Smith Redwoods!

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