Redwood National Park is one of those unique places that a budget traveler would visit even if it was an expensive trip. (But is not). The trees in this park are believed to be the tallest on Earth, growing to heights of 250 to 350 feet tall. The average age of these giants is roughly five centuries, but some could be up to 2,000 years old. It is possible to experience the grandeur of this place without having to pay an admission fee. By planning carefully, you can save money in other ways. Much of your spending will involve getting here.
Plan ahead to begin your journey to one of the most majestic and unique tourist destinations on Earth.
Nearest major airports
Redwood National Park, along about 40 miles of the northern California coast, is not near any major airports. Flying into San Francisco or Oakland means a trip of approximately 350 miles to the park. The Portland, Oregon airport is a similar distance of 362 miles. So you’ll need to build in almost a day’s drive each way between the park and whatever airport you choose.
Budget Airlines to buy
You can often save a lot of money on budget airlines. Check out Frontier, Southwest and Spirit if you are flying to San Francisco; Frontier and Southwest for Portland; and southwest Oakland.
Nearby cities with cheap rooms
Redwood National Park is actually a series of smaller parks along a rugged part of the Pacific Coast. The largest city in the area is Eureka, which lies to the south of most of the parks. A quick hotel search for Eureka shows a number of budget chain deals including Best Western, Rodeway Inn, Days Inn, Travelodge, Motel 6, and Holiday Inn Express. Bed and breakfast options in the area are also affordable, but start at a little more per night than budget options.
Camping and accommodation
There are four developed campgrounds in the Redwood National Park area, three of which are in the forest and one along the coast: Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach. While camping here is a great experience, you will pay for the privilege, with rates of $ 35 per night per vehicle beginning in the 2018 season. There are no daily use fees anywhere in the park except in the Gold Bluffs Beach section of the Park. Prairie Creek Redwoods State, which charges an entrance fee of $ 8. The parks are operated through the state park system.
Although each of these campgrounds is operated on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are taken at all except Gold Bluffs Beach. It is highly recommended that you make reservations during peak season, which is May 27 to September 4. Make your reservation at least 48 hours in advance.
Rural camping is a popular and rewarding way to see the area, but it requires some arrangements in advance. A permit is required to use any of the eight backcountry sites, but it is free. You are expected to leave each site the way you found it (or better).
Pay attention to park warnings that can change your hiking plans. Rock slides or fires can cut roads and trails that you would need to use to access this type of site.
Unlike many national parks, Redwood National Park does not offer any in-park accommodations. The closest hotels are off the park property in Crescent City, Eureka, Klamath and Orick.
The best free attractions in the park
Walking in the park is a great attraction, but you can also take some great scenic drives, and both walking and driving through the park are free. Some trails take you through spectacular coastal scenery, while other narrow trails lead through ancient forests. Some of these roads are unpaved and unsuitable for larger vehicles, so seek advice before getting started in an SUV.
Ranger hikes in Redwood National Park include campfire conversations and tidal pool exploration. These are housed in developed camps.
There are also free kayak tours designed to showcase the geology of the area. Although the program is offered free of charge, the rangers accept tips that are used to replenish equipment and train guides.
Parking and Ground Transportation
Unless you’re an avid hiker willing to hike many miles a day, Redwood National Park lends itself best to exploration by car. For those who cannot get here, Muir Woods, near San Francisco, is an alternative that is much closer to urban transportation hubs. The headquarters of Redwood National Park is located at the north end of Crescent City.
