Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Stay Updated: Changing Conditions at Redwood National and State Parks

The conditions at Redwood National and State Parks can change quickly due to weather, road maintenance, wildfires, and other factors. Before your visit, check for any updates that might affect your plans, including trail closures, fire restrictions, road conditions, and park alerts.

Staying informed will help you have a safer and more enjoyable experience. Be sure to check for updates regularly as your trip approaches!

 

 

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Roads & Day Use Areas

Listed in south to north order. Other park roads and day use areas not listed below are open.

Road or Day Use Area	Status	Timeframe	Location Description	Reason	Additional Info
Bald Hills Road	Open/ Hazard Conditions		Upper Elevations/Near Elk Camp	Road Damage	Drive slowly and be alert for road damage. Watch for cars crossing lanes to avoid hazards.
Davison Road (access to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon)	Open
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway	Open				The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is closed to vehicles on the first Saturday of each month from October to May for Hike and Bike Day. The parkway closes on the Friday before the event and reopens Sunday afternoon.
Cal-Barrel Road	Closed to Vehicles	Through the winter	Off of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway		A good spot for walking with your leashed pets. This road is only open to pedestrians in winter. Cal Barrel is closed to vehicles in the winter. (Not recommended for trailers and large vehicles when driving is allowed.)
Howland Hill Road	Closed	April 14-24 (open on weekends)		Road grading	Due to road grading, Howland Hill Road will be closed from April 14-24 (excluding weekends) to all uses including non-motorized vehicles. Access to the outdoor school is open to only school groups.
Mill Creek Day Use Area	Partial Closure	Weekdays			Open to public on the weekends for day use. Gate will be locked each evening. A section of the multi-use trail along West Branch Road, west of Rock Creek Road, is closed temporarily due to a failed bridge crossing.

California State Highway information can be found at the Caltrans Road Information Website.

 

Trails

Listed south to north order, park trails not listed below are open.
Maps - Redwood National and State Parks (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Trail	Status	Timeframe	Location Description	Reason	Additional Info
Alder Basin Trail	Closed				Closed for Redwoods Rising restoration work.
Tall Trees Trail	Open				Reservation required year-round for this trail.
Dolason Prairie Trail	Partially Open	Until further notice	The first 4.5 miles of this trail are open.	Bridge failure	This trail is now closed at the Emerald Creek Bridge due to bridge failure. Hiking to Emerald Ridge Trail or Redwood Creek is not possible
Redwood Creek Trail	Open with hazards				Seasonal footbridges have been removed for the winter season. Crossing this creek on foot during the winter can be dangerous, plan ahead and be prepared.
Fern Canyon	Open				Expect to hike through water (ankle to knee deep). Reservation required if you are driving to trailhead between May 15 - Sept. 15.
Boy Scout Tree Trail	Closed	April 14-24 (open on weekends)	Howland Hill Road	Road to access trail is closed for road grading.
Grove of the Titans	Closed	April 14-24 (open on weekends)	Howland Hill Road	Road to access trail is closed for road grading.
Stout Grove	Closed	April 14-24 (open on weekends)	Howland Hill Road	Road to access trail is closed for road grading.

Seasonal Footbridges:

• Redwood Creek Trail: Removed
• Stout Grove to Jedediah Smith Campground: Removed
• Stout Grove to Hiouchi Trail: Removed
• Fern Canyon: Removed
• Prairie Creek Nature Trail: Removed

 

Visitor Centers

Hours, status, and more information about Redwood National and State Parks Visitor and Information Centers.

 

Developed Campgrounds

Hours, status, reservations, and more information about Redwood National and State Parks campgrounds.

 

Backcountry Camps

Get detailed backcountry camping information and also download the Redwood National and State Parks Backcountry Trip Planner. Please understand and use Leave No Trace ethics and practices when in the backcountry.

Backcountry permits are being issued online only, they are not available at any of the park visitor centers. Click here for more information on issuing backcountry permits.

• Little Bald Hills: Open
• DeMartin: Open
• Flint Ridge: Open
• Gold Bluffs: Open
• Elam Camp: Open
• 44 Camp: Open
  • Composting toilet no longer available: Pack out solid human waste or bury in “cat-hole” at least 6” deep in soil (not leaf litter), and at least 200 ft from any water source, campsite, or trail; pack out toilet paper.
• Redwood Creek (dispersed camping): Closed mid October through the end of April due to high water levels on Redwood Creek.

 

Horse Trails

• Mill Creek Horse Trail: Closed due to storm damage
  • For general information on horseback riding in the parks.
• Orick Horse Trails: Partially Open
  • A limited section of the horse trails are open and passable (even with a horse). Backcountry camping is at Elam Camp only. Camping with horses is not allowed on the Redwood Creek gravel bar and 44 Camp.

 

Weather Conditions, Wildfire, and Smoke Impacts at the Park

• National Weather Service forecasts for Crescent City, Calif.
• National Weather Service forecasts for Orick, Calif.
• For general climate and weather information for Redwood National and State Parks.
• Current wildfire and prescribed fire impacts in the parks.
• Check the Air Quality Index to see if our air is "good".

 

Water Quality

The California Water Resources Control Board have an interactive map reflecting the most up to date harmful algal bloom reports.

 

Wildflowers and Blooms

For information and updates on what popular plants are flowering.

 

Laws & Policies

Read about the laws and policies at Redwood National and State Parks.