Northern California has some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders I’ve ever stumbled across. Forget the crowded beaches and endless city lights—up north, you’ll find a different California entirely, where ancient forests, volcanic landscapes, and a coastline that almost feels frozen in time take center stage.
This remote corner of the state brings together three of nature’s heavy hitters: redwoods that have towered above the land for over a thousand years, volcanic activity that still bubbles and shapes the earth, and a rugged coastline where the fog rolls in like it’s on a schedule. As I made my way through this wild region, I realized Northern California’s untamed side offers adventures you just can’t replicate anywhere else.
I wandered through misty forests with trees taller than 30-story buildings. I crossed volcanic ground where steam rose straight from the earth. I stood on cliffs where the Pacific crashed below. Each place revealed a new side of Northern California’s wild diversity—from the hush of ancient groves to the raw energy of geothermal springs.
Marveling at Giant Redwoods: Nature’s Ancient Titans
The coast redwoods in Northern California shoot up over 350 feet and can live for more than 2,000 years. I found these living skyscrapers in protected groves along the Avenue of the Giants and inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Walking among them, you can almost hear the stories they’ve collected over millennia.
Where to Find the Tallest Redwoods
If you want to see the best of the redwoods, head for the Avenue of the Giants. This 31-mile stretch winds through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
I stopped at Founders Grove and Stout Grove—both are must-sees. Founders Grove is right off the main road, with easy trails and the famous Dyerville Giant, which toppled in 1991 but still draws crowds.
Stout Grove takes a little more effort. You’ll drive down a bumpy dirt road, but the payoff is a grove of redwoods so perfect it’s hard to believe. These trees form a natural cathedral with their trunks reaching for the sky.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods is another spot I loved. It’s got old-growth forest right along the Smith River. The Mill Creek Trail leads to the Grove of Titans, a place that only opened to visitors in 2021.
History and Significance of Redwood Forests
Redwoods have covered California’s foggy coast for about 35 million years. Once, these forests stretched over 2 million acres from central California up to southern Oregon.
Now, less than 120,000 acres of old-growth redwoods are left. Logging wiped out 95% of the original forests between 1850 and 1970. The survivors stand in protected parks and preserves.
Tribes like the Yurok and Hoopa called these forests home for thousands of years. They used redwood bark for shelter and boats, and they managed the land with controlled burning.
The Cathedral Tree is a testament to nature’s stubbornness. It sprang up from a fallen giant’s roots, and now several trunks rise together—a living monument to survival.
Unique Redwood Groves and Landmarks
Every grove has its own personality and stars. The Stout Grove boasts the most photographed redwood ring in California—eight giants in a perfect circle, with sunlight pouring into the center.
Founders Grove invites quiet reflection with interpretive trails and benches. The Dyerville Giant’s fallen trunk is still a major attraction. Before it fell, it was one of the tallest redwoods around.
The Grove of Titans is famous for its redwoods with wild branch formations called reiterations. These tangled branches take centuries to develop. There’s a 1,500-foot boardwalk here to protect the fragile ground.
Mill Creek Trail links several groves in a 1.5-mile loop. Some sections are dirt, others are metal boardwalk. If you go in summer, try to arrive early—parking fills up fast.
Redwood National and State Parks: The Heart of the Adventure
Redwood National and State Parks together protect nearly half the world’s remaining old-growth coast redwoods—139,000 acres in all. The complex includes Redwood National Park and three state parks, each with its own trails and wildlife.
Exploring Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is the anchor of this whole area. It stretches along the coast, about 300 miles north of San Francisco.
What blew my mind? Some of the trees here top 370 feet. That’s taller than the Statue of Liberty by a good five stories. The park is home to these ancient giants, and they’ve been standing here for thousands of years.
Scenic drives are the best way to get a feel for the place. Roads wind through old-growth forests, and you can connect easily with the state parks for one long, continuous adventure.
It’s not just about the trees, though. I wandered through coastal bluffs, prairies, and oak woodlands. Rivers snake through the forests, and the wild coastline is always just a short drive away.
Highlights of State Parks
Each state park in the complex brings something different. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park quickly became my favorite for wildlife and camping.
I camped at Elk Prairie Campground, smack in the middle of redwood country. The meadow is surrounded by towering trees, and in the early morning, I watched Roosevelt elk grazing just steps from my tent.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is pure old-growth magic. The trees grow so close together, the forest feels like a cathedral. I lost track of time just wandering among them.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park mixes forest hikes with ocean views. I could hike through redwoods in the morning and stroll on a wild beach by afternoon.
Redwood-Inspired Hiking Trails
The trail network here has something for everyone. I tackled a few must-dos during my visit.
Fern Canyon is straight out of a fantasy film. The walls are covered in ferns, and the trail follows a creek right through the canyon.
Trillium Falls Trail winds through old-growth forest to a lovely waterfall. It’s about 2.8 miles round trip. The redwoods along the way are perfect for photos.
Elk Prairie Trail loops right from the campground through the meadow. It’s an easy walk—just over a mile—and your best bet for spotting elk. Early or late in the day is prime time.
Big Tree Wayside is a quick stop if you’re short on time. You’ll find some of the largest redwoods accessible by car.
Unforgettable Redwood Experiences
The redwoods of Northern California deliver some of the most unforgettable moments in nature. Whether you’re driving through a tree or floating above the canopy, these giants leave an impression that lasts.
Driving the Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is one of California’s classic scenic drives. For 31 miles, the road weaves through groves of redwoods that can reach 300 feet high.
I kept pulling over for photos—how could you not? Some of these trees are over a thousand years old.
Don’t miss these stops:
- Founders Grove and its legendary fallen trees
- The Immortal Tree, which has survived floods, lightning, and loggers
- Drury-Chaney Trail for a short, peaceful stroll
- The visitor center for maps and tips
The drive itself only takes about an hour, but you’ll want to give yourself half a day to really soak it all in.
Drive-Thru Trees: Chandelier and Shrine
There’s nothing quite like steering your car through a living tree. The Chandelier Tree in Leggett has a six-foot-wide tunnel carved through its base—done back in the 1930s.
This giant stands 276 feet tall and is over 2,400 years old. Most cars fit, and it makes for a photo you’ll never forget.
The Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat is another classic. It’s been letting cars pass through for decades, and the tree is still going strong.
A few tips:
- Double-check your car’s size
- Have your camera ready
- Go early to beat the crowds
- Treat the trees with respect—they’re still alive, after all
The Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail
Trees of Mystery in Klamath is part funhouse, part forest adventure. The SkyTrail gondola lifts you 570 feet above the forest floor for jaw-dropping views.
The ride gives you a bird’s-eye look at the redwood canopy. At the top, the viewing decks let you see all the way to the Pacific.
There are quirky tree formations like the Cathedral Tree and Brotherhood Tree. These show off how redwoods adapt to their environment over centuries.
Inside, you’ll find a museum with Native American artifacts and local history. Outside, giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox greet you—can’t miss ’em.
SkyTrail highlights:
- 8-minute gondola ride
- Panoramic viewing platform
- Educational displays about the forest
- Gift shop for redwood souvenirs
Volcanic Landscapes and Their Allure
Northern California’s volcanic terrain is dramatic, weird, and beautiful all at once. You’ll find steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and peaks shaped by ancient eruptions. Science nerd or not, it’s hard not to be fascinated.
Journey Through Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the easiest places to see active volcanism in California. The park sits on a volcanic center that last blew its top in 1915.
Cinder Cone dominates the horizon with its perfect volcanic shape. I hiked up to the rim and stared down into the crater. The black cinders crunched under my boots the whole way.
Hydrothermal features are everywhere. Steam pours from vents, and the air near the hot spots smells like sulfur.
Lassen Peak rises to 10,457 feet. I took on the tough hike to the summit, and the views over the Sacramento Valley were totally worth the effort.
Highlights of Lava Beds and Geothermal Features
Bumpass Hell is the park’s geothermal hotspot. Boardwalks wind through boiling pools and bubbling mud pots. The whole area gurgles and steams like a cauldron.
Devil’s Kitchen is another pocket of thermal activity. The ground stays warm all year, and steam escapes from dozens of tiny vents.
Lava tube caves are a hidden gem here. These tunnels were carved by flowing lava thousands of years ago. I explored a few with a flashlight, marveling at the smooth walls left behind.
The Fantastic Lava Beds sprawl across miles of hardened rock. Walking across these ancient flows, I saw how volcanic forces shaped everything around me. Each type of lava leaves its own mark.
A Coastline Lost in Time: Northern California’s Rugged Shores
Northern California’s coast is wild, dramatic, and surprisingly empty. Highways snake through redwoods before dropping to craggy cliffs, while towns like Mendocino still ooze Victorian charm. Places like Arcata blend college-town energy with old-growth forests.
Wild Coastal Drives: Highway 1 and Highway 101
Highway 1 hugs the coast from San Francisco north, serving up jaw-dropping ocean views at every bend. The stretch between San Francisco and Mendocino is especially gorgeous—think cliffs, pounding surf, and fog that sweeps in without warning.
Driving here is a little hairy sometimes. The road twists through foggy forests, with sharp turns and narrow lanes. Winter storms can make it even trickier.
Highway 101 runs inland through the redwood corridor. It’s the faster route between Sacramento and the coast, and I used it whenever Highway 1 got too wild.
Don’t skip these Highway 1 stops:
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Jenner and the Russian River mouth
- Salt Point State Park
- Sea Ranch, with its iconic architecture
The Lost Coast forces Highway 1 inland for about 20 miles. This stretch stayed wild because the terrain was just too rough for road builders back in the 1930s.
Hidden Gems: Mendocino to Fort Bragg
Mendocino sits perched on dramatic bluffs, about 150 feet above the Pacific. The Victorian village really feels like it’s been paused in the 1800s, with those white picket fences and charming gingerbread houses everywhere.
One morning, I wandered along the headlands trail that wraps around town. In spring, wildflowers pop up all over, and if you visit between December and April, you might just spot whales offshore.
Head about 10 miles north and you’ll hit Fort Bragg, which has a vibe all its own. Once a working lumber town, it’s now blossomed into a lively artistic community. Glass Beach is the big draw here—waves have turned old trash into smooth, colorful sea glass that covers the shore.
Fort Bragg highlights:
- Skunk Train weaving through redwood forests
- Noyo Harbor, where you can grab fresh seafood right off the docks
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
- Point Cabrillo Light Station
The Mendocino Headlands State Park stretches between these two towns, protecting a rugged slice of coastline. I spent hours poking around sea caves and watching harbor seals lounging on the rocks just offshore.
Arcata and Coastal Redwood Towns
Arcata blends college-town buzz with easy access to ancient redwoods. Humboldt State University brings a fresh, youthful energy to this Victorian lumber town.
The Arcata Plaza really feels like the community’s heart. Twice a week, farmers markets fill the square, and nearby shops sell everything from organic veggies to quirky handmade crafts.
Arcata’s natural attractions:
- Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Arcata Community Forest right inside city limits
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park just up the road
- Fern Canyon, with those towering 50-foot walls
I took some time to explore the Arcata Marsh, where treated wastewater actually creates a haven for over 200 bird species. Honestly, it’s a cool example of how towns can mix environmental restoration with practical needs.
Just a short drive away, Ferndale preserves some of the best Victorian architecture from its dairy-farming heyday. The whole town is a California Historical Landmark, and the ornate “butterfat palaces” built from 1800s dairy money are worth a stroll.
Planning the Ultimate Northern California Adventure
Northern California’s wild mix of landscapes calls for a bit of planning if you want to see everything—from volcanoes to ancient redwoods and those rugged coastlines. When you visit and which route you pick will shape your entire experience, whether you’re hoping for misty forests or sweeping mountain views.
Travel Itineraries and Routes
If you’ve got the time, I’d go for a 7-10 day road trip to really soak in Northern California’s wilder side. The route works best if you start in San Francisco, head north through the redwoods, and then loop inland through volcanic country.
Classic Northern California Route:
- Days 1-2: San Francisco to Redwoods National Park (about 5 hours of driving)
- Days 3-4: Explore Redwoods National Park
- Days 5-6: Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Days 7-8: Return south along the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway gives you jaw-dropping ocean views but adds a couple of hours to your drive. Usually, I’ll take Highway 101 north for speed, then meander back down Highway 1 for the scenery.
Alternative 10-Day Extended Route:
- Add Burney Falls and Mount Shasta to your list
- Spend extra time among the redwoods
- Check out more volcanic features in Lassen
If you’re planning to camp or want a cozy place to stay, book ahead—summer crowds fill up spots fast.
Best Times to Visit
Late spring through early fall usually brings the best weather and makes most roads accessible. Each season has its own perks, though, so it depends on what you’re after.
Summer (June-August):
- All park roads typically open
- Warm weather perfect for camping
- Expect the biggest crowds and highest prices
- Volcano views are clearest
Spring (April-May):
- Fewer visitors around
- Wildflowers everywhere in volcanic regions
- Some high-elevation roads might still be closed
- Hiking temps are mild
Fall (September-October):
- Weather’s still great
- Crowds drop off after Labor Day
- Autumn colors pop
- Fantastic for photography
Winter visits can be tricky. Snow closes a lot of roads in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The coast stays open but you’ll want to pack for rain and shorter days.
Lodging and Campgrounds Among the Redwoods
Camping really lets you soak up Northern California’s wild side. Personally, I love those campgrounds where you wake up practically hugging a redwood.
Top Redwoods Campgrounds:
- Jedediah Smith Campground: You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering old-growth redwoods.
- Mill Creek Campground: It’s close to Crescent City, and the beach is just a short walk away.
- Prairie Creek Campground: This spot puts you right in the middle of all the park action.
Lassen Volcanic Area:
- Manzanita Lake Campground: Picture a peaceful lake with mountains in the distance.
- Chester: This nearby town has hotels and just about anything you forgot to pack.
Reservation Tips:
- Try to book 6 months ahead if you’re heading out in summer.
- Always check park websites for any seasonal closures.
- Want less competition? Go for a mid-week stay.
Alternative Lodging:
- Crescent City has a handful of hotels close to the redwoods.
- Eureka’s great if you want more places to eat or grab coffee.
- If you’d rather skip hauling camping gear, renting a camper van is a game-changer.
A lot of these campgrounds don’t have cell service. Download your maps before you lose signal—trust me, it’ll save you some stress.
