Things to Do in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Choose between a scenic drive, a short grove walk, or a longer trail day based on how much time you have.

California State Parks suggests allowing about 1 hour to drive Howland Hill Road, half a day to visit Stout Grove for a stroll or picnic, or a full day if you want to include the Boy Scout Tree Trail hike.

These options make it easy to shape your visit around a single outing or combine a drive and a walk.

The park protects 10,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest. California State Parks and the National Park Service manage it cooperatively with other Redwood National and State Parks units.

If you are comparing this stop with another nearby forest, the redwood parks of Del Norte Coast offer another way to plan time in the region.

Stout Grove is a good choice for a shorter walk among old-growth redwoods.

California State Parks describes the Stout Grove Trail as an easy 0.6-mile loop and says the grove is especially colorful in late afternoon on a sunny day. Its name honors lumberman Frank D. Stout, founder of Knapp, Stout & Company, described by the department as one of the world’s largest lumber companies in the 1870s and 1880s.

The trail is described as an easy 0.5- to 0.6-mile walk, depending on the published measurement. Check the official site before you go for current trail and park details.

Howland Hill Road takes about 1 hour to drive and runs through redwood forest on hard-packed gravel and dirt.

The road is a scenic-drive option, but it is not suitable for every vehicle. Trailers and RVs are not permitted, and vehicle length must be under 22 feet. If your vehicle meets those limits, allow the suggested driving time and consider pairing the road with a stop at Stout Grove.

The park has 20 miles of hiking trails, along with facilities that support both day visits and camping.

California State Parks recommends bringing water, appropriate clothing, and a trail map. Boy Scout Tree Trail is a moderate 5.5-mile round trip, while Stout Grove Trail is an easy 0.5-mile round trip.

Facilities and activities include picnic areas, restrooms, drinking water, parking, camping, a visitor or environmental learning center, and hiking trails. Dogs are allowed in the park, but dogs other than service animals are not allowed on trails. For accessible routes and facilities, consult the park’s accessibility information.

The campground is open year-round. Camping from November through April is first-come, first-served.

A day trip from Crescent City can combine a drive through the redwoods with a walk and picnic at Stout Grove.

The park is open year-round, with day use from sunrise to sunset. The vehicle day-use fee is $8.00; special rates may apply on weekends, holidays with high demand, and during peak season, and prices can change without notice. Check the official site before you go for current fee and access information.

If you are planning around conditions in town as well as time in the forest, the guide to Crescent City weather through the year can help frame that part of your itinerary.

How much time should you plan for Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park?

Allow about 1 hour for Howland Hill Road, half a day for Stout Grove, or a full day if you plan to include the Boy Scout Tree Trail hike.

Is Stout Grove an easy walk?

Yes. The trail is easy, and its published length ranges from 0.5 to 0.6 mile.

Can you take an RV on Howland Hill Road?

No. Trailers and RVs are not permitted on the road, and vehicles must be under 22 feet long.

Are dogs allowed on the park trails?

Dogs are allowed in the park, but only service animals are allowed on trails.