Learn about today's closures, delays, trail information, and fire information.
Routes to Remember
Not every adventure requires a hiking trail—sometimes, the best way to experience Redwood National and State Parksis from the driver’s seat. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a leisurely way to soak in the scenery, these winding roads take you beneath towering redwoods, past windswept coastlines, and through golden prairies dotted with ancient oaks. Roll down the windows, take your time, and let the journey be just as memorable as the destination.
Traveling with a motorhome, RV, or trailer?
Be sure to read the Vehicle Advisory and Road Type information before setting out. Some routes are steep, narrow, or include one-way sections that may not accommodate larger vehicles.
Before hitting the road
Visit the Current Conditions page for up-to-date information on road closures, detours, and potential hazards. Enjoy the journey!
Howland Hill Road (unpaved) traverses the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
Mostly unpaved; motorhomes, RVs, and trailers will not fit on this road.
Distance & Duration: 10 miles, one way (Crescent City, CA, to U.S. 199 near Hiouchi, CA); approximately 45 minutes.
Directions:
From Crescent City, CA, drive 1 mile south on U.S. 101.
Turn left (east-northeast) onto Elk Valley Road and continue 1 mile.
Turn right (east) onto Howland Hill Road.
After 1½ miles, the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Continue 5½ miles on Howland Hill Road until it transitions to Douglas Park Road (paved).
After 1½ miles, turn left onto South Fork Road.
In ½ mile, South Fork Road meets U.S. 199, just east of Hiouchi, CA.
Description:
Just a few miles from Crescent City, Howland Hill Road immerses travelers in the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This narrow, winding road—mostly unpaved—offers an up-close experience with towering old-growth redwoods. Along the way, you'll find scenic pull-outs and access to notable trailheads, including the Boy Scout Tree Trail and Stout Grove.
Crescent Beach Overlook, just a short drive down Enderts Beach Road.
NPS Collection
Enderts Beach Road
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
Paved; motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are not advised beyond the Crescent Beach picnic area.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 2¼ miles, one way; about 5 minutes.
Directions:
From Crescent City, CA, drive 2½ miles southeast on U.S. 101.
Turn right (south) onto Enderts Beach Road.
Description:
Just minutes from Crescent City, this short yet scenic drive offers excellent opportunities for elk viewing, whale watching, and breathtaking coastal vistas. Along the route, you'll find access to:
Trailheads for the Coastal Trail (Last Chance Section) and Enderts Beach
Mouth of the Klamath River as seen from the Klamath River Overlook on Requa Road.
NPS Collection
Requa Road
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
This paved road is steep and narrow—motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are not recommended.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 2¼ miles, one way (to Klamath River Overlook); about 15 minutes.
Directions:
Take the signed exit off U.S. 101, located ~2¼ miles north of Klamath, CA, or ~18½ miles south of Crescent City, CA.
Description:
This short but dramatic drive passes through historic Requa, CA, leading to the Klamath River Overlook, which sits 650 feet above the Pacific Ocean. From this breathtaking vantage point, visitors can enjoy whale watching, bird viewing, and stunning coastal panoramas. The overlook marks the meeting point of the Klamath River and the Pacific Ocean, where freshwater completes its 250-mile journey from the snow-capped Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon to the sea.
The view south towards Split Rock from the High Bluff Overlook on the Coastal Drive.
NPS Collection
Coastal Drive (Loop)
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type 1.The former Coastal Drive route south of Alder Camp toward Carruthers Cove isclosed to motor vehicles.
2. The Coastal Drive Loop north of Alder Camp remains open. This scenic route is mostly paved, with a one-way, northbound section between High Bluff Overlook and Klamath Beach Road. Important Note: The northern section beyond High Bluff Overlook is not suitable for RVs or vehicles towing trailers.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 9 miles, round trip; about 45 minutes.
Directions:
From Klamath, CA, drive 1 mile south on U.S. 101 (crossing the Klamath River).
Take the Klamath Beach Road exit and follow signs for Coastal Drive.
Turn left onto Alder Camp Road and continue 2 miles to the junction.
Turn right (north) and follow the one-way, unpaved section (~1.5 miles) toward the Klamath River mouth.
Turn right (east) onto paved Klamath Beach Road and travel ~4 miles back to U.S. 101.
Description:
This narrow, winding road features steep grades and sharp curves, rewarding drivers with panoramic ocean and estuary views. From overlooks high above the crashing surf, you might spot whales, sea lions, and pelicans. Enjoy a picnic at the High Bluff Overlook, a scenic stop with breathtaking coastal vistas. Along the route, don’t miss the World War II radar station, cleverly disguised in the 1940s to resemble a simple farmhouse and barn.
For those looking to explore on foot, hiking and backcountry camping are accessible via the Flint Ridge section of the Coastal Trail.
Ancient coast redwoods of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park as seen from Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
The road is paved and commercial vehicles are not permitted.
Distance & Duration: 10 miles, one way; approximately 20–30 minutes.
Directions:
Access via signed exits off U.S. 101, located 6 miles north of Orick, CA, or 4 miles south of Klamath, CA.
Description:
A must-see alternative to U.S. 101, this scenic parkway winds through the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, offering a stunning drive beneath towering old-growth redwoods. Traveling north to south, highlights include:
Numerous trailheads for hiking
Big Tree Wayside, home to one of the park’s most impressive redwoods
Prairie Creek Visitor Center, a great stop for information and exhibits
Elk Prairie Campground, a popular site for camping and picnicking
A resident herd of Roosevelt elk, often seen grazing in the meadows
This leisurely drive offers an immersive redwood experience, making it a perfect detour for nature lovers.
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
This road is unpaved; motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are prohibited. Seasonal Closure: Closed to vehicles during the winter season.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 1½ miles, one way; about 30 minutes.
Directions:
From Orick, CA: Drive 6 miles north on U.S. 101 and take the exit for Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Continue 1½ miles, passing the Prairie Creek Visitor Center turnoff, to the signed Cal-Barrel Road on the east side of the parkway.
From Klamath, CA: Drive 4 miles south on U.S. 101 and exit onto Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Continue ~8 miles to the signed Cal-Barrel Road on the east side of the parkway.
Description:
This narrow, winding road provides an up-close experience with colossal old-growth coast redwoods, making it a spectacular drive—or walk—for those wanting to immerse themselves in the towering forest. Leashed dogs are allowed, making it a great pet-friendly option for exploring on foot. Cal-Barrel Road also provides access to the Rhododendron Trail and the extensive trail network of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Roosevelt elk seen from the Elk Meadow Day Use Area on Davison Road, just off U.S. 101.
NPS Collection
Davison Road
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
Mostly unpaved and narrow; motorhomes/RVs must be 24 feet or shorter; trailers are prohibited.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 7 miles, one way; about 30 minutes.
Directions:
Exit Davison Road (Elk Meadow Day Use Area), located 2½ miles north of Orick, CA, on U.S. 101.
After ⅓ mile (paved), pass the Elk Meadow Day Use Area parking.
Continue nearly 7 miles on an unpaved road to its end at the Fern Canyon Trailhead.
Description:
This scenic route winds through meadows grazed by Roosevelt elk and second-growth redwood forest, eventually leading to Gold Bluffs Beach and the towering 30-foot walls of Fern Canyon. Visitors can explore this remote and stunning area while staying at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, with nearby access to the Coastal Trail (Gold Bluffs Beach section) and the Fern Canyon Trail.
Vehicle Advisory and Road Type
Mostly unpaved; motorhomes, RVs, and trailers are not advised due to winding, narrow, and rough conditions.
Distance & Duration: Approximately 17 miles, one way (from U.S. 101 junction to Lyons Ranch Trailhead); about 45 minutes.
Directions:
Take the signed exit for Bald Hills Road, located ~1 mile north of Orick, CA, on U.S. 101.
Travel ~13 miles, where the road transitions from paved to unpaved.
Description:
This scenic and rugged drive climbs a steep 15% grade, passing through old-growth and second-growth redwoodswith trail access to Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove. As the road ascends, it opens into rolling prairiesbursting with spring wildflowers, and it is common to spot Roosevelt elk and black bears.
Along the way, stop at the Redwood Creek Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the Redwood Creek watershedand the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Further along, trailheads lead to the historicDolason Prairie and Lyons Ranchsites, two picturesque locations rich in cultural and natural history.
