Jedediah Smith Redwood State Forest

The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the crown jewel of the region’s redwood parks, marking the final destination in a majestic string of protected forestlands that stretch up the Northern California coast. Located just a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, this park is a sanctuary of ancient giants, home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth. Towering redwoods, many of which have stood for over a thousand years, dominate the landscape, their massive trunks and dense canopy creating a world that feels both timeless and sacred. The park’s claim to fame is its remarkable concentration of old-growth redwoods, containing an astonishing seven percent of all the old-growth redwoods left in the world. These ancient behemoths create a unique and awe-inspiring environment, where visitors are dwarfed by the sheer scale of nature. The trees soar to heights of over 300 feet, their thick trunks covered in moss and ferns, while their roots form intricate networks that spread across the forest floor. Walking through the park is like stepping into another world—one where nature reigns supreme and time seems to slow down beneath the towering canopy.

Geography

Densely Forested Landscape:

The park’s landscape is densely forested, with its redwoods forming a thick, towering canopy that filters sunlight, casting the forest floor in a soft, greenish glow. The air here is cool and damp, with the scent of fresh earth, pine, and salt from the nearby ocean. Beneath the giant trees, a diverse understory thrives, including lush ferns, rhododendrons, and mosses that cling to fallen logs and rocks, creating an ecosystem that feels ancient and untouched. Small creeks and rivers wind through the park, including the Smith River, one of the last major undammed rivers in California. The river’s crystal-clear waters meander through the forest, reflecting the towering trees overhead and providing habitat for salmon, trout, and other aquatic species. The sound of trickling water, birdsong, and the rustle of leaves creates a tranquil soundtrack for visitors exploring the park.

Old-Growth Redwood Groves:

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to some of the most pristine old-growth redwood groves in existence, with towering trees that have survived thousands of years of fires, floods, and storms. These trees are living monuments to time, their bark thick and deeply ridged, with some trunks measuring over 20 feet in diameter. Many of the trees in these groves are named after famous figures or have earned their own nicknames due to their size, shape, or history. The Stout Grove, in particular, is a must-visit area within the park. Known for its particularly dense concentration of massive redwoods, this grove feels almost otherworldly, with its cathedral-like atmosphere of soaring trunks and soft, shaded light. Walking through Stout Grove is a humbling experience, as the immense trees tower above, their branches forming a nearly impenetrable canopy that blocks out the sky

Ecosystem

Biodiversity and Wildlife:

Beyond its iconic redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a haven for biodiversity. The park’s old-growth forests provide habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain lions, and black-tailed deer, as well as smaller creatures like mink, raccoons, and chipmunks. Birdwatchers can spot northern spotted owls, peregrine falcons, and a variety of woodpeckers that make their homes among the towering trees. The park’s rich ecosystem extends to its waterways, where visitors can often see otters playing in the rivers, and during certain times of the year, salmon can be spotted swimming upstream. The park’s rivers and streams are also home to steelhead trout, which draw fishing enthusiasts to the area.

Tourism

Trails and Exploration:

The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from short, easy walks to more challenging treks that take visitors deep into the heart of the ancient forest. One of the most popular trails is the Boy Scout Tree Trail, a moderate hike that winds through some of the park’s most impressive groves and leads to a massive double-trunked redwood known as the Boy Scout Tree. Along the way, hikers are treated to the sights and sounds of old-growth forest life, with glimpses of wildlife and the serene beauty of the redwoods surrounding them. For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Mill Creek Trail offers a longer and more strenuous hike that follows a picturesque creek through the heart of the park. This trail allows hikers to experience the forest’s many layers, from the towering redwoods to the dense ferns and undergrowth that carpet the forest floor. Camping is also a popular way to experience the park’s beauty firsthand. The Jedediah Smith Campground is nestled among the trees and offers campers the rare opportunity to sleep beneath the redwoods. Falling asleep to the sound of the wind through the trees and waking up in the cool, misty air of the forest is an experience that visitors remember for a lifetime.

Connection to Indigenous Heritage:

The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is not only a natural wonder but also a place of deep cultural significance. The area was originally home to the Tolowa Dee-ni' people, who lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. Today, the park preserves and honors this Indigenous heritage, with interpretive signs and exhibits that educate visitors about the Tolowa Dee-ni' culture and their connection to the redwood forests. The park’s redwoods were not only a source of spiritual reverence but also provided materials for tools, shelter, and canoes. The Tolowa Dee-ni' people's deep respect for nature can still be felt in the quiet, sacred atmosphere of the forest, and visitors are encouraged to reflect on the importance of these ancient trees, both as natural wonders and as part of a rich cultural legacy.

A Sanctuary of Tranquility:

More than just a park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature. The sheer scale of the trees, the peacefulness of the dense forest, and the sense of timelessness that pervades the area make it a place of reflection and wonder. Whether exploring its scenic trails, wading through its clear rivers, or simply standing beneath the towering redwoods, visitors to the park are left with a profound sense of awe and respect for the natural world.

Type

Forest

Location under

Crescent City

Included Locations

• Crescent Point Observatory
• Temple of the Shrouded Moon

Owner/Ruler

Ryk

Characters in Location

• Tyler