Welcome to a towering arboreal wonder at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It is nestled along the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River. This is just east of Crescent City in Northern California. This lush 10,430-acre sanctuary protects ancient coast redwoods—some over 340 feet tall—set alongside river beaches, old-growth trails and a dramatic stretch of the Mill Creek and Smith River corridors.
What Makes Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Unique
Established in 1929, Jedediah Smith is part of the Redwood National and State Parks—home to roughly 7% of the world’s remaining old-growth redwoods. Here, giants like the “Stratosphere Giant” and the Grove of Titans coexist with a free-flowing, undammed river—the last of its kind in California—cooled by summer fog and alive with steelhead, salmon and shimmering river otters. Its blend of ancient forest and wild river delivers a cathedral-like wilderness experience.
Top Activities & Amenities
? Hiking Trails
The park features around 20 miles of maintained trails, including the accessible Hatton Loop, the 5.5-mile Boy Scout Tree Trail, and the Hiouchi Trail—offering a gorgeous loop through cathedral redwoods to the famous Grove of Titans via an elevated boardwalk. Interpretive signage along many paths helps you understand the ecology and history of this old-growth forest.
?️ Campsites & Cabins
The riverside campground includes 87 family sites accommodating tents, trailers and RVs up to 25 ft. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, food locker, and drinking water. Four ADA-accessible cabins sleep up to six and include electricity, outdoor BBQs and fire pits. Group campsites allow up to 50 people and must be reserved in advance.
? Picnic Areas & Fire Rings
The campfire center provides a communal fire ring; individual campsites include fire pits and BBQ grills for evening cookouts. Picnic areas along the river and in the day-use area offer scenic lunch spots under the redwoods.
? Fishing & Swimming
The crystal-clear Smith River invites swimming, wading and catch-and-release fishing for steelhead and salmon (with proper license). River beaches accessible from the campground and day-use area are perfect for dips and riverside relaxation.
? Wildlife Viewing & Interpretive Programs
Wildlife watchers may spot deer, river otters, squirrels, black bears and over 170 bird species. Native plants and interpretive displays are available at the visitor center, supported by park rangers and summer interpretive programs including guided hikes and Junior Ranger activities.
? Restrooms, Showers & Drinking Water
Flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers (around $0.50 per 5 min) are available in the campground loop. Drinking water spigots are scattered throughout. ADA washrooms are located near the visitor center and select campsites.
? RV Dump Station & Parking
An on-site RV dump station serves the campground. Parking lots are provided by the visitor center and campground, including ADA-accessible spaces. Overflow parking is available near trailheads during busy periods.
? Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, trail maps, a small bookstore and souvenirs like books and local gifts. Rangers and volunteers offer trail advice, safety tips, and ecology talks.
? Ranger Station & Educational Exhibits
The staffed ranger station distributes permits and trail updates. Educational exhibits highlight the last free-flowing river in California, redwood ecology and local Indigenous history. Seasonal ranger-led tours and talks help you dive deeper into this living forest.
Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Day-use is free. Campsites cost around $35/night; cabins $80–100/night. Reserve up to six months ahead via ReserveCalifornia; sites fill fast in summer.
- Parking: Limited lot at visitor center; overflow available near trailheads. Carpools recommended on weekends.
- Pet Rules: Leashed dogs allowed in campground and roads only; not on trails or in groves.
- Accessibility: ADA cabins, campsites, showers and boardwalk at Grove of Titans accessible; accessible parking available.
- Boat Ramp: Small boat launch at day-use area—kayaks/canoes allowed on Smith River.
- Fire & Food Storage: Fires only in provided rings. Store food in lockers—bears are common.
- Trail Closures: Mill Creek Trail and Grove of Titans boardwalk may close occasionally for maintenance—check park alerts.
- Water & Showers: Bring quarters for hot showers; camp spigots provide treated water.
- Cell Service: Limited; download maps and bring a physical guide.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Spring to early summer brings lush undergrowth, blooming rhododendrons and robust river flows—ideal for hiking and swimming. Sunrise through the Grove of Titans boardwalk is a serene, light-filled moment. For a hidden gem, hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail at dawn—its grove of ancient redwoods and forest floor blanketed in ferns is magical before day visitors arrive. Afterward, treat yourself to a seafood lunch in Crescent City while enjoying coastal views.