Towering redwoods frame Navarro River Redwoods State Park along California’s north coast. This park in Mendocino County offers a serene riverfront escape. Situated where the Navarro River flows to the Pacific, this park spans 660 acres of second‑growth redwoods and coastal scenery—making it a hidden gem for outdoor lovers.
What Makes Navarro River Redwoods State Park Unique
This park features a rare combination of stately redwood forests, river estuary habitat, and oceanfront access. Enjoy the gentle “ocean run” canoe route from inland groves to sandy beach. Historic sites like Captain Fletcher’s Inn at Navarro Beach add cultural richness. Wildlife thrives—from salmon and river otters to great blue herons and osprey—making it ideal for nature lovers.
Top Activities & Amenities
🥾 Hiking & Scenic Drives
A scenic stretch of Highway 128 winds through redwood groves, with pull‑outs for short walks and picnics. The park’s wooded trails connect to the river and beach areas. Nearby Conservation Fund preserves expand exploration across more forested terrain.
🏕️ Camping & Group Sites
Paul M. Dimmick Campground offers 25 shaded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, potable water and pit or flush toilets (seasonal). Navarro Beach Campground provides 10 riverside sites with fire rings and picnic tables—vault toilets only, no potable water or hookups, and open first‑come, first‑served. RVs up to 30 ft at both campgrounds; dump station available nearby.
🎣 Fishing, Swimming & Paddling
The Navarro River is home to steelhead, cutthroat trout, salmon and river otters. Canoeing and kayaking are popular in spring when water is higher—paddle the 8‑mile “ocean run” from Dimmick Campground to Navarro Beach. Sandy swimming holes and lazy tubing sections appear in summer’s lower water levels.
🏞️ Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching
Visitors often spot river otters, harbor seals and migrating gray whales offshore. Birdlife includes herons, kingfishers, loons and osprey. The redwoods shelter deer, raccoons and abundant songbirds—offerings for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.
🍴 Picnic Areas & Restroom Facilities
Scenic day‑use areas with picnic tables and fire grills are scattered along the river and beach. Paul M. Dimmick has flush toilets (summer) or vault toilets (winter), potable water and showers; Navarro Beach has vault toilets but no potable water.
🛍️ Visitor Info & Ranger Programs
The Navarro‑by‑the‑Sea Center near the beach educates on park history and ecology, with interpretive exhibits and ranger‑led tours during warmer months.
🚴♂️ Biking, Horseback & Photography
Highway 128 offers peaceful redwood canopy rides—be alert for cars. Equestrians use trails along the riverbanks. Photographers savor reflections of redwoods in river pools, drifting logs at sunset and wildlife in natural settings.
Visitor Tips
- Fees: Day-use parking and trail stops are $10 per vehicle; camping fees apply (first‑come basis, $35‑45/night).
- Reservations: None—camping is first‑come, first‑served. Arrive early on weekends.
- Pets: Allowed in campgrounds and picnic zones on leash; prohibited on trails, river access and beach areas.
- Water & Amenities: Bring drinking water if camping at Navarro Beach; none available onsite.
- River Safety: Currents and fallen logs pose hazards—use caution while swimming or boating.
- Fishing Regulations: California freshwater fishing license required; barbless hooks for Steelhead. Observe current seasonal limits.
- Best Time to Paddle: Spring high water—check tide charts for smooth “ocean run” return paddles.
- Ocean Access: Watch for tides and avoid high surf—safest in summer months.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in spring to paddle the iconic “ocean run” through the redwoods and watch salmon runs and river otters. Summer reveals sunny swimming havens and cozy driftwood building at the beach campground. For solitude, arrive on weekday mornings or stay over a weekday night—campground occupancy dips midweek. Don’t miss a sunset stroll along the river estuary; the light on the redwoods reflecting in clear river pools creates a photographer’s paradise. History buffs can explore the restored Captain Fletcher’s Inn building near Navarro Beach—a compelling window into the area’s 19th‑century logging heritage.