Experience the majesty of ancient giants at Portola Redwoods State Park. It is nestled along Pescadero Creek in the western Santa Cruz Mountains of San Mateo County. Just a 30‑minute drive from Silicon Valley, this lush 2,800‑acre redwood retreat offers a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy moss-draped canyons and fern-filled groves. It is also a cool creekside refuge.
What Makes Portola Redwoods State Park Unique
The park is named after the 1769 Portolá expedition. It safeguards towering coast redwoods, including the venerable 1,200-year-old Old Tree. It also honors the cultural legacy of the Quiroste Ohlone tribes. The park has over 18 miles of winding trails and a secluded campground under redwood crowns. It features interpretive exhibits. Cascading tributaries like Tiptoe Falls offer a serene, low-key alternative to crowded Bay Area redwood hikes.
Top Activities & Amenities
Hiking Trails & Nature Walks
A mix of gentle loops and more ambitious routes await hikers and bikers. The shaded 1.5‑mile Sequoia Nature Trail features informative signs and a creek-side footbridge (seasonally removed). For a redwood safari, the Old Tree Trail leads to an awe-inspiring 300‑ft, 1,200‑year‑old redwood. Slate Creek, Peters Creek, and Bear Creek Trails offer longer backcountry adventures. These trails provide options for backpacking. Some of these trails link to Slate Creek Trail Camp for overnight treks.
Camping Sites & Group Camping
The family campground holds around 50 sites. Many are shaded and well-spaced. They come with fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, flush toilets, and coin-operated hot showers. Four group camps—including Hillside, Ravine and Circle—accommodate 25–50 people each, ideal for scouts or nature group retreats. Walk-in and equestrian camps are available toward the Slate Creek area.
Picnic Areas & Visitor Center
A cozy visitor center near the entrance houses interpretive displays, park maps, a small park store and restrooms. Picnic tables dot the site, shaded beneath towering redwoods—a perfect snack stop before or after a hike.
Fishing & Creek Recreation
Pescadero Creek and tributaries like Fall and Slate Creeks offer catch-and-release fishing opportunities for rainbow trout. Tiptoe Falls, on Fall Creek, is a refreshing half-mile diversion to a small 35‑ft cascade—great for photographers and nature lovers.
Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
Keep your eyes peeled for black-tailed deer, bobcats, and coyotes. The lush forest supports birds such as acorn woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, and numerous warblers. Belted kingfishers may be spotted flitting along the creek.
Interpretive Exhibits & Ranger Programs
The Sequoia Nature Trail is lined with interpretive signs, while the visitor center hosts educational talks and nature-themed activities. Summer ranger-led twilight hikes and campfire programs offer deep dives into redwood ecology, geology, and park history.
Biking, Horseback & Equestrian Camping
Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed on Old Haul Service Road. It is a gentle, scenic route that links Portola through Pescadero Creek County Park to Memorial County Park. Equestrian campers may use walk-in sites near Slate Creek.
Parking & Accessibility
A well-maintained lot near the visitor center provides ample parking. Accessible restrooms and pathways surround the center, though forest trails are natural terrain and may challenge mobility-impaired visitors.
Visitor Tips
- Day‑Use Fee: $10 per vehicle (discounted $9 for seniors). Bring cash or card.
- Camping Reservations: Book family and group camps via ReserveCalifornia—slots fill fast spring through fall.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in campgrounds, picnic and paved areas only; no dogs on trails.
- Firewood: Buy on-site; collecting deadwood is prohibited to protect soil health.
- No Cell Service: Plan ahead; trail guides and printed maps recommended.
- Crew Safety: Trails may be muddy after rain—wear waterproof footwear and bring layers.
- Biking & Horses: Use only Old Haul Service Road; helmets required for under-18 cyclists.
- Quiet Hours: 10 PM–8 AM; generators and music not allowed.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in late spring to catch Tiptoe Falls roaring after winter rains, framed by fresh green ferns and wildflowers. Early summer mornings often bring a carpet of redwood-filtered mist and chorus of songbirds—a magical backdrop for quiet reflection. For a hidden gem, follow the Sequoia Nature Trail just after a storm. The creek overflows. The ancient redwoods seem to glow. When dusk falls during summer weekends, don’t miss the ranger-led star talk at the amphitheater. Learning constellations beneath a redwood canopy is a rare Bay Area delight.