Redwood Forest Scenic Drive and Trails

Crescent City is the gateway to the northern section of Redwood National and State Parks with some of the most spectacular scenic drives and hiking trails in the region. The most popular route for seeing the most forest possible is to follow the Howland Hill Scenic Drive and then return by Highway 199 to Crescent City. The total round trip is less than 25 miles.

Howland Hill Scenic Drive: A gravel surfaced road meanders through redwood trees following a historic wagon road. The most scenic drive in the north redwood region.

Walker Road Scenic Drive: A gravel surfaced road that goes for a short distance through the redwood forest to the Smith River.

1) Mill Creek Trail: The trail climbs over the coast front hills into the Mill Creek drainage. It passes through a forest that transitions from alder and spruce forest into some second growth redwoods but generally is not a good trail for seeing the giant redwood forest.

2) Nickerson Ranch - Mill Creek Loop: Hike through a forest of mixed hemlock and redwood trees to Mill Creek. The loop trail is gently graded over its entire distance which includes walking back to the starting point on Howland Hill Road. A beautiful old growth forest with scenic river views.

3) Boy Scout Tree Trail: The trail climbs steadily to a redwood tree dedicated to all Boy Scout leaders. The first part is in the redwood forest which gradually gives away to a forest dominated by hemlock.

4) Mill Creek Trail: Follows Mill Creek from Howland Hill road to the Smith River. A foot bridge is installed in the summer for those who want to hike from Jedediah Smith State Park.

5) Stout Grove: This is a wheelchair accessible trail that takes you into the densest stand of coast redwoods in the nation. Truly a world class redwood experience. Restrooms at the trailhead.

6) Little Bald Hills: This trail climbs steadily to a meadow above the redwood forest. The trail continues to Stony Creek on the South Fork Smith River road. There are only a few redwoods at the beginning of the trail that give away to a Douglas-fir forest as the geology changes from the Franciscan formation to a predominantly serpentine rock uplifted from the upper mantle.

7) Craigs Creek Trail: There are not many redwoods seen along this trail but it has been added for those who would like to hike along a narrow canyon of the South Fork Smith River which has been set aside as a fish preserve.

8) Myrtle Creek Botanical Trail: There are not many redwoods seen in this area but it has been included for those who would like to see more botanical and historic features in the region.

9) Hatton Loop Trail: A short loop trail that starts across the road from the Simpson-Reed Loop Trail.

10) Simpson-Reed Loop Trail: A graveled surfaced trail accessible to wheelchairs also has an interpretive trail guide and restrooms available at the trailhead. More crowded than other trails. A giant log next to the trail is the largest log seen along any of the trails in the north redwood forest.

11) Leifer Loop Trail: Drive a short distance down Walker Road to this out of the way loop trail. Poison oak is common in this area and commonly grows as a vine up redwood trees.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...