The northernmost coast redwoods in the country are in Oregon, and a better-known grove sits a short drive south
California does not get to keep all the redwoods. The northernmost coastal redwood grove in the United States sits across the border in Oregon, and plenty of people drive right past it.
Pair it with a grove just a short drive south and you get a two-state redwood day that beats most of the crowded headliners. Ready to cross the line?
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Oregon: Loeb State Park, where the redwoods end
Alfred A. Loeb State Park sits on the banks of the Chetco River near Brookings, in Oregon’s far southwest corner. A short trail from the park leads to the northernmost coastal redwood grove in the country.
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The Forest Service’s Redwood Nature Trail winds past coast redwoods that can reach roughly 250 feet tall and about 10 feet across, and some may be as old as 800 years. It connects to the Riverview Trail that leads to the state park, and it’s open year-round.
Come prepared: the Forest Service warns about poison oak, low-hanging branches, narrow bridges, and trail debris, and there’s no drinking water. Bring your own, and leave the bikes behind since the trail is hiking only.
California: Stout Grove, the one worth the bumpy road
Cross into California and head for Jedediah Smith Redwoods near Crescent City. Stout Grove is a 44-acre stand of old-growth redwoods, with trees around 300 feet tall.
The Stout Grove Trail runs about half a mile one way, with a short spur down to the Smith River. Plan on one to two hours, since you’ll want to stop every few steps and tilt your head back.
Getting there is part of the fun. Cars and vans can reach the trailhead year-round on the eastern section of Howland Hill Road, which is narrow, windy, and mostly unpaved. RVs and trailers can’t park at the trailhead, so leave them behind.
Why do both
Loeb is the quiet, moss-draped warm-up, and Stout Grove is the jaw-dropper. My vote is to start in Oregon and finish in California, so the biggest trees are the last thing you see.
Cool, damp fall days suit redwood walking well. Pack a rain jacket and you’ll have the trails to yourself more often than not.
Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.
Which grove would you save for last? Tell us in the comments.
