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![]() | Redwood National and State ParksVisitor Guide 2021 |
Visitor Guide to Redwood National and State Parks (NP & SP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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covered parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Visitor Guide
PHOTO / STEVE OLSON
The offcial 2021 visitor guide
of Redwood National and State Parks
Park Map
Big Trees
Scenic Drives
Discover the best way to navigate Redwood’s
mosaic of habitats…pages 6-7
Learn about the three kinds of redwood trees
and the best places to see them…page 5
The type of vehicle you drive will determine
which roads are suitable for you…page 7
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To Bald Hills Road
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Elk Meadow Day Use Area
L ost M a n
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Berry Glen Trail
an
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Parking area
Restrooms
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Lady Bird Johnson
Grove Trail
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The Superintendents of Redwood National
and State Parks welcome you to relax and
enjoy one of the most peaceful places
on earth. These forests provide sanctuary
from the stresses of fast-paced modern
life, steadfast and appearing unchanged
over eons. But no place is untouched by
change and Redwood National and State
Parks is no exception.
jc t
Hi
Bald lls R oad
.
ai
Trip Ideas
Lady Bird
Johnson Grove
Trailhead
o
ile t
m
il
ra
Coastal Trail:
Skunk Cabbage Section
Picnic area
Elk M a d
e
lli u
Tri
3 mi les f r om
Tr a il
Other trails
Change
No matter how short or long your visit is,
check out our recommendations…page 6
Camping
Pets
Find out which of the parks’ four developed
campgrounds is best for you…page 10
Several designated, pet-friendly adventures
should suit the whole family…page 3
Despite these challenges, Redwood
National and State Parks will see positive
change in 2021. The Grove of Titans will
be accessible through a new trail and
boardwalk, protecting it for generations
to come. Thousands of acres of previously
harvested timberlands will be put on
a path of recovery through the public/
private efforts of the Redwoods Rising
collaborative. Working with our Yurok
tribal partners, condors may soon soar
over the towering redwoods once again.
Condors Will Soar Overhead
CA L IF O RNI A C ON D OR S ONCE ROAM ED THE S K IES ALON G T HE
entire California coast and into the Pacifc Northwest. With a nine
and a half foot wingspan—the largest of any North American land
bird—condors can travel over a hundred miles each day in search
of food. These prehistoric-looking scavengers can easily tear into
carcasses too large for others, but will gladly consume any carrion
they come across. Despite their impressive size, condors are not
hunters, and cannot kill prey themselves.
Condors began disappearing as Westward Expansion—beginning
in the 1800s—altered their habitat, replacing wide-open spaces
with increased disturbance. As new settlers killed bears and
mountain lions, it reduced the number of large predators that
provided condors with prey to scavenge. The carcasses that
homesteaders left behind were often flled with toxic lead
fragments from bullets, and poisoning campaigns killed condors
who came to clean up the dead “nuisance” wildlife. Within a
century, condors had declined to a tiny population in Southern
California, and by 1987 they were extinct in the wild.
Condors are poised to come back to
their home in the redwoods.
Only 27 condors remained in the world— all living in zoos —when
a captive breeding program began. In the span of three decades,
it has dramatically increased condor numbers, and they have now
been successfully reintroduced to the wild in California’s Central
Coast, as well as to the Arizona/Utah border and Baja California,
Mexico —which are all part of the condors’ original range.
Now after years of work by dedicated conservationists, in the
next year Redwood National and State Parks will be the release
site for another condor reintroduction. This efort has been led by
the Yurok Tribe working with numerous partners—including the
National Park Service, California State Parks, Oregon Zoo, US Fish
and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Ventana Wildlife Society,
and Pacifc Gas and Electric—to prepare for this historic step in
condor recovery.
Recent times witnessed the parks adapt
to a global pandemic. Park staff and
our partners worked hard to ensure the
Redwoods were available as a respite for a
weary America during these tough times.
Limited in what could be accomplished
in-person, our rangers reached out to
classrooms through virtual education
programs and moved our permit system
on-line. While safety is always frst
and foremost, we modifed our visitor
center, campground, and offce building
operations to stay open during the
pandemic whenever possible.
NPS / GAVIN EMMONS
Indigenous peoples along the Pacifc Coast had lived with condors
since time immemorial. For many, like the Yurok, the condor is
a fundamental part of their culture and traditions. Yurok wildlife
biologists have spent years doing feldwork to demonstrate the
feasibility of reintroducing condors to their homeland. They
believe that the return of the condor will also restore spiritual
balance to their world.
Redwood National and State Parks is proud to be part of the
partnership that will return this critically endangered species to
another part of its ancestral territory.
Many people think of national and state parks as places that
protect ”pristine” nature, but Redwood National and State Parks
demonstrates that parks can also repair and restore damaged
ecosystems—ranging from thousands of acres of clearcut forest
and sediment-laden streams resulting from over a century of
logging (see Redwoods Rising, pg 8), to tramped vegetation and
exposed roots caused by increased of-trail use by hikers.
We are reaffrming and strengthening
our partnership between the three state
parks and the national park that make
up Redwood National and State Parks.
Our visitor services will be even more
integrated to better provide information
and interpretive services. Our trail
crews are developing combined trail
maintenance standards to ensure the
hiking experience is the same across these
four parks. We are excited to see how
these efforts will beneft you while also
maximizing the effciency of the work we
do throughout the partnership.
While we are not sure what the future
holds, we commit ourselves to providing
you the best experience in these
majestic forests while protecting them in
perpetuity.
Brett Silver
RNSP Superintendent (California State Parks)
Steve Mietz
RNSP Superintendent (National Park Service)
www.nps.gov/redw
@RedwoodNPS
Condor reintroduction is another piece of this restoration puzzle
whose benefts extend far beyond the parks’ boundaries.
Sarah Brimeyer, Park Ranger
NPS Mobile App
Printed on paper with post-consumer recycled content
Visitor Centers: A Great Start
National or State Park?
It’s both! In May 1994, the National Park
Service and California State Parks agreed
to cooperatively manage their contiguous
redwood parklands. Both park systems
have a long history of working together
that dates back to Yosemite, which became California’s frst state park in 1864.
Though designated a national park in
1890, Yosemite was briefy managed by
both state and federal governments.
Redwood National and State Parks manages 133,000 acres. Our mission is to
preserve, protect—and make available to
all people, for their inspiration, enjoyment,
and education—the forests, scenic coastlines, prairies, and streams and their associated natural and cultural values, which
defne this World Heritage Site; and to
help people forge emotional, intellectual,
and recreational ties to these parks.
Mailing Address
Redwood National and State Parks
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, Calif. 95531
Web and E-mail
www.nps.gov/redw
For e-mail, click “Contact Us”
Join the Conversation
facebook.com/RedwoodNPS
twitter.com/RedwoodNPS
youtube.com/user/RedwoodNPS
instagram.com/RedwoodNPS
Five visitor and information centers provide orientation, information, and
trip-planning advice. Park staff and park partners are on duty.
Park Passes
Crescent City Information Center
Information, live video feed from Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge,
passport stamps, nearby restrooms, Junior Ranger workbook.
Location: 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, Calif.
Operating Hours: Summer: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm;
Off-season: As staffng permits—please call ahead: 707-464-6101.
If you’re an America the Beautiful pass holder (“Annual,” ”Military,”
“Senior,” “Access,” or “Volunteer”), you enjoy free entry to more
than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks. Now,
those same benefts are extended to state parklands within Redwood
National and State Parks: With your America the Beautiful Pass, you
won’t pay day-use fees (where applicable) at Jedediah Smith Redwood,
Del Norte Coast Redwood, and Prairie Creek Redwood State Park.
“Senior” and “Access” passholders receive a 50% discount on camping fees, too! Of course, visitors with a California State Parks Annual
or Special Pass will continue to receive the same benefts and discounts
they’ve enjoyed at sites throughout the state.
Hiouchi Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, park flm, passport stamps, restrooms, picnic area,
ranger-led activities and programs, Junior Ranger workbook.
Location: 9 miles northeast of Crescent City, Calif. on US 199.
Operating Hours: Summer: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm;
Off-season: Open daily, 9 am to 4 pm.
Jedediah Smith Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, passport stamps, restrooms, picnic area, ranger-led
activities and programs (summer only), Junior Ranger workbook.
Location: Jedediah Smith Campground (see page 10), 9 miles northeast of
Crescent City, Calif. on US 199.
Operating Hours: Summer: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm;
Off-season: As staffng permits—please call ahead: 707-464-6101.
Find out which pass is right for you and where passes can be purchased by visiting any park visitor center (see left) or online at:
California State Parks Annual or Special Passes
www.parks.ca.gov
America the Beautiful Pass Series
www.nps.gov/fndapark/passes
Prairie Creek Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, passport stamps, restrooms, picnic area, ranger-led
activities and programs (summer only), Junior Ranger workbook.
ADA trails.
Location: 6 miles north of Orick, Calif. on the Newton B. Drury Scenic
Parkway (exit off US 101).
Operating Hours: Summer: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm;
Off-season: Open daily, 9 am to 4pm.
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Information, exhibits, park flm, passport stamps, restrooms, picnic area,
ranger-led activities and programs (summer only), Junior Ranger workbook.
Location: 2 miles south of Orick, Calif. on US 101.
Operating Hours: Summer: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm;
Off-season: Open daily, 9 am to 4 pm
Passport Stamps
Park Headquarters
ph: 707-464-6101
Don’t forget your park passport stamp! Stamps are available at all
visitor centers in Redwood National and State Parks. Each of the fve
visitor centers has a unique stamp. Redwood National Park can be
found in the Western Region (page 83) of the passport booklet.
Newspaper Editors
Gregory Litten
Candace Tinkler
The Fine Print: What You Need to Know
Dates and Hours of Operation
Redwood National and State Parks is open every
day. Visitor centers (above), campgrounds (see
page10), and day-use areas maintain regular/seasonal hours of operation.
Sportfshing
Sportfshing requires a California fshing license for
those 16 years-old and older and must be in accordance with California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. For more information,
contact the CDFW Field Offce at (707) 445-6493.
Fees and Reservations
State parks collect day-use fees at entrance stations and fees are required for camping at campgrounds; camping reservations may be required
(see pages 10-11). Holders of qualifying park
passes may be eligible for discounts (see above).
Special Use Permits
Permits are required for scientifc research, collecting, organized events, and commercial activities. Call 707-465-7307 or visit
www.nps.gov/redw for more information.
Firearms and Hunting
Federal law allows people who can legally possess frearms under applicable federal, state, and
local laws to possess frearms in National Park
Service (NPS)-administered lands within Redwood National and State Parks. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with
all applicable state, local, and federal frearms
laws. Federal law also prohibits frearms in federal buildings in the national park; those places will
be marked with signs at all public entrances.
Backcountry Camping
Permits are required for camping at all our backcountry campsites. These are now issued online.
Visit www.nps.gov/redw to apply, or call 707464-6101 for more information.
State laws prohibit frearms in California State
Parks-administered lands.
Collecting and Vandalism
Disturbing, defacing, or collecting any park resource without a permit is prohibited. Exceptions
on national (NPS) parklands only: apples (fve per
person per day); acorns (ten gallons per person
per day); and berries, hazelnuts and unoccupied
seashells (one gallon per person per day).
Exception on state (CDPR) parklands only: berries
(fve pounds per person per day).
Hunting (and/or any discharge of frearms) is
prohibited in Redwood National and State Parks.
Drone Aircraft
Federal and state laws prohibit the use of drones
anywhere in Redwood National and State Parks.
2
Redwood Visitor Guide
Tall Trees Access Road
The gated Tall Trees Access Road is only accessible via a free permit. Fifty permits per day are
issued online. Visit www.nps.gov/redw to apply,
or call 707-464-6101 for more information.
Crescent City, California Weather
Month
Average High
Average Low
Average Precip.
January
54.1°F (12.3°C)
39.5°F (4.2°C)
11.6” (29.5 cm)
February
55.7°F (13.2°C)
40.5°F (4.7°C)
9.9” (25.2 cm)
March
56.9°F (13.8°C)
40.9°F (4.9°C)
9.0” (22.7 cm)
April
59.1°F (15.1°C)
42.4°F (5.8°C)
5.3” (13.6 cm)
May
61.9°F (16.6°C)
45.3°F (7.4°C)
3.5” (8.8 cm)
June
64.9°F (18.3°C)
48.3°F (9.1°C)
1.6” (4.0 cm)
July
66.9°F (19.4°C)
50.6°F (10.3°C)
0.5” (1.1 cm)
August
67.3°F (19.6°C)
50.9°F (10.5°C)
0.6” (1.6 cm)
September
67.6°F (19.8°C)
49.1°F (9.5°C)
1.8” (4.7 cm)
October
64.1°F (17.8°C)
46.2°F (7.9°C)
5.2” (13.3 cm)
November
58.4°F (14.7°C)
42.9°F (6.1°C)
9.9” (25.0 cm)
December
54.7°F (12.6°C)
40.1°F (4.5°C)
11.7” (29.6 cm)
Safety
The wild animals, plants, waterways, and other
natural features, as well as certain weather conditions that occur here, can be dangerous. For
more information about protecting yourself and
your parks, see page 12.
In case of emergency dial:
In case of emergency dial:
Ranger-Led Programs & Activities
Programs are available mid-May to
mid-September. Some winter walks are
ofered too. Inquire at visitor centers
(left) or campground bulletin boards for
times, topics, and locations.
NPS
NPS / LORI MAROIS
NPS
MAKE NEW MEMORIES AND LEARN!
Park staf lead a variety of seasonally available activities and educational programs
throughout the parks that are free, informative, and fun for all ages.
TIDEPOOL WALK (2 HOURS, AS TIDES PERMIT)
CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS (1 HOUR)
NATURE WALKS (1-2 HOURS)
Get your hands (and feet!) wet while discovering delicate tidepool creatures. A
park ranger-naturalist leads this investigation into the hidden world beneath the
waves. Shedules will be at visitor centers
and on our website. Come prepared: dress
for the weather; wear sturdy hiking shoes or
boots (no sandals) with non-slip soles!
As darkness descends on the North Coast,
the Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, and Elk
Prairie campgrounds (see page 10) are
ideal settings for a creative and inspiring
evening. Programs may include narrated
slide shows, storytelling, music, and/or
games. Campfre circles and outdoor amphitheaters are wheelchair accessible.
Immerse yourself in the forest, sea, or
prairielands. Join a park ranger for a
down-to-earth exploration of the natural
communities that contribute to one of the
most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Come prepared: dress for the weather; bring
drinking water and a snack; wear sturdy
hiking shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
FAQs: Where can I…
…fnd an accessible trail in the redwoods?
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Leiffer Loop Trail and Simpson-Reed
Grove (see page 6). Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Several trails and loops
begin at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is
an accessible path at “Big Tree Wayside” (see page 7).
…take my pet for a walk in the redwoods?
Jedediah Smith Rewoods State Park: Walker Road (see page 6).
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Cal Barrel Road (see page 7).
Pets on a leash not exceeding six feet in length are allowed at designated campgrounds, picnic areas, public roads, parking areas, and beaches with road access.
…have a campfre?
Fires are only permitted in park-provided grills and fre rings at picnic areas, campgrounds, and designated backcountry camps; on Redwood Creek gravel bars per
conditions of a valid permit; and, on national parkland beach wave slopes. Up to 50
pounds of dead and downed wood (including driftwood) may be collected from:
Freshwater, Hidden, Crescent, and Enderts beaches; Redwood Creek gravel bars; and,
within 1-mile radius of designated backcountry camps on national parkland. Wood
collection is prohibited in developed campgrounds. On state parklands, up to 50
pounds of driftwood only may be collected by hand, per person, per day.
…ride my bicycle?
Bicycles are permitted on all public roadways open to vehicle traffc, as well as on
designated backcountry bicycle routes (see page 11). Biker/hiker campsites are
available at all developed campgrounds and at some backcountry campsites.
…ride my horse or travel with pack animals?
Travel with horses and/or pack animals is allowed only in designated areas or on
designated routes and trails (see page 11). Camping with horses is allowed at two
stock-ready campsites along these routes; free permit may be required.
…take my motorhome, RV, or trailer?
With the exception of major highways, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and access roads to visitor centers and campgrounds (though length limits may apply—see
page 10), motorhomes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers are ill-advised or
prohibited on other roadways. Check-out the map on pages 6-7 .
…have a picnic?
Picnic tables are available at numerous locations throughout the parks, including all
visitor centers (see page 2). Help Keep Wildlife Wild: never feed wildlife; properly
store and dispose of all food and garbage—even crumbs.
…fnd lodging?
While there are no lodging services (hotels, motels, or hostels, etc.) within the
parks, lodging is available in and around nearby communities—contact local chambers of commerce. See “Area Information,” (above-right) for more information.
…dine or purchase groceries?
While there are no food services within the parks, food is available in and around
nearby communities—contact local chambers of commerce for more info. See
“Area Information,” (above-right). Full-service grocery stores are available in Brookings, Ore., and Crescent City, Trinidad, McKinleyville, Arcata, and Eureka, Calif.
…go camping?
Camping is permitted: in four developed campgrounds; at numerous designated
backcountry camps; and at dispersed sites on Redwood Creek gravel bars upstream
of MacArthur Creek and no closer than 1-mile from Tall Trees Grove. Permits, reservations, and/or fees may apply (see pages 10-11). Outside the national and state
parks, tent, trailer, and RV camping may be available on adjacent public lands or
nearby private campgrounds. See “Area Information” for additional information.
Area Information
Chambers of Commerce & Visitor Bureaus
Arcata, Calif.
California Welcome Center
1635 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521
ph: 707-822-3619
www.arcatachamber.com
Klamath, Calif.
P.O. Box 476
Klamath, CA 95548
ph: 707-482-7165 or 800-200-2335
www.klamathchamber.com
McKinleyville, Calif.
P.O. Box 2144
McKinleyville, CA 95519
ph: 707-839-2449
www.mckinleyvillechamber.com
Blue Lake, Calif.
P.O Box 476
Blue Lake, CA 95525
ph: 707-688-5655
www.sunnybluelake.com
Orick, Calif.
P.O. Box 234
Orick, CA 95555
ph: 707-488-2885
www.orick.net
Brookings, Ore.
16330 Lower Harbor Road
Brookings, OR 97415
ph: 541-469-3181 or 800-535-9469
www.brookingsharborchamber.com
Crescent City, Calif. / Del Norte County
1001 Front Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
ph: 707-464-3174 or 800-343-8300
www.exploredelnorte.com
What’s Left of the
Redwoods?
Eureka, Calif.
Eureka Visitors Center
240 E Street
Eureka, CA 95501
ph: 707-798-6411
www.visiteureka.com
Humboldt County Visitors Bureau
322 1st Street
Eureka, CA 95501
ph: 800-346-3482
www.visitredwoods.com
Redwoods
Historic Range:
2,000,000 acres
~5% remains:
4.7% preserved in public lands
≤ 1% privately owned & managed
...see some really tall trees?
When logging began in 1850, roughly two million acres of ancient or
“old-growth” coast redwood forest canopy mantled the coastal mountains
of California. Today, just about fve percent remains. Redwood National
and State Parks preserves over 35 percent of all remaining, protected oldgrowth coast redwood forests in California.
To experience these rare yet iconic forests yourself, refer to the map on
pages 6-7: Shaded areas identify the general locations of old-growth
forests. Most “Recommended Short Walks” and “Recommended Scenic
Drives” offer easy access to some really tall trees. Most of the “Suggested
Hikes” in the chart on page 11 also traverse old-growth forests.
Even travelers on major highways will catch a glimpse of these giants (just
keep an eye on the road!): look for ancient coast redwoods along US 199
through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, as well as on US 101,
especially just south of Crescent City, Calif. in Del Norte Coast Redwoods
State Park—it’s not called the Redwood Highway for nothing!
NPS
Redwood Visitor Guide
3
NPS / JOHN CHAO
Coastal Wonders
Seastacks, tide pools and cold, crashing waves are common along our 40-miles of protected coastline.
Marine Protected Areas
Just beyond park boundaries, ffteen Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs) lie of the coasts of Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
These MPAs are home to remarkable ecosystems and wild
creatures that are rarely noticed by visitors.
Just as our nation’s parks protect special places on land,
California’s statewide network of MPAs protect marine animals
and their underwater homes. Within these protected areas,
fshing and other human impacts are limited, providing a refuge
for diverse marine life to live and reproduce. Within Northern
California’s MPAs you will discover tranquil estuaries, lush
bull-kelp forests, colorful rocky reefs, productive sandy bottom
habitats, and deep ocean canyons. California’s 124 MPAs
connect these habitats, protecting marine life during many
stages of their life.
Like underwater parks, MPAs mirror the marvels you have
come to explore on land, while providing a vital resource
protection to our coastal ocean.
Seasonal interpretive programs focused on the watery world are
ofered during the summer months, shedding light on some of
the ocean’s myths and mysteries. MPAs are open for everyone
to explore, providing opportunities for ocean recreation
including surfng, diving, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Although the ocean contains incredible beauty worth
exploring, California’s north coast waters are turbulent and
frigid. Always use caution when recreating in or near the water.
Know the signs of a tsunami:
• A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast.
• A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters.
• A loud roaring noise from the ocean.
If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong earthquake...:
• Drop, cover, and hold on.
• Protect yourself from the earthquake.
• When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from
the coast. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.
• Be prepared for aftershocks which happen frequently after earthquakes. Each time the earth shakes: drop, cover, and hold on.
• Move as far inland and uphill as possible.
What to do during a Tsunami Watch:
• Use a NOAA Weather Radio or listen to local radio or television stations for updated information.
• Locate loved-ones and review evacuation plans.
• Be ready to move quickly if a Tsunami Warning is issued.
4
Redwood Visitor Guide
Sneaker Waves are very large waves
that can occur at any time. Never turn
your back on the ocean.
Rip Currents are strong out-going
currents that can occur at any time.
They are stronger than you are.
Rising Tides can cut off access. Know
the tides; plan for rising water.
Think “TSUNAMI!” if you feel a strong
earthquake. Go to high ground or
inland. Stay there.
Cold Water quickly paralyzes muscles,
making it hard to swim.
If someone in the water appears to be
in trouble, CALL 911. Don’t go in after
them—you may not survive.
The colorful underwater world is closer than you think, hosting
incredible life. During your visit to walk amongst ancient
giants, let your mind wander to what vibrant mysteries are just
ofshore. Visit an MPA today!
Angela Edmunds, Marine Protected Area Interpreter
You are in Tsunami and Earthquake Country
Since 1933, Crescent City, California has recorded 34 tsunamis—more
than any other community on the Pacifc Coast of the United States.
Crescent City’s tsunami preparedness came at the highest of costs, however. Often through unwelcomed experience and practice, it has proven itself
to be one of the most tsunami ready cities on the Pacifc Coast. These tips
will help you to stay safe while visiting tsunami country:
A life vest can be the difference
between an incident and a tragedy.
Enjoy the beaches but don’t let the
ocean catch you off guard:
UBA
Each year, over one million visitors travel from around the world
to visit Redwood National and State Parks. Many seek to step
back in time when visiting the ancient old growth redwoods.
Others come to enjoy long walks on pristine beaches. Some
wander along restored creek beds, observing salmon accomplish
the unimaginable. Of the millions that visit each year, few are
aware of a nearby mystery: a colorful world hidden within an
underwater wilderness.
33% of California MPAs are located next to California State
Parks, a preservation partnership which benefts both land
and sea. Visitors to Redwood National and State Parks can
experience MPAs in many ways.
ITY MLPA SC
These habitats are home to remarkable
ecosystems and wild creatures.
Just like ancient redwood groves, these submerged treasures
provide a playground for the visitor’s imagination.
TE UNIVERS
MBOLDT STA
living rainbows and crawling with colorful critters. Special skills
allow for creatures to disappear within plain sight. Animals
digest their food outside of their bodies beneath a towering
watery forest. There are neighborhoods permanently drenched
in darkness beneath a speckled bioluminescent sky. This bizarre
world exists just a stone’s throw from Redwood National and
State Parks iconic redwood groves.
PHOTO: HU
IM AGINE AN AL I EN WORLD, WHERE RO CKS ARE PAIN T E D WI T H
What to do during a Tsunami Advisory:
• Because of the threat of a potential tsunami and the danger to those
in or near the water, local offcials may close beaches and evacuate
harbors and marinas. Please obey their directions.
What to do during a Tsunami Warning:
• If you hear a tsunami warning siren, detect signs of a tsunami, or hear
about a tsunami warning on the radio or TV, move to higher ground
and inland immediately.
• Bring pets with you to keep them safe.
• Take your disaster supplies kit. Having adequate supplies on hand will
make you more comfortable.
• Watching a tsunami from near the shore is dangerous, and it is
against the law to remain in an evacuated area.
• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV for the
latest updates.
What to do after a tsunami:
• Return ONLY when local offcials tell you it is safe to do so. A tsunami
is a series of waves that may continue for hours. Do not assume that
the danger is over after one wave. The next wave(s) may be larger
than the frst.
• Stay away from damaged areas so emergency responders can have
full access.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it and take care when
re-entering any structure. Surge foodwater may damage buildings.
Protect yourself during
the earthquake
DROP
COVER HOLD ON
Move to high ground or
inland as soon as you can
GO TO HIGH GROUND
Remain on high ground!
Tsunamis last for hours
STAY THERE!
©DEAN PENNALA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Nature & Science
Ancient coast redwoods seen along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (see “Recommended Short Drives” on pages 6-7).
Humble beginnings:
Actual size of a coast
redwood seed cone.
Three Redwoods: All in the Subfamily
NPS COLLECTION
T H O U G H W E O F T E N S I M P LY R E F E R T O
DAWN REDWOOD
GIANT SEQUOIA
COAST REDWOOD
the world’s tallest living trees on
California’s North Coast as “redwoods,”
there are in fact three distinct redwood
species: dawn redwood, giant sequoia, and
coast redwood. Much like the members of
your family, the species in this subfamily
(Sequoioideae) share a common ancestry
and many similar characteristics while
maintaining their own unique identities.
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Sequoiadendron giganteum
Sequoia sempervirens
Thought to have been extinct for
millions of years, the dawn redwood was
rediscovered in 1944 by a forester in the
Sichuan-Hubei region of China.
Also popular as an ornamental today,
the tree is easily distinguished from its
California relatives by its smaller size and
deciduous leaves.
Quick-growing and long-lived (some over
3,000 years), no tree is more massive than
the giant sequoia. The General Sherman
Tree in Sequoia National Park is the most
massive living thing on Earth, with an
estimated total volume of over 50,000
cubic feet.
Coast redwoods are the tallest trees in
the world. Dense forest stands grow on
nutrient-rich river bars and food plains,
protected from the wind. Heavy winter
rains and fog from the Pacifc Ocean keeps
the trees continually damp, even during
summer droughts.
Distribution: Western slopes of Sierra
Nevada Mountains in Central California.
Height: To 314 feet (96 m).
Diameter (DBH): To 30 feet (9 m).
Age: To more than 3,000 years.
Leaves: Evergreen; awl-shaped, attached
at base.
Cone size: Like a chicken egg; can stay on
tree for two decades.
Seed size: Like an oat fake.
Reproduction: By seed only.
Habitat/climate: Seedlings require abundant light, are frost tolerant, and droughtresistant.
Distribution: Northern California coast,
and into southernmost coastal Oregon.
Height: To 379 feet (115 m).
Diameter (DBH): To 26 feet (8 m).
Age: To more than 2,000 years.
Leaves: Evergreen; both needle- and awlshaped, attached at base.
Cone size: Like a large olive; shed after 1-2
years.
Seed Size: Like a tomato seed.
Reproduction: By seed or sprout.
Habitat/climate: Seedlings are shadetolerant but frost sensitive; require
abundant moisture.
Fossil evidence suggests that redwoods
descended from a group of conifers that
thrived across Europe, Asia, and North
America when dinosaurs roamed the
Earth—in the Jurassic period more than
145 million years ago. As Earth’s climate
gradually and generally became cooler and
drier, redwoods became restricted to three
distinct geographic regions and evolved
into the three species we know today.
All redwoods are cone-bearing trees
and get their common name from their
reddish-brown bark and heartwood. And,
by whatever name, these magnifcent trees
have the uncanny ability to inspire awe and
mystery. It’s a subfamily tradition!
Distribution: Central China.
Height: To 140 feet (43 m).
Diam