Humboldt Redwoods State Park

At Humboldt, we slept in the embrace of majestic redwood trees that are up to 2000 years old. Coastal redwood trees currently occupy a narrow geographic range from Monterey, California to just north of the Oregon border at elevations less than 3000 feet. The tallest of these trees at Humboldt measure over 370 feet tall. Average trees at this park are a few hundred years old, measuring in at 200 to 250 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide in diameter.

Walking under the canopy of giant redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California
Walking under the canopy of giant redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

We started our hike at Rockefeller Grove, hoping to connect to Bull Creek Flats Trail via a seasonal bridge. I was not sure if this bridge would be put in place during our visit in early April. It was not. Luckily not far from the would-be bridge, there was a fallen tree crossing over Bull Creek. It took some climbing to get to the top of the fallen tree bridge, then some balancing to get across the foot-wide trunk walking path. I was nervous about falling off the trunk, but seeing my two little guys managing it across, I gave it a go! And made it across without falling in!

Crossing a fallen redwood bridge over Bull Creek, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California
Crossing a fallen redwood bridge over Bull Creek, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

We took Bull Creek Flats Trail up a hill or two, under many trees and redwood groves to the Big Trees area. Then crossed another fallen tree bridge across Bull Creek and walked on the other side of Bull Creek back to Rockefeller Grove. The trail was not always very obvious on this side of Bull Creek, and it also led us to the side of the road a few times, but it was nevertheless a pretty walk back.

In front of the roots of a fallen giant, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California
In front of the roots of a fallen giant, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

On our last day at Humboldt, we explored Founder's Grove and Drury Chaney Grove. Drury Chaney Grove was covered in ferns at the base of the redwood giants. There were also many fallen trees in this grove. Don't miss the Avenue of the Giants when visiting Humboldt. This historic Highway 101 is a 31 mile narrow paved road that snakes its way under the redwoods approximately parallel to modern day Highway 101.

Our campsite under the embrace of giant redwoods, Burlington Campground, Humboldt Redwoods SP, CA
Our campsite under the embrace of giant redwoods, Burlington Campground, Humboldt Redwoods SP, CA

We stayed 5 nights in early April at Burlington Campground which was situated right off the Avenue of the Giants. The Visitor Center was a stone's throw away. Amenities included water spigots, shower, flush toilets, garbage and sink. Firewood was also available for purchase. Our tent rested amongst giant redwoods. Night time temperatures were forecasted at late 30F's, but actual nighttime temperatures were in the early 30F's. We went prepared with hats, socks, extra blankets in addition to our sleeping bags rated at 20F. Nightly fees were $35. We made our reservations online just a month before. We were fortunate that there was a cancellation, otherwise all reservable sites were taken. Our site backed onto the Avenue of the Giants, which I didn't think was so desirable. However there were some sites that backed onto the residences of Park staff. Avenue of the Giants was not so busy that it affected our camping experience.

Practical Information (as of April 2021):

Features: Hike under giant redwoods and walk across fallen tree bridges under the canopy of ancient redwoods
Our Hike: Bull Creek Flats Trail from Rockafeller Grove to Big Trees: 13-14 miles rt, 500-600 ft gain Founders Grove Trail: 2-5 miles rt, depending on you want to stop, fairly flat
Fee: Park Entry Fees: Free, no fee to enter Visitor Center
Campsites: $35 per night
Website: For updated information visit: Humboldt Redwoods State Park