Redwood National and State Parks offer an extraordinary family walking experience: enormous trees, fern-filled forests, clear streams and cool coastal air. Many of the best trails are short enough for younger children, yet memorable for parents who have travelled a long way to see California’s ancient redwoods.
For Australian families, the region is a significant journey from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. A sensible plan is to combine the parks with a Northern California road trip, allowing time to recover from the flight and adjust to driving on the right-hand side of the road.
The trails below favour manageable distances, interesting scenery and practical family logistics. Distances and access conditions can change after storms, so check official park updates before setting out, particularly if your visit falls during the wetter months.
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a 1.5-mile, or approximately 2.4-kilometre, loop through a remarkably atmospheric redwood forest. The path climbs gently before winding among tall trunks, mossy branches and a carpet of ferns. It is one of the easiest places to introduce children to the scale of old-growth redwoods without committing to a long day walk.
The loop generally takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes with children, depending on how often they stop to examine mushrooms, nurse logs and woodland birds. The elevation is higher than some coastal trails, so it can feel cooler and foggier. Bring a light waterproof layer, even when the forecast near the coast looks mild.
This is also a rewarding place to practise photography. The muted light and towering trees create beautiful images, and families wanting visual ideas for documenting outdoor trips can browse redwood photo inspiration before travelling.
Stout Grove, within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, has a short loop of roughly 0.9 miles, or 1.4 kilometres. Its compact distance makes it particularly appealing for toddlers and primary-school-aged children who may manage a forest adventure better than a lengthy hike. The trail is relatively level, although roots and uneven ground require attentive footing.
The Smith River adds another layer of interest. Children can look for smooth stones, listen for rushing water and notice how the forest changes near the riverbank. Keep them away from fast-moving or deep water, as cold currents can be hazardous even on warm days.
Access roads can be narrow and winding, and some parking areas fill quickly in popular periods. Arrive early where possible, especially during United States summer holidays. A soft carrier can be useful for younger children, while a standard pram is generally unsuitable on forest trails with roots and gravel.
The Simpson-Reed Trail is a short loop of about 0.9 miles through a dense stand of giant redwoods. It is often a calmer alternative to the better-known groves, making it useful for families who prefer a quieter walk or are travelling with children who become overwhelmed by crowds.
The path is gently undulating and offers plenty of natural talking points. Ask children to compare the width of different trunks, search for banana slugs and observe fallen trees slowly returning nutrients to the forest. These small discoveries can make a short walk feel like a full outdoor activity rather than a simple stroll.
Rain is common in the redwood region, so waterproof shoes are more practical than fashionable trainers. Families accustomed to packing thongs or lightweight sandals for Australian parks should leave them in the accommodation; enclosed footwear with good grip is safer on wet roots and muddy sections.
Trillium Falls Trail is approximately 2.5 miles, or 4 kilometres, and passes through a rich section of old-growth forest near Prairie Creek. It is a good choice for families with older children who are ready for something longer than a short grove loop. The trail includes moderate rises and can feel more demanding after rain.
The waterfall is not enormous, but the setting is attractive, with ferns, moss and dense forest surrounding the cascade. In wet weather, the stream and trail may become slippery. Allow at least two hours, and longer if your group enjoys wildlife spotting or frequent snack breaks.
Pack food that travels well, such as muesli bars, fruit, wraps and refillable water bottles. Before heading into the parks, shop in a larger town such as Eureka, Arcata or Crescent City. Australian families may instinctively look for familiar Coles or Woolworths-style supermarkets, but local choices are different and supplies become limited near remote trailheads.
Fern Canyon is one of the most distinctive family walks in the parks. The route follows a narrow stream between walls covered in ferns, creating a prehistoric-looking corridor that children usually find captivating. The walk itself is short, but creek crossings, slippery rocks and changing water levels make it more adventurous than the distance suggests.
Access and parking arrangements can vary by season. During busier periods, a reservation or day-use permit may be required for Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach, so confirm current rules through the official Redwood National and State Parks website before driving there. Water shoes can help, though children still need close supervision around the creek.
Big Tree Wayside provides another impressive stop with much less walking. The route to the giant tree is short, making it a useful option when younger children are tired or a family has already completed a longer trail. Treat it as a viewpoint and educational stop rather than rushing past it on the way to the next destination.
Redwood trails are often cool, damp and shaded, while Australian visitors may expect outdoor outings to involve strong sun and dry heat. Pack layers, rain jackets and spare socks, even in summer. SPF50+ sunscreen remains worthwhile on exposed roads and beaches, and products familiar from the Australian market are easy to bring from home.
Families travelling during NSW, Victorian or Queensland school holidays should book accommodation and rental cars well ahead. The redwood coast has fewer large towns and limited last-minute availability than metropolitan areas such as Melbourne or Sydney. A two-night base near Crescent City, Trinidad or Eureka can reduce daily driving and create a more relaxed rhythm.
Allow for jet lag during the first few days, particularly after arriving from Australia. A short trail near the accommodation may be better than an ambitious itinerary immediately after a long flight. Plan a substantial breakfast, carry water and remember that some park facilities have limited mobile reception.
Australian child-restraint legislation applies at home, while California has its own rules for children travelling in vehicles. Check the current California requirements and confirm that your hire car company supplies an appropriate seat or booster. Drivers also need time to adjust from Australia’s left-side traffic to American right-side driving, especially on narrow forest roads.
Use the following guide when matching a walk to your children’s age, energy and tolerance for wet conditions:
A redwood holiday works best when hiking is balanced with relaxed stops. Combine a forest walk with a picnic, a coastal viewpoint or a visit to a small Northern California town. Children often remember collecting observations, skipping stones in a safe area and eating lunch beneath towering trees as vividly as they remember the trail itself.
Families who enjoy planning scenic outdoor meals can also find inspiration in this Grand Teton picnic idea, adapting the approach to the cooler and wetter redwood climate. Bring a groundsheet, pack food in reusable containers and carry every wrapper back out.
The parks deserve a slower pace. Stop often, keep children within sight and avoid climbing on fragile vegetation or fallen trees. Check for ticks after walking, follow posted closures and give wildlife plenty of space. With sensible preparation, these short family hikes can become the most memorable part of a Northern California road trip.
Choose one easy grove trail, one slightly longer walk and one flexible backup for your itinerary. Check current conditions, reserve any required access and pack for rain before leaving your accommodation. Then set out slowly and give your family time to notice the quiet details that make the redwood forest unforgettable.