Tall Trees Grove Trail
New Section of Trail | Redwood National Park
This page is an off-shoot of Largest Coast Redwoods
Copyright 2010 - 2012 by Mario Vaden
Redwood National Park's trail down to the grove of tall redwoods is one of a few where I differ with a few folks who rate it as average. Some say it is 3 stars of 5 or a five on a scale of one to ten.
On a 5 star scale, I give it at least 4 stars.
Not so much because of how big or small the redwoods are on the way down or at the bottom. But because of the whole hike.
There is a rich mix of species along the trail from top to bottom. Tanoak, Douglas fir, Chinquapin, Rhododendron and more. I think that this variety adds a lot of recreational value and interest to the hike.
One highlight of the visit will include the grove of large redwoods in the flat at the bottom along Redwood Creek.
One of my other favorite spots is the grove of giant bigleaf maples at the lower flat near the giant coast redwoods. The maples are laden with mosses and provide a lovely canopy.
Its surprising how few people visit this redwood grove. I'm not sure if its because of the slightly strenuous return or just that it's under-rated sometimes.
Only 50 permits or so are issued for the hike each day, and typically far fewer visitors than that arrive at this destination.
New section of trail
In 2009, ground was broken for a new section of trail starting near the top trailhead. It eventually meets and merges with the original trail about half way down the hill.
2010, I happened to be in the parks helping with research and measuring. Sometimes that kind of work provides interesting transects through parks to interesting areas. And this autumn, I got a glimpse of the new trail. Apparently the overall grade will be more mellow, providing a more gradual descent and return for the upper half.
There is a tunnel cut from one log, and a path through another large fallen Douglas fir. And various smaller logs were used for retaining walls to hold back earth across some steeper slopes.
Hikers who revisit this trail should find the new section an interesting addition. As far as scenery goes, I don't think it's really better or worse.
Additional Information
Once you have your permit from a park visitor center, drive down Highway 101, turn east on Bald Hills Road and drive about 7 miles on pavement to the gate.
Take care of the lock, and drive down the gravel road for about 6 miles to the trailhead.
The entire hike both ways plus the loop at the bottom is just under 4 miles round trip.
It's only 1.3 miles to reach the bottom, and going downhill you could really cruise if you wanted, but why rush hiking down in 20 minutes. I take my time. The return back up is more vigourous, and for that reason, in summer prefer arriving early morning when the weather is cooler.
The grove is home to the Libbey Redwood, which was discovered in the 1960's as the tallest known redwood back then. It has been surpassed by new discoveries, but is still readily available for viewing and an interesting landmark.
If you want to extend this hike a little bit, you can take part of Redwood Creek Trail which reaches the grove. That would provide and extra mile or two each way if you enjoy spending time down in the redwood valley.
Overnight camping is permitted. You can get permits where you got the gate code.
If you ever decided to camp in that area, I suggest using the Emerald Ridge Trail and going down to Redwood Creek from there in summer. Then walking and wading gear at least as far as Bridge Creek. Ask the parks people to show you that spot on a map.
In fact, if you have thick sole water shoes, Redwood Creek takes on a complete change of character if you explore another mile or so upstream. Deeper swimming holes and bigger boulders.