This place blew my mind. Maybe it was because we drove several hours through dry, desolate valleys and entered the park from the back. Maybe because as we entered the park, all I could think was: “Where are the big trees? I thought there would be big trees?” Maybe because the contrast between the world outside, and the world within this grove of giants was so stark.

I’ve lived in California for seven years, and I had no idea this wonderland of fifteen hundred year old giants existed. I thought I’d seen all I needed to see of redwood and sequoia trees in Central California, closer to Yosemite. This was something else entirely. I can’t recommend a visit highly enough.

Where I Camped:

Horse Linto at Willow Creek
GPS: 41.005735, -123.606518
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We spent our first night here on the way to the Redwoods. It’s a lovely spot, but it’s not particularly convenient for park access – just under two hours from the Prairie Creek Visitor’s Center. There are five spots in total; three next to the restroom, and two on either side of the creek. We got lucky and grabbed a creekside spot. The ones near the restroom were a bit too close together for my taste. I recommend showing up early or only camping at this spot on weekdays.

Rattlesnake Lake
GPS: 41.701617, -123.950202
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Well this was a random find! The rangers at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center recommended we try the Smith River Recreation Area for dispersed camping, but when we arrived at Sand Camp we found basically a parking lot of campsites. Not what we had in mind! We kept on driving and decided to turn down a random dirt road toward Rattlesnake Lake. After several miles of driving up a rough dirt road, we pulled up to this incredible view! Not a bad spot to call home for the night.

Twin Creeks
GPS: 42.019260, -124.105239
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This is one of those gems of a campsites that meets my perfect trifecta: running water, privacy, and gorgeous views. We stumbled onto this spot on our way out of the Redwoods, and I only wish we’d found it sooner! It sits right at the meeting of two creeks, and there’s a perfect swimming hole right beside the fire pit.

We went for a run up the road in the morning and swim before we left. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Where I Worked:

The Bell and Whistle Coffee House
16340 Lower Harbor Rd
Brookings, OR 97415

The Bell and Whistle is a sweet little coffee shop right on the Oregon Coast! Speedy wifi, plenty of tables, and lots of outlets. We spent all day here.

Where I Hiked:

Big Tree Cathedral Loop and Fern Canyon Loop
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 200-300 ft

When we walked from the Visitor’s Center to the start of this trail, it felt like we passed through a veil and into an ancient, magical world to which humans don’t belong. Towering trees, verdant ferns, moss covered stumps, bubbling brooks. Some of these trees predated the Roman Empire by over 500 years. And that sentiment is palpable. We planned to do three hikes this day but ended up spending hours just on this one. At one point we just parked in a little nook near the start of the trail and listened to people gasp in awe as they walked through. It’s easy and short, but worth taking your time on.

James Irvine and Miners Ridge Loop
Distance: 12.4 miles
Time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 1545 ft

This is a beautiful, extended loop that starts and ends at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and allows you to cover a wide swath across the park. It winds through huge groves of redwoods, rivers and streams, and even includes a couple miles along the coast. Not too much elevation gain and a great way to see all the park has to offer.