Fern Falls via Boy Scout Tree Trail

With a profusion of titanic trees and an ever expanding landscape, the extraordinary Boy Scout Tree Trail is not so much a hike as it is a showcase of the world's most scenic old growth redwoods. Located within Redwood National and State Parks, this pristine trail feels wonderfully remote. Hardly anywhere is it possible to hike through old growth redwoods for over five miles without hearing any...

Marked with adequate signage, parking for the Stout Grove Trailhead is off Highland Hill Road, a road through the south end of the park. It's a narrow, dirt road so be cautious traveling through the state park. Pit toilets are available in the parking area. The trail is a .6-mile loop. It is wide, well-marked, and full of photo-ops. You'll see trees that touch the sky, as well as redwood cross ...

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers activities for everyone: you can backpack and hike through lush rainforests, or fish, snorkel, and kayak in the Smith River (popular film The Last of the Mohicans was filmed just upstream!). Howland Hill Road is perfect for a scenic drive filled with unique historical facts. The entire family can enjoy a campfire program at Jedediah Smith Campground!  T...

The Howland Hill Road is the premier drive through Redwood National and State Parks. Approximately 6 miles long, the hard-packed gravel road varies in surface durability depending on season and when the road was last graded. Expect plenty of dust in the dry summer months and keep an eye out for potholes. On the whole, the road is suitable for all standard passenger vehicles. Please keep in mind...

Walker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a few hiking trails that you'll pass along the way, if you want to get out and stretch your legs. 

First, check in at the Crescent City Ranger Information Center in Crescent City to pick up your free backcountry permit and get permission to park your car at the Crescent City Beach Education Center off of Enderts Beach Road. This is the safest place to park at due to numerous car break-ins at the Crescent City Beach Overlook parking lot since it is gated and operated by park rangers. This doe...