EXPLORE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THEM WHILE OUT ADVENTURING IN NATURE. In the past couple of years, more and more people have been heading out to explore the Great Outdoors. While it is awesome that a greater number of people are heading outside to explore and admire this planet's natural beauty, that rise in people has also led to an increase in environmental problems - including, most noticeably, higher levels of environmental degradation. That is why it is more important than ever for people to focus on being respectable outdoor stewards. This means you try to decrease your impact at every possible point of being outside - from how you spend your time along the trail, to where you set your tent up at night. Luckily, there are some really clear ways to lower your impact. Enter the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. These seven principles clearly outline some of the most important things you can do to decrease your impact on our amazing natural environment. From some obvious ones (like don't litter) to some tips that you may not have even considered before (like where the best place to pee is). Below we outline each of the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and also give you clear examples of how you can follow them yourself once you are out adventuring. ➳ While we hope this guide covers everything you need to know, if you are looking for more resources, we highly recommend checking out the USA National Park website for even more information on following the Leave No Trace Principles. THE 7 LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES & HOW TO FOLLOW THEM 1 | Plan Ahead and Prepare By putting in a bit of time and effort before heading out on the trail, you will likely not only enjoy your adventure more, but you will also help minimize damage to the land you are exploring. Trip planning is just as important as the actual trip - especially if the trip or adventure is a bit more hardcore (like a long full-day hike or backpacking trip). Some of the main things to consider during the trip planning stage are: what is the overall goal and expectation of the adventure (is it to thru-hike a popular trail? Backpack to a remote lake?), what does the area look like and what could be some possible problems (i.e. very little freshwater, a steep, rocky pass to climb), what kind of gear will be needed in order to be prepared for the trip so you can do it safely and not leave any lasting damage to the environment, and finally (and this might be the most important) you need to figure out if the adventure is actually within your skillset and ability level. Knowing your boundaries and your comfort level is a very important step in the entire trip planning process. You don’t want to be out in nature, completely overwhelmed and in a tricky situation. This is when accidents occur and when you are more likely to damage the area you are in. Besides those questions above, a few other important things to do and look at before hitting the trails are to always check the weather beforehand, including the morning of; to review regulations and restrictions in the area (especially regulations on group size and fire restrictions), take one last inventory of the food you are planning to bring with you on the trail (it is smart to bring the exact amount of food needed and to stick to uncomplicated, plastic-free food), and make sure you are packing enough water or looking to see if there is ample fresh water along your hike (then you just need to pack a water filter). By doing a bit of trip planning before hitting the trails, you are setting yourself up for a more successful (and FUN) experience out in nature. Plus, you are more likely to explore the landscape in a safer, more respectable way if you are completely prepared. Below is a good example of what not to do. | A group doesn’t check to see if fire restrictions or bans are in place and instead they just plan on cooking over a campfire. Once they get to the spot and see there are restrictions in place, they disregard it and collect wood nearby to make a fire. This can not only lead to starting a wildfire (which is obviously veeeery bad) but it also adds to the compounding effect of heavy recreation use that leads to environmental degradation. While the rest of the 7 Leave No Trace Principles cover things that will actually occur while out adventuring, the first principle should definitely not be overlooked. Therefore always remember to do some form of trip planning - for yourself, your peace of mind and the environment. READ MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE ADVENTURING IN THE DESERT: TOP TIPS AND TRICKS 2 | Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces The whole goal of traveling and exploring the outdoors is to move through natural areas while avoiding any damage to the land or waterways. Damage from travel often occurs when the surface vegetation and other organisms get trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area then leads to soil erosion and the development of undesirable trails (like those pesky social trails that seem to crop up everywhere). While you could argue any trail - even one established by land management personnel - is a form of damage to the environment, for the most part, those established trails are a very necessary response to the fact that people will travel along that area no matter what. Concentrating people onto one set trail then leads to less landscape degradation overall. This is why it is super important to always stick to those established trails when out hiking, biking, or backpacking. Bushwhacking, going off trail and creating new trails, all cause problems to the landscape. It is always better to have ONE trail than many different (often poorly created) trails. Even if you think a small shortcut won’t cause much harm, by doing it yourself you often leave traces that then other people see and think they can also do. This compounding effect then leads to environmental degradation, soil erosion and just a plethora of some not-so-pretty trails. If you do have to travel off trail for some reason - commonly to reach a more remote area, if you are exploring a place that doesn’t have established trails, or if you are looking for a private spot to use the bathroom - then you should pay attention to the land you are walking on. Hiking along durable surfaces is key here. So if you can, focus on only walking on ground that can tolerate repeated trampling (like rocks, sand and gravel). This idea of being out on durable surfaces is also really important when you are looking to set up camp. If you are backpacking in the backcountry or anywhere there isn't already established campsites, then make sure to double-check that the area you are pitching your tent is able to tolerate the weight and use. A good rule of thumb for this is to pitch your tent in a spot that already looks like it has been used before (this is true for backpacking and also when looking for a spot to park and vanlife for the night). You will likely be able to tell if a spot has been camped on before by the fire ring, a cleared flat spot, and an overall look of human use. Some landscapes you should NOT hike or camp on are vegetation (especially fragile vegetation like you will find in meadows or in the high alpine), and living soil - especially cryptobiotic crust, which is commonly found in the desert (also try to avoid walking in watering holes and puddles in the desert, for water is a very important and precious resource for animals that live there). OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SETTING UP YOUR TENT | Avoid camping near popular trails or bodies of water; in fact, try to camp at least 200 feet from any type of water source (this is best for wildlife). | Try to camp in a spot that has already been used (in some cases there will even be camping signs or markers). If a spot has already been used a lot, one more night likely won’t cause much harm. | If you are camping in a more remote/unpopular area, try to move your site every night so you don’t cause long-term harm, and also try to spread out your tents and gear. | Set up your camp kitchen (if you need one) at least 200 feet from any type of water source. Also, try to place your kitchen equipment and other heavy gear (like backpacks) on solid surfaces like rocks. | When you pack up and leave camp, ALWAYS do a double check to make sure you have not left any gear or trash behind (pack everything out with you). Furthermore, put in the extra effort to hide any signs that you actually camped there (cover scuffed areas, wipe away footprints, etc.). The key takeaway with the second Leave No Trace Principle is to try sticking to established trails whenever you can, and if you do have to go off trail, try to avoid fragile ecosystems and plant life. Similarly, when camping in the backcountry, try to pick a site that has already been used a lot. READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON 3 | Dispose of Waste Properly The third Leave No Trace Principle can be divided into two different parts: the disposal of human waste and the disposal of trash. HUMAN WASTE It might not be the sexiest topic out there, but it is one worth talking about: how do you properly dispose of human waste while out in nature. Well, to start, you need to figure out what is the right method for the landscape. Most of the time, digging a “cat hole” and burying your waste is the best way to go. A cat hole should always be between 6 and 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide. Once used, a cat hole should be adequately covered with the original dirt you dug up as well as native materials like sticks and rocks. The only time this is not the safest form of disposal is near bodies of water (you should always try to be at least 200 feet away), or if you are in a fragile, high alpine environment. In the instances where you shouldn’t just dig a cat hole, you will need to bring the proper pack-out system (a common set-up for hiking and backpacking is something known as a wag bag). You can find these pack-out systems at many outdoor gear shops (or just Google how to make your own). Toilet paper and other sanitary items (including female items) should also always be disposed of properly. More often than not (and really the best practice overall) is to pack out all toilet paper and sanitary items. When heading out on the trail, bring a designated plastic bag for all TP and other bathroom items. We know it is gross, but the environment, the wildlife, and other adventurers will thank you. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: obviously solid human waste is the most common issue here, but what about urine? Well, interestingly enough, the best practice when it comes to peeing outside is to actually try to pee either on rocks and gravel or pine needles. Urine often attracts animals looking for salts, so by peeing on a more solid surface you are helping keep plants and fragile environments in better condition. OTHER WASTE For every other type of waste - including most commonly trash - you must always PACK IT OUT! Do not, we repeat, do not leave any trash behind. We cannot tell you how many times we have come across trash while out adventuring. Even in places that aren’t exactly “popular” you can still often find some form of trash (often plastic food wrappers). Remember it is your responsibility to leave a place better than you found it, so always double-check that you have picked up any traces of you being there (even those small pieces of plastic that don’t seem like that big of a deal). If we all do our part, we can leave the landscape better than we found it. Some helpful ways to reduce your waste while out adventuring are: planning meals ahead of time and avoiding anything that requires a lot of excess plastic, carrying a specific plastic bag in your backpack for those small bits of trash (including food wrappers), and making sure you don’t leave any scraps of food after eating or cooking (this is a surefire way to attract wildlife). Finally, an often overlooked form of waste that needs to be disposed of properly is wastewater. This is the water that is left behind after doing dishes or washing your hands or body. When you are dealing with wastewater, it is super important to dispose of it at least 200 feet from a natural water source (never wash dishes or your body directly in a body of water). Likewise, try to use environmentally safe soaps when out in the backcountry (though even then, use them 200+ feet away from water). A good rule of thumb here is to try to avoid getting any pollutants (like soap or wastewater) into a natural body of water. Always do your cleaning at least 200 feet away from a natural water source and try to do it in a way that won’t lead to the pollutants running into the water. 4 | Leave What You Find The fourth Leave No Trace Principle is pretty simple: don’t take away, alter or impact the landscape you are exploring. This means you don’t mess with the landscape by digging holes for tents, constructing structures out of natural materials, or taking a piece of nature home with you (no matter how pretty that wildflower is). Likewise, don’t leave a lasting impact on the environment even after you have left. This means no carving of initials into trees or onto rocks, no hammering of nails into trees, no tying of rope around a trunk, and no cutting down of branches for seats or fires. And of course, do NOT ever take cultural objects out of their natural landscape (aka NO looting) Likewise, don’t be that a**hole who destroys an archeological or natural site. We promise, no one thinks it’s cool. 5 | Minimize Campfire Impacts While some people would not think of camping without a campfire, it is hard to argue that these days the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. Not to mention the higher instances of bigger and more dangerous wildfires across the world. When you start to look at the harm that campfires can cause it is no surprise that there has been a big push towards using camping stoves instead of campfires. Plus, in today's world, you can easily find a camp stove that fits your needs - from lightweight, super efficient ones for backpacking (like this one), to large, multi-burner stoves for car camping in established campgrounds (like this guy). If you are not sure about what option to choose, consider these key points about whether you should or shouldn't make a campfire when out adventuring: | What is the potential danger that the fire could cause if it suddenly got out of hand? Would you know what to do and how to handle a rogue campfire? | What is the level of fire danger for the time of year and the location you have selected to explore? During the summer, many popular places (including the mountains of Colorado, California and Washington) have very strict fire bans in place. Do your research and follow ALL restrictions and regulations. | If there aren't any restrictions in place, is there still enough wood available that it won't be noticeable if you build a fire? This mainly means that there is enough wood laying around that you don't need to cut down branches or pull up dead trees for a fire. | Finally, are there enough members in your group that have the skills to build a fire that won't leave evidence and/or obvious signs of a fire? This includes replacing all soil that you may have moved when starting your fire, dispersing unused wood, and making sure you pack out ALL litter (including tinfoil and food wrappers). If you do decide to build a campfire, remember to always attentively watch it (never leave a fire unattended), keep all wood and other fuel sources far away from burning fire, and when you are done with the fire make sure it is extinguished completely (don't just put a bit of water on it and call it good). When in doubt, really consider whether you are prepared to make and handle a campfire. It doesn't take much for a campfire to go from a way to cook your food to a blazing fire that is ripping through the forest. If you are in the backcountry and you aren't sure, it is better to come prepared with a proper camp stove. This is not only safer, but it is also a lot easier. You can find our recommended camping stoves below. | Coleman 3-In-1 HyperFlame Stove: this rather bulky stove is perfect for nights at established or easy-to-reach campsites (or if you are van lifing). We have been using a Coleman stove for years and have had no issues. | CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF | Eureka SPRK Camp Stove: this one burner camp stove is more compact that the Coleman one above (and also about half the price). It can easily be stored in your vehicle and brought out for all kinds of cooking needs. | CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF | Jetboil Flash Stove: we have been using Jetboils for all of our backpacking and backcountry adventures for years. This super simple stove packs down tightly, is really fast at boiling water and cooking food, and can also be used as a vessel to eat or drink from (a real win). | CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF 6 | Respect Wildlife Keep wildlife wild. That is the key thing to remember here. Even if an animal looks “tame” or safe, it very likely isn’t. Also, and even more importantly, do not disturb wildlife by getting too close or by being really loud. This commonly stresses them out and forces them to flee. In some cases, this can even hinder the animal's ability to survive in a difficult environment. Even if you think an animal is safe to touch or if it seems to be sick or injured (or if it is a baby that may have been abandoned), it is always better to leave it alone and notify a warden or ranger. When out in nature, remember to be considerate of wildlife by not getting too close or being too loud (unless you are in bear country where it is smarter to be loud enough so you don’t startle a bear), remember to give animals enough space when they are moving around or heading towards water, and finally, dispose of your human waste and trash properly so you don't attract wildlife and get them into some dangerous situations. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK IN FLORIDA 7 | Be Considerate of Other Visitors The final Leave No Trace Principle to be aware of is how you are interacting with other people while out on the trail. While it is super important to be considerate of wildlife, it is also important to be aware of how you are interacting with other hikers, bikers, or adventurers. Some of the best examples of ways to be a considerate fellow adventurer are: don’t listen to music out loud (people want to usually listen to birds and nature, not some crappy pop song), keep your voices down when talking to your group, and keep your pet on a leash or under strict control (some people are afraid of dogs no matter how sweet they are). Other ways to be aware and considerate of your fellow outdoorsman and women is to follow common trail etiquette. This includes giving people heading uphill the right of way on the trail, giving enough space to people riding or walking with stock animals (like horses), providing enough space on a trail for others to pass you while you are taking a break, keeping your voices down while looking at wildlife or while at camp, picking up your trash and waste (including dog pool and dog poop bags), and not going off trail to damage property. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are someone who likes to head out into nature for the solitude, then consider hiking or adventuring during less popular times. This often includes going during weekdays or starting your hike early in the morning. READ MORE | HOW TO AVOID CROWDS IN MOAB, UTAH (WE PROMISE IT'S POSSIBLE!) Following these 7 Leave No Trace Principles is a surefire way to be a more responsible and respectful outdoor steward. All seven of these principles are relatively easy to follow - especially once you know what they are and understand the key takeaways of each one. Hopefully, this guide on the Leave No Trace Principles helps you understand the importance of your actions on the environment and also how to be the best adventurer possible. If you have any questions about the principles - or just questions about exploring the Great Outdoors in general - then please leave us a comment or question below or reach out to us directly. SAVE THIS HANDY LEAVE NO TRACE GUIDE FOR LATER BY PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING IN THE DESERT (AND STAYING SAFE) THE MOST IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO HIKING IN COLOMBIA | WHAT TO KNOW & WHERE TO GO A COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE TO THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN LOOP IN WASHINGTON A COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE TO PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

46.9282° N, 121.5045° W IN OUR OPINION, THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL IS ONE OF THE BEST HIKING TRAILS NEAR MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. BELOW IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS AMAZING WASHINGTON HIKING TRAIL. We had originally planned on hiking up in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park. But after getting a bit of a later start than we had originally planned, we found the parking lot was unfortunately full and closed for the day. Shucks. Well, time for Plan B. Luckily, we were very close to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort - a place we had already set our sights on (though of course more for skiing purposes than for hiking). So we turned around and headed up to check out the ski area a little bit earlier in the season than we had originally planned. Now, if you have never explored a ski resort in the summer, let us tell you it is kind of a trip. For starters, they are usually much, much quieter to the point of almost being eerie. It also doesn't help that the ski lifts are all just sitting there, empty, swaying in the summer wind, usually creaking and groaning. The ski runs are still visible but it feels more like a logging operation than an outdoor adventure paradise. Altogether, it is kind of a funky experience. Luckily though, ski resorts usually have some pretty awesome trails to explore once summer rolls around. In fact, some ski resorts stay open year-round and just switch from offering epic downhill ski runs to offering equally adrenaline pumping downhill runs for mountain bikers. But in the case of Crystal Mountain, we believe the best way to explore the area is via hiking. And one of the best hikes in the area is the Crystal Mountain Loop Trail. This 9ish mile loop can be done in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Or, if you don't feel like doing the full loop, you can also cut it in half and either walk up to the top and ride the resort's scenic gondola down or do the opposite and ride the gondola up and hike down (see below for pricing). Whichever way you choose to go, definitely make sure to make your way to the Summit House, which sits at the top of the resort. The Summit House is not only the tallest restaurant in all of Washington, but it also might just have one of the best views of nearby Mount Rainier. Once you make your way to the top, you can sit in some comfortable chairs and just be spellbound by the sheer size of the monolithic mountain. Seriously, the Crystal Mountain Loop Trail might just be one of the best ways to see Mount Rainier in all of its glory. So if you are looking to explore this area of Washington and get an awesome view of Mount Rainier (without worrying about crowds of people and full parking lots), then we cannot recommend this scenic hiking loop enough. Below you will find our full hiking guide on the Crystal Mountain Loop, as well as important information on how to actually reach the trailhead and what to bring with you along the hike. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you don't feel like hiking the full Crystal Mountain Loop then you also have the option to either ride the scenic gondola up to the top and hike down OR hike up and ride down. If you want to ride up, then you will need to purchase a ticket either online (here) or at the base. | COST TO RIDE THE GONDOLA: it costs $44 per adult, $39 for a young adult (18-22) and $20 for a child (under 18) to ride the scenic gondola up to the Summit House. Learn more about this adventure here. WHERE: at the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Washington (right outside of Mount Rainier National Park) WHAT: a hiking trail, loop DISTANCE: ~9 miles total; with the option to go shorter or longer HIGHEST POINT: 6,824 feet / 2,080 meters, at the Summit House (the tallest restaurant in Washington) GEAR NEEDED: sturdy hiking shoes, a decently-sized day bag, bug spray and sunscreen, plenty of snacks TRAIL CONDITIONS: mix of dirt road and singletrack trail, forested for half of it, a few rocky sections awesome mountain views DOGS ALLOWED: yes, there are areas pets can be off-leash (as long as they are under voice control) PARKING DIFFICULTY: a very well-sized parking lot that is free, has a bathroom nearby ➳ You can explore the full hiking guide (and map) for the Crystal Mountain Loop Trail at this link. \\ How to Get to the Crystal Mountain Loop Trailhead CAR The closest sizeable town to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is going to be Enumclaw. You will likely pass near or through this town if heading to the ski resort from the greater Seattle area. Enumclaw has all of the necessary goods; including, multiple grocery stores, an outdoor gear store, gas stations and restaurants. A bit closer to Crystal you also have the small town of Greenwater, which has a couple of outdoor gear shops and outfitters, a gas station and a small general store. FROM ENUMCLAW, WASHINGTON It takes about an hour to reach the base area of the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort (where the hike starts) from Enumclaw. Most of the drive will be on the scenic Highway 410 (the same road that leads to Mount Rainier National Park). Right before you enter the national park, you will see a sign for Crystal Mountain and a turn on the LEFT side of the road. Turn there and drive for another 7 miles until you reach the main base area and the large parking lot. In total, it is 40 miles from Enumclaw to Crystal Mountain. FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON It takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (without traffic) to reach the Crystal Mountain Ski Area and the Crystal Mountain Loop trailhead from downtown Seattle, Washington. The drive is mostly on Interstate 5 until you reach the Tacoma/Auburn area. Then you will drive on Highways 164 and 410 until the turn-off for Crystal Mountain. In total, it is around 83 miles from Seattle to Crystal Mountain. FROM PORTLAND, OREGON Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is around 3.5 hours from downtown Portland, Oregon. The drive between the two destinations is mostly done on Interstate 5 and Highways 12 and 123. To reach the ski resort this way you will have to pass through Mount Rainier National Park. In total, it is 180 miles from Portland to Crystal Mountain. BUS We don’t believe there is an option to reach the Crystal Mountain Ski Area via public transportation. While it looks like there is a free weekend bus from the nearby town of Enumclaw, we don’t know if it runs during the summer season or just when the ski resort is open for winter adventures. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON \\ The Best Time to Hike the Crystal Mountain Loop The best time to hike the entire Crystal Mountain Loop, and just in the Crystal Mountain area in general, is going to be mid to late summer. During this time of year, you will have a higher chance of hiking without encountering snow, and also have a very good chance of spotting various wildflowers (including some beautiful pink ones). We hiked the loop at the end of July and found the trails to be very clear and surrounded by different colors of wildflowers. Plus, during the summer, you have a higher chance of a clear day - aka a great opportunity to see Mount Rainier in all of its glory. \\ What to Bring With You to Hike the Crystal Mountain Loop Besides the obvious hiking gear of comfortable clothes and sturdy hiking boots (see our recommendations below), you should also make sure to pack bug spray (the mosquitos can be brutal), plenty of sunscreen - especially if you want to hike up to the top of Crystal Mountain itself, a sun hat and sunglasses, a water bottle or water bladder, and some snacks. If you go all the way up to the Summit House - around the halfway point of the hike - you can refill your water bottle or bladder and also purchase some food (we didn't look at prices). Either way, we would recommend bringing some snacks or a full picnic lunch to the top and eating it while staring out at mighty Mount Rainier. HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from rocky scree fields to somewhat slick river crossings to just miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter the month (or weather) you are planning to hike in, you will likely want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works perfectly as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for hot sunny days, but also insulated enough to still be great when the temperature starts to cool down. Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a heavy backpack. Finally, the fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing is also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking - especially in the PNW - is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking (and sweating), it has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING PANTS Depending on the time of year, you will likely choose to gravitate towards wearing either full-length hiking pants or a set of lightweight active shorts. We tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond, are durable enough for all kinds of trails. Recommended hiking pants here. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice Durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax if needed. Recommended day pack. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. Hiking first aid kit for your dog: because you want to make sure your best friend stays safe on the trail as well. This pack is also very lightweight and doesn’t take up that much space. The perfect doggy first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Similarly, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy, clean one after a long day on the trail. This one by Parks Project is made of a nice durable, soft cotton fabric and cut into a very vintage-y style. Recommend post-hike shirt. HIKING THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN LOOP | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: ~9 miles, though there is the option to go longer or shorter (by riding the gondola up or down) ELEVATION PROFILE: 2,693 feet of elevation gain TIME NEEDED: 4-6 hours, this depends on how much time you spend at the top TRAIL CONDITIONS: mix of forest road and singletrack trail, mostly in the forest/shaded, multiple streams along the way. START The first thing you have to decide with this loop trail is whether to go CLOCKWISE or COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Either way you choose, because it is a loop, you will get to see the whole trail eventually. The main difference is whether you want to do a longer, more gradual climb up to the top (if so go clockwise) or a shorter, steeper hike up to the summit (counterclockwise). No matter which way you choose to go first, you will need to park at the main parking lot at the base of the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort (parking is free). From there you can start hiking in either direction. We decided to go counterclockwise just because we parked slightly closer to that starting point. Therefore the below hiking guide will be from that direction. 1 | Start by walking towards the Alpine Inn, which sits near the parking lot (you will have to cross a large wooden bridge to reach it). To the LEFT of the restaurant, you will see a dirt forest road that starts immediately climbing up the mountain. This is the trail you need to take. 💬 INSIDER TIP: you will stay to the RIGHT of the main gondola the whole hike up. If you cross under the gondola (the big one with red cars) you are not on the right trail. 2 | The dirt road switchbacks up through the forest for a bit, going in and out of shade and sun. It is relatively steep but nicely graded and not very rocky. 3 | Eventually, you will get to a more open section near a large rock field. You will have some pretty great views of the mountains nearby as well as the Crystal valley as a whole. There is a small stream that runs through this section so the trail may be a tad muddy. This is also where the road begins to get rockier. While it is still very easy to walk along, be prepared for some rougher surfaces. 4 | After the open rocky section, keep walking uphill past a couple of other small waterfalls and streams. In this next section you have a good chance of spotting different types of wildflowers - including some vibrant pink and yellow ones (if hiking in later summer). 5 | The dirt road eventually ends at the Green Valley ski lift (it doesn’t run during the summer months). You will see a clear singletrack trail heading off to the RIGHT (there should also be a sign). Take this trail through a small pine tree forest and up a nice lush mountain valley until you get to another set of switchbacks. This is around the 3 mile point. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000 FOOT MOUNTAIN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 6 | The last set of uphill switchbacks are quite a bit shorter than the first. The trail is easily followed and from this part of the hike you can get an awesome view of the surrounding valley and nearby mountain peaks (including Mount Baker to the north on a clear day). 7 | Once you finish the last couple of switchbacks, you will make a gradual right hand turn around a ski lift that you have been hiking near for the last mile or so. From this turn, you will clearly be able to see the Summit House and the end of the scenic gondola. AND best of all, once you finally turn the corner, you will get one EPIC view of Mount Rainier right in front of you (weather permitting of course). 8 | The Summit House sits right at the end of the scenic gondola. The restaurant inside offers food and beverages. There are also a couple of tables and a nice row of chairs with one amazing view of nearby Mount Rainier to lounge in. If you can, try to snag one of these chairs and eat your lunch there. The restaurant and viewpoint are approximately 4 miles from the bottom if going counterclockwise and 5 miles from the bottom if going clockwise. 💬 INSIDER TIP: you can also easily refill any water bottles or water bladders at the Summit House. There are some nice bathrooms and a water fountain down a short set of stairs near the base of the gondola. If you don't feel like hiking back down the rest of the loop, then you can simply ride the gondola back down to the parking lot. We heard that it is free to ride the gondola down - though we don't have explicit confirmation of this. Similarly, if you don't want to hike up the mountain to the Summit House, you can just ride the gondola up and hike back down (we saw many people doing this). 9 | Once you get your fill of the Summit House, start making your way back down along another forest/service road. To reach the trail from the restaurant, retrace your steps down the hill until you see a large map of the ski resort. Turn LEFT and start walking downhill. 10 | At the bottom of this steeper hill, you can either keep going or make a detour and head up to the top of Crystal Mountain itself. If you choose to do the latter, be prepared for a steep climb up AND some route-finding. This adventure should only be done if you are confident in your hiking and orienteering/route-finding skills. Also, because it is not an established trail - PLEASE follow all Leave No Trace Principles. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you choose to hike to the top of Crystal Mountain, expect to add an extra hour to your hike and about 200 more feet of elevation gain. In our opinion though, the views are worth it. READ MORE | HIKING THE NECKLACE VALLEY LOOP IN WASHINGTON: AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE 11 | Whichever way you choose to go, you will eventually find yourself at the base of the hill that leads up to the Summit House. From there, take the slightly narrower trail down one large switchback, past a small mountain lake and back into the forest. This is around the 5.5 mile mark if going counterclockwise. 12 | From the point where the trail re-enters the forest, you will be hiking on nicely shaded singletrack for the rest of the hike. This section is another great spot to see wildflowers, including if you are lucky, some vibrant blue and purple lupine flowers. 13 | Keep hiking downhill through the forest for another couple of miles. You will pass a few small mountain lakes and bubbling streams along this nice, gradual part of the trail. 14 | The last lake you come to - Henskin - is somewhat bigger than the others. You will see a sign for the Crystal Mountain Loop Trail, as well as a diversion to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). If you are looking to go on a longer hike, you can head out towards the PCT and take it north or south. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you take the PCT north, you can eventually meet back up with the Crystal Mountain Loop Trail towards the very end of the hike. This would likely add another 2 miles to the overall distance (as well as a fair amount of elevation gain). DISCOVER MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY 15 | Keep following the dirt trail back down the mountain. Towards the end of the hike, you will see a large river and waterfall and an abandoned mine entrance (it has a nice secure gate on it). From there, it is roughly ¾ of a mile back to the main parking lot. 16 | The last bit of trail passes under another chair lift before becoming a dirt road once again. You will come to a clear intersection with signs pointing in all directions. From there, you can take either Gold Hill East down (the fastest route) or take the Bluebell Loop down (just slightly longer). Both will eventually lead you back to the large, main parking lot. Once back down, you can stop in at the main ski lodge/parking area which has a restaurant, coffee shop and outdoor seating available. ➳ You can explore the full hiking trail map on Alltrails here. The Crystal Mountain Loop Trail is a wonderful option if you are looking to get a great view of nearby Mount Rainier and explore a lush mountain environment without the crowds and mayhem that are usually found in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park. We highly recommend checking this trail out - especially if you are looking to avoid hoards of people and/or not pay to enter the national park (heck sometimes the Sunrise area is even closed because it is too busy). Hopefully, this hiking guide helps you plan the perfect outdoor adventure, but if you have any questions about hiking the Crystal Mountain Loop or hiking in Washington in general then please leave a comment or question below or reach out to us directly! Happy hiking! WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? THEN CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING GUIDES AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO MOUNT GARFIELD IN WESTERN COLORADO WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING SAFELY IN THE DESERT STAYING SAFE WHILE HIKING & BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY 12 TIPS ALL BEGINNER TRAIL RUNNERS NEED TO KNOW

47.8021° N, 123.6044° W EXPLORE OUR COMPREHENSIVE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THAT COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THIS STUNNING NATIONAL PARK; INCLUDING, HOW TO GET THERE, THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AND THE TOP PLACES TO GO. Olympic National Park might just be one of our all-time favorite national parks. Yes, we know, controversial. But honestly, this stunning national park in the heart of the Pacific Northwest truly has so much to offer that it would honestly be criminal to only give it one day to explore (we think you need at least 3, if not a whole week). Snow-capped mountains, glaciated valleys, lush forests, rugged coasts, and hundreds of miles of trails. What more do you need? But all of that can start to seem a bit overwhelming when you really sit down to plan your trip to the massive national park. At least that is how we felt the first time we planned to head out and explore it. Luckily, this comprehensive adventure travel guide outlines literally everything you need to know about exploring Olympic National Park. From how to get there, what to bring with you, to just seven amazing destinations that are 100% worth visiting. So if you are looking to plan a trip out to the amazing Olympic National Park (which you obviously should), then this is definitely the planning guide for you. JUMP TO ☼ THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 🎒 WHAT GEAR TO BRING TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 📌 HOW TO GET TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 🥾 TOP 7 THINGS TO SEE IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 🏕 WHERE TO STAY IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK \\ Fast Facts About Olympic National Park | Year Established: Mount Olympus National Monument was established in 1909, then the area became a national park in 1938. | Where is Olympic National Park: it is located in northwest Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. | Overall Size: 922,650 acres (95% of that is designated as "wilderness") | Number of Annual Visitors: 2.5 million people visited in 2020 | Cost to Enter Olympic National Park: $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person (all valid for 7 days). | Best For: hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching \\ Important Things to Know About Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is a very large, very diverse national park. Because of this, it is important to figure out which area you want to explore. Below is a quick breakdown of some of the most important things to know about visiting and adventuring in Olympic National Park. THE 3 DIFFERENT AREAS OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK Olympic National Park is split into three different areas: the mountains, the rainforests and the coast. Each area is beautiful in its own right, and also full of amazing things to do. If you plan to visit the national park and only have one day to explore, we recommend focusing on only one of the three areas. Below is a brief breakdown of each one. THE MOUNTAINS The Olympic Mountains are part of the much bigger Pacific Coastal Range, which extends both north into Canada and south down into Oregon and California. The tallest mountain in the Olympic Mountains is Mount Olympus, which sits at 7,965 feet or 2,428 meters tall. Likewise, Mount Olympus is almost fully covered in glaciers - giving it an epic appearance (in total, there are about 184 glaciers crowning the Olympic peaks). On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains from downtown Seattle and even as far away as Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier (though it is likely you will see Mount Constance and not Mount Olympus). Common animals in the Olympic mountains include black bears, cougars/mountain lions, Roosevelt elk, mule deer, marmots, beaver and banana slugs. Also, mountain goats are quite common - though they are not native. Instead, they were introduced in the 1920s for the sole purpose of hunting. Today, the mountain goats are known to be quite aggressive (so much so that some trails close during peak goat season). Because of this, and the fact that they are causing the loss of native vegetation and soil erosion, there has been a major effort to remove the mountain goats from the national park and instead place them in the nearby Cascade mountains. The best places to explore the beauty of the Olympic National Park mountains are Hurricane Ridge, the Sol Duc Valley (where you can spend some time backpacking and soaking in hot springs), the Elwha Valley and the Enchantment Valley. Likewise, many of the top backpacking trails in the national park head deep into the Olympic Mountains. THE RAINFORESTS The lush forests found in the Quinault, Queets, Hoh, and Bogachiel valleys are some of the most spectacular examples of primeval temperate rain forests in the whole lower 48 states. While today very few of these forests exist (and what does is mostly under strict protection), in the past, these types of lush forests stretched all the way from Oregon up into southern Alaska. How are these forests so lush? Well, in a word, rain. And lots of it. In fact, the western side of the national park is one of the wettest places in the whole contiguous United States. In one year, the Hoh Rainforest sees between 140 and 167 inches of precipitation. That insane amount of rain in turn leads to a dense growth of epiphytes (plants growing on other plants). The most common epiphytes in this area include thick green mosses, spike mosses, ferns and lichens. Altogether, these plants are what give the four rain forests such a lush feel. Besides admiring the various plants that thrive in the Olympic National Park rain forests, you also have a good chance of spotting Roosevelt elk. In fact, the national park protects the largest herd of these large herbivores in the entire Pacific Northwest. Some of the best places to admire the park's rain forests are at the Hoh Rainforest (also the top spot to see Roosevelt elk) and the Quinault Rainforest (near the beautiful Lake Quinault). 💬 INSIDER TIP: the Roosevelt elk actually got their name because of President Theodore Roosevelt's action of redesignating part of the Olympic Forest Reserve into Mount Olympus National Monument in 1909 (with the hopes of protecting the elk's quickly disappearing habitat). THE COAST The third area of the park is the large coastal region along the western half of the park. Stretching from the north near Shi Shi Beach to the south near Kalaloch, the 73-mile long wilderness coast is a rare treasure in a country where much of the Pacific coastline is seen more as just prime real estate than a natural resource to be preserved. The Olympic National Park coastline is a popular place for wildlife viewing - especially for numerous marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, whales, and sea otters. While you can see many of these animals year-round, for the best gray whale watching opportunities, head to the coast between March and May and look for their spouts or barnacled-splotched backs as they migrate to their northern feeding grounds. Likewise, spending a day along the coast is also great if you are interested in tidepooling and birdwatching. Some of the best beaches for these two activities include Kalaloch's Beach 4 and Mora's Hole in the Wall (near Rialto Beach). Other popular beaches include Second and Third Beach near La Push and Ruby Beach. Likewise, if you want to combine hiking with beach exploring, consider heading out to Lake Ozette in the northern part of the park. This sizeable lake (the largest in the park and the largest unaltered lake in the entire state of Washington) is a fantastic spot to explore both the coast and the forest. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the intertidal areas are not only within the boundary of the national park, but also within the boundary of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Likewise, the offshore islands that house nesting seabirds and other marine mammals lie within the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex. MAP OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTERS There are three visitor centers within Olympic National Park: the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center near Port Angeles, the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center and the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Besides the three main visitor centers, there are also numerous ranger stations dotted around the park. These ranger stations are often not open year-round and are not always manned by park officials. If you are looking to visit a ranger station, we suggest checking out the national park website ahead of time to see if it is open (most are open in the summer but not in the winter). Below is more information about the three visitor centers in Olympic National Park. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER (PORT ANGELES) The main visitor center is located right outside of Port Angeles, Washington. It is at the base of the famous Hurricane Ridge Road and very close to numerous hiking trails. This is also where you will need to go to learn more about backpacking in Olympic National Park; including, what permits you need, what are some of the top backpacking trails in the park, and what are the necessary safety measures in place. You can learn all about backpacking in Olympic National Park at the Wilderness Information Center (which is right inside the visitor center). HOURS: open year-round except major holidays SERVICES: exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history, a hands-on "Discovery Room" for kids, a passport stamping station, a bookstore, and two short nature trails. HOH RAINFOREST VISITOR CENTER This smaller visitor center is located near the very famous Hoh Rainforest, which is roughly 31 miles from the town of Forks (near the Pacific Coast). The visitor center is a great place to head to to learn more about the Hoh Rainforest - one of the wettest places in the world - and also to learn about the various animals that call that part of the national park home. Nearby, you can find the Hoh Campground, which contains 72 sites (learn more about camping in Olympic National Park below) and the famous Hoh River Trail, an 18.3 mile (one-way) hiking trail up into the mountains. HOURS: open daily during the summer and then Friday - Sunday in the off-season, closed January and February. SERVICES: various exhibits, a passport stamping station and a bookstore. There are also two self-guided nature trails nearby. During the summer, guided walks and talks are offered by the park rangers. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO SAFELY HIKE AND BACKPACK IN BEAR COUNTRY: TOP TIPS HURRICANE RIDGE VISITOR CENTER Located up at the top of Hurricane Ridge (which is just under 20 miles from the main national park visitor center in Port Angeles), the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is an awesome place to head to to get a stunning view of the towering Olympic Mountains - including (on a clear day) Mount Olympus itself. From the visitor center, you can head out on a couple of hikes, learn about the wildlife that calls that part of the park home, and even see the small ski hill that runs during the winter. HOURS: open daily in the summer, and hours vary the remainder of the year. SERVICES: a couple of exhibits on Olympic's mountain habitats, a passport stamping station, a couple of short, paved walking trails, and a gift shop and food hall. During the summer, guided walks and talks are offered by park rangers. ENTRANCE FEES While you don’t have to pay an entrance fee everywhere you go in Olympic National Park, it is important to be prepared to pay the entrance fee at many of the more popular park destinations (including Hurricane Ridge). It costs $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person. All are valid for 7 days from the date of purchase. If you are planning to visit multiple national parks, either during your trip to Washington or on other adventures, then we HIGHLY recommend buying the America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass. It costs $80 and is good for a whole year (12 months from the date of purchase). This annual parks pass gets you into all 63 national parks, as well as 2,000+ other federally protected areas (including national monuments and national historic sites - see the full list). You can purchase your national parks pass at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center or online here. 💬 INSIDER TIP: besides getting you into all of the national parks and monuments in Washington (there are 6 in total), the annual America the Beautiful Pass also gets you into all of the national forest lands for free. There are thousands of adventures to be had in these national forests, so if you are planning to spend a decent amount of time exploring Washington’s stunning scenery, there is even more reason to buy the annual pass. \\ When to Visit Olympic National Park The most popular months to visit are June through September. During this busy summer season, most roads and facilities are open and a full range of programs are available to enjoy. But this is also the busiest time to visit the park, so be prepared for full parking lots, packed hiking trails and few available campsites (reservations are highly recommended). Outside of those months (the winter/off-season) some park roads, campgrounds, and other visitor facilities are either closed or have reduced hours. But if you are fine with having less services, this is a good time to visit for it will be much quieter. Plus, there are still plenty of adventures to do once the weather starts to cool down. In the winter, consider heading to Hurricane Ridge for some cross-country or downhill skiing and tubing or along the coast where there is very little snow. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK WEATHER Due to the park's coastal location, the weather stays relatively mild year-round. In the summer, expect mild to warm temperatures and sunnier skies (though rain is always possible). While in the fall and winter expect cooler temperatures and a lot more rain (winter is the wettest time of year). In fact, most of the park's precipitation falls between November and April. This includes up to 140 inches of rain in the coastal rainforests (especially the Hoh Rainforest) and up to 35 feet of snow on the higher mountains (including Hurricane Ridge). READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO EXPLORE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK We would suggest putting aside at least 2 days to explore Olympic National Park fully. And if you can, three days would be even better. This is because the park is so spread out and super diverse. You can easily spend one full day in the rainforest and then another full day either in the mountains or along the coast. \\ How to Get to Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is located in the middle of the Olympic Peninsula, which is in turn located in the far northwest corner of Washington state in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The national park, though somewhat remote, is easy to reach via your own private car. If you are planning to spend a decent amount of time in Olympic National Park, we highly suggest either bringing your own vehicle or renting one nearby (either in Seattle or Tacoma or in Port Angeles). GETTING TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK BY CAR Even though Olympic National Park is somewhat far away from any large city, it is still quite easy to reach - especially if you have your own vehicle. Below is a quick breakdown of how to get to Olympic National Park from Seattle and Portland. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TO SEATTLE It can take anywhere between 2.5 hours to 3 hours to reach the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center from Seattle, Washington. There are three possible route options you can take, two include a ferry and one does not. The two routes that include a ferry leave from either downtown Seattle or up north a bit in the town of Kingston. Both ferries cost $20.90 for a vehicle with a driver, $9.25 for an adult and $4.60 for a senior or child under 18. If you choose to not take a ferry and instead drive around the Puget Sound (this is a very lovely drive), then likely be prepared for some traffic along I-5 in Tacoma - especially if you are doing the drive during rush hour or during busy hours on the weekend. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TO PORTLAND From Portland, Oregon, it takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach the main visitor center in Olympic National Park (without traffic). The drive is mostly along I-5 from Portland up to the city of Olympia and then on Highway 101 from there all the way up to Port Angeles and the main park visitor center. GETTING TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK BY BUS Once you land in Washington, likely at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (see more below) then you do have the option to hop on the Dungeness Bus Line, which is operated by the Olympic Bus Lines. From the airport, the bus will take you to such towns as Kingston, Edmonds, Discovery Bay, Sequim and Port Angeles. It costs roughly $42 for a one-way ticket on the bus (from the airport to Port Angeles). You can find routes, schedules and book your bus ticket here. GETTING TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK BY PLANE The closest major airport to Olympic National Park is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). This major airport is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes away from the national park (if entering via the Port Angeles entrance). There are regular flights to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from other major cities such as Denver, Colorado; San Francisco, California; New York City, New York; Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There are also numerous international flights into Sea-Tac. Another possible option is to fly into Victoria International Airport in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and then take a direct ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the town of Port Angeles. The ferry ride from Victoria to Port Angeles takes 90 minutes and costs $21 for each adult without a vehicle (or an extra $6.50 if you want to bring a bike) or $70 for a vehicle and driver (all one-way). You can take a public bus from the airport in Victoria to the ferry port (this takes a little over an hour). You can book your ferry ticket and look at the schedules here. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: there is also a much smaller airport in the town of Port Angeles, though they do not run many regular flights. You can learn about flights into and out of this regional airport here. \\ How To Get Around Olympic National Park The easiest way to get around Olympic National Park is to have your own private vehicle. The park is quite spread out and it takes a decent amount of time to reach the various points of interest (plus there are no roads that cross the park completely). Plus, there is NO national park bus. If you do want to take public transportation, you will have to use the Clallam County public buses (you can find their routes here). Below is a basic outline of some of the driving distances and times between major travel destinations: Port Angeles Visitor Center → Elwha Ranger Station // 11 miles | 30 minutes Port Angeles Visitor Center → Hurricane Ridge // 17 miles | 45 minutes Port Angeles Visitor Center → Lake Crescent & Mount Storm King // 21 miles | 30 minutes Port Angeles Visitor Center → Rialto Beach // 68 miles | 1.5 hours Port Angeles Visitor Center → Ozette Lake and Ranger Station // 76 miles | 2 hours Port Angeles Visitor Center → Hoh Rainforest // 91 miles | 2 hours & 15 minutes Port Angeles Visitor Center → Quinault Rainforest // 128 miles | 2.5 hours Because the park is not very compact (plus, it is massive), it is smart to either choose a specific area to explore in one day or to put aside a couple of days for your visit. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you do not have your own car but you still want to explore the national park, then you can easily rent one either near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or in Port Angeles. In downtown Port Angeles, you can rent a vehicle from either Avis or Budget. \\ Where to Stay in Olympic National Park You have a couple of options when it comes to deciding where you want to base yourself when exploring Olympic National Park. The closest major towns with lodging options to the national park are going to be Port Angeles (the largest town on the entire Olympic Peninsula), Sequim, Forks and Port Townsend. If you are looking to explore the rainforests and the coast, then Forks is probably your best bet. While if you are looking to check out the mountains and Lake Crescent, then Port Angeles and Sequim are great options. Port Townsend is not as close to the national park, but it is one of the cutest and most tourist-centric towns on the Olympic Peninsula. So if you want to combine your trip to the national park with a bit of luxury and history, then this could be a great spot to stay. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK HOTELS AND LODGING LODGING INSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There are four options for lodging within the national park: the Kalaloch Lodge, the Lake Crescent Lodge, the Log Cabin Resort and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Of the four, only Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round (the other three are open all summer and part of spring and fall). Each spot comes with its own perks, from having kayak rentals to easy access to hot springs, it totally depends on what kind of trip you want to have. No matter which one you choose, it is smart to plan ahead and make your reservation far in advance. You can do that for all four of them here. LODGING OUTSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you want to instead book a spot outside of the national park, then your best option will be in either the town of Port Angles (which is the closest major town to a lot of the top adventure destinations) or in Forks. Below are a couple of awesome options to consider when booking a spot near Olympic National Park. | Sea Cliff Gardens Bed and Breakfast: this cozy and romantic BnB is located just outside of Port Angeles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It includes a hot tub, water views, free breakfast and immaculate gardens. BOOK YOUR STAY. | Juan de Fuca Cottages: another unique lodging option near Olympic National Park is this quaint spot that offers amazing views of the Dungeness Spit, the New Dungeness Lighthouse, Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic Mountains, and even Victoria, British Columbia. Plus, this locally owned spot has also been recognized for its eco-conscious ways. BOOK YOUR STAY. | All View Motel: if you just want a simple spot to spend the night in Port Angeles, then this motel should definitely do the trick. Located right off Highway 101 and only a mile from the main park visitor center, this is a really good option for basecamp - especially if you want to spend a couple of days exploring the mountains and other parts of Olympic National Park. BOOK YOUR STAY. | Hoh Valley Cabins: located along the same road out to the Hoh Rainforest region of the national park, this quaint resort is super well located for both exploring the rain forest and the coast (it is only 50 minutes from Rialto Beach). There is free parking and a cute café nearby. The cabins are roughly 30 minutes from downtown Forks. BOOK YOUR STAY. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK CAMPING If you want to instead live it up a bit more ruggedly, then definitely consider getting a campsite either in the national park (there are a lot of campgrounds to choose from) or in one of the nearby towns. Just remember, if you are planning to camp in Olympic National Park in the summer, definitely get a reservation ahead of time (if possible) or try to show up early to snag a first come, first served spot. CAMPING INSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There are 13 campgrounds spread around Olympic National Park. Of the 13, four of them require reservations during the busy summer season (Fairholme, Hoh Rainforest, Mora and Kalaloch). A few other important things to note about camping in Olympic National Park is that there are no showers available at any of the campgrounds. Likewise, none of the campgrounds are equipped with electrical hook-ups. If you need either, your best bet is to reserve a spot at the Log Cabin Resort RV and Campground. You can learn more about the 13 campgrounds - including how many sites there are, where they are located, their seasonal openings and what amenities they include, at the Olympic National Park Camping page. Likewise, below are some recommended campgrounds to get a spot in for specific adventures. | Hiking up in the high mountains --> Heart O' the Hills Campground; $24 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required. Or consider Deer Park for a more off the beaten path camping location. | Exploring the rain forests --> Hoh Rainforest Campground; $24 /night, open year-round and reservations are required. | Awesome coastal access --> Mora Campground (only 2 miles from Rialto Beach); $24 /night, open year-round and reservations are required. Or consider South Beach Campground farther south ($20 /night, open in the summer and no reservations are required). | Quiet and off the beaten path --> Queets Campground, which is located along the Queets River ($15 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required) OR the North Fork Campground, which is located above Lake Quinault and only has 9 sites ($20 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required). BACKPACKING IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you are interested in backpacking in Olympic National Park, then you will first need to get your backpacking and wilderness permit. You MUST do this ahead of time and online (you can no longer get it in person). You can get your backpacking and wilderness permit here. If you are unsure of where you want to go backpacking in Olympic National Park, then we highly recommend first stopping by the Wilderness Information Center, which is located in the main park visitor center in Port Angeles. They have a ton of useful information and can help you narrow down where you want to go and help you figure out what safety measures to take. If you are just looking at possible wilderness routes within the park, then we suggest checking out this Wilderness Camping Map. You can learn more about backpacking in Olympic National Park here. CAMPING OUTSIDE OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There is a KOA campground located on the outskirts of Port Angeles near Sequim. This KOA includes plenty of RV sites, tent sites and a couple of cabins. Similarly, it also includes hook-ups for RVs, a pool (open in the summer), social events, bike rentals, a dog park and wi-fi. You can learn more about the campground and make your reservation here. VAN LIFING NEAR OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you are hoping to van life near Olympic National Park, then your best bet for finding free boondocking sites is going to be up on one of the many forest roads. This includes dirt roads close to Lake Crescent (especially on the north and east side), Lake Quinault and down south near the town of Skykomish. Remember to always follow Leave No Trace Principles when van lifing and to only camp in legal areas (like in National Forests). We always use the apps iOverlander and FreeRoam when searching for places to camp. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA \\ What to Bring With You to Olympic National Park Because it rains a lot in Olympic National Park - especially in the temperate rain forests (like Hoh and Quinault), you will want to come prepared with plenty of rainy weather clothing. We recommend at the very least a good wicking jacket that is light and breathable as well as some hiking boots that easily repel water. Below is even more of our favorite outdoor gear. HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields to slick river crossings to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boots. Another good option is these Columbia Newton Ridge Plus hiking boots. They have a nice durable sole, plenty of ankle support and are super water-repellent. Recommended waterproof hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the forest or coastal trails to hanging out at basecamp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter what month you are planning to hike in Olympic National Park (including even during the cloudy winter season), you will want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works great as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for those hotter days but also insulated enough to be great under a warmer rain jacket during those (common) wetter days. Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a backpack - no matter the size or weight. Finally, the fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing was also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking - especially in Olympic National Park where rain is always possible - is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking, it has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING SHORTS When it's a nice warm day, we usually reach for some easy, breathable, and comfortable shorts. This pair by Mountain Hardwear is simple but gets the job done. Plus, they are made of a nice breathable ripstop fabric that resists wear and tear (even when hiking through dense rainforests) and has nice hand and thigh pockets that allow you to stash small essentials like snacks, your phone and some Chapstick. Recommended hiking shorts. HIKING PANTS Or you might instead gravitate towards wearing hiking pants while exploring Olympic National Park (definitely not a bad idea). We personally tend to veer more towards wearing light pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond are durable enough for all kinds of trails, including trails in the high mountains, in the dense forests and along the rocky Pacific coast. Recommended hiking pants here. SUNSCREEN Even if it isn't exactly "sunny" out, you can still get burned - especially at higher elevations. Therefore it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity. We tend to have about 5 headlamps scattered around our van and bags just in case we lose one or the batteries die (which somehow happens quite often...). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax - which will help you free up your hands when out adventuring. Recommended day pack. BACKPACKING BAG For longer trips on the trails - including adventures that last multiple days at a time - you will want a bag that not only carries all of your gear but is also comfortable to wear for hours and miles on end. This large 65-liter backpacking bag also by Osprey does just that. Its anti-gravity suspension is well-ventilated and has plenty of cushions, while its shoulder straps adjust up and down the back panel for a totally custom fit. The bag also comes with a built-in sleeve for a 3-liter hydration bladder and bottom straps for securing a sleeping pad. Recommended backpacking bag. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load is to bring along a water filter and just filter water as you hike. This is especially true in places as wet as Olympic National Park. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you want to get an actual water filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend a top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for years. Plus, it takes up very little space in your bag, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Likewise, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy (clean) one after a long hike. This one by the Parks Project is made of a nice soft cotton fabric and is cut in a fun vintage style. Recommend post-hike shirt. THE LAY OF THE LAND | THE TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK Below are seven of the top places to explore in Olympic National Park. This list includes a couple of the most popular destinations, as well as a few more off the beaten path spots. The list is organized as if you are driving west along Highway 101 from Port Angeles. 1 | Explore Hurricane Ridge Definitely one of the more popular places to explore in Olympic National Park is Hurricane Ridge, which is located high up in the Olympic Mountains. From the top of the ridge you can head out on a number of hikes, including out to Hurricane Hill, up Klahhane Ridge, and along a couple of short, mostly paved nature walks (including the famous Sunrise Point Trail). On a clear day, from the top you can see the entire Olympic Mountain Range (including Mount Olympus), as well as the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada, and maybe even Mt. Baker in the distance. Besides the numerous hiking trails, you can also spend time in the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (where there is a food hall and gift shop) and check out the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area. HOW TO GET TO HURRICANE RIDGE Start by driving out on Hurricane Hill Road from the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles. It is approximately 17 miles (~30 minutes) from the visitor center to the top. Along the way you can stop at some viewpoints, hiking trails and the Heart O' the Hills Campground. There is also an entrance station where you will need to pay $30 per vehicle to enter. 2 | Soak in the Olympic Hot Springs One of the top hidden gems within Olympic National Park is the beautiful and relaxing Olympic Hot Springs. Located at an old hot springs resort (unfortunately no buildings remain), the small turquoise natural pools are a great spot to head to if you want to explore the beautiful mountains and soak in some toasty water. To reach the hot springs, you will first have to park at the Madison Falls Trailhead (located at the end of Olympic Hot Springs Road). From there, you will need to walk or bike up the road until you get to the washout area (the road flooded years ago and has not/will not be repaired). The bypass trail, which is on the left side of the road, is a bit sketchy - especially if you are biking (so just take your time and walk if necessary). From the parking lot, it is roughly 10 miles one-way up to the start of the actual hike to the hot springs. The road is almost totally uphill and can be a bit tough - make sure to come prepared with plenty of water and food (and headlamps if you are planning to bike or hike back down in the dark). At the end of the road you will see a small parking lot and the start of the dirt trail. Follow the dirt trail (that is quite wide and easy to see) for around 3 miles until you get to a wooden bridge over Boulder Creek. The hot spring pools are dotted along the singletrack trail on the other side of the bridge. ► You can learn more about this amazing, off the beaten path adventure (including our own experience doing it) in this article. EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS 3 | Check Out (and Swim in) Lake Crescent Lake Crescent is a fantastic spot to spend a couple of hours at - especially if it is a hot summer day. The water is supremely clear and surprisingly not that cold. While you can admire the water from the shore - via the numerous beaches and picnic areas - we instead suggest getting out on the water either on a boat or by swimming. Two of the best spots to head to around Lake Crescent are the Storm King Ranger Station, which is about halfway along the lake on the south side (right off of Highway 101) or East Beach, which is a short drive from the highway. The first spot has access to many popular hiking trails, including up to Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls and the Moments in Time Nature Trail. Likewise, this is also a great spot to launch your boat and talk to a park ranger about the area. You can also visit the historic Lake Crescent Lodge, which sits nearby. One important thing to know about this area of the national park is that during the weekends and in the summer especially it is very popular and the parking lot can fill up quickly. If you are hoping to spend some time here, definitely plan to arrive early in the day. The other spot, East Beach, is usually a bit quieter. Though rather small, there is a great beach for swimming and also a couple of picnic tables. To reach East Beach, drive on Highway 101 until you reach a turn for Beach Road (there will be signs for the Log Cabin Resort). Turn right here and drive for a couple of minutes until you see the turn for the beach on the left. 💬 INSIDER TIP: Mount Storm King is a very popular (and busy!) hike in Olympic National Park. If you want awesome views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains without all of the people, then instead consider hiking up Pyramid Peak, which is located just down the road from the Mount Storm King Ranger Station. You can find our full hiking guide on Pyramid Peak here. 4 | Explore Ozette Lake and Hike Along the Coast Another more off the beaten path thing to do in Olympic National Park is to head up to Ozette Lake, the largest lake in the park (and the largest unaltered lake in the whole state). This is an awesome spot to explore if you want to check out the forest and see the beautiful coast. One of the best adventures here is to do the entire Ozette Triangle (also known as the Cape Alava Loop). This hike is 9.4 miles round-trip with almost no elevation gain (a third of it is literally at sea level along the beach). In truth, this hike is really 2-in-1: a nice forest stroll and a pleasant walk on the beach. To start, take the 3-mile Cape Alava Trail (which is mostly on boardwalk) out to the beach. At the point where the trail meets the coast, you will see a sign for Cape Alava - aka, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States. Take a photo and then continue walking for around 3 miles south along the coast (where you may have to deter to higher land if the tides are coming in) and then finally connect up with the Sand Point Trail for another 3 miles or so back to the start. Along the hike, you have a good chance of seeing various marine mammals (including otters and seals), birds and maybe a deer or bear. Likewise, because it is along the coast, you can do this hike year-round. HOW TO GET TO OZETTE LAKE From Port Angeles, it is just under 2 hours to Ozette Lake. The drive, though rather long (75 miles) is absolutely gorgeous! First start by heading out on Highway 101 until you see the turn off for Highway 112. Turn right here and continue driving along the Strait until you see the turn for Ozette Lake Road. Take this narrower road through the dense forest until you reach a large parking lot. There is also a ranger station and campground ($20 /night, no reservations are needed). This trail is in the national park so you will need to show your National Park Pass. 5 | Wander Along Rialto Beach Another great spot to explore if you want to adventure along the coast is the uber-scenic Rialto Beach. Here you can easily wander along sandy beaches, around large pieces of driftwood, and through colorful tidepools. Similarly, Rialto Beach is one of the best beaches to explore if you are looking to visit the coast and also the rainforest (the beach is a short-ish detour from Highway 101). Likewise, it is also centrally located to various other awesome Olympic National Park destinations; including, Second and Third Beaches, and the Bogachiel and Hoh Rainforests. We recommend spending at least an hour wandering along Rialto Beach - though if the tides are right, you could likely spend hours just marveling at the tidepools near the famous Hole-in-the-Wall (a large outcropping north of the beach). EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK HOW TO GET TO RIALTO BEACH To reach the beach from Port Angeles, first head west on Highway 101 until you see the turn off for Mora (there will be signs for the campground and ranger station). This should be around 53 miles away. Turn right onto Road 110/La Push Road and drive for about 7 miles until you see the turn for Mora Road. Turn right here and drive until you see the ranger station and campground. From there, it is another 2 miles or so to the Rialto Beach Parking Lot. 6 | Marvel at the Hoh Rainforest While it might take some time to get to (it is 4+ hours from Seattle), there is just something truly magical and rewarding about exploring the stunning Hoh Rainforest. Today, the Hoh Rainforest one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the entire Pacific Northwest (historically this biome spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska down to the central coast of California). But not only that, it is also one of the finest remaining examples of a temperate rainforest in the entire United States. We suggest spending pretty much a full day in the Hoh Rainforest - especially if you are someone who likes to hike. From the main parking lot, you can check out the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center (open daily in the summer), walk along the two nature trails nearby: The Hall of Mosses Trail (incredible) and The Spruce Nature Trail (beautiful), or head out for a full-day of adventure along the Hoh River Trail, which is an out-and-back trail that extends as far as 18.5 miles (one-way). If you want to spend more time in the Hoh Rainforest, consider reserving a night at the national park campground next to the visitor center. This campground has 72 sites (which are reservable in the summer), flush toilets and potable water. It costs $24 /night. GETTING TO THE HOH RAINFOREST Though it takes some serious time to reach, the Hoh Rainforest is easily driven to via car. From Seattle, head towards Olympia on Interstate 5. Then hop over to Highway 8 and 12 until you reach the small town of Aberdeen. From there, start driving north on Highway 101 until you get to the turn off for the Upper Hoh Road. From Highway 101, it is around 19 miles to the visitor center and parking lot. 💬 INSIDER TIP: there are many free camping sites along Upper Hoh Road if you are looking to vanlife nearby. Just be conscious of the thick mud and large tree roots - especially if you have a low clearance vehicle. Likewise, you very likely will get zero phone service out there so plan ahead (always download maps and information ahead of time). 7 | Visit the Rugged Staircase Area The final top thing to do in Olympic National Park is to head to the farthest southeastern corner and explore the rugged Staircase region. This is somewhat of a lesser-known region of the park - especially compared to places like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. Therefore come prepared to be self-sufficient and mostly alone (especially if you are planning to backpack in the mountains nearby). Some of the top things to do in this part of Olympic National Park are to head out and explore the marvelous forests of Douglas-fir trees and the North Fork of the Skykomish River. Some of top hikes in the Staircase area are Shady Lane Trail (less than a mile out to Lake Cushman), the Staircase Rapids Loop (2.1 mile loop, easy), Wagonwheel Lake (2.9 miles, moderate), and Flapjack Lakes (7.8 miles one-way, tough). There is also the option to hike out along the North Fork Skykomish River Trail, which is a popular backpacking route in the national park. Besides hiking, you can also camp in Staircase. The campground has 49 non-reservable sites, bathrooms, potable water and secure food lockers (for bears and other critters). There is also a ranger station that is usually staffed during the summer (though not always). If you want to explore the national park's mythical forests and raging rivers and also avoid the crowds, then this area could be a great option. \\ Must-See Spots Near Olympic National Park CAPE FLATTERY Located just under two hours from Port Angeles, Cape Flattery is a scenic coastal destination that also happens to be the northwesternmost point of the entire contiguous United States. To reach the Cape, which is also where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean, you need to drive out along Highway 112 until you reach the town of Neah Bay. From Neah Bay, it is another 8 mile/15 minute drive to the very end of the Olympic Peninsula. There is a sizeable parking lot at Cape Flattery as well as a nicely maintained, mostly boardwalk hiking trail out to the exact most northwesterly point (where you can see the historic Cape Flattery Lighthouse). The name Cape Flattery actually came from the explorer James Cook who, in 1778, wrote "... there appeared to be a small opening which flattered us with the hopes of finding an harbour... On this account I called the point of land to the north of it Cape Flattery." 💬 INSIDER TIP: the westernmost point in the contiguous United States is at Cape Alava, south of Cape Flattery in Olympic National Park. This is accessible via the Lake Ozette Loop Trail (see above for details). WHIDBEY ISLAND & THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS Just next door to Olympic National Park are numerous forested islands, including two of the more popular ones: Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands (this is actually an archipelago of islands). If you are looking for more coastal adventures, including tidepooling, whale watching and hiking, then these two destinations are definitely worth seeing. Plus, it is super easy to reach Whidbey Island from the nearby town of Port Townsend (there is a direct ferry) and also the San Juan Islands (from Whidbey Island you just have to take one more ferry). MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK Around 3.5 hours away to the south is another amazing national park that is definitely worth exploring (Washington is home to three national parks - the other one is North Cascades up in the far north of the state). Mount Rainier National Park is home to the namesake Mount Rainier, a 14,000+ foot mountain that towers proudly over the greater Seattle-area. If you are looking to do more alpine hikes or longer backpacking trips, then Mount Rainier National Park is a great destination to head to. Olympic National Park truly has something for everyone: snow-capped and glaciated peaks, dense and lush forests, rugged coasts and an absolute plethora of outdoor adventures. While it might be a bit overwhelming to plan a trip to this massive national park, hopefully this in-depth and super comprehensive Olympic National Park Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect adventure. If you have any questions about Olympic National Park - or just adventuring in Washington in general - then please feel free to leave a comment or question below, or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE TO HELP PLAN FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? THEN CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE

WHILE VAN LIFE OFTEN SEEMS LIKE THE ABSOLUTE DREAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WE ARE HERE TO GET REAL AND TALK ABOUT 12 MAJOR DOWNSIDES OF VAN LIFING FULL TIME. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF VAN LIFING FULL TIME THEN DEFINTIELY CONSIDER THESE POINTS FIRST. Vanlife is a truly wonderful way to see the world. By combining your home and your vehicle, you seriously open up a whole new level of exploration and adventure possibilities. We have been van lifing off and on for the past couple of years. Funny enough, our van life journey actually started back in the San Francisco Bay Area when we decided to forgo spending hundreds of dollars on rent (at an apartment we didn't even like) and instead buy a 1995 Dodge Van that we promptly named Terra Yacht (or Terra for short). We lived in our van in the crazy city for over 8 months. It was tough, but it was also really freeing. We didn't have to worry about paying rent, instead we got to worry about where we wanted to go that weekend. After those 8 months we decided to switch it up and instead road trip across the country... on a motorcycle. Yep. We bought a very large, cross-country motorcycle, packed it up, quit our jobs and hit the open road (funny enough that is where the name Backroad Packers came from). But by about night three of that motorcycle adventure we were already missing our cozy van (the constant rain probably didn't help). Once the motorcycle trip was finished, we both agreed to never do another road trip without Terra - at least on USA soil. From that point on, Terra has been our mode of transport on numerous road trips and she has for the most part been a total rock star. Yes, she has bad clearance and even worse gas mileage. But she gets the job done - and doesn't really complain that much about it either. So you might be wondering, if van lifing has been that fun and enjoyable, why are you talking about the downsides of it? Well, in truth, van lifing hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. And we found this to be especially true once we decided to combine van living full time and working remotely 40 hours a week. Below are 12 downsides to van lifing that we have personally experienced and think should be known before you yourself embark on your first van life adventure. If you are considering living in your van full time (and especially if you are planning to do it and work) then we definitely want you to consider these 12 things first. Obviously, these downsides are totally from our own opinion and personal experience and we 100% know other van lifers will disagree. But we wanted to be honest. Van lifing is amazing. But it is also exhausting. So with that, here are 12 downsides of van lifing full time that you should probably know about. 1 | It Can Be Tough to Meet New People This downside to van living actually took us a bit by surprise. After setting off in our van, we totally expected to meet cool people everywhere we went. But in actuality, we found that van lifing - especially while working remotely at the same time - was a bit isolating. In our experience, it seemed all of the other van lifers were kind of doing their own thing and weren't as interested in talking to new people and making new friends. Maybe we just had bad luck everywhere we went, but after a while it started to feel like this setup (an overall lack of meeting people) was more of a trend than an exception. In fact, after meeting two other van lifers - in a public library no less - and talking to them about how they made friends on the road, we started to realize we were definitely not alone in this feeling of isolation. It seems people are less likely to talk to you and try to be your friend while you are out van lifing - and even more so if you are van lifing and working remotely. 2 | It is Often Much Harder to Make Long-Term Friends and Stay Connected to Loved Ones Similarly, we found it was super hard to make long-term friends while van living. For the most part, the friends you did make seemed to be more like "fly-by friends." You know, those kinds of people you connect with while mountain biking or chilling at the local watering hole but then never make an effort to see again. In most instances, this is totally understandable and fine. But if you are someone who wants to make long lasting friends, this can feel a bit depressing. Likewise, because you are out living a nomadic lifestyle, it can be equally as tough to stay connected with your old friends. We always try to put in the effort to stay in communication with friends while we are out traveling (in the USA and abroad) but sometimes it can be tough to connect - both by just constantly talking via phone or social media and just connecting in lifestyles. We would say that this downside (having a tough time staying connected to friends and family) is not exclusively from van lifing but from a nomadic lifestyle in general. If you are thinking of going nomadic and you want to stay connected to your friends, be prepared to put in some extra work. For it is much easier to stay connected with people when you live in the same town and can therefore see them regularly, than it is when you are a whole state or continent away. 3 | It Can Be Tough Not Having a Home Base This downside to van life also took us a bit by surprise. We had been living a pretty nomadic lifestyle before hopping in our van Terra and hitting the road. But it didn't take us long to realize that we were really missing a home base. Maybe it was because we weren't in the best head space, or maybe it was because we were really tired of packing up and moving, but by around the 3 week mark of our road trip we both realized that the idea of having a home with plenty of space for our gear and a designated work area sounded really nice. It is more than likely that this desire to have a home base had been coming for a while and that van life only sped the desire along. For a couple of years we had both talked about having a spot that we could base out of and travel from - be it a small home in the mountains or an apartment by the ocean. It seemed van life just made us want that a little bit sooner than expected. 4 | Van Life = Decision Overload This is often one of the most common downsides of van lifing. Though surprisingly, it is the one you most likely won't consider before starting out. In truth, van life is made up of thousands of decisions, some big (like where do we want to drive to) and some small (where do we want to store this random item). No matter the size though, decisions have to be made day in and day out. Now this is true of almost every lifestyle, but in van life it just feels a bit more overwhelming and exhausting. Having to decide where to camp every night or where to find water or where to go for a shower, all of these things start to weigh on you after a while. In our case, by the time we reached Northern California we were pretty done with making decisions. In the end, that is why we decided to bypass most of Oregon and just book it up to Washington. Do we regret missing out on all the beauty that Oregon has to offer? Yes, a bit. Do we regret that big decision? No. 5 | The Amount of Time it Takes to Accomplish Basic Tasks Kind of like the statement above, van living is made up of a lot of time spent doing really basic things that aren't always that fun. For example, you will find that you spend a weirdly large amount of time looking for drinkable water. This super basic necessity can become quite a chore when you have to visit multiple parks and then just hope that the water is indeed potable (sometimes it isn't and you have to start all over in your search). Then there is the even larger amount of time it takes to find a shower facility that isn't closed or too pricey to use. Sometimes this means you have to clean up in a nice river, and sometimes this means you have to splurge and get a hotel for the night (bonus points if it has a free laundry facility). During our road trip up the West Coast, we were pretty lucky in the fact that we had friends dotted along most of the route. We ended up not going more than a couple of days without a shower, which we were pretty stoked about. But there have definitely been other van life road trips where this was not the case and we found ourselves always on the hunt for the next spot to clean up. In the end, one of the biggest downsides to van life in our books is just the large amount of time it takes to acquire basic necessities, like drinking water. While singularly it might seem super basic, when you combine that one task with other necessary tasks (like buying food or finding a safe spot to camp) it starts to feel like a real chore. Plus, this chore time can really start to eat into your allotted free time that could instead be used for things like hiking, mountain biking or surfing. EXPLORE MORE | 25 TIPS TO BE A MORE SUSTAINABLE VAN LIFER 6 | The Small Space Can Be Constricting This is especially true if there is more than just one of you living in the van. In fact, we found that the overall lack of personal space can really start to mess with your psyche and emotional well-being. Because even if you absolutely love your travel partner - be it your boyfriend or girlfriend, wife or husband or best friend, the overall lack of individual space does often start to weigh on you after a while. This is especially true when you have to combine your living space with your workspace. If you are someone who likes having some time alone, then we definitely recommend either planning out space with your van partner or reassessing your van set-up and full-time van life plan. 7 | Overall Cost of Gas Unless you happen to be van lifing in a high-tech, super eco-friendly vehicle, it is very (very) likely that your biggest expense will be the cost of gas. We actually found that about half of our budget went to gas. And depending on when and where you are planning to vanlife, this percentage could be even higher (for example California is always much more expensive than other states). While you can totally save money while van lifing, don't expect to save all of your money - especially if you are planning to move around a lot. Vans are usually highly inefficient and the cost of gas can quickly add up. Our van Terra gets about 15 miles per gallon on a good day, so going on long drives or going out of our way to see things we weren't 100% interested in started to become more of a money decision than a travel decision. We would say that if you are seriously looking to use van lifing as a means to save money, then definitely plan to slow down and spend more time in one spot instead of constantly moving around (this is also a great way to get to know a place more deeply). Likewise, when you slow down and spend more time in one specific spot, you also cut back on your overall carbon emissions - which is great if you are also concerned about the environment. 8 | The Surprising Cost of Other Necessary Goods While gas is likely going to be the biggest chunk of your expenses, you also should be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on other, often random, things while van lifing. We were surprised to find many unexpected costs while working remotely and van lifing up along the West Coast; including spending more money on going out to eat because we ran out of fuel for our stove (and then of course the cost of getting more fuel), the cost of doing laundry, the cost of using shower facilities (especially if you go to a gym), the cost of water fill-ups at grocery stores, and the cost of getting a coffee at a café in order to use their wi-fi for a couple of hours. All of these things are not very expensive on their own but when you put them all together they definitely start to add up. Luckily, many of these purchases can be decreased with proper planning. But also sometimes you just don't have a choice and you need to spend the money. While you can obviously still save some money from choosing to van life, depending on what your level of comfort is and where you are planning to van life, you could find yourself spending more money than you originally thought. 9 | Fewer Options for Cooking and Meals The two of us genuinely enjoy cooking, so it was obviously pretty tough to go from having a full kitchen in a house to living in a van where you only have a two-burner Coleman stove (we do love that stove though). Of course like many things with van lifing you adapt after a while: for example, you give up making awesome enchiladas for dope ramen. But this lack of kitchen space and kitchen tools can still be a tough thing to swallow, especially in the beginning. We have found that when van lifing we tend to resort back to the same tried and true recipes (pasta, stir-fries, super salads) which are definitely delicious, but once again, after a while those meals gets kind of old and you start to dream about having an oven (or a food processer at the very least). EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA (INCLUDING WHILE VAN LIFING!) 10 | The Cleanliness (or Lack Of) This is maybe the smallest downside to van living, but one nonetheless. When you sign up to live and work in a van full time, be prepared for your level of "clean" to go down quite a bit. Soon you will be 100% okay with dishes being "camping clean" aka clean enough to not be dangerous instead of spotless and shiny. This level of overall cleanliness often extends to other things too - including your clothing, your floor and your overall body. While this change can be a bit tough to get used to - especially if you are kind of a clean freak (no judgment from us) - it can also be sort of freeing. We found that it is much easier to just go with the flow of it than to fight it. 11 | The Fact that You Can Only Do So Much in a Day While an overall lack of cleanliness definitely didn't bother us that much while van lifing, what did really start to weigh on us was our overall lack of time - especially our lack of free time. Van lifing often looks really freeing and easy, especially on social media. But for the most part, van lifing is a lot of small chores that eat into your time and keep you from always doing those fun things that you want. And this is even more true if you are planning to van life full time and also work remotely. We found that there was this kind of Venn diagram when it came to how to fill your time while van lifing. In one circle you have working remotely 40 hours a week, in another you have getting those important chores done (see point 5), and in the third you have fun outdoor activities. Where they overlap you have a solid, full schedule (i.e. working 40 hours and also mountain biking a couple of days a week or working 40 hours and always having fresh water). But in the middle where they all come together you just have chaos, exhaustion and burn-out. What we are really trying to say here, is that if you don't want to feel overwhelmed while van lifing then be prepared to forgo and sacrifice a few things. We found that unfortunately this meant giving up some awesome hiking opportunities or bypassing some super cool mountain bike trails. And those decisions came about because we were instead spending time grocery shopping (again) or looking for a public shower, or worse, driving. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 12 | Overall Exhaustion The final downside to full time van lifing is just overall exhaustion. Van lifing is an incredible thing to do, but it can also be one of the most tiring things you get to do. It combines driving long distances with living in a small space with making hundreds of decisions every day (not to mention it can sometimes be harder to even sleep in a van due to anxiety). Then combine that with working full time (if you plan to combine the two) and of course you can imagine how it would get to be just so exhausting. Van life burnout is a very real thing. While there are definitely ways to counteract this exhaustion from van lifing (a great one is slowing down and spending more time in one spot), for the most part, you often feel like you are constantly moving, thinking, planning and executing. We are both super energetic people who enjoy a challenge and who love exploring, but we even found our most recent van life adventure to just be so tiring. Here is the deal: living on the road can be one crazy, exciting adventure. The opportunities you get to have, and the places you get to see are absolutely amazing. We genuinely enjoy van lifing (as much as this post might seem to say otherwise). We just want everyone to know that van life is not this magical adventure like you usually see on social media. There are some real drawbacks to van lifing full time, and especially van lifing full time and working remotely. While we love road tripping and exploring new places, right now we aren't totally sold on doing it full time in our van Terra. And you know what, that is okay. If you are thinking of trying out van lifing for the first time, we would say 100% go for it! You might absolutely love it. We just wanted to be honest about our own feelings and experiences with van lifing full time (and especially van lifing full time while working remotely). Hopefully, this article gave you some insight into the other, less social media-y side of van lifing. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS ARTICLE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE VAN LIFE TIPS AND ROAD TRIP ROUTES 7 BEST APPS TO DOWNLOAD BEFORE YORU NEXT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE THE ULTIMATE UTAH NATIONAL PARK ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: HOW TO VISIT THE BIG 5 5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HITTING THE OPEN ROAD: TOP TIPS AND TRICKS 6 TIPS FOR VAN LIFING IN THE WINTER: HOW TO STAY COZY AND WARM

47°39'54.3"N 121°17'18.4"W IN OUR OPINION, THE NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL IS ONE OF THE BEST HIKING TRAILS IN WASHINGTON STATE. IT'S STUNNING, EXCITING AND PRETTY QUIET. BELOW IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS AMAZING WASHINGTON HIKING TRAIL. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and instead spend some time in the backcountry of the Cascades - then we have the perfect trail for you! The Necklace Valley Trail, which is located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (one of the biggest Washington national forests) is roughly 15.5 miles long and takes you through dense lush forests, along a raging crystal clear river and up to an alpine basin full of colorful lakes. While hiking this trail is one epic single-day adventure, you also have the option to spend more time in the backcountry and camp overnight along one of the lakes. Below is everything you need to know about one of the best hiking trails in Washington state; including, how to reach the trailhead (including from the bustling metropolis of Seattle), what outdoor gear you need to bring with you, and what to expect along the trail. Happy hiking! WHERE: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington WHAT: a hiking and backpacking trail, out and back DISTANCE: ~15.6 miles total (depending on how far up you go) HIGHEST POINT: 3,651 feet / 1,112 meters, at the lake GEAR NEEDED: sturdy hiking shoes, a well-sized day bag or backpacking gear (depending), bug spray and sunscreen, lots of snacks, a water filter TRAIL CONDITIONS: singletrack trail, forested for most of it, some rocky sections (including a few areas you may need to do a bit of scrambling), a couple of logs you need to use to cross rivers, a few overgrown sections, awesome lake and mountain views DOGS ALLOWED: yes, but they must be leashed. PARKING DIFFICULTY: well-sized parking lot, has a bathroom, you must have either the Northwest Forest Pass or an Annual National Park Pass (it is federal land) \\ How to Get to the Necklace Valley Trailhead The Necklace Valley Trailhead can be easily reached from a number of towns and cities in western Washington. This includes from the major city of Seattle and Bellingham and from the cute historic town of Skykomish. If you are coming from the eastern half of the state, simply drive up Highway 2 aka Stevens Pass Highway until you get to the right turn off (Foss River Road NE). Likewise, this is a good side trip if you are planning to drive the entire Cascade Loop. DRIVING FROM SKYKOMISH It is about a 15 minute drive from the beautiful, historic town of Skykomish to the Necklaces Lakes Trailhead. To reach the start of the trail, drive from Skykomish on Highway 2 for around 2 miles and then turn right onto Foss River Road NE. Drive this super pretty road (that soon turns to dirt) for just over 4 miles. The trailhead and parking lot will be on the left side of the dirt road. FROM SEATTLE If you are looking to reach the Necklace Valley Trailhead from downtown Seattle, you will first need to head north on Interstate 5 until you reach the town of Everett (it is just under 30 miles driving on I-5). Once in Everett, turn onto Highway 2/Stevens Pass Highway. Keep driving on this road for about 40 miles until you get to the turn off for Foss River Road NE. Continue down this road for 4 miles until you see the parking lot and trailhead on the left. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes (83 miles) to reach the Necklace Valley Trailhead from Seattle. FROM BELLINGHAM If coming from the city of Bellingham, you will want to first start by driving south on Interstate 5 until you reach the town of Everett. Once in Everett, turn onto Highway 2/Stevens Pass Highway and drive for another 50 miles until you reach the turn off for Foss River Road NE. Then once again, drive this dirt road for approximately 4 miles until you reach the trailhead on the left. In total, it will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes (114 miles). OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Unfortunately, there really isn't another option to reach the Necklace Valley Trailhead except with a private vehicle. The only possible exception would be if you biked from one of the nearby towns - including Skykomish (6.2 miles away), Index (20.2 miles away), Gold Bar (26.7 miles away) or the Stevens Pass Ski Resort (19.1 miles away). \\ The Best Time to Hike the Necklace Valley Trail The best time to hike in the Necklace Valley area is between July and October. Any earlier than that and you have a good chance of encountering snow up at the higher elevations - including at the alpine lakes. Plus, because the last bit of the trail is quite steep and somewhat rocky, a bit of leftover snow could spell trouble or danger. By mid-July the trail should be totally clear of snow - though, if it has been a very wet winter, there could still be a chance of some leftover snow on the side of the trail. Likewise, you might also need to walk across some of the rivers if the water is too high. When we did this trail in the middle of July, we found a bit of snow at the very top near the lakes (and especially between the lakes in a more shady area). We also had to take our shoes off and walk a couple of feet across one of the rivers (this wasn't dangerous but it was cold). Two of the many different types of wildflowers you will see along the Necklace Valley Trail. \\ What to Bring With You to Hike Necklace Valley HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields to slick river crossings to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter the month you are planning to hike in, you will likely want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works great as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for hot sunny days, but also insulated enough to be great when the temperature starts to cool down. Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a heavy backpack. Finally, the fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing is also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking (and sweating), it has an adjustable elastic drawcord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING PANTS Depending on the time of year, you will likely choose to gravitate towards wearing either full-length hiking pants or a set of lightweight active shorts. We tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants (especially when the trail can be overgrown, like in the case of the Necklace Valley Trail). These pants by Black Diamond, are durable enough for all kinds of trails, while also being comfortable enough to wear even when the temperature starts to pick up. Recommended hiking pants here. SUN HAT Because most hiking is done out in the sun, you will want to make sure you have a nice comfortable, wide-brimmed hat to help keep your face shaded and the sun out of your eyes. This wide brim hat by Patagonia is easy to adjust, lightweight and moisture wicking - plus, like almost all Patagonia gear, it is made of eco-friendly recycled materials. Recommended sun hat. SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY While a sun hat definitely helps protect you from the sun's harmful rays, it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. Likewise, you will definitely want to make sure you pack along some bug spray when hiking in the Necklace Valley Trail area. The mosquitos can be terrible up near the lakes, especially during the dusk hours. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the sun is incredibly strong in the Cascades and even if there is cloud cover you can still get burned. Make sure to put sunscreen on when starting out on the trail and reapply once you get up to the lakes since this is where there is the least amount of sun cover. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity. We always tend to have about 5 headlamps scattered around our van just in case we lose one or the batteries die (which somehow happens quite often...). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. Hiking through the dense green forest during the first couple of miles. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice Durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax. Recommended day pack. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load is to bring along a water filter. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you want to get an actual filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend the top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures. Plus, it takes up very little space, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. Hiking first aid kit for your dog: because you want to make sure your best friend stays safe on the trail as well. This pack is also very lightweight and doesn’t take up that much space. The perfect doggy first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. Also, these Teva sandals work great as river-crossing shoes. While they don't have as much grip as other hiking sandals, they are lightweight and can quickly dry out when left to sit in the sun. If you don't feel like taking your shoes off and on when doing river crossings (like you might when hiking the Necklace Valley Trail) these could be a good addition to your hiking bag. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Similarly, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy, clean one after a long day on the trail. This one by Parks Project is made of a nice durable, soft cotton fabric and cut into a very vintage-y style. Recommended post-hike shirt. If you are planning to do the Necklace Valley Trail as a backpacking trip, then definitely make sure to also bring a good backpacking bag, a comfortable sleeping pad and sleeping bag, a 3-season tent, a bear box (read more about this here), and a camp stove (fires are not allowed up near the alpine lakes). HIKING THE NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: around 16 miles / 25.6 kilometers (up to the basin and back); you can go much farther along one of the many alpine lake trails ELEVATION PROFILE: 3,651 feet gained, mostly in the last 3 or so miles TIME NEEDED: 7.5 to 9.5 hours depending on your hiking speed and how long you want to spend at the lakes TRAIL CONDITIONS: a couple of overgrown sections and downed trees, in late spring/early summer expect at least one river crossing where you might have to take your shoes off. The first major river crossing on the trail (left) and the quintessential Necklace Valley Trail (right). START The Necklace Valley Trailhead has a bathroom and a notice board with useful information on the area and regulations, including how to hike and backpack in bear country. Also, you will need to fill out a permit tag (which is free) before setting off on the trail. Once the permit is filled out, carry the top half with you and leave the bottom half in the provided box. Likewise, you will need to either show your Northwest Forest Pass (which can be paid for and picked up nearby) or an Annual National Park Pass. After you get all of your necessary permits and stuff done, head out onto the trail! 1 | The first couple of miles of the hike are pretty flat and very easy to follow. You will cross a few small streams that may or may not have running water. 2 | Around the 2.6-mile mark, you will cross a large raging river along a nice big, sturdy wooden bridge. This is a stunning area of the trail and definitely a good spot to spend a bit of time. 3 | After the bridge, you will continue to hike on a pretty soft, flat trail. For the most part, the first 3-4 miles of the hike are nice and shaded and follow the East Fork of the Foss River. A bit further along the trail, you will have to go through 2-3 sections that are pretty overgrown (this is why we recommend wearing pants). During the overgrown section keep an eye out for stinging nettle (which can burn and cause a small rash) and small garter snakes. 4 | Around the 4.4-mile mark you will see a small sign for a backcountry toilet. This is around the halfway point and is a good spot to stop at if you have to use the bathroom (especially #2). 5 | After the bathroom, you will follow the trail through a lovely forest section close to the left side of the valley (depending on the time of year you might see some flowing waterfalls). Keep hiking until you get to the big river. This is the spot where, depending on the time of year you are hiking, you may have to take your shoes off to reach the large sturdy log that crosses the river. We hiked this trail in early July and had to walk a short distance from the trail to the log (only 3-4 feet total). If you do have to walk a bit to the log, be prepared for some icy water. Luckily, the small eddy is totally safe and there are some rocks you can stand on to cross. The main river crossing along the trail (left) and a rather larger garter snake in the rocks (right). 6 | Once across the river, you will hike for another couple of minutes until you reach the same river once again. Here you will need to cross to the other side on another large log (you should see signs saying no campfires beyond this point). While it might seem like you are off trail, this is the correct route (you can always consult an offline-map for clarification). Once across the log, you have the option to rock scramble a bit to the main trail (there are cairns marking the right path) or turn RIGHT and walk along the river for a couple of feet and then up a clearly marked trail. We did both and had no issues. 7 | This is the start of the uphill section so consider taking a quick snack or water break at the river or just above in the shade. Also, if hiking this trail in the summer, be aware of the possibility of encountering more garter snakes and frogs here (we saw a large one on our hike). 8 | Once you are refreshed, start the slow climb up the side of the mountain. This section is steep and can be a bit rocky and overgrown. Take your time and watch where you are placing your feet (slick rocks and muddy logs are common). 9 | Between the river crossing at mile 4.5 and the top of the lake you will climb 2,500 feet. This part of the hike is hard, plus it is likely to be the sunniest section on the whole trail. So remember, take your time, watch where you are stepping, and don’t push yourself too hard. This is not a race. 10 | At roughly the 6.2 mile mark, you will get to another sturdy wooden bridge over one of the tributary rivers. This bridge is narrow and should be crossed with care and alone (if you are hiking with a dog or child, hold on to them tightly for there is no railing). 11 | After the bridge, you will have one more big push up a steep section (the steepest of the hike). This part of the trail, though difficult, is beautiful. Even when you are exhausted, don’t forget to take in the beauty of the landscape around you. 12 | The first view of Jade Lake comes into view at the 7 mile mark. If you are tired and don’t want to hike anymore, then we suggest hanging out and refueling at one of the many awesome spots around the edge of the lake (we personally liked a nice open spot right at the beginning of Jade Lake). 13 | If you do have more energy and are looking to explore more of the lakes in the area (there are dozens) then continue hiking around the LEFT side of Jade Lake towards the waterfall at the other end. 💬 INSIDER TIP: depending on what time of year you are hiking this trail, you may come across some snow or find that the trail is slightly underwater. If that is the case, then take off your shoes and simply walk around the side. The water is cold but refreshing. 14 | Once you get to the waterfall, cross it along one of the large downed logs and walk up it on the RIGHT side (not through the rocky section close to the falls). The trail might have a bit of snow leftover, but even so, it is easy to maneuver and follow than the "trail" closer to the waterfall. After about 10 minutes of walking, you will come to a small flat section with a couple of small, faint trails off to either side. If you go to the LEFT you will reach Emerald Lake, which is absolutely stunning. If you go to the RIGHT you will eventually reach Al Lake and the much larger Locket Lake. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: there are numerous backpacking sites in this area to choose from if you are looking to do this hike in multiple days. Just remember to follow all leave no trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from any natural water source (including lakes). 15 | Once you get your fill of the lakes and the beautiful and stoic La Bohn Peak, which sits proudly in the background, turn around and simply make your way back to the first lake (Jade Lake). 16 | Because the trail is an out-and-back, you will just need to retrace your steps all the way back to the trailhead and parking lot. Remember to take your time on the steep downhill sections and make sure to watch where you are placing your feet and hands - especially on the slicker sections. 17 | Once you cross the river and reach the flat section of the trail once again, you can really start to cruise. Even though you might be exhausted and your feet might be sore, always remember to look around you at the beautiful landscape. This trail in particular has some awesome wildflowers and mushrooms, as well as a lot of birds and wildlife. ➳ You can download the full map of the Necklace Valley Trail from Alltrails here. OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE HIKING Consider wearing hiking pants for the overgrown parts. This can save your legs from some unwanted scratches and stinging rashes from the thistle-y plants. Bring some comfortable hiking sandals if you are looking to save time when crossing the rivers. We didn't and definitely regretted it after taking our boots and socks off for the fourth time. Bug spray is definitely necessary, for the mosquitos are pretty bad - especially in the forested sections near somewhat stagnant water. If you don’t want to carry extra water weight, then bring a handy water filter. There are plenty of places to filter and refill your bottles or bladders, especially when you get up to the alpine lakes. We only carried one 3 liter water bladder and it got us both through to the top of the hike. You are in bear country so be smart and stay bear-aware. Also, follow all protocols when backpacking (like making sure you have a proper way to store your food). Dogs are allowed on the trail, they must be kept on a leash at all times. You do not want your pup getting into any dangerous situations - like coming across a bear or getting too close to the raging rivers. Plus, having your dog on a leash keeps other hikers happy and safe too. The Necklace Valley Trail is an awesome place to head to if you are looking for a top Washington hike near Seattle. The trail is a bit tougher than most - especially the last couple of miles - but it is also downright beautiful. The forest is nice and lush, the water is crystal clear and the alpine lakes and the whole alpine basin is absolutely stunning. We cannot recommend this hiking trail enough. You can learn more about this trail (and check out the map) at Alltrails. Likewise, if you have any comments or questions about this trail or about hiking in Washington in general (or just hiking) then please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO MOUNT GARFIELD IN GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING IN THE DESERT: TOP TIPS AND TRICKS STAYING SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY: EVERYTHING HIKERS AND BACKPACKERS NEED TO KNOW

HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY CAN BE A BIT SCARY (BEARS ARE MASSIVE AFTER ALL). BUT IF YOU FOLLOW THESE SUPER HELPFUL BEAR SAFETY TIPS THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS ADVENTURING OUT IN BEAR COUNTRY. So what is bear country exactly? Well, as the name would suggest, bear country is anywhere a bear lives. In the case of North America, almost every state in the USA and almost every providence or territory in Canada is "bear country" (even a bit of Mexico is home to bears). The location you are in will actually decide what bears you will possibly encounter: if you are in the far northern region you might come across a brown or grizzly bear and/or a black bear (like in the case of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park), while if you are in most of the lower 48 states of the USA you will almost only interact with black bears (this includes in such popular hiking destinations as Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park). Below are some very helpful things to know about hiking and backpacking in bear country, including how to differentiate between types of bears, how to know if you are in prime bear territory, and what to do if you spot a bear. Finally, we also outline 10(ish) important tips on how to adventure safely in bear country. Because at the end of the day, the overall goal is to keep yourself and the bears safe. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEARS IN NORTH AMERICA BLACK BEARS American black bears are the most widely distributed and common bear in all of North America. In fact, they can be found in a wide variety of biomes and ecosystems - including high alpine mountains, dense forests, wet swamplands, and even along the coast. Because of this wide distribution, the black bear isn’t always black (aka so don’t rely on the coloring for identification). Instead look for its distinctive shape, which includes a flatter back, a straight face, larger, oval-shaped ears and shorter claws. GRIZZLY BEARS AND BROWN BEARS You might sometimes hear these two common names interchangeably. That is because they are actually the same species - Ursus arctos. While both have the same distinctive body shape - shoulder humps, long claws, a dish-shaped face - the main difference is their geographic location. Brown bears live along the coast of Alaska and subsist on marine life for food, while grizzly bears live inland and have very limited access to marine life for food. HOW TO KNOW WHETHER IT IS A BLACK BEAR OR A GRIZZLY BEAR Below is a handy diagram to help you better understand the main differences between a black bear and a brown/grizzly bear. Again, when you come across a bear while hiking or backpacking, don’t try to identify it on color or size alone (this can sometimes be misleading). Instead, use the bear’s physical appearance (body shape, face profile, etc.) and its tracks to identify it. Also, before heading out on the trail, do some research to learn about what bears live in the area you are planning to explore. POLAR BEARS Likely a much less common type of bear to encounter, but still one worth mentioning is the polar bear (or Ursus maritimus). Polar bears have a much smaller range than the two bears mentioned above; in fact, unless you are exploring the farthest northern coasts of Alaska and Canada you have a pretty small chance of encountering one. But with that being said, it is always smart to be aware. The most common identifier of a polar bear is their white or yellowish coat that is made of water-repellent hair. Similarly, unlike other bears, polar bears have longer necks, smaller ears and narrower heads. Likewise, their feet are quite large and almost totally covered in hair. A black bear on the left and a brown/grizzly bear on the right. THE MOST COMMON PLACES FOR BEAR ENCOUNTERS You can find bears in over a dozen United States - from the mountains of Colorado and Montana to the coasts of Alaska and California to the swamplands of southern Florida. In fact, black bears live in nearly 40 of the 50 United States and every province and territory of Canada except Prince Edward Island. While you can find bears all over North America (including in parts of north-central Mexico), the most common places for bear encounters will be in the mountains and specifically in densely forested areas. Bears like places that have a high number of trees, a wide array of edible plants (specifically berries and flowers), a water source, and an overall lack of people. Overall, the most common place you will encounter a grizzly bear in North America will be in such places as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park and up in the 8 Alaskan national parks. In other popular hiking and backpacking destinations - including Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park, you will only encounter black bears. WHEN ARE BEARS THE MOST ACTIVE? Bears - including black bears and brown/grizzly bears - are most active during dawn, dusk, and night. Therefore if you are planning to hike and backpack in bear country make sure to be extra aware of your surroundings during these times of the day. If possible, always try to avoid hiking at night. Not only because this is prime bear time, but because hiking at night is also more dangerous overall: you have a higher chance of tripping on things you can’t see, other wild animals are also out and you have a higher chance of losing your trail and getting lost. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR Below are a few of the most important things to keep in mind if you do come across a bear while out hiking or backpacking. | NEVER run away - this can trigger the bear’s chase instincts (you cannot outrun a bear). | Keep facing the bear and slowly walk away. But try not to make eye contact as this can be seen as aggressive. | Speak to the bear in a calm, confident tone that will distinguish your voice from the noise of potential prey. Your goal is to have the bear identify you as a human and not as an animal or food source. | Keep your personal items - including bags and food - close to you. Also, if you are with small children or dogs, hold onto them tightly until the bear wanders away. WHAT TO DO IF A BEAR ATTACKS YOU Remember that bears are wild animals and therefore every encounter is going to be different. That being said, for the most part, there are two different types of charges a bear may do: a bluff charge and an aggressive charge. A bluff charge is more common and meant to scare or intimidate you (which of course likely works). You will know it is a bluff charge if the bear keeps its head and ears up the whole time. It will also likely make bigger leaps toward you. If a bluff charge looks like it might be about to occur, start to back away slowly and wave your arms above your head. Keep talking to the bear calmly and try not to run away - ALWAYS stand your ground. After the bluff charge, continue to speak to the bear nice and calmly. On the other hand, an aggressive charge is much more dangerous and can lead to some really bad situations. You will likely know if the bear is aggressively charging you when it starts clacking its teeth, yawning, or pawing at the ground and huffing. These are all signs that the bear is stressed, which may lead it to come at you very quickly. If a black bear attacks: FIGHT BACK! Direct punches and kicks at the bear’s face and try to use rocks or sticks. If you have bear spray with you use it. Do NOT play dead with black bears. If a brown or grizzly bear attacks: PLAY DEAD! Do not fight back and instead try to cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Lay totally flat, splay out your legs, and keep your backpack on. This will hopefully show the bear that you are not a threat and not worth killing/eating. If this works and the bear does not attack, try to lie there for a couple of minutes more just to make sure the bear is gone and the danger has passed. TIPS FOR HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY BE BEAR AWARE Always stay alert on the trail - especially if you are in an area that could potentially have bears (dense foliage, running water, edible plants). Keep an eye out for signs of bear activity; which can include recent tracks, scat (poop), fresh claw marks on trees, recently dug holes and dead animals. If you see a dead animal (also known as carrion), walk away from it - it is likely the smell of it will attract bears. It is also a good idea to do a bit of research before heading out into bear country. Try to see if there has been a lot of recent bear activity on the trail you are planning to hike or backpack and/or talk to a ranger about a specific area. Also, when you are out hiking and you see a bear, make sure to alert any other hikers in the area. DON’T HIKE ALONE Hiking in a group instead of alone is usually the right call no matter where you are (safety in numbers right). In the case of hiking in bear country, by adventuring with multiple people you greatly decrease your chance of surprising a bear and also of a bear attack in general. Likewise, it is more likely that if you are with more than two people a bear will be able to hear and smell you quicker and likely move away from the trail. If you are hiking in a group while in bear country, always remember to keep young children within your sight and dogs on a leash (or at the very least within easy view and voice command). MAKE PLENTY OF NOISE WHILE HIKING Similar to the tip above, if you are hiking in known bear country, always try to make loud noises when in possible bear territory - i.e. in dense foliage, around water and near corners with little visibility. The main goal here is to NOT surprise or startle a bear. It is recommended that you talk with your hiking buddies regularly and/or yell something like “hello” at constant intervals. You can also just clap loudly every so often while on the trail. These noises should be even louder in sections that could be hard for a bear to see or hear you, like near a rushing river or over a ridgeline. While there is not necessarily a wrong way to make noise in bear country, one common thought is that it is bad hiking etiquette to yell “hey bear.” As cute as this might sound, it understandably can send the wrong message. If you were hiking and heard someone in front of you yell “bear” (and there wasn't a bear) you likely wouldn’t think it was at all cute. Therefore it is smart to say something more common like hello and ONLY yell bear if you actually see a bear. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: one commonly sold bear safety item is “bear bells.” These small twinkling bells are meant to be placed on your backpack or your shoes when hiking. While the idea is definitely great, often times the bells are too quiet to be of much use. Feel free to wear them if you want, but also consider making louder noises along the trail as well. NEVER APPROACH A BEAR You have probably heard someone use the term “mama bear” when describing a very protective mother. Well, if you are out hiking, definitely try to avoid ANY run-ins with mama bears (aka sows). Likely the most dangerous situation you can find yourself in out in bear country is in between a sow and her cubs. Therefore if you ever come across a baby bear (cub) slowly and calmly walk away. Never approach a bear cub - even if it looks like it is all alone and possibly in distress. If mama bear comes back and is acting aggressive, keep moving away in a very non-threatening manner and never take your eyes off of the sow. And always be ready to defend yourself if the mama bear becomes aggressive (review the tips on this above). STICK TO THE TRAIL (ALWAYS) This is a good rule of hiking etiquette no matter where you are, but if you are out hiking in bear country always try to stick to the designated trail. By doing this, you not only protect the foliage and natural landscape, but you greatly decrease the likelihood of stumbling across a bear and surprising it (which is definitely bad). If you do have to go off trail for any reason, make sure to take your time and be as loud as possible - especially if the bushwhacking requires hiking through dense bushes and low-visibility landscapes. TIPS FOR BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY DO SOME PRE-PLANNING Before you even begin your adventure out into the backcountry, first find out what bear-related regulations are in place at your destination. These regulations can cover everything from whether bear canisters are required, to if you are allowed to carry bear spray (more on this in a second). If you are planning to backpack in a national park, definitely visit the national park service website for all of this important information ahead of time. Likewise, when you arrive at the park make sure to talk to a ranger about recent bear activity or if there is anything specific to keep in mind while out backpacking. Likewise, if you are backpacking and staying in designated backcountry campsites, make sure to do your research on whether the sites include a bear pole or secure metal locker for storing food. STORE YOUR FOOD PROPERLY One of the most common ways to attract bears while out backpacking and camping is through food and other smelly items (bears can smell stuff from up to 3 miles away). There are many important steps in countering this - including following proper cooking and cleaning techniques and overall food storage. When you cook and clean out in the backcountry, make sure to stay at least 70 feet away from your sleeping quarters (even farther if there is wind). This will help keep unwanted leftover odors away from your tent area - for even these odors can attract unwanted visitors. Once you are finished cooking, store ALL food and cooking gear, including pots, pans, silverware and bowls/plates in proper containers like a personal bear canister (like this one), a bear bag, a tree or pole-hung bag or in a provided metal food locker. The main goal here is to remove any bear attractant from your camp and secure anything that has an odor in a safe place. A common saying is a fed bear is a dead bear. Unfortunately, in most cases this is true. Do your part and NEVER feed a bear (or any wildlife) and make sure to keep all food locked away. DON’T LEAVE YOUR BAGS UNATTENDED In the same vein as above, when you are out backpacking in bear country, make sure to never leave your bag and gear unattended. Even if you are just taking a break, never wander too far away from your stuff - especially if it has some smelly goods in it like food or toiletries (sunscreen, Chapstick, etc.). Leaving food out while in the backcountry is a great way to attract wildlife - including bears (but also birds and squirrels and chipmunks). A core thing to remember when you are out hiking or backpacking, is to never feed wildlife - either directly or indirectly. You can find more helpful information on backpacking in bear country here. DON’T CAMP IN A POSSIBLE BEAR AREA It is important when picking a campsite, especially one in the backcountry, to think about bears and what they are usually attracted to. Some things to keep in mind when deciding on a spot is whether it is close to any edible plants (like berry bushes) or other bear food sources, close to water, or anywhere there are obvious signs of bear activity (like bear scat, claw markings on trees, or fresh tracks). Obviously, if you are backpacking and staying at designated camping sites this shouldn't be an issue. If you are new to backpacking in bear country, maybe start out by staying at these sites first. Many national parks have plenty of amazing backcountry sites to choose from - including such popular backpacking destinations as Yellowstone National Park, where you can find over 290 designated backcountry campsites (each with its own bear box or pole). Once you have found the perfect camp, you need to then think about how to keep your site bear-safe. One popular outdoor idea is the "Bear-muda Triangle." This somewhat goofy sounding campsite set-up is meant to keep all parties safe - including the bears themselves. To create a bear-muda triangle, first find the spot for your tent (a nice flat area is best). Once your tent is set up, walk at least 70 feet away in one direction. This is where you should set up your cooking area. Then walk another 70 feet from there (creating a triangle from your tent). This third spot should be where you store all of your food. While this might seem like overkill, in actuality, bears can smell food from at least 3 miles away, so you want to make sure you are giving plenty of safe space in case a bear does end up wandering into camp. CARRY BEAR PROTECTION If you are planning to spend a decent amount of time in bear country, definitely come prepared with some safety tools. A great item to have on your person is an easy to use can of bear spray. This bear safety device is easily available at most outdoor retailers - especially ones located in known bear country (or buy it online here). Bear spray is a specific aerosol spray made up of highly irritant active ingredients like capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. Bear sprays differ from regular pepper spray in that their range is much farther. While every spray is different, most have a range between 1.5 to 3 meters. When out in bear country, make sure to keep your bear spray within easy grabbing distance (do not keep it deep in your hiking backpack) like on a belt or chest holster. Because you will only want to use the spray if a bear starts to charge at you, you want to make sure you can grab the spray and use it within seconds (also consider practicing before hitting the trail if you have never used one before). Finally, while it might seem like a good idea to use bear spray in the same manner as you would bug spray, in truth, spraying the aerosol on your person or gear (including your backpack and tent) could actually have the opposite effect and instead attract a bear instead of repelling it. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: always remember that common sense is the best protection against bear attacks. Remember the above tips and only use bear spray as a last resort. In fact, while some national parks allow bear spray to be used (like in the backcountry areas of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks) it is also illegal in many others. Do your research on national park service regulations before bringing in your bear spray. MAKE SURE YOU PUT ALL SCENTED GOODS AWAY While food is obviously the most important thing to put away properly while backpacking in bear country, it is also a very good idea to store anything with an odor in a safe place (like a bear box, bear bag, etc.). Things like sunscreen, face and dish soap, lip balm, wipes, toothpaste, and feminine products can all attract bears. Likewise, other things like trash, gum and mints can cause bears to get a bit too curious. Really a good rule of thumb is that if anything has a slight odor, it should be put away. Another common thing for backpackers to do when out in bear country is to actually change their clothes after cooking and store the smelly clothes in the safe bear-proof locker or box. If you really want to be safe, pack an extra pair of clothes that you can wear while at camp that will stay odor-free. Always read up on bear safety measures before hiking. This sign on the left was posted at a popular trail in Washington. While it might seem a bit scary to go hiking or backpacking in bear country, in reality, as long as you use common sense and always stay aware of your surroundings, you should be totally fine. For the most part, bears will run away as soon as they hear or smell a human. While of course not every bear is the same and they are still wild animals (and therefore unpredictable), overall, the presence bears should not deter you from getting outside and adventuring. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? THEN CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO HIKING IN THE DESERT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000+ FOOT MOUNTAIN HIKING PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK - THE COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE 5 PERFECT HIKES FOR SPOTTING FALL COLORS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

48°03'56.9"N 123°51'33.8"W EXPLORE OUR ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO SUMMITTING PYRAMID PEAK. THIS HIKE IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK AND IT IS TRULY AN OFF THE BEATEN PATH GEM. While Mount Storm King might get most of the fanfare in Olympic National Park, we instead recommend heading a bit more off the beaten path and hiking up to the top of Pyramid Peak - a stunning forested trail that leads to remarkable views of Lake Crescent, the snowy Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and even Canada. We were actually recommended this trail by one of the national park rangers after explaining we were looking to do a tougher hike that led to a mountain top (we have a thing about summits). After giving us a couple of options he mentioned that this one was more of a hidden gem and would likely have way fewer people than many of the other trails in the area. Sold. After making our way to the trailhead and spending about five minutes on the beautiful forested singletrack trail we were definitely thinking we made the right call. For even on a busy Saturday morning we only saw a handful of people - and this was on a weekend where there were zero parking spots left at the Lake Crescent/Storm King Ranger Station parking area. And of the few people we did see on the way up, we only had to contend with four of them on the actual mountain summit. Now that is a pretty hard thing to beat in a place as busy as Olympic National Park. So if you are like us and are looking to do an awesome, somewhat challenging hike in Olympic National Park, then we cannot recommend Pyramid Peak enough. We honestly think it is one of the most underrated (but fun) hikes in the whole national park. Below is an in-depth guide on the beautiful hike - including how to reach the trailhead, what to bring with you and what to actually expect on the trail. \\ How to Get to the Pyramid Peak Trailhead Even though the trailhead is in Olympic National Park, there are a couple of transportation options on how to get there. While driving your own vehicle is definitely the most straightforward and fastest route, you also have the option to take a public bus and even bike. DRIVING TO THE TRAILHEAD FROM PORT ANGELES AND LAKE CRESCENT It is just over 30 miles from downtown Port Angeles to the Pyramid Peak Trailhead. This drive should take around 47 minutes to do. To start, drive out on Highway 101 towards the town of Forks (west). Keep driving all the way around Lake Crescent until you see signs for the Spruce Railroad Trail and Fairholme Campground. Turn right at the signs onto Camp David Junior Road. Keep driving on this paved road around the lake until it turns to dirt. Keep driving on the dirt road (don't worry it is well-graded and you do not need a 4x4 vehicle) until you get to a cow grate and you see cars parked on the side. There will also be a trailhead marker for both the Pyramid Peak Trail and the Spruce Railroad Trail (which is part of the much longer Olympic Discovery Trail). Park here, making sure you are not blocking the road, and then cross over the paved bike trail up above the parking area. There is also lake access just down the way at the North Shore Picnic Area (as well as a bathroom). FROM SEATTLE It takes roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes to go from downtown Seattle to the Pyramid Peak Trailhead. This route includes both driving and taking a ferry (more on that in a second). Or, if you don't feel like taking a ferry, you can also drive all the way down to the Tacoma/Olympia area via Interstate 5 and then up and around the Puget Sound until you reach Highway 101 near Discovery Bay. If you are okay with taking a ferry, then your best option is to ride the Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry (which departs from the Seattle Ferry Terminal) and then drive from the cute town of Bainbridge Island all the way to Port Angeles, which is roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes away. Once you make it to Port Angeles, you just need to keep heading west on Highway 101 until you get to the turn off for Spruce Railroad Trail and Fairholme Campground. From Highway 101 it is approximately 3 miles down Camp David Jr Road to the trailhead. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION If you don't feel like driving to the trailhead, or if you don't have a car available, then you can also take a public bus from Port Angeles to the turn off onto Camp David Jr Road and then walk from there. The best place to pick up the bus in Port Angeles is at the Gateway Transit Center, which is located in downtown Port Angeles near the town visitor center and the Black Ball Ferry Line. There is actually a designated bus stop at the intersection of Highway 101 and Camp David Jr Road, so don't worry about missing it. From the bus stop, you just simply have to walk the three miles from the intersection to the trailhead via the road (don't worry, it isn't that busy of a road). The final option for reaching the trailhead is to bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail, which passes right in front of the trailhead. You can reach the paved bike trail in Port Angeles, or at numerous trailheads along the way. The closest biking trailhead to the Pyramid Peak Trailhead is going to be at the opposite end of the Spruce Railroad Trail near Piedmont. From that trailhead you also have the option to stop and see the very scenic Devil's Punchbowl. EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK \\ The Best Time to Hike Pyramid Peak While you can hike up to the top of Pyramid Peak anytime between April and October, in our opinion, it is a great trail to take on between mid-June and mid-July because you will likely see a whole lot of wildflowers along the trail. Likewise, because the trail is so shaded (you are in the forest all the way until the very end) you can definitely do this hike even during the hottest part of the day and year. We do suggest though that if you do want to hike Pyramid Peak in the summer - the busiest time of year to visit Olympic National Park - you should try to arrive at the trailhead early, especially on a weekend. We ended up showing up at the Pyramid Peak trailhead just after 9 AM on a Saturday and there were already a good handful of cars parked. EXPLORE MORE | 12 TRAIL RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS \\ What to Bring With You to Hike Pyramid Peak Because the Pyramid Peak trail is located on the Olympic Peninsula - one of the wettest places in the USA - you should always come prepared for changing weather and muddy conditions. Below are a couple of things to consider packing with you when taking on the beautiful hiking trail. HIKING SHOES You will want to wear shoes that can handle various types of terrain: from slick sections near the infamous landslide section (more on that below) to some muddy areas near small creeks. These boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the mountain throws at you - both along the Pyramid Peak trail and on other exciting Olympic National Park hikes. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at a coffee shop post-hike due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SHIRT No matter the month you are planning to hike in, you will likely want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works great as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for those hot sunny days, but also insulated enough to keep you warm in case the weather changes. Recommended long sleeve hiking shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket is the perfect top layer for those somewhat chillier shaded sections of the trail. Plus, it has a breezy hood for when the sun does start to poke out (woo sun protection) as well as a handy front pocket to store essential items like your phone, snacks, headlamp and sunscreen. Recommended hiking jacket. WINDBREAKER While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you warm during those chillier days, what will really make you nice and comfortable while hiking Pyramid Peak is a nice rain jacket or windbreaker. Because this part of the country (the greater Olympic Peninsula) does get a whole lot of rain, you should always come prepared with a nice waterproof top layer. Recommended windbreaker. HIKING PANTS Depending on the time of year you are planning to hike Pyramid Peak, you will likely gravitate more towards wearing either full-length hiking pants or a set of lightweight active shorts. We tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out. These pants, also by Backcountry, are durable enough for all kinds of trail conditions (including dense overgrown trails), while also being comfortable enough to wear even when the temperature starts to pick up. Recommended hiking pants here. SUNSCREEN It is always super important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays - especially your shoulders, face, neck feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. A win-win. HIKING BACKPACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag most of the day, you will want to make sure it is comfortable. This bag by Mystery Ranch holds 32 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, its unique zipper set-up makes reaching all of your snacks nice and easy. Recommended hiking backpack. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. HIKING PYRAMID MOUNTAIN | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.6 miles total (out and back) ELEVATION PROFILE: 2,486 feet // 757 meters gained; you top out at roughly 2,900 feet TIME NEEDED: 3 - 5 hours TRAIL CONDITIONS: easy to navigate, one sketchy landslide section, some switchbacks, almost totally shaded by trees DOGS ALLOWED: no, the trail is in Olympic National Park START The trailhead for Pyramid Peak (which is also sometimes known as Pyramid Mountain) is along Camp David Junior Road near the old town of Ovington (there is no town left, just a sign). Park at the trailhead and follow the signs for the start of the hike. The hike begins right along the Spruce Railroad Trail/Olympic Discovery Bike Trail. It is a clearly marked singletrack dirt trail that heads up into the forest. 1 | Once on the trail, you will begin a gradual climb that stays pretty consistent for the entire hike up. The first bit of the hike is so gradual that you really don't notice it being uphill at all. Make sure to look around you and take in the various types of plants and animal life, including different types of mushrooms, wildflowers, birds and banana slugs. 2 | Around the 1.8-mile point the trail does start to climb a bit more steadily. You will come to a couple of short steep sections that will make your calves start to burn a bit. Luckily, most are really short. 3 | At the 2-mile point, you will get to the famous landslide section - which though short - is pretty sketchy. Even though we have done a ton of hiking we still found this section to be a bit more precarious than we originally would have expected. Just remember to take your time, go slow and try to use the rocks on the left side of the trail as support. Also, if you are hiking with kids (especially younger children) this is the one point on the trail that you really need to be careful. Again, take it slow and try to watch your speed so you don't slip and slide down the side of the hill. 4 | After the landslide you will start to hike up a couple of switchbacks (around mile 2.2). This is one of the harder parts of the hike, though luckily the switchbacks don't last for too long. 5 | Once you reach the top of the switchbacks, the trail will follow a clear ridgeline that affords you awesome views of Canada, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Washington Coast. The ridgeline is relatively flat and takes you through some big pine forests. 6 | There will be one more short switchback section before you reach the final ridgeline and eventually the top of the mountain. You will know you are close to the end when you pop out of the forest onto a wide, clear opening with views of Lake Crescent down below. 7 | From the opening of the forest, turn LEFT and walk for another minute until you reach the actual summit of Pyramid Peak. There is a one-room wooden shack and a couple of nice places to sit and take in the stunning view. At this point in the trail you should easily be able to see Lake Crescent, the Port Angeles area, the greater Olympic National Park, Canada and if it is a really clear day, Mount Baker in the distance. 8 | Once you get your fill of the stunning views, just simply turn around and head back exactly the way you came. There are no other side trails from the top or along the way down so it should be really easy to retrace your steps back to the start. It took us around 2.5 hours to reach the top of Pyramid Peak and then another hour or so to reach the bottom. We didn't rush it in either direction and definitely spent a decent amount of time at the top for a grand total of 4 hours car-to-car. ➳ Explore the Alltrails hiking map for a more in-depth step by step guide. Other hikes and adventures nearby: the Spruce Railroad Trail (hiking and biking), Mount Muller Trail (a 13-mile loop), and the Aurora Ridge Trail (29-mile out and back, popular for backpacking). Pyramid Peak is an amazing alternative to the very popular and very busy Mount Storm King Trail. Plus, because Pyramid is actually a bit taller than Mount Storm King you will be rewarded with even more stunning views of the surrounding area (including the Strait and Canada). So if you are looking for an amazing off the beaten path hiking adventure in Olympic National Park, then this might be the right hiking trail for you. If you have any questions about hiking Pyramid Peak - or visiting Olympic National Park in general - then please leave us a comment below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO HIKING IN THE DESERT | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000 FOOT MOUNTAIN: WHAT TO KNOW & AND HOW TO PREPARE CANYONEERING 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS EXCITING SPORT HIKING MOUNT GARFIELD IN WESTERN COLORADO | YOUR ADVENTURE GUIDE

LOOKING TO GET INTO TRAIL RUNNING? WONDERFUL! HERE ARE 12 INSIGHTFUL AND TESTED TRAIL RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS TO HELP YOU LOVE IT FROM THE START. Have you ever been hiking on a beautiful scenic trail, say in the mountains, and suddenly been passed by some sweaty human going triple the speed as you? While you might think that person is possibly running from some animal, or worse, they are crazy enough to actually want to run up a mountain, in truth, trail running is not as weird as you might think. In fact, the sport of trail running - which is exactly what it sounds like - has been growing in popularity year over year. Trail running is actually one of the best ways to workout, and (in our opinion) one of the most rewarding and fun ways to work up a sweat. Plus, it has some serious perks; including, the fact that you use more muscles trail running verse road running (including your core, ankles and feet), that you lower your overall risk of injury - including the very common running injury known as shin splints, that you will likely be less anxious and stressed in your day-to-day life (nature-based activities have been known to help lower both your stress and anxiety and also help you get out of a negative thought spiral), and finally, trail running is thought to help you live longer (according to a Harvard study, being out in nature more often helps boost longevity). Plus, and this is really important, trail running is often a whole lot of fun - especially if you don't take it too seriously and instead look at it as one big adventure. So if we have convinced you to check out trail running for yourself, then consider these 12 trail running tips for beginners below. These helpful tips cover everything from what to do before you step foot on the trail, to how to recover faster after a long day of climbing those mountains. TOP TRAIL RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS BEFORE STEPPING ON THE TRAIL 1 | FIND TRAILS THAT FIT YOUR FITNESS When you are first starting out with trail running it is important to know your limits and to make sure you start out on trails that won't push you too hard. Because honestly, nothing is as disheartening and tough as getting into running shape on a super technical and difficult trail. Instead, we suggest starting out on a trail that has little elevation gain, is nice and scenic (this helps keep your mind busy), soft (trails will help your body adjust to running without all of the extra strain you get on paved surfaces), and that is pretty busy. By starting out on a fun, beautiful and relatively easy trail, you will more likely want to keep up trail running long-term than if you just start out on really tough trails that push you physically and mentally. A good way to find trails that fit this "easy" category is to look at sites like Alltrails. Here you can search for trails depending on distance, difficulty, elevation gain, route type and what kind of scenery you want. 2 | WEAR PROPER SHOES While it might seem like a big investment to make in the beginning, one of the best ways to help you enjoy trail running when first starting out is to have proper footwear. Legitimate running shoes will help keep your feet comfortable and also injury free. While we aren't saying you need to buy the most expensive trail running shoes out there, we do suggest investing in at least a standard pair of running shoes period. For the most optimal fit, we also recommend going into a running shoe store to get your feet looked at and measured - at least for the first shoe purchase. Because not everyone's feet are the same, you will want to make sure you are wearing the best shoes for your feet. Some of the best trail running shoes are from brands such as Altras (which we both wear and LOVE), HOKA and Scarpa. You can find even more recommended trail running shoes at the bottom of this article. 3 | BRING THE RIGHT TRAIL RUNNING GEAR You are definitely going to want to bring the right gear with you on the trail - especially when you are first starting out. Below are three basic items you will want to have before you set out on any trail run: Running Backpack / Hydration is super important while trail running, so you will want to make sure you have a comfortable way to carry water. This running backpack by Osprey is lightweight and breathable and easily adjusts to fit your body. It also allows you to carry other necessities along the route (read more about this below). Ultra-light Running Socks / One of the best ways to prevent blisters (a common side effect of trail running) is to wear proper socks that help keep your feet from rubbing and moisture at bay. Lightweight Workout Shorts / A good pair of running shorts doesn't get in your way - luckily this pair has a nice stretchy waistband and super soft breathable fabric. Because trail running requires you to usually be away from people and services, you will want to make sure you have everything you need on you in case of an emergency (weather, getting lost, getting hurt, etc.). Therefore besides the items above other important things to pack with you before heading out for a trail run are water, some snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a basic first aid kit, and a headlamp. Also, it isn't a bad idea to bring your phone with you along the route - especially if you are running in a new place or in a more rugged area. You can find even more awesome trail running gear at the bottom of this article. 💬 INSIDER TIP: try to download the map of the area you are planning to trail run in before you set out - heck, maybe try to download it before you even leave your house. Having an easy to use offline map will ensure you still have a way to find your way back to safety even without service. 4 | WARM UP YOUR LEGS While some people can go from zero to a hundred with no issues, it is usually smarter to take a bit of time and get your legs warmed up before you step on the trail and start running. These warm up exercises can be anything from a couple of high knees and butt kicks, to just walking for a bit in the beginning. Some of our favorite warm up moves are to do a couple of leg swings - both to the side (where you cross your leg in front of the other and then out to the side) and back to front. We also will do a couple of moving stretches like high knees, knee-to-chest pulls, and walking lunges, if we find ourselves a bit sore, or if our legs feel a bit stiff from sitting all day. ON THE TRAIL 5 | START OUT SLOW One of the most important things to remember when you first start trail running - or any type of running for that matter - is that it is perfectly okay to go at a very slow pace and to even walk. Always remember that walking doesn't mean that you failed or that you are weak. In actuality, walking can sometimes be a really smart decision - especially on super steep or technical sections. Likewise, when you first start trail running you probably won't be in the best possible shape; therefore a bit of walking can really help you push your distance and stamina. One great way to do this is to run for a set amount of time - say 3 minutes - and then walk for a bit - say 1 minute. This off and on running and walking will help you build up your running strength and eventually lead you down the line to walk less and go farther on your runs. 6 | WALK THE HILLS Likewise, when you are out trail running and you get to a massive hill don't be ashamed to walk. One thing we have learned during our time trail running is that if you can't see the top of a hill, it is almost always smarter to walk up it than it is to run it. This is because, for the most part, you will expend more energy running up a hill than if you just walked it. And you will likely still go around the same speed as you would running as walking anyway. This is such a well-known idea that most professional trail runners almost never run up steep sections. Instead, they speed walk or hike up them (often with trekking poles to help). So the next time you are out on the trail and you come to a ginormous hill, don't be ashamed or discouraged if you have to walk it. Just keep on moving and once you reach the top just start running again. 7 | RUN YOUR OWN RUN One of the key things about trail running - and running maybe in general - is the idea that as long as you keep moving you will eventually get to where you need to go. We know this sounds a bit obvious, but what this really means is that even if you slowly jog or even if you walk, you will eventually get to where you need to go. Honestly, unless you are in a big race, it doesn't matter what speed you run at. What matters is that you are out there having fun, seeing the beautiful landscapes and getting some good healthy exercise. It truly does not matter that you are slower than others. At the end of the day, no matter how fast you ran, you will still have accomplished something and (hopefully) got those happy endorphins going. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO SEDONA AND FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA 8 | CHECK YOUR SPEED AND ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE AHEAD Because trails can be quite a bit more technical than road running, it is important to always keep a good eye ahead of you. This means paying attention to the trail a couple of feet in front while also focusing on not tripping on common trail obstacles like roots, rocks or slick muddy sections. Due to trail running's more adventurous nature, you inherently engage many more muscles than you would road running. You also have to put a lot more focus on not falling and not tripping - which in turn, makes your brain work just as hard as your legs. And this can then lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety, and a happier feeling overall. Also, we believe it is worth mentioning, that because of trail running's more technical terrain, it is not really fair to compare your speed and paces to what you would be doing on even surfaces like a paved road or bike trail. Therefore don't beat yourself up if you are running slower or if you have to walk a bit more. While both road running and trail running are indeed running, they are totally different and should not be judged equally. 9 | BE PREPARED TO GET A BIT DIRTY In our opinion, one of the best ways to look at trail running is as one big exciting adventure. Therefore it is important to remember that you will likely get a bit dirty, a bit wet, and even a bit scratched up. Take it all in stride and remember to just have fun with it. This is seriously one of our favorite things about trail running: it is like hiking in overdrive. For the most part, you get to explore a beautiful area, see some stunning sites and get a good workout in. How does that not sound like fun? AFTER THE TRAIL 10 | STRETCH OUT YOUR LEGS Once you finish your run, make sure to start the recovery process right away. This includes drinking water to rehydrate - especially if you sweat a lot - eating some nutritious food, and putting aside a couple of minutes to stretch your likely sore muscles. Below are four really important stretches you should do after every trail run. QUADRICEPS Your quads take a big beating when trail running, so make sure to spend some time stretching them out afterward. A great one is to stand next to a wall or something you can balance against. Then stand on one leg, bend the other one and grab your ankle until your heel comes up to your glute. Pull your foot closer to your butt until you feel a deep stretch. Make sure to keep your back straight and try to avoid bending forward. HIP FLEXORS Because trail running is usually a bit hillier than regular road running, your hip flexors have to work quite a bit harder. A great way to do this is to first stand up straight and then step back with one foot. Then keep your back leg (the one that stepped back) straight, while also bending your forward knee until you are in a lunge-like position. Make sure to keep your pelvis neutral (aka lifted up towards an imaginary belt buckle). Also, just remember that the more you lunge forward the deeper the stretch. CALVES The more hills you climb, the more strain on your calves. Once you finish running - especially after a nice hilly trail - make sure to find a wall, tree or car and stretch them out. One of the best calf stretches is to lean against a wall, put both hands out at shoulder level, and then step back with one foot. Keep your knee straight and your heel on the ground. Then bend your forward knee and push against the wall. GLUTEUS MEDIUS The twisting and turning that you experience while trail running can put a lot of strain on your gluteus medius (which is a large fan-shaped muscle located on the outside of your hip/butt). The best stretch for this is known as the seated pretzel. To do this stretch, start by sitting on both legs and stretching them both out in front of you. Then bend one knee and bring your thigh as close to your chest as possible. Then cross the foot of your bent knee over the straight leg. Finally, use your hand to pull that bent knee towards your chest (try to hug it close for the best stretch) and twist your mid section and chest in the same direction as the bent knee. Remember to always try to sit up as straight as possible and make sure to never slouch your back. If you can, try to hold these four stretches for at least 60 seconds before switching to the other leg. 11 | DO A BIT OF STRENGTH TRAINING Some runners swear by strength training while others don't do it at all. So this tip is totally up to you and your personal preferences. We personally find that doing a bit of strength training in conjunction with our runs makes us feel stronger and have more energy overall (we also think it might help us stay injury free). If you are someone who wants to include a bit of strength training into their trail running training plan, then check out these simple exercises that for the most part don't require any equipment. SQUATS Because you need to have strong, powerful legs to help you get up those hills, you will want to make sure all muscles are strong. A regular squat is great, but also consider adding in single-leg half squats, Bulgarian split squats and overhead squats with a band. SINGLE LEG BALANCE Because most trails are uneven and come with their own set of obstacles, you will want to make sure your ankles can handle all kinds of terrain without getting hurt. A great way to strengthen your ankles is to do a single-leg balance - which is exactly what it sounds like. To start, just stand with one leg on the ground and the other bent forward at a 90° angle. Then hold it for 30-60 seconds. PUSH-UP While trail running is mostly about your legs, you will also want to set aside a bit of time to strengthen your arms and shoulders. This is because by having a strong upper body and core, your body is more balanced and therefore stronger overall. This balance will be especially helpful on those long uphill sections. A push-up is a great exercise for upper body strength since it works your triceps, anterior delts, abs and parts of your shoulders. PULL-UP In conjunction with push-ups, also try to add in a few pull-ups to your trail running strength routine. A pull-up is focused entirely on keeping you strong by using only your body-weight - which means you are less likely to add a bit of unnecessary bulk to your physique. CALF RAISES Calves take a lot of impact while trail running, so you will want to make sure they are nice and strong and can handle all of the time spent on the trails. One great way to do this is to simply add some regular standing calf raises to your strength training routine. Or you can step it up and do the calf raises on a set of stairs. Either way, always make sure you are rising up on your toes as high as possible. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: a key thing to keep in mind with strength training is to combine the same difficulty level of your running workout with the difficulty level of your strength routine. It is important to do hard workouts together instead of doing a hard run and then a hard strength workout on your easy day or rest day (this kind of negates the idea of a rest day). Taking a full day off from running and exercising will help your body recover and come back stronger once it is time to hit the trails again. ➳ You can find even more trail running strength routines here. 12 | HYDRATE AND REFUEL PROPERLY As with any outdoor adventure, it is super important to hydrate and refuel properly. By making sure your body gets the right amount of water and nutrients, you can help ensure that it will stay strong for future adventures. One of the most important things to figure out when it comes to refueling while trail running is what can you actually eat (and not get sick from) and what your body actually craves and needs. Some people can eat right before a run and feel totally fine. Others have to wait an hour or two after eating to run otherwise they feel really sick. You need to learn what works for your body and stick with it. Can't have milk before a run? Cool, then black coffee it is. Are you craving salty foods during your run? Awesome, make sure to have a good amount of salty snacks like tortilla chips with you once you finish your run. Listen to your body and feed it properly. That's really what is most important. EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST ADVENTURES IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA These 12 beginner trail running tips will hopefully help you enjoy your first foray into trail running and keep you coming back for more. While running in general is a great way to boost your health and endurance, trail running in particular is such a fun and exciting way to combine fitness and adventure. Plus, it has some truly killer benefits - including, but not limited to, helping your mental health, helping you reconnect with nature, and helping inspire you to head out and get some healthy exercise. \\ The Top Trail Running Gear Are you convinced to jump on the trail running wagon? Great! Below are a couple of items that might be worth getting (though never feel like you need the best gear to have a good time). TRAIL RUNNING SHOES Below are some of the best trail running shoes on the market, according to Runner's World. Salomon Sense Ride 4 / A great all-around trail running shoe. Hoka Speedgoat 5 / A great shoe for longer runs on wet terrain. Salomon Ultra Glide / A great shoe for longer runs on drier terrain. La Sportiva Bushido II / A great shoe for any tough terrain, including mountains, forests and deserts. WATER BOTTLES AND HYDRATION PACKS If you are planning to head out on longer trail runs then you might want to consider bringing some water with you. A lone water bottle works great for shorter runs, but if you are looking to be out for a couple of hours, then a hydration backpack might be best (plus then you can carry other necessary things like snacks, a headlamp and your phone). Fastdraw Hand Water Bottle / This 500mL bottle easily rests in your hand. Nathan Quick Squeeze 18oz Bottle / While a bit bulkier than the bottle above, this one can hold more water and your phone. Osprey 1.5L Hydration Vest / This comfortable running vest is lightweight, compact and easily holds 1.5 liters of water. Osprey 6L Pack / For longer trail runs you might need a bit more storage, so consider getting this 6 liter running vest that comes with a 1.5 liter hydration bladder and plenty of pockets for those necessary items. RUNNING CLOTHING While shoes might be one of the most important pieces of your trail running set-up, wearing the right clothes can also help you have a good time on the trail. Below are a few key pieces of trail running clothes to have with you. Simple, Comfortable Running Shorts from Praise Endurance / These shorts include a tight fit base, a loose cover and a comfortable elastic waistband that will help keep everything in place. Moisture-wicking Tank Top for Hot Summer Runs / This easy, breezy tank is perfect for warm runs out in the sun. Lightweight Windbreaker from Mountain Hardwear / The weather can change quickly while trail running, so make sure to always pack an extra warm layer just in case. This super lightweight windbreaker from Mountain Hardwear packs down super tightly and can easily fit in your running bag. Super Comfortable 3/4 Length Running Tights / Don't let chillier weather keep you from hitting the trails. Instead pack on a bit warmer clothing - including these moisture-wicking and super flexible tights from Patagonia. LIKED THIS TRAIL RUNNING GUIDE? CONSIDER PINNING IT? EXPLORE MORE HELPFUL ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING YOUR FIRST 14ER HIKING IN THE DESERT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA

41°18′N 124°00′W EXPLORE OUR COMPREHENSIVE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK 2 DAY AND 3 DAY ITINERARIES, AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE NATIONAL PARK BELOW. Are you planning on visiting Redwood National Park but don't know where to even begin with your trip planning? Don't worry, we feel you. When we decided to spend some time in this part of Northern California we got a bit overwhelmed. For starters, the national park - which is actually made up of one national park and three state parks - is quite huge. It is also very spread out. Plus, there is just a whole lot to see. But don't worry, we are here to help. Below are some super fun Redwood National Park travel itineraries for every type of traveler and every type of time frame; including two travel itineraries for if you have one full day in the park, 2 days in the park, or (if you are really lucky) three days in the park. These travel itineraries lay out some of the best ways to spend your time in the area, while also giving you a couple of extra tips on things like where to spend the night and what to bring with you to the park. ► If you have any other questions about exploring the national park, then make sure to check out our super comprehensive Redwood National Park Adventure Guide. REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK MAP REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARY Redwood National and State Parks Half Day Itinerary We suggest that if you are short on time (for example you only have a couple of hours) then you should try to focus on just one area of the park instead of the whole entire park (it is just too big). Below are two separate half-day itineraries for the northern half and southern half of the park. NORTH If you only have half a day to explore Redwood National Park and you are looking to get up close and personal with the famous coastal redwood trees, then we suggest sticking to the northern half of the park, and specifically Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in particular. THE PERFECT HALF-DAY ITINERARY | Start at the Hiouchi Visitor Center where you can spend some time exploring the exhibits, learn more about the history of the area and eat breakfast or lunch at one of the center's picnic tables. | Next, drive the famous Howland Hill Road, which was once an old stagecoach route (don't worry it is still as narrow today). Along the drive, which is 10 miles in length, you should make sure to stop off and explore some of the large redwood groves, including Stout Grove, and also check out the super clear Smith River, which is one of the last undammed rivers in California. | Finally, once you get to the end of Howland Hill Road, which spits you out near the town of Crescent City, you should hop on over to Crescent Beach and the Crescent Beach Overlook. Both will give you great views of the stunning Northern California coastline and the Pacific Ocean. From the beach, you can easily hop back on Highway 101 and head either south towards San Francisco or north towards Oregon. SOUTH Or if you only have half a day and are looking to spend more time along the Pacific coast, while also visiting a few redwood groves, then we suggest spending your time down in the southern half of the park, and more specifically, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. THE PERFECT HALF-DAY ITINERARY | Start at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center where you can check out the exhibits, talk to a ranger about the area and grab your national park passport stamp (if you are into that). | Once you get your fill of the visitor center, start driving the stunningly beautiful Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The drive, which is 11 miles long, gives you easy access to a number of interesting sites - including the Atlas Grove, the Big Tree Wayside and a number of short hiking trails. Towards the end of your drive, you can either turn off and do the Coastal Drive, which loops around a forest and gives you great views of the coast, or you can head back the way you came (back towards the visitor center) and drive out to Gold Bluffs Beach, one of the best beaches in the whole national park. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are planning to visit during the busy season (May to September) then you will need a permit to park at the Gold Bluffs Beach parking area. If you can't get a permit but still want to head to the beach, then we suggest driving a bit further south and checking out the Redwood Creek Picnic Area instead. From the beaches, you can easily hop back on Highway 101 and head either south towards San Francisco or up north towards Oregon. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE Redwood National and State Parks 1 Day Itinerary Even if you have a bit more time to spend in Redwood National and State Park, we still suggest focusing on one area of the park instead of the whole complex. Because the distance between places is quite large, in our opinion, it is still better to put more of your time and energy into exploring via foot (like hiking) than it is to just drive around. Below are two full day itineraries for Redwood National Park. NORTH | Start at the Hiouchi Visitor Center where you can explore the various exhibits, learn more about the history of the area and eat breakfast or lunch at one of the center's picnic tables. OR you can grab a quick bite to eat and some caffeine at the nearby Historic Hiouchi Café, a super cute spot that opens at 7 AM daily. | Next, drive out on the famously scenic Howland Hill Road. Along the drive, which is 10 miles in length, you should stop off and explore some of the large redwood groves - including the beautiful Stout Grove. Likewise, since you have a full day, why not also head out on the beautiful Boy Scout Tree Trail, which is 5.5 miles round trip and gives you awesome access to Fern Falls and some massive trees. Another great adventure option in the northern part of Redwood National Park, is to spend a bit of time hanging out along the banks of the Smith River, which runs right along the northern edge of the park. You can access the river via the Stout Grove Trail or by parking at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Day-Use Area, though this costs $8 unless you have a national park or state park pass. From the day-use area, you will need to cross a seasonal footbridge. If you are looking to spend the night in the area at the end of your one day of exploring, you have the option to camp in either Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park or book a hotel room in the nearby town of Crescent City (see our recommended hotels below). From Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park you can easily drive back towards Highway 101 near Crescent City, where you can then head either south towards San Francisco or north along the Oregon coast. SOUTH Start your full day of adventures in the southern half of the national park at Gold Bluffs Beach (just make sure to get your parking permit). From the beach, you can walk around and do a small section of the California Coastal Trail or you can head straight to the trailhead for the famous Fern Canyon hike. Fern Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the whole Redwood National Park, so be prepared for it to be busy (especially during the summer). The hike, though short (less than 2 miles) is stunning and definitely worth doing. Once you finish the hike and get your fill of the beach, drive back to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and then onto the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Along this scenic drive, you have the opportunity to stop off at such destinations as Big Tree Wayside and the Atlas Grove. You can also do another short hike in one of the redwood groves along the way if you have the energy. If you are looking to spend the night in this part of the national park, you have the option to camp in either the Elk Prairie Campground or Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, or book a hotel room in the nearby town of Klamath (see our recommended hotels below). Redwood National and State Parks 2 Day Itinerary If you are planning to spend two full days in the national park (good choice), then you have a lot of options on how to fill your time. Below are two basic 2-day itineraries. The first one is to follow what we outlined above for the one full day itinerary and just do either the Northern Half on day 1 and the Southern Half on day 2, or vice-versa (depending on where you are coming from). If this is the route you want to take - which is kind of what we did while visiting Redwood National Park - then we suggest reserving a night at the Mill Creek Campground, which is located in the middle of the national park, or booking a room in Klamath. OR If you want to do something a bit different, why not spend your first day in Redwood National Park doing a big hike and then the second day exploring more via car. A great hike to do on day 1 is the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon. This hike is 11 miles total and starts at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The James Irvine Trail takes you through massive redwood groves before spitting you out near the coast at the Fern Canyon Trailhead. This is a great option if you want to see both redwoods and the rugged California coast or if you want to hike Fern Canyon but didn't get a permit. Once you finish the hike, drive up to Mill Creek Campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park where you can camp for the night (make sure to get a reservation ahead of time). On your second day, drive out to Crescent Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook, or spend an hour or two exploring Endert's Beach, which is a popular place for tidepooling. Once done at the beach, drive a bit further north until you reach the beginning of Howland Hill Road. This scenic drive gives you easy access to some great coastal redwood groves, including Stout Grove and the Grove of Titans. Finish your second day by relaxing along the Smith River or grabbing a quick bite to eat in the town of Hiouchi. EXPLORE MORE | VISITING AVENUE OF THE GIANTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW Redwood National and State Parks 3 Day Itinerary If you have a full three days in Redwood National and State Parks then definitely consider spending at least part of it in the park's beautiful backcountry. The national park has seven backcountry sites available - ranging from open prairies surrounded by pine trees to hidden sites along the coast. Some of the most popular areas to go backpacking are Flint Ridge, which is located off of the California Coastal Trail, Elam Camp, which is located near Redwood Creek Trail, and Redwood Creek Gravel Bar, which is the only area in the park where dispersed camping is permitted. If you choose to backpack in the more southern part of the national park - for example at the Elam Camp or Redwood Creek Gravel Bar - then on the third day of your time in the area we suggest spending it relaxing either at the coast (at Gold Bluffs Beach for example) or in one of the numerous redwood groves. In the southern half, one great grove to explore is Lady Bird Johnson Grove, which is located right off of the scenic Bald Hills Road. You can learn more about backpacking in Redwood National Park - including how to get a FREE backpacking permit ahead of time - here. OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS \\ Where to Stay in Redwood National and State Parks Because Redwood National and State Parks is within a short drive of a number of small Northern California towns, you can find a fair amount of lodging options available depending on your budget. From cozy hotels to stunning campgrounds nestled into the redwoods themselves to RV parks within a short walk of the beach, this area has a lot to offer. Below are some of the best places to stay near Redwood National Park. LODGING NEAR REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS There are no lodges within the national or state parks. The closest towns with optimal lodging are going to be Klamath, which is located in the middle of the national park between Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park; Crescent City, which is roughly 10 minutes away from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park; and Eureka, which is around 45 minutes south of the southern entrance to the national park. Below are a few of the best options when it comes to booking lodging near Redwood National and State Parks. | Anchor Beach Inn: this modern hotel in Crescent City sits right across the street from South Beach and just up the road from Crescent Harbor. The hotel offers free parking, electrical vehicle chargers, high speed internet, and water sport equipment rentals. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Pacific Inn: another great option in the Crescent City area is this comfortable hotel that is located right in the heart of downtown. Amenities include free parking, free wi-fi, and in-room microwaves and refrigerators. The hotel is also dog friendly. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Curly Redwood Lodge: with a funky name like that, you have to know there is an interesting story behind it. In this case, the name actually comes from the fact that one curly redwood tree was used to build the hotel (it produced over 55,000 feet of lumber!). Amenities at this Crescent City hotel include free parking, free wi-fi, and a 24-hour front desk. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Woodland Villa Country Cabins: located in the middle of the small town of Klamath, which in turn is located in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks, this cool resort offers 12 individual cabins as well as a small restaurant, coffee shop and market. Other amenities include free parking and kid friendly activities. The cabins are only half a mile from the Trees of Mystery (an outdoor amusement-style destination) and less than two miles from the Yurok Loop Trail and Wilson Creek Beach. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Hiouchi Motel: this small locally-owned motel is located in the tiny town of Hiouchi, which is a very short drive from the Jedediah Smith Redwoods National Park and the entrance to the Howland Hill Road. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast and wi-fi. | BOOK YOUR STAY EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA CAMPING IN REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS There are four developed campgrounds within the parks. From north to south, they are Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach. All four campgrounds can quickly fill up - especially during the busy spring and summer season. Therefore it is highly recommended that you reserve your campsite in advance. You can do that here or head to reservecalifornia.com for more information. Below is a quick breakdown of each of the four established campgrounds within the national and state parks: JEDEDIAH SMITH CAMPGROUND This large campground is located within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. From the campground, you have easy access to the Stout Grove Trailhead, the Hiouchi Visitor Center, the Hiouchi Trailhead and the Templeman Redwood Grove. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 86, no RV hook-ups Hours: open year-round Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Jedediah Smith Campground here. MILL CREEK CAMPGROUND Located a bit further south in Del Norte Redwoods State Park, the Mill Creek Campground is quite a bit larger than Jedediah Smith Campground. It is also a bit closer to the town of Crescent City as well as to a couple of beaches (including Crescent Beach). Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 145, no RV hook-ups Hours: the campground is open May 18 through September 30 Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Mill Creek Campground here. ELK PRAIRIE CAMPGROUND A bit smaller than the other two campgrounds, the Elk Prairie Campground is located in the more southern part of the park and is likely the best option if you are hoping to head out on hiking and biking trails directly from the campground. Similarly, this is also where you might have the best opportunity to spot Roosevelt elk and other wildlife. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 75, no RV hook-ups Hours: open year-round Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Elk Prairie Campground here. GOLD BLUFFS BEACH CAMPGROUND The smallest of the four campgrounds, and also maybe the most remote (you have to take an unpaved road to reach it), the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is the only one not within a large forested environment. Instead, you are right on the Gold Bluffs Beach as well as the beautiful California Coastal Trail. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 26, no RV hook-ups Hours: it is typically open all year (though check beforehand) Facilities: solar showers, restrooms, wind shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash receptacles. Find the exact location of the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground here. BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING IN REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS If you are looking for a bit more adventure or if you just want to get away from people and instead get back to nature, then maybe consider reserving one of the national parks 7 backcountry campsites. The sites, which can be reached via foot (backpacking), bike, horse or raft, are located in such environments as old-growth redwood forests, oak woodlands, beaches, prairies, and marshes. While there are only 7 designated campsites, many of them have multiple camps. No matter which site you choose to camp in, you will need to first get a backcountry permit - which is now only available online. You can learn more about each campsite - including how to get there and what to expect - and also reserve your permit here. CAMPING OUTSIDE OF REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS If you are hoping to camp or spend the night outside of the national park - either because the park is full or you need RV hook-ups (the national park campgrounds don't have any) - then we recommend checking out these three spots. All are within a short drive (or walk, or bike ride) of the park's many outdoor adventures, including hiking trails, redwood groves and beaches. Below are some of the best RV parks and campgrounds near Redwood National Park: | Camp Klamath RV Park and Campground: located right on the edge of the town of Klamath (which is in the middle of the national park), this cute, family-run RV park and campground includes full hook-up RV sites, a large picnic and BBQ area, and easy access to the coast and beaches. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Golden Bear RV Resort: just up the road a little ways from Camp Klamath is another fantastic spot to base yourself if you are looking to stay in your RV near the national park. The Gold Bear RV Resort is a bit closer to the mouth of the Klamath River and within a short drive of the Klamath River Overlook and the California Coastal Trail. The resort includes free internet, self-serve laundry and is pet friendly. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Redwood Meadows RV Resort: this more northern RV resort and campground is located super close to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and its numerous trails. Likewise, the resort is right in the heart of the small town of Hiouchi, which has a few restaurants and cafes and a small grocery store. Within a short drive or walk you can reach the Smith River, the Grove of the Titans and Stout Grove. | BOOK YOUR STAY \\ What to Bring With You to Redwood National and State Parks The weather in Redwood National Park is often times a bit on the chillier side - though in the summer, during the day, it can sometimes start to heat up just a bit, especially if you are out hiking. Therefore, we recommend focusing on packing layers when planning to visit Redwood National Park. That way you can be cozy during the chillier, foggy mornings and then easily switch to more lightweight and breathable clothing once the sun starts to shine. Below are a few of the key things you will want to make sure to pack with you when visiting Redwood National Park and the surrounding area. | Thermal Base Layers: a great way to start your layering process is to invest in a set of nice, comfortable, wicking base layers. This long sleeved shirt works great on its own and also under a rain jacket or light puffy, while these cozy tights are perfect under a light set of hiking pants. | Rain Jacket: one of the most necessary outdoor items you will want to pack with you when visiting Redwood National Park is a solid rain jacket. This piece of clothing will likely come in super handy if you are planning to do any morning adventures, for that is when rain and fog are most common. This longer rain jacket by Kuhl is breathable and easy to move around in. | Light Puffy Jacket: while a rain jacket is a great place to start, you will also want to bring along a lighter puffy jacket for those chilly mornings, and those evenings spent around the fire. This puffy by Mountain Hardwear packs down easily, is made of durable recycled materials and has synthetic insulation that delivers lightweight warmth even when wet. | Waterproof Hiking Boots: while most of the trails within Redwood National Park are quite short, there are still enough adventures to be had that you will definitely want to bring along some solid waterproof hiking shoes. This mostly leather pair by Danner is comfortable, lightweight and has great gripping abilities for when you are hiking on wetter surfaces. | Wool Socks: because it never gets super, super cold up in Redwood National Park, you can actually get away with wearing a bit lighter pair of hiking socks. This pair by Icebreaker is made out of a Merino wool blend that helps regulate temps and repels unwanted odors. It also has a reinforced heel and toe area to enhance durability for extensive wear (because no one likes wearing socks with holes in them). | Sunscreen and Bug Spray: while you might expect very little sun out in the redwoods, you will likely be surprised to find that in the summer it can get quite bright out. But honestly, no matter where you are planning to hike, it is important to protect your skin by always wearing sunscreen. This eco-friendly sunscreen by Badger is perfect for storing in your backpack or car. Also, the mosquitos are no joke up in the redwoods so definitely make sure to bring along at least one bottle of bug spray. This one by Murphy's Naturals is made entirely from all natural ingredients and also repels ticks. | Hiking Fanny Pack: if you are just looking to do the shorter hikes around Redwood National Park (which mostly take you through massive coastal redwood groves) then you can get away with just a lightweight fanny pack. This durable and easy to carry one by Patagonia is 5L in size - which is definitely plenty of room for your phone, keys, Chapstick and maybe some bug spray. | Hiking Day Pack: but if you are instead thinking about heading out on a couple of longer hikes while in Redwood National and State Parks then you will want a bit more carrying capacity than 5 liters. This 15 liter backpack by Osprey is lightweight, has comfortable straps and even has a specific spot for your water bladder. ➳ You can find even more awesome outdoor adventure gear at Backcountry.com. \\ The Top Adventures in Redwood National and State Parks There are over two hundred miles of trails within Redwood National and State Parks. All of the hikes will be beautiful and amazing - so if you are stressing about doing the "perfect" hike, don't. They are all fantastic. Below are a few worth considering depending on your time requirements and fitness level. SHORTER TRAILS | Simpson-Reed Trail // 1-mile loop - this easier trail takes you through an ancient forest where you can walk amongst 1,000+ year-old redwoods. Besides numerous redwood trees, you can also spot huckleberry bushes, various ferns, and even animals like rough-skinned newts and red-legged frogs. Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Hiouchi Trail // 2 miles - another great hike in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is this slightly longer trail along the beautiful turquoise Smith River. The trail passes old-growth redwoods as well as plants such as Douglas-firs, tanoak, huckleberry and thimbleberry. Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Endert's Beach (via the Coastal Trail) // 0.6 miles - this coastal trail rewards you with great views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the opportunity to check out some tide pools. Likewise, there are interpretive signs along the way that help you learn more about the coastal forests and the various tidepool creatures. Location: Redwood National Park | Yurok Loop Trail // 1-mile loop - another coastal trail is this short 1-mile loop hike that gives you the opportunity to look for various seabirds that often nest on the nearby seastacks (rock structures). Commonly spotted birds include cormorants, brown pelicans and common murres. Likewise, you can also see False Klamath Cove and Lagoon Creek from the trail. Location: Redwood National Park | Ossagon Trail // 1.8 miles - this trail, which is actually along an old road, takes visitors through dense second-growth forest and out to a more secluded stretch of beach. The trail is open to both hikers and bikers. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park | Friendship Ridge Trail // 3 miles - this trail, though a bit steeper than most (switchbacks are present), is a great spot to look for the park's resident Roosevelt elk. It also takes you from a dense redwood forest nearly all the way down to the coast. This trail can also be combined with other trails for a full-day adventure. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Clintonia Trail // 1 mile - the trail's name comes from the bright pink-ish colored flowers that bloom in the spring. The hike, though short, can be combined with others in the area for a full day of exploring. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park EXPLORE MORE | A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO EXPLORING SEDONA, ARIZONA LONGER HIKES | Rellim Ridge Trail to Mill Creek Loop // 10.2 mile loop - this strenuous hike climbs up through dense forest to a private vista point that overlooks the Crescent City Harbor and beyond. The hike can be reached near the west end of Howland Hill Road. Location: Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park | Rhododendron Trail // 11.4 miles total - if visiting Redwood National and State Parks during the spring or early summer time, then this trail should be high on your list. During that time of year, the usually green forest becomes dotted with vibrant pink and red flowers. This is a popular trail with photographers, so consider coming early if you want to see the blooms by yourself. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | James Irvine Trail // 10.4 miles total - this out and back trail starts near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center before heading west through some stunning old-growth forests. One of the best parts about this trail is that at the end you reach the stunning Fern Canyon. This is a great option if you can't get a permit for Fern Canyon or if you want to see the world famous spot, but also want to explore some magical redwood groves. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Lost Man Creek Trail // 10.7 miles one-way - this long trail, which is actually along an old logging road, is open to both hikers and mountain bikers. Along the route, look out for ancient redwoods, various plants (including wild ginger and thimbleberry), and local wildlife. The trail begins at Lost Man Creek Picnic Area off of Lost Man Creek Road. Location: Redwood National Park THE COASTAL TRAIL The California Coastal Trail (CCT) will eventually run all the way from Oregon in the north to Mexico in the south, covering 1,230 miles along its insanely diverse route. Presently, around 70% of the trail is complete. You can pick up sections of the long-distance trail throughout Redwood National and State Parks - including, but not limited to, Crescent Beach, Endert's Beach, across the street from the Wilson Creek picnic area and near the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance station. Learn more about the entire CCT here, and even more about its route through the national park here. 🥾 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIP When hiking in Redwood National and State Parks (or anywhere really), always try to be a good steward and stay on the designated trails. Because the land is quite fragile near redwood groves, when people head off trail the landscape begins to become damaged: ferns get trampled, the groundcover wears away, and the tree's roots can become exposed. It is believed that these human-caused disruptions can permanently damage the redwoods - mainly because foot traffic turns the uniquely spongy soil in old-growth groves (which is actually a thick mat of decomposing redwood needles) into hard dirt that inhibits root growth and absorbs less water. While you might believe that one person going off trail wouldn't cause that much damage, these minor changes caused by bushwhacking do in fact affect the redwoods. Therefore, always stay on designated trails, don't create social trails, don't climb around on redwood trees, and of course, ALWAYS follow Leave No Trace Principles. EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK MAP Redwood National and State Parks is one of the prettiest places to explore in all of California. With its wide array of biomes, stunning scenery and rich history, there is seriously so much to explore in this amazing national park. Hopefully, these half day, full day, 2 day and 3 day travel itineraries give you a great idea on how to spend your time in the park. But as always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. And don't forget to check out our full Redwood National Park Adventure Guide, which has even more helpful adventure travel information and inspiration. WANT TO SAVE THIS REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK IN COLORADO THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK IN FLORIDA THE BEST 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR EXPLORING EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

41°18′N 124°00′W THIS ADVENTURE GUIDE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXPLORING, ADVENTURING AND CAMPING IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. This sizable national park in the far reaches of Northern California is actually a complex of one national park, Redwood National Park, and three state parks: Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. All four are cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the California State Parks system. The combined Redwood National and State Parks (or RNSP) preserves nearly 139,000 acres of stunning natural landscapes, including old-growth forests that are home to 45% of all remaining coastal redwood old-growth forests (totally nearly 39,000 acres). Coastal redwood trees are the tallest and one of the most massive tree species on Earth. They are also usually considered to be some of the oldest (some are more than 1,000 years old). In addition to the redwood forests, the four parks preserve other indigenous flora and fauna, including the Chinook salmon, northern spotted owl, Steller's sea lion, and Roosevelt elk, many different cultural resources, large portions of rivers and streams, and over 35 miles of pristine Northern California coastline. Redwood National and State Parks, or just Redwood National Park, is one of the best places (and sadly one of the last remaining places) to explore the massive and beautiful coastal redwood trees. And luckily, the park is home to numerous trails and adventures to help the adventurous traveler get out and explore them up close. This adventure guide covers everything you need to know about Redwood National Park; including, how to get there, the best time to visit, where to stay, what to bring, what to see, and what trails to explore. So if you are planning a trip up to Northern California, then make sure to check out our in-depth Redwood National Park Guide below. JUMP TO... 📌 HOW TO GET TO REDWOOD NP 🗺 TOP 8 THINGS TO SEE IN REDWOOD NP 🏕 WHERE TO STAY IN REDWOOD NP 🥾 TOP HIKING TRAILS IN REDWOOD NP 🎒 WHAT GEAR TO BRING TO REDWOOD NP \\ Fast Facts About Redwood National and State Parks YEAR ESTABLISHED: the national park was established in 1968, but it was combined with the three state parks in 1994. LOCATION: in the Del Norte and Humboldt Counties in Northern California, USA SIZE: 138,999 total acres NUMBER OF ANNUAL VISITORS: 435,879 in 2021 COST TO ENTER REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS: free! Though you will have to pay to stay at the campgrounds (which is $35 a night). IS REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS PET FRIENDLY: not really. You cannot bring dogs on any of the major hiking trails, but they are allowed on roads like Newton B. Drury Scenic Byway, especially when it is closed to cars. BEST FOR: hiking, photography REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS HISTORY In the 1850s, old-growth redwood forests covered more than 2 million acres of the California coast. The northern portion of that area was originally inhabited by Native American groups (including the Yurok, Tolowa, and Karuk tribes) who had called the region home for thousands of years. Prior to Euro-American contact, Native Americans had adapted well to the abundant environment. This included using all resources available in a sustainable way: fallen redwoods for houses and boats, local wildlife for food, and the wide array of plants for medicine. Similarly, the local groups were spiritually connected to the forest. As one historian put it, "their lives were enmeshed in the very character and fabric of the trees." The Native groups lived in harmony with the trees until they were eventually forced out of their land by gold seekers and timber harvesters, which started to arrive in the mid-18th century. The outsiders needed the forest's raw materials for their homes and commerce (logging followed the expansion of America, for companies were always struggling to keep up with the furious pace of progress). Soon enough, timber harvesting quickly became the top manufacturing industry in the American West. For the most part, the felled redwoods were shipped out to both the southern region of California, where the population was quickly increasing due to the gold rush, and to rapidly growing metropolises like San Francisco. While in the beginning the logging was mostly done with hand tools, which was very tedious and took a lot of time, by the 1920s and 30s, advancements in technology (namely the development of chainsaws and tracked bulldozers) led to a massive increase in the rate of logging of redwood trees. Eventually, acres of ancient redwoods would be cut down in just a few days. Luckily, a small group of people took notice and started lobbying to protect the remaining redwood groves. Founded in 1918, the Save the Redwoods League started working hard to preserve the few remaining old-growth redwoods. Their hard work resulted in the establishment of Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks (among others, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the famous Avenue of the Giants) in the early 1920s. Redwood National Park was eventually created in 1968 - though by this time, nearly 95% of the original redwood trees had already been logged. The National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation combined Redwood National Park with the three abutting Redwood State Parks in 1994 for "the purpose of cooperative forest management and stabilization of forests and watersheds as a single unit." Today, the rare ecosystem and cultural history found within the parks is a designated World Heritage Site, while the wider area (which includes the whole California Coast Ranges) is an International Biosphere Reserve. Learn more about the history of the national park here. REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARK VISITOR CENTERS There are four visitor centers within Redwood National and State Parks: the Hiouchi Visitor Center, Jedediah Smith Visitor Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center and the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. Likewise, there is also an information center in the town of Crescent City. HIOUCHI VISITOR CENTER This small visitor is the first one you come across if driving to the park from the north (mainly Oregon). The center is located along Highway 199 and just across the street from the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground. Here you can talk to staff about recommended hikes and drives, check out various exhibits (including ones on the park's preservation history and important people), get your national park passport stamp, and eat lunch at one of the picnic tables. 🕝 HOURS: 9 AM - 5 PM between Spring and Fall, and 9 AM to 4 PM in the Winter (closed major holidays) 📌 LOCATION: Hiouchi, California, across the street from the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground JEDEDIAH SMITH CAMPGROUND VISITOR CENTER Located in the middle of the large Jedediah Smith Campground, this visitor center also has a couple of exhibits (mostly on the coast redwoods and local wildlife), restrooms, passport stamps, a small picnic area and nearby hiking trailheads. The visitor center can easily be walked to if you are staying at the campground already. 🕝 HOURS: open from mid-May to Labor Day (early September) from 9 AM to 5 PM 📌 LOCATION: 10 miles east of Crescent City, California in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground PRAIRIE CREEK VISITOR CENTER Located in the heart of the redwoods, this visitor center can be reached off of Highway 101 and is a good place to stop if you are planning to drive the beautiful Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This visitor center, like the two above, also offers exhibits on the coastal redwood forests, the local wildlife and some of the area's history. Similarly, here you can also peruse a small park bookstore, eat lunch at one of the picnic tables, or head out on one of the nearby hiking trails. 🕝 HOURS: 9 AM - 5 PM between Spring and Fall, and 9 AM to 4 PM in the Winter (closed major holidays); rangers may be present during the summer 📌 LOCATION: off of Highway 101 near the southern end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and next door to the Elk Prairie Campground THOMAS H. KUCHEL VISITOR CENTER The final visitor center within Redwood National and State Parks is this visitor center that focuses more on the park's coastal biomes. Inside you can find exhibits on the various watersheds and marine life, peruse a small bookstore, get your park passport stamp, eat at one of the picnic tables, head out on a nearby beach or talk to a ranger about one of the trails close by. 🕝 HOURS: 9 AM - 5 PM between Spring and Fall, and 9 AM to 4 PM in the Winter (closed major holidays) 📌 LOCATION: off of Highway 101 just south of Orick, California; this is the first visitor center you come across if driving to the park from San Francisco. You also have the opportunity to stop in at the Crescent City Information Center, which is located in downtown Crescent City, California (the closest sizable city to the national park). Just like the four visitor centers above, this center offers a couple of exhibits, a bookstore, a picnic area, and park passport stamps. The information center is open 9 AM to 5 PM in the Spring, Summer and Fall. During the Winter it usually is either closed or has reduced hours. You can find the exact location of this visitor center here. REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK MAP The northern half (left) and southern half (right) maps of Redwood National and State Parks. \\ When to Visit Redwood National and State Parks The best time to visit Redwoods National and State Parks is going to be during the late spring and summer months. This includes any time between late April and August. During this time of year, you can expect warmer temperatures and sunnier skies during the middle of the day (though fog is quite common in the morning). Also, this is when everything is open in the park - including campgrounds, visitor centers and trails/scenic drives. Likewise, between mid-spring and early summer, you have a good chance of spotting beautiful wildflowers in the park, especially bright pink and red rhododendron flowers. 💬 INSIDER TIP: while the summer months have the best weather, they are also the busiest. We highly recommend booking your lodging and getting your permits in advance if planning to visit between May and August. \\ How to Get to Redwood National and State Parks DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS There are no exact "entrances" to the park like you would find in other national parks (remember there is no entrance fee either). Instead, it is more like you enter the national park via one of the three state parks. If you are driving from the south (like from San Francisco or Oakland) then you will first reach the park by entering Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park near the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. If you are driving in from the north (like from Portland or Eugene in Oregon) then you will first reach the park by entering Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park near the Hiouchi Visitor Center. FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA TO REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS It is approximately 312 miles from downtown San Francisco to the southern entrance of Redwoods National and State Parks (the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center). This drive can take anywhere from 5.5 hours to 6 hours depending on traffic. The entire drive between San Francisco and Redwoods National Park is going to be along Highway 101, which you can easily pick up in San Francisco by the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop off in such places as Healdsburg and Geyserville, which are known for their beautiful wineries, and Leggett, which is home to one of the few remaining drive-thru redwood trees. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are planning to fly to California and then drive up to Redwoods National and State Parks, then we suggest booking a flight into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From the airport, it is easy to rent a car and hop on Highway 101. Plus, then you get to drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge! FROM PORTLAND, OREGON TO REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS It is approximately 318 miles from Portland to the northern entrance of Redwoods National and State Parks (near the Hiouchi Visitor Center on Highway 199). This drive can take anywhere from 5.5 hours to 6 hours depending on traffic and road construction. Most of this drive will be spent on Interstate 5 (until the town of Grants Pass) and Highway 199, which follows the beautiful Smith River. Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop off in such places as Salem and Eugene, Oregon, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, and the Smith River Recreation Area. DISTANCES FROM OTHER NEARBY NATIONAL PARKS Crater Lake National Park to Redwoods National Park (the Hiouchi Visitor Center) | 3.5 hours // 166 miles (267 kilometers) Yosemite National Park to Redwoods National Park (from the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center) | just over 9 hours // 495 miles (796 kilometers) Sequoia National Park to Redwoods National Park (from the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center) | 9.5 hours // 565 miles (909 kilometers) Lassen Volcanic National Park to Redwoods National Park (from the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center) | just over 4 hours // 213 miles (342 kilometers) ➳ If you are looking to learn more about the best things to see and do while road tripping to Redwood National and State Parks, then we highly recommend checking out Roadtrippers. This easy to use app shows you all of the best places to eat, sleep, and explore while out on the open road. You can check the site out for yourself here. ✈️ OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR REACHING REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS While driving is by far the most straightforward and easiest way to reach this national park, it is not your only option. Below are a few other modes of transportation available to you - though be prepared for a bit more of an adventure and a bit more time spent on the journey. BY PLANE While we already mentioned that San Francisco, California was the closest major international airport to the national park, it is not your only option. Other nearby airports include the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, which has flights from Denver, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas and is only about 2 hours from Redwood National Park (the airport is located in the town of Medford, Oregon); and the Arcata-Eureka Airport, which has flights from Denver, Phoenix, LA and San Francisco and is only a short 40 minutes from the southern entrance of Redwood National Park. One thing to consider is that, while these airports are quite a bit closer than San Francisco, they will likely be a bit more expensive to fly into. Plus, it will also be harder to rent a car there than at SFO. BY TRAIN & BUS If planes and cars aren't your thing, then you are in luck (sort of) for you also have the option to take public ground transportation to the park. To do this, you will need to take an Amtrak train to the town of Klamath Falls, Oregon, which is roughly 180 miles away from the national park, and then take a bus from there up to Crescent City, California. The Amtrak system does run a bus between Klamath Falls and Crescent City. You can learn more about the route - and even more stunning train rides - on the Amtrak website. GETTING AROUND REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS Because the park is really made up of a complex of three state parks and one national park, it takes a bit of time to explore all of the different areas. That is why you definitely will want some form of private transportation with you when exploring the park for there is NO national park shuttle. We recommend either driving up to the national park with your own vehicle (a regular car or a van) or renting one in either San Francisco, Portland or Crescent City. Just to give you an idea of some of the distances between major points of interest in the national park: it is approximately 55 miles between the Stout Grove Trail and Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (both very popular short hikes) and 51 miles between the far southern point (the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center) and the Jedediah Smith Campground, which is located in the far north of the park. 💬 INSIDER TIP: having a bike with you on your trip could also be a lot of fun. There are numerous roads that are open to biking; including, the very scenic Howland Hill Road and the Coastal Drive. You can learn more about biking in Redwood National Park here. \\ What Does it Cost to Enter Redwood National and State Parks It is totally free to enter Redwood National and State Parks, but you will have to pay day-use fees at the state park established campgrounds. Similarly, if you are planning to drive to Gold Bluffs Beach or Fern Canyon you will have to pay an entrance fee. But, if you have the federal America the Beautiful Annual Pass all fees will be waived (except the nightly cost to stay at the campgrounds). You can learn more about the park's entrance fee system here. 🎟 PURCHASE YOUR AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ANNUAL PASS While you do not have to pay to enter Redwood National Park, if you are thinking of visiting other national parks within the USA then we highly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass, which costs $80 and is good for 365 days, gets you into over 2,000 federally protected areas; including, national parks and monuments, national historic parks and national wildlife refuges. You can learn more about the annual pass and purchase it for yourself here. EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST 2-DAY REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY \\ Where to Stay in Redwood National and State Parks Because Redwood National and State Parks is within a short drive of a number of small Northern California towns, you can find a fair amount of lodging options available depending on your budget. From cozy hotels to stunning campgrounds nestled into the redwoods themselves to RV parks within a short walk of the beach, this area has a lot to offer. Below are some of the best places to stay near Redwood National Park. LODGING NEAR REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS There are no lodges within the national or state parks. The closest towns with optimal lodging are going to be Klamath, which is located in the middle of the national park between Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park; Crescent City, which is roughly 10 minutes away from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park; and Eureka, which is around 45 minutes south of the southern entrance to the national park. Below are a few of the best options when it comes to booking lodging near Redwood National and State Parks. | Anchor Beach Inn: this modern hotel in Crescent City sits right across the street from South Beach and just up the road from Crescent Harbor. The hotel offers free parking, electrical vehicle chargers, high speed internet, and water sport equipment rentals. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Pacific Inn: another great option in the Crescent City area is this comfortable hotel that is located right in the heart of downtown. Amenities include free parking, free wi-fi, and in-room microwaves and refrigerators. The hotel is also dog friendly. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Curly Redwood Lodge: with a funky name like that, you have to know there is an interesting story behind it. In this case, the name actually comes from the fact that one curly redwood tree was used to build the hotel (it produced over 55,000 feet of lumber!). Amenities at this Crescent City hotel include free parking, free wi-fi, and a 24-hour front desk. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Woodland Villa Country Cabins: located in the middle of the small town of Klamath, which in turn is located in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks, this cool resort offers 12 individual cabins as well as a small restaurant, coffee shop and market. Other amenities include free parking and kid friendly activities. The cabins are only half a mile from the Trees of Mystery (an outdoor amusement-style destination) and less than two miles from the Yurok Loop Trail and Wilson Creek Beach. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Hiouchi Motel: this small locally-owned motel is located in the tiny town of Hiouchi, which is a very short drive from the Jedediah Smith Redwoods National Park and the entrance to the Howland Hill Road. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast and wi-fi. | BOOK YOUR STAY CAMPING IN REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS There are four developed campgrounds within the parks. From north to south, they are Jedediah Smith, Mill Creek, Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach. All four campgrounds can quickly fill up - especially during the busy spring and summer season. Therefore it is highly recommended that you reserve your campsite in advance. You can do that here or head to reservecalifornia.com for more information. Below is a quick breakdown of each of the four established campgrounds within the national and state parks: JEDEDIAH SMITH CAMPGROUND This large campground is located within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. From the campground, you have easy access to the Stout Grove Trailhead, the Hiouchi Visitor Center, the Hiouchi Trailhead and the Templeman Redwood Grove. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 86, no RV hook-ups Hours: open year-round Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Jedediah Smith Campground here. MILL CREEK CAMPGROUND Located a bit further south in Del Norte Redwoods State Park, the Mill Creek Campground is quite a bit larger than Jedediah Smith Campground. It is also a bit closer to the town of Crescent City as well as to a couple of beaches (including Crescent Beach). Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 145, no RV hook-ups Hours: the campground is open May 18 through September 30 Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Mill Creek Campground here. ELK PRAIRIE CAMPGROUND A bit smaller than the other two campgrounds, the Elk Prairie Campground is located in the more southern part of the park and is likely the best option if you are hoping to head out on hiking and biking trails directly from the campground. Similarly, this is also where you might have the best opportunity to spot Roosevelt elk and other wildlife. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 75, no RV hook-ups Hours: open year-round Facilities: hot showers, ADA-accessible restrooms, dump station, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash bins. Find the exact location of the Elk Prairie Campground here. GOLD BLUFFS BEACH CAMPGROUND The smallest of the four campgrounds, and also maybe the most remote (you have to take an unpaved road to reach it), the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is the only one not within a large forested environment. Instead, you are right on the Gold Bluffs Beach as well as the beautiful California Coastal Trail. Cost: $35 /night Number of Sites: 26, no RV hook-ups Hours: it is typically open all year (though check beforehand) Facilities: solar showers, restrooms, wind shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and trash receptacles. Find the exact location of the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground here. BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING IN REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS If you are looking for a bit more adventure or if you just want to get away from people and instead get back to nature, then maybe consider reserving one of the national parks 7 backcountry campsites. The sites, which can be reached via foot (backpacking), bike, horse or raft, are located in such environments as old-growth redwood forests, oak woodlands, beaches, prairies, and marshes. While there are only 7 designated campsites, many of them have multiple camps. No matter which site you choose to camp in, you will need to first get a backcountry permit - which is now only available online. You can learn more about each campsite - including how to get there and what to expect - and also reserve your permit here. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES IN THE USA CAMPING OUTSIDE OF REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS If you are hoping to camp or spend the night outside of the national park - either because the park is full or you need RV hook-ups (the national park campgrounds don't have any) - then we recommend checking out these three spots. All are within a short drive (or walk, or bike ride) of the park's many outdoor adventures, including hiking trails, redwood groves and beaches. Below are some of the best RV parks and campgrounds near Redwood National Park: | Camp Klamath RV Park and Campground: located right on the edge of the town of Klamath (which is in the middle of the national park), this cute, family-run RV park and campground includes full hook-up RV sites, a large picnic and BBQ area, and easy access to the coast and beaches. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Golden Bear RV Resort: just up the road a little ways from Camp Klamath is another fantastic spot to base yourself if you are looking to stay in your RV near the national park. The Gold Bear RV Resort is a bit closer to the mouth of the Klamath River and within a short drive of the Klamath River Overlook and the California Coastal Trail. The resort includes free internet, self-serve laundry and is pet friendly. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Redwood Meadows RV Resort: this more northern RV resort and campground is located super close to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and its numerous trails. Likewise, the resort is right in the heart of the small town of Hiouchi, which has a few restaurants and cafes and a small grocery store. Within a short drive or walk you can reach the Smith River, the Grove of the Titans and Stout Grove. | BOOK YOUR STAY \\ What to Bring With You to Redwood National and State Parks The weather in Redwood National Park is often times a bit on the chillier side - though in the summer, during the day, it can sometimes start to heat up just a bit, especially if you are out hiking. Therefore, we recommend focusing on packing layers when planning to visit Redwood National Park. That way you can be cozy during the chillier, foggy mornings and then easily switch to more lightweight and breathable clothing once the sun starts to shine. Below are a few of the key things you will want to make sure to pack with you when visiting Redwood National Park and the surrounding area. | Thermal Base Layers: a great way to start your layering process is to invest in a set of nice, comfortable, wicking base layers. This long sleeved shirt works great on its own and also under a rain jacket or light puffy, while these cozy tights are perfect under a light set of hiking pants. | Rain Jacket: one of the most necessary outdoor items you will want to pack with you when visiting Redwood National Park is a solid rain jacket. This piece of clothing will likely come in super handy if you are planning to do any morning adventures, for that is when rain and fog are most common. This longer rain jacket by Kuhl is breathable and easy to move around in. | Light Puffy Jacket: while a rain jacket is a great place to start, you will also want to bring along a lighter puffy jacket for those chilly mornings, and those evenings spent around the fire. This puffy by Mountain Hardwear packs down easily, is made of durable recycled materials and has synthetic insulation that delivers lightweight warmth even when wet. | Waterproof Hiking Boots: while most of the trails within Redwood National Park are quite short, there are still enough adventures to be had that you will definitely want to bring along some solid waterproof hiking shoes. This mostly leather pair by Danner is comfortable, lightweight and has great gripping abilities for when you are hiking on wetter surfaces. | Wool Socks: because it never gets super, super cold up in Redwood National Park, you can actually get away with wearing a bit lighter pair of hiking socks. This pair by Icebreaker is made out of a Merino wool blend that helps regulate temps and repels unwanted odors. It also has a reinforced heel and toe area to enhance durability for extensive wear (because no one likes wearing socks with holes in them). | Sunscreen and Bug Spray: while you might expect very little sun out in the redwoods, you will likely be surprised to find that in the summer it can get quite bright out. But honestly, no matter where you are planning to hike, it is important to protect your skin by always wearing sunscreen. This eco-friendly sunscreen by Badger is perfect for storing in your backpack or car. Also, the mosquitos are no joke up in the redwoods so definitely make sure to bring along at least one bottle of bug spray. This one by Murphy's Naturals is made entirely from all natural ingredients and also repels ticks. | Hiking Fanny Pack: if you are just looking to do the shorter hikes around Redwood National Park (which mostly take you through massive coastal redwood groves) then you can get away with just a lightweight fanny pack. This durable and easy to carry one by Patagonia is 5L in size - which is definitely plenty of room for your phone, keys, Chapstick and maybe some bug spray. | Hiking Day Pack: but if you are instead thinking about heading out on a couple of longer hikes while in Redwood National and State Parks then you will want a bit more carrying capacity than 5 liters. This 15 liter backpack by Osprey is lightweight, has comfortable straps and even has a specific spot for your water bladder. ➳ You can find even more awesome outdoor adventure gear at Backcountry.com. THE TOP 8 THINGS TO DO IN REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS This list includes 8 of the best things to do within Redwood National and State Parks. The list goes in order from the southern end of the park to the northern end near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: a common question about Redwood National and State Parks is where the famous drive-through tree is. Unfortunately, there aren't any within the national park. In fact, there are only three remaining coast redwood drive-through trees: one in Myers Flat (near Avenue of the Giants), one near the town of Leggett, and one in Klamath. The closest one to Redwood National State Parks is going to be the one in Klamath. Known as the Klamath Tour Thru Tree, this touristy spot is just 13 miles north of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. 1 | Bald Hills Road One of the first ways to get a sense of the beauty and landscape of Redwood National and State Parks is to head out on this 17-mile (one-way) drive located on the far southern end of the park. Along Bald Hills Road, which is mostly unpaved, you can stop off and explore Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Tall Trees Grove, both of which are home to some truly massive coast redwood trees. Once you pass through the redwood forest, you will pop out onto a wide open plain that is a popular spot to see Roosevelt elk and, if you are really lucky, a black bear. Also, in the springtime, this area of the park is usually covered in wildflowers, including bright purple lupine flowers. HOW TO GET TO BALD HILLS ROAD The entrance to the drive is about 1 mile north of the town of Orick. There is a sign designating which turn to take. If you do the whole 17-mile drive out, it will eventually lead you past a couple of historic ranches and towards Highway 169 near the town of Weitchpec. 2 | Lady Bird Johnson Grove If planning to drive up Bald Hills Road, then you should definitely make sure to put aside some time to check out the beautiful and historic Lady Bird Johnson Grove. This 1.5-mile loop trail is situated at the dedication site of Redwood National Park. The name actually comes from the dedication of the trail by former US President Richard Nixon in honor of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson for her tireless work for environmental conservation. Today, the trail includes clear examples of what a second-growth forest looks like compared to an old-growth forest (you can actually feel and hear a difference - it is kind of wild) as well as a few interesting interpretive signs about specific points along the hike. During the springtime, this is a great hike to head out on if you want to see blooming azaleas and rhododendrons, while in the summer there are daily ranger-led hikes (perfect if you want to learn more about the park's history). HOW TO GET TO LADY BIRD JOHNSON GROVE The easiest way to get to this historic redwood grove is to drive 2 miles up Bald Hills Road. The trailhead and parking lot are on the left side of the road and will be clearly marked. The parking lot is rather small, so RVs and trailers are not allowed. Other hiking trails nearby include Redwood Creek Trailhead, which is a great area to go backpacking in Redwood National Park, and Tall Trees Grove (which does require an online permit, get yours here). EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE 3-DAY REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY 3 | Fern Canyon By far one of the most popular trails within the park is this easy 1.1 mile loop near the coast. And for good reason - Fern Canyon is beautiful. Most of the Fern Canyon hike is through a narrow, wet canyon covered in vibrant green ferns - some of which are direct descendants of plants that lived millions of years ago. While you won't see any massive redwood trees here, you will still get a great idea of the insane natural beauty that this park protects. Plus, this is a great way to explore the park's coastline - including Gold Bluffs Beach. To reach the trailhead, you will need to drive down Gold Bluffs Beach Road/Davison Road, which can be picked up right off of Highway 101. But be aware that this road is unpaved and is not suitable for larger vehicles like RVs and trailers. Likewise, during the busy summer months (May through September) you will need to get a parking permit to drive to the Fern Canyon Trailhead. You have to get your permit ahead of time online. Besides the permit, you will also need to pay a $12 fee for Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use area (where the trailhead is). That is unless you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass or a California State Park Pass (either pass gets you in for free). You can learn more about the permitting process (and reserve yours) here. 💬INSIDER TIP: the Fern Canyon trail is through a wet canyon, therefore it is a good idea to wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet and that have good grip. Also, if you want to hike through Fern Canyon but either can't get a permit, or if you want to do a bigger hike than the 1.1 mile loop, then consider hiking from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to the canyon. This hike is 11-miles round-trip. 4 | Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway Located in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the most southern of the three state parks in the Redwood National Park complex, is this uber-scenic road that gently takes visitors past thousands of acres of old-growth redwood forests. Along the way you have the chance to stop off and hike at a number of trails - including the 1.8 mile Ossagon Trail, which can be hiked or biked, the 4-mile Ten Taypo-Hope Creek Loop trail, which follows a stream through massive redwood groves, the 4-mile long Karl Knapp/Prairie Creek Trail, which follows the crystal-clear Prairie Creek, and Circle Tree trail, which - though short (only 0.2 miles total) - is still a great way to enter a dense redwood forest and experience the insanely lush environment (it also gives you access to the Big Tree, which as the name would suggest, is one of the biggest trees in the state park). The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is around 11 miles long and can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple of hours to drive completely. Besides the few hiking trails along the route, you can also stop off and see the Atlas Grove, and Corkscrew Tree, check out the Prairie Creek State Park Visitor Center and start another scenic drive along the Coastal Drive. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: besides driving the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway you also have the opportunity to bike it. In fact, between November and May, the road closes to vehicles on the first Saturday of each month. Known as Bike and Hike Day, this is the best time to explore the scenic parkway by foot, bike, or with your pet. HOW TO GET TO THE NEWTON B. DRURY SCENIC PARKWAY You can start the drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway either by exiting Highway 101 at Exit 765 or 753. The southern entrance is very close to the Prairie Creek State Park Visitor Center and Elk Prairie Campground, while the northern entrance is just five miles south of the town of Klamath. EXPLORE MORE | WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 5 | Klamath River Overlook Offering magnificent views of the mouth of the Klamath River - the second largest river in California - and the Pacific Ocean, the Klamath River Overlook is a great spot to head to if you want to explore a bit more of the coastal side of the national park, spend some time looking for birds and marine life (including migrating whales and seals), or if you just want the perfect spot to picnic during sunset. This picnic area is also one of the trailheads for the California Coastal Trail. From the Klamath River Overlook you can head out on the Coastal Trail towards the Lagoon Creek Day Use Area and nearby Wilson Creek Beach. HOW TO GET TO THE KLAMATH RIVER OVERLOOK To reach the Klamath River Overlook, you will need to turn off Highway 101 onto Patrick J. Murphy Memorial Road, which is located just north of the town of Klamath. Once on Patrick J. Murphy Memorial Road you will drive around 2.5 miles until you get to the Overlook. 6 | Endert's Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook Another great spot to head to for some coastal adventures is Endert's Beach and the Crescent Beach Overlook. Both spots are located along Endert's Beach Road which can be picked up off of Highway 101 near the town of Crescent City. Endert's Beach specifically, is a great spot to do a bit of tide pooling and whale watching. Plus, this is another trailhead for the California Coastal Trail, meaning from the beach you walk to Crescent Beach to the north or down south to Nickel Creek (and beyond). HOW TO GET TO ENDERT'S BEACH AND CRESCENT BEACH OVERLOOK It is really easy to reach both Endert's Beach and the Crescent Beach Overlook from Highway 101. If coming from the south, the turn off will be on the left side of the road right before you get to Crescent City. While if you are coming down from the north (like from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park) you will either turn right onto the road once you leave Crescent City, or if you are going the backway along Humboldt Road (which is the route we took), then it will be just across the street from the Humboldt Road and Highway 101 intersection. 7 | Howland Hill Road Traversing the heart of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Howland Hill Road is by far one of the most scenic routes in the entire Redwood National Park. The road, though only 10-miles in total length, gives you a super up-close view of some of the park's most beautiful coastal redwood forests - and that's just if you stay in your car! For an even better view, we recommend pulling over and hiking one of the many trails that split off from the scenic road. This includes the Mill Creek Trail, which wanders through an old-growth forest and along the Mill Creek stream (where you can sometimes see Chinook salmon) and out to the famous Grove of Titans, where you can wander around some of the largest coast redwood trees in the area, the Boy Scout Tree Trail, which is 2.8 miles long (one-way) and gives you the chance to see Fern Falls and Boy Scout Tree (a double redwood), and the Nickerson Ranch Trail, which is a short hike that gives you an awesome view of a primeval redwood forest. Howland Hill Road is entirely unpaved and quite narrow. Only regular sized vehicles or bikes should be ridden on it (large trucks, RVs and trailers are not allowed). And even then you should be prepared for some tight squeezes. The park recommends putting aside between 1 hour and 1.5 hours to drive the road - though as always, the more time you spend somewhere the better! HOW TO GET TO HOWLAND HILL ROAD If you are driving towards Howland Hill Road from the south (aka driving up towards Crescent City on Highway 101) then the easiest way to reach the start of the scenic drive's southern entrance is to turn onto Humboldt Road right before you reach city limits (exact location). Keep driving up Humboldt Road until you get to Howland Hill Road. Turn right and keep driving until it turns to dirt (about half a mile later). If you are instead driving in from the north, then you will need to turn left onto South Fork Road from Highway 199 (near Myrtle Beach) and then drive up until you cross the Smith River and see Douglas Park Drive on your right. Turn there and keep driving until it turns into Howland Hill Road and becomes dirt. Along the drive you will also get the chance to go through a historic wooden covered bridge. 8 | Stout Memorial Grove The final thing you definitely need to do while visiting Redwood National and State Park is to explore this beautiful coast redwood grove. The Stout Memorial Grove, which is around 44 acres in size, is often considered to be the heart of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and for good reason. The grove loop trail, which is only 0.5 miles in length, gives you the chance to take in numerous 300-foot redwood trees as well as take in the mighty Smith River, which is one of the last undammed rivers in all of California. Also, because of the closeness of the river, this grove has fewer understory trees and plants - meaning the massive redwoods are easier to see and admire. To reach the Stout Memorial Grove, you can either drive a short way along Howland Hill Road until you get to the trailhead, or, if it is summer time, you can park at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground Day-Use Area (you may need to pay an $8 day-use fee) and walk towards the Smith River and across a summer hiking bridge to the grove. Though the latter option is not always available and should be confirmed as accessible beforehand. HOW TO GET TO THE STOUT MEMORIAL GROVE The Stout Memorial Grove can be easily accessed either from the Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground Day-Use Area in the summer, or from Howland Hill Road year-round. \\ Top Hikes and Adventures in Redwood National and State Parks There are over two hundred miles of trails within Redwood National and State Parks. All of the hikes will be beautiful and amazing - so if you are stressing about doing the "perfect" hike, don't. They are all fantastic. Below are a few worth considering depending on your time requirements and fitness level. SHORTER TRAILS | Simpson-Reed Trail // 1-mile loop - this easier trail takes you through an ancient forest where you can walk amongst 1,000+ year-old redwoods. Besides numerous redwood trees, you can also spot huckleberry bushes, various ferns, and even animals like rough-skinned newts and red-legged frogs. Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Hiouchi Trail // 2 miles - another great hike in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is this slightly longer trail along the beautiful turquoise Smith River. The trail passes old-growth redwoods as well as plants such as Douglas-firs, tanoak, huckleberry and thimbleberry. Location: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Endert's Beach (via the Coastal Trail) // 0.6 miles - this coastal trail rewards you with great views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the opportunity to check out some tide pools. Likewise, there are interpretive signs along the way that help you learn more about the coastal forests and the various tidepool creatures. Location: Redwood National Park | Yurok Loop Trail // 1-mile loop - another coastal trail is this short 1-mile loop hike that gives you the opportunity to look for various seabirds that often nest on the nearby seastacks (rock structures). Commonly spotted birds include cormorants, brown pelicans and common murres. Likewise, you can also see False Klamath Cove and Lagoon Creek from the trail. Location: Redwood National Park | Ossagon Trail // 1.8 miles - this trail, which is actually along an old road, takes visitors through dense second-growth forest and out to a more secluded stretch of beach. The trail is open to both hikers and bikers. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park | Friendship Ridge Trail // 3 miles - this trail, though a bit steeper than most (switchbacks are present), is a great spot to look for the park's resident Roosevelt elk. It also takes you from a dense redwood forest nearly all the way down to the coast. This trail can also be combined with other trails for a full-day adventure. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Clintonia Trail // 1 mile - the trail's name comes from the bright pink-ish colored flowers that bloom in the spring. The hike, though short, can be combined with others in the area for a full day of exploring. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO HIKING A 14ER FOR THE FIRST TIME LONGER HIKES | Rellim Ridge Trail to Mill Creek Loop // 10.2 mile loop - this strenuous hike climbs up through dense forest to a private vista point that overlooks the Crescent City Harbor and beyond. The hike can be reached near the west end of Howland Hill Road. Location: Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park | Rhododendron Trail // 11.4 miles total - if visiting Redwood National and State Parks during the spring or early summer time, then this trail should be high on your list. During that time of year, the usually green forest becomes dotted with vibrant pink and red flowers. This is a popular trail with photographers, so consider coming early if you want to see the blooms by yourself. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | James Irvine Trail // 10.4 miles total - this out and back trail starts near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center before heading west through some stunning old-growth forests. One of the best parts about this trail is that at the end you reach the stunning Fern Canyon. This is a great option if you can't get a permit for Fern Canyon or if you want to see the world famous spot, but also want to explore some magical redwood groves. Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Lost Man Creek Trail // 10.7 miles one-way - this long trail, which is actually along an old logging road, is open to both hikers and mountain bikers. Along the route, look out for ancient redwoods, various plants (including wild ginger and thimbleberry), and local wildlife. The trail begins at Lost Man Creek Picnic Area off of Lost Man Creek Road. Location: Redwood National Park THE COASTAL TRAIL The California Coastal Trail (CCT) will eventually run all the way from Oregon in the north to Mexico in the south, covering 1,230 miles along its insanely diverse route. Presently, around 70% of the trail is complete. You can pick up sections of the long-distance trail throughout Redwood National and State Parks - including, but not limited to, Crescent Beach, Endert's Beach, across the street from the Wilson Creek picnic area and near the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance station. Learn more about the entire CCT here, and even more about its route through the national park here. 🥾 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIP When hiking in Redwood National and State Parks (or anywhere really), always try to be a good steward and stay on the designated trails. Because the land is quite fragile near redwood groves, when people head off trail the landscape begins to become damaged: ferns get trampled, the groundcover wears away, and the tree's roots can become exposed. It is believed that these human-caused disruptions can permanently damage the redwoods - mainly because foot traffic turns the uniquely spongy soil in old-growth groves (which is actually a thick mat of decomposing redwood needles) into hard dirt that inhibits root growth and absorbs less water. While you might believe that one person going off trail wouldn't cause that much damage, these minor changes caused by bushwhacking do in fact affect the redwoods. Therefore, always stay on designated trails, don't create social trails, don't climb around on redwood trees, and of course, ALWAYS follow Leave No Trace Principles. \\ Must-See Spots Near Redwood National and State Parks THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS For even more massive redwood groves, consider driving just over an hour south to the famous Avenue of the Giants. This 32-mile scenic drive takes you through some stunning and historic old-growth redwood forests, including the Founder's Grove (home to the Dyerville Giant, which was once considered the tallest tree in the area until it fell in 1991) and Rockefeller Grove. To reach the Avenue of the Giants, head south on Highway 101 until you reach the north entrance right past the town of Rio Dell. You can find our full Avenue of the Giants Adventure Travel Guide here. Distance from Redwood National Park to the north entrance of the Avenue of the Giants: 1 hour and 20 minutes or 73 miles. THE KING RANGE AND SHELTER COVE If you are looking for a bit of a change in scenery, then consider driving down to the remote town of Shelter Cove, which is located right on the Pacific Coast in the King Range National Conservation Area. From the town you have the option to explore the rugged coastline (which includes black sand beaches) or head into the dense forest for some hiking and biking. Distance from Redwood National Park to the town of Shelter Cove: around 2.5 hours away to the southwest. EXPLORE MORE | 4 OFF THE BEATEN PATH CALIFORNIA BACKPACKING ROUTES CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK By far the farthest adventure from Redwood National Park is this other beautiful national park. Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the USA as well as numerous hiking trails (including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail) and road biking routes. Distance from Redwood National Park to Crater Lake National Park: 3 hours and 20 minutes or 166 miles. EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK MAP Redwood National and State Parks is one of the best places to explore in all of California. With its stunning forests, beautiful coastline and interesting human and natural history, this national park should be on every adventurer's list. Hopefully, this adventure guide covered everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful place, but if you do have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us here. WANT TO SAVE THIS REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK IN FLORIDA THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK IN COLORADO

40.35611, -123.923442 THIS ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE STUNNING AVENUE OF THE GIANTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING THIS FAMOUS REDWOOD ROUTE. Hidden up in the far reaches of Northern California is a drive so pretty that it is worth delaying your road trip by at least a couple of hours. No seriously, in our opinion, the Avenue of the Giants is one of the most scenic highways in the whole USA (sorry Big Sur). Spanning a distance of 32 miles, this narrow two-lane route is a great way to explore the beautiful coastal redwood groves that dot the Northern California region. The scenic drive is done almost entirely in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which was established by the Save the Redwoods League in 1921. Most of the land that was eventually protected, was purchased from the Pacific Lumber Company - which was once one of California's biggest logging and sawmill operations (it was even nicknamed the Redwood Empire). Today, Humboldt Redwoods State Park protects 51,651 acres of beautiful land. Including, the famous Rockefeller Grove, which is presently the largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods in the world. Within those 50,000+ acres, of which 17,000 acres is made up of old-growth redwood forest (the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet) you can find more than 100 coast redwood trees that reach over 350 feet (110 meters) in height; including, the 4th-tallest measured living redwood - the Stratosphere Giant - which was measured at just over 370 feet (or 113 meters) in 2004. In fact, up until the mid-2000s, the Stratosphere Giant was thought to be the tallest known living redwood tree in the world. It wasn't until the discovery of three taller trees in the nearby Redwood National and State Park that he got knocked down to the fourth spot. The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive takes you through some truly stunning redwood forests and groves. Along the route, you really begin to realize how small you are as a human - or more, just how massive the redwoods really are. If you are hoping to learn more about this part of the country, or if you just want to see these massive trees for yourself, then we cannot recommend driving (or even biking) the magnificent Avenue of the Giants enough. Below you will find our in-depth Avenue of the Giants Travel Guide which covers everything you need to know about visiting this part of Northern California; including, how to get there, where to stay and what to do during your visit. THE BASICS | TOP THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO ENTER THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS? No, it is free to drive and explore the Avenue of the Giants. The only times you will have to pay is for nights in the state park campgrounds (which costs $35 per night). 🌼 California State Park Pass If you are thinking of combining your trip to the Avenue of the Giants with other outdoor California adventures, then we highly recommend purchasing an annual California State Parks Pass. There are two pass options available for purchase: the California Explorer Annual Day Pass, which gets you into ALL California State Parks, and the Golden Poppy Annual Pass, which gets you into all state parks in the northern part of the state. The first pass is $195, while the Golden Poppy Annual Pass is $125. You can learn more about and purchase your California State Parks passes here. HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE THROUGH THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS? It is roughly 32 miles one-way. You can go north to south or south to north depending on which way you are driving in from. For example, if you are driving from San Francisco to the Avenue of the Giants you will start at the southern entrance. HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS? This is totally dependent on what you want to do in the Avenue of the Giants, but we would say you need at least 1-4 hours. We spent about 6 hours there, but this included doing a couple of short hikes and a bike ride. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS? The summer months - mainly May through August - is the best time to visit the Avenue of the Giants. This is due to two things: first, everything will be open - including the three campgrounds (most things close after Labor Day Weekend); secondly, this is when you can expect the best weather - including sunnier days and warmer temperatures. In our personal experience, we visited the Avenue of the Giants in mid-June and it was absolutely wonderful. The weather was great (lots of sunny skies), it wasn't super crowded and the wildflowers were in full bloom. IS THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS DOG FRIENDLY? You can totally drive through with your pet, but most of the hiking trails are not dog friendly. WHAT ARE THE CLOSEST TOWNS TO THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS? There are a couple of towns close to, and even in, the Avenue of the Giants. This includes the towns of Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott and Redcrest. Many of these towns do have food and lodging options available. You can read more about this below. The closest major cities to the Avenue of the Giants are Fortuna (16 miles from the northern entrance), Eureka (33 miles from the northern entrance) and Willits (75 miles from the southern entrance). These three cities will have large grocery stores, chain restaurants and hotels, and lots of services. \\ How to Get to the Avenue of the Giants The Avenue of the Giants is almost entirely in the very large Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The road, which is just a split off of the much busier Highway 101, is easily reached from a couple of major towns and cities. Below are the basic driving distances and times from a couple of the most well-known and popular cities nearby. FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA TO THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS It is approximately 212 miles from downtown San Francisco to the southern entrance of Avenue of the Giants (where the auto tour begins or ends). This drive can take anywhere from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. About 95% of this drive will be along Highway 101, which you can easily pick up in San Francisco by the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop off in such places as Healdsburg and Geyserville, which are known for their beautiful wineries, and Leggett, which is home to one of the few remaining drive-thru redwood trees. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are planning to fly to California and then drive up to the Avenue of the Giants, then we suggest booking a flight into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From the airport, it is easy to rent a car and hop on Highway 101. Plus, then you get to drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge! FROM PORTLAND, OREGON TO THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS It is approximately 441 miles from Portland to the northern entrance of the Avenue of the Giants. This drive can take anywhere from 7 hours and 45 minutes to 8.5 hours depending on traffic and road construction. Most of this drive will be spent on Interstate 5 (until the town of Grants Pass), Highway 199, which follows the beautiful Smith River, and Highway 101 through Crescent City and Eureka. Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop off in such places as Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Redwood National and State Parks, and many beautiful northern California beaches. FROM CRESCENT CITY (AND REDWOODS NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS) TO THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS From the small town of Crescent City, which is located quite close to Redwoods National and State Parks, it is around 2 hours and 15 minutes to the northern entrance of Avenue of the Giants. This drive is entirely done on Highway 101. Along the way, we recommend checking out the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and many of the rocky Pacific coast beaches. ➳ If you are looking to learn more about the best things to see and do while road tripping to the Avenue of the Giants, then we highly recommend checking out Roadtrippers. This easy to use app shows you all of the best places to eat, sleep, and explore while out on the open road. You can check the site out for yourself here. EXPLORE MORE | 25 TIPS TO BE A MORE SUSTAINABLE VAN LIFER \\ Where to Stay in the Avenue of the Giants There are a lot of options when it comes to finding a place to stay in and around the Avenue of the Giants. Below are a couple of great options. From luxury hotels nearby to rugged campsites within the heart of the redwoods, you can find the perfect base camp for all of your needs. HOTELS AND LODGES Below is a list of some of the best hotels and lodges near the Avenue of the Giants. This list goes from south to north. | Benbow Historic Inn: this historic and beautiful spot opened all the way back in 1926, and today it still transports visitors to an era from long ago. If you are looking for a touch of luxury during your visit, then the Benbow Historic Inn might be perfect. The hotel offers fine dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their on-site restaurant, daily scones, coffee and tea, free bikes to help you explore the area, a seasonal pool and jacuzzi and easy access to hiking and biking trails. | BOOK HERE | Miranda Gardens Resort: get cozy in one of the resort's 16 cabins, all of which have amazing views of the surrounding redwoods. This resort also includes free breakfast, a pool, and is dog friendly. | BOOK HERE | Myers Country Inn: located in the heart of the Avenue of the Giants, the Myers Country Inn is a great spot to base yourself for some redwood adventures. The bed and breakfast includes free parking and breakfast and is dog friendly. | BOOK HERE | Scotia Lodge: this 100+ year old hotel is a great place to relax and unwind after a full day of exploring in the redwoods. It includes 22 rooms and suites, Main + Mill Kitchen and Bar, complimentary drinks, and easy access to the historic town of Scotia. | BOOK HERE VACATION RENTALS AND AIRBNB There are also a couple of options if you are someone looking for a bit more space and privacy during your visit to the Avenue of the Giants. Below are a couple of Airbnbs within a short drive (or walk) of the Avenue and all of its many adventures. | Glamping Cabins in the Majestic Redwoods: these modern glamping cabins include a queen sized bed and bunk beds, a desk, fiber optic wi-fi, private bathrooms, and a small kitchenette. They are located on the edge of Myers Flat and within easy access of various hiking trails and coastal redwood groves. | BOOK HERE | A Small Piece of Paradise in the Redwoods: similar to the glamping cabins above, but just a bit more remote, this cute cabin includes a full kitchen, a designated workspace (and wi-fi), a queen-sized bed and a full private bathroom. | BOOK HERE | Garden Guesthouse in Rio Dell: this cute private guesthouse is located just a bit north of the Avenue of the Giants in the historic mining town of Rio Dell. The guesthouse includes a quaint bedroom, small kitchen, a lounge and easy access to a thriving garden. | BOOK HERE CAMPING There are three campgrounds within Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Hidden Springs, Burlington and Albee Creek. Each campground requires guests to reserve their spot online at reservecalifornia.com. It costs $35 per site, per night. The campgrounds vary in size and amenities. You can read our route guide below for more information on each campground. Besides the three campgrounds within the state park, you also have the option to stay at a couple of privately owned campgrounds or RV parks nearby. This includes the Dean Creek Resort, which has an RV park and campground, the Redcrest Resort and Gift Shop, which includes full RV hook ups and a few campsites, and the Stafford RV Park, which is located right outside the northern entrance of the Avenue of the Giants. EXPLORE MORE | OUR IN-DEPTH GUIDE ON HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES IN THE USA VAN LIFING Because the entire Avenue of the Giants is pretty much within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, it can be tough to find any legal free camping sites when van lifing. The best option is to either reserve a night in one of the three campgrounds within the state park (see above) or head to a spot outside of the state park. A few close areas that could be good options for free camping are along Mattole Road down by the coast (the Lost Coast area specifically), a few dirt pull-offs by Benbow and Cooks Valley (which are both south of the Avenue of the Giants) and the very scenic dirt forest roads around Shelter Cove, which is about an hour southwest of the Avenue of the Giants. \\ What to Bring With You to the Avenue of the Giants Layers are going to be your best friend when exploring the Avenue of the Giants. Because the temperature can fluctuate somewhat dramatically throughout the day - cold in the morning and evening and warm in the afternoon - you will want to make sure you are prepared for whatever weather comes your way. Below are a few of the key things you will want to make sure to pack with you when visiting the Avenue of the Giants and the surrounding redwoods. | Thermal Base Layers: a great way to start your layering process is to invest in a set of nice, comfortable, wicking base layers. This long sleeved shirt works great on its own and also under a rain jacket or light puffy, while these cozy tights are perfect under a light set of hiking pants. | Rain Jacket: one of the most necessary outdoor items you will want to pack with you when visiting the Avenue of the Giants is a solid rain jacket. This piece of clothing will likely come in super handy if you are planning to do any morning adventures, for that is when rain and fog are most common. This longer rain jacket by Kuhl is breathable and easy to move around in. | Light Puffy Jacket: while a rain jacket is a great place to start, you will also want to bring along a lighter puffy jacket for those chilly mornings, and those evenings spent around the fire. This puffy by Mountain Hardwear packs down easily, is made of durable recycled materials and has synthetic insulation that delivers lightweight warmth even when wet. | Waterproof Hiking Boots: while there are not very many super long trails along the Avenue of the Giants, there are still enough adventures to be had that you will definitely want to bring along some solid waterproof hiking shoes. This mostly leather pair by Danner is comfortable, lightweight and has great gripping abilities for when you are hiking on wetter surfaces. | Wool Socks: because it never gets super cold up in the Avenue of the Giants, you can actually get away with wearing a bit lighter pair of hiking socks. This pair by Icebreaker is made out of a Merino wool blend that helps regulate temps and repels unwanted odors. It also has a reinforced heel and toe area to enhance durability for extensive wear (because no one likes wearing socks with holes in them). | Sunscreen and Bug Spray: while you might expect very little sun out in the redwoods, you will likely be surprised to find that in the summer it can get quite bright out. But honestly, no matter where you are planning to hike, it is important to protect your skin by always wearing sunscreen. This eco-friendly sunscreen by Badger is perfect for storing in your backpack or car. Also, the mosquitos are no joke up in the redwoods so definitely make sure to bring along at least one bottle of bug spray. This one by Murphy's Naturals is made entirely from all natural ingredients and also repels ticks. | Hiking Fanny Pack: if you are just looking to do the shorter hikes around the Avenue of the Giants (which mostly take you through massive coast redwood groves) then you can get away with just a lightweight fanny pack. This durable and easy to carry one by Patagonia is 5L in size - which is definitely plenty of room for your phone, keys, Chapstick and maybe some bug spray. ➳ You can find even more awesome outdoor adventure gear at Backcountry.com. ROUTE GUIDE THROUGH THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS Most of the Avenue of the Giants drive will be along the stunning South Fork of the Eel River - which, along with other tributaries and the main Eel River, forms the third largest watershed in the entire state of California. Along the 32-mile drive, you will have plenty of opportunities to pull over and explore some of the most magical and magnificent redwood forests around; including, such notable stops as the Founder's Grove and the Rockefeller Grove. Likewise, you will also have the chance to swim in the Eel River, have a picnic in one of the many day use areas, and learn more about the area's history at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center. Below you will find our personal route guide through the Avenue of the Giants. We outline some of the best stops, as well as some interesting facts about the forests and the people that once lived there. ➳ You can find a more in-depth map of the Avenue of the Giants here, or just pull over at either entrance to the Avenue and pick up their handy driving map (there is also a good one at the visitor center). This route guide will start at the southern entrance to Avenue of the Giants and end at the northern entrance. The southern entrance is quite close to the town of Garberville and right off of Highway 101. Below is our in-depth route guide for driving (or biking) the entire Avenue of the Giants in Northern California. STOP 1 | PHILLIPSVILLE AND THE LIVING CHIMNEY TREE The first stop along the Avenue of the Giants is in the small town of Phillipsville (the most southern town on the Avenue of the Giants route). While this town is quite small - population: 140 - it does have a couple of points of interest. Including, the living Chimney Tree - which is a massive redwood tree that looks like a chimney. You can stop in and check out the tree (it's free to enter) and then grab a quick bite to eat at the nearby Chimney Tree Grill. Also in Phillipsville, you can check out the first major coastal redwood grove along the Avenue. The F.K Lane Grove is conveniently located right past the town and has a couple of nice little walks to allow you to get up close with the massive redwood trees. Distance from the southern entrance: 1 mile to the Living Chimney Tree and 3 miles to the F.K Lane Grove. STOP 2 | WILLIAM D. STEPHENS LOOP TRAIL This is a very short but scenic trail to head out on if you are looking to stretch your legs and get a more close-up view of some towering redwood trees. The loop, which is 0.7 miles total, is very flat and takes about 20 minutes to complete. The trailhead is right outside of the small town of Miranda, where you can find a cute market and a couple of locally-owned cafes. There is also the option to spend the night in Miranda at the Miranda Gardens Resort, which is mostly made up of small cozy cottages. Distance from the southern entrance: 7 miles 💬 INSIDER TIP: between stops 2 and 3 you also have the chance to hike along the Dry Creek Trail or stop off and swim at the Landsdale River Bar Access swimming hole. Both are located right off of the main road. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK STOP 3 | BOLLING GROVE Further down the road, you will come to the Bolling Grove, which was the first redwood grove to be purchased and protected by Save the Redwoods League in 1920. The name of the grove comes from Colonel Raynal Bolling, who was the first high-ranking officer killed in WWI. Distance from the southern entrance: 10.5 miles STOP 4 | HIDDEN SPRINGS CAMPGROUND AND MYERS FLAT After Bolling Grove, you will come to the first campground within the Avenue of the Giants. The Hidden Springs Campground has 137 sites available and is open from Memorial Day Weekend (end of May) to Labor Day Weekend (early September). Each campsite costs $35 per night and reservations are recommended (you can make your reservation here). From Hidden Springs Campground, it is approximately 1 mile to the town of Myers Flats, which is somewhat of a central hub in the Avenue of the Giants. The town of Myers Flats, though small (population: 146), has a lot of charm and character. Within the town you can find a couple of small locally owned stores, including a small general store, a few coffee shops, a saloon and a family-run winery (the Riverbend Cellars). There is also the Shrine Drive Thru Tree, which is one of only three trees you can actually drive a car through (the Shrine Drive Thru Tree is privately owned and operated and the owner does charge a minimal fee to drive through it. Besides the famous tree, you can also stop off at a gift shop). Finally, Myers Flat is located on one of the main intersections of the Avenue of the Giants and the much busier Highway 101. From the intersection you can jump back on the 101 and head either north or south. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: between Myers Flat and the next stop, the visitor center, you have the chance to explore the Williams Grove Day Use Area. Here you can find picnic tables, a swimming hole on the Eel River, bathrooms and a couple of group campsites. This is also the only area within the Humboldt Redwoods State Park that you have to pay to enter (it is $8 per vehicle). Distance from the southern entrance: 11.7 miles to the Hidden Springs Campground and 12.4 miles to Myers Flat. STOP 5 | HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER The fifth stop on this Avenue of the Giants route is the very interesting and informative visitor center. Located right along the main Avenue of the Giants Road, the visitor center and surrounding buildings (which includes the Eel River Sector Headquarters), offer travelers the chance to learn more about the landscape and the history of Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants. The visitor center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM between May and September and 10 AM to 4 PM between October and April (the off-season). During the busy summer season, you can expect various ranger-led nature walks, Junior Ranger programs and campfire programs. From the visitor center you have the opportunity to hike either the Gould Grove Nature Loop, which is 0.6 miles long and has easy Eel River access, or the Fleischmann Grove Trail, which is also 0.6 miles one-way. Other fun options include checking out the visitor center's exhibits on the three types of redwoods (the Giant Sequoia, the Coastal Redwood and the Dawn Redwood) and other life forms found in the state park, and/or talking to a ranger about the best hiking and biking trails in the area. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: right next door to the visitor center is the Burlington Campground, which is open year-round and has 57 sites available. The campground, like Hidden Springs, requires reservations (which can be made here) and costs $35 per night. Distance from the southern entrance: 16.7 miles STOP 6 | WEOTT AND FOUNDER'S GROVE The sixth stop on your Avenue of the Giants tour is the small town of Weott and its neighbor, the large Founders Grove. While there is not a lot to see in Weott, there is one cool point of interest: near the Highway 101 intersection in town you can see a marker atop a 35 foot (10.6 meter) pole. This was actually how high the water got during the devastating 1964 Eel River flood. The Founders Grove, which is located just down the road from Weott near the South Fork Eel River Bridge, is one of the largest redwood groves in the area. There is a very pleasant 0.6 mile loop hike that takes you to the Founder's Tree, which was named in honor of the founders of the Save the Redwoods League (the body behind the preservation of the coast redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park). You can also check out the Dyerville Giant, which at one point was considered the tallest tree in the world until it fell in 1991. Distance from the southern entrance: it is approximately 18.5 miles from the southern entrance to the town of Weott and 20.7 miles to the start of the Founder's Grove trail. 💬 INSIDER TIP: another interesting place to see is the Mahan Plaque, which honors Laura and James Mahan. The couple were both instrumental in preserving the stunning redwood forests. Laura did this by physically placing herself between trees and logging machinery, while James fought for the preservation of the trees in the courts. Luckily, logging was delayed long enough for the Save the Redwoods League to purchase and preserve the beautiful Founder's Grove. EXPLORE MORE | THE TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN THE SUMMER STOP 7 | DYERVILLE, THE ROCKEFELLER LOOP AND MATTOLE ROAD While today Dyerville isn't really anything at all - thanks to a historic flood that wiped it out in 1955 - at one point it was an important trading stop, for both shipping by water and as a stagecoach stop for overland travel. Even though the town of Dyerville might be gone, you can still check out the Dyerville Train Trestle, an abandoned railroad bridge that is made up of four different bridges: two old "camelback" style ones that are quite rusted, and slightly newer white ones. Right next door to Dyerville is the very much still standing Rockefeller Forest. This redwood grove got its name after the famous millionaire John D. Rockefeller Jr. decided to donate two million dollars after becoming so enchanted by the area's natural landscape. Thanks to his donations in 1927 and 1929, and the hard work of the Save the Redwood League, this stunning grove is today one of the finest redwood forests in the world. You can explore the Rockefeller Forest by turning left onto Lower Bull Creek Road (which turns into Mattole Road) at the intersection of the Avenue of the Giants and Highway 101. The grove is just over 1 mile from the intersection. The main trail within the forest is approximately 0.7 miles round-trip, though there is the option to head out on a longer hike along the Bull Creek Trail. Or if you are looking to head out on an even longer hike - or even a bike ride - then we definitely recommend exploring the beautiful Mattole Road. This narrow, two-lane paved road gives you access to such trailheads as Bull Creek and Bull Creek Flats, as well as easy access to the Big Trees Day Use area and Blue Slide Day Use area. Finally, about five miles down Mattole Road is Albee Creek Campground. This campground, the final one in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, is open from mid-May through mid-October. It offers 40 sites and costs $35 per night. Just like the other three campgrounds, reservations are required. You can make your reservations here. Distance from the southern entrance: it is roughly 22.5 miles to the Rockefeller Loop, which is located near the start of the stunningly scenic Mattole Road. STOP 8 | CHANDLER GROVE AND THE IMMORTAL TREE One of the final stops along the Avenue of the Giants route is this large redwood grove, which is one of the best examples of how the redwood trees support other life forms in the forest. In this case, the somewhat famous banana slug - which can often be seen on the various hiking trails in the forest (so always watch where you step!) and the rare sea bird, the Marbled Murrelet. The Marbled Murrelets like to build their nests and raise their young high up in the old growth forests. But unfortunately, these small sea birds have seen a sharp decline in their population in recent years, mostly due to logging and deforestation. Just a bit farther north along the road is the Immortal Tree, which, though it is not the oldest tree in the area, is still a crazy 1,000 years old. The tree actually got its name thanks to its overall hardiness. Not only has it survived a millennium, but it has also survived countless floods, logging attempts, and a lightning strike. In fact, while today the tree is only 250 feet (76 meters) tall, it once stood 45 feet (14 meters) taller. That was until the top half was blasted off by a rogue lightning strike. The Immortal Tree is easily found right off of the Avenue. Right next door you can find a small gift shop and RV Park. Distance from the southern entrance: 23.1 miles to Chandler Grove and an extra 3.4 miles (so around 26.5 miles) to the Immortal Tree. Along the way you will drive through the town of Redcrest, which has a small hotel and a few small shops. STOP 9 | THE DRURY-CHANEY GROVE The final stop on the drive through Avenue of the Giants is this beautiful grove and its 1.7-mile loop trail that circles through it. Often considered one of the prettiest hikes along the entire route, the loop trail gives visitors a great idea of what the forest looked like back before humans inhabited the area. Right after the Drury-Chaney Grove you will pass through the very small town of Pepperwood. There is not much here except a few residences and local business. Distance from the southern entrance: 29 miles to the Drury-Chaney Grove trailhead, which is located on the outskirts of the town of Pepperwood (the last town on the Avenue of the Giants route). STOP 10 | THE NORTH ENTRANCE OF THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS Congratulations, you have driven the entire Avenue of the Giants! From here you can stop off and check out the map of the route and nearby area, or just head right back onto Highway 101. The northern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants is approximately 7 miles from the nearest sizable town of Rio Dell - where you can find a couple of restaurants and coffee shops. Similarly, from the north entrance it is only 16.6 miles to Fortuna, 33 miles to Eureka and 117 miles to Crescent City (which is very close to Redwood National and State Parks). Distance from the southern entrance: 32 miles (the entire length of the Avenue of the Giants). EXPLORE MORE | THE 7 BEST APPS TO USE WHILE ROAD TRIPPING \\ Top Adventures in the Avenue of the Giants If you are hoping to explore the Avenue of the Giants and its massive redwoods on foot, then we suggest checking out one of these hikes. EASY HIKES | Founder's Grove Nature Loop Trail // 0.6 miles total - this short loop trail is located near Dyerville. The grove is home to the Founder's Tree, which was named in honor of the founders of the Save the Redwoods League. | Stephen's Grove Loop Trail // 0.7 miles total - this loop trail takes you through Stephen's Grove, one of the first redwood groves to be protected. While this area was once a campground, in 1955 and 1964 two terrible floods came through and buried it. Today, you can barely see traces of the old campground (mostly in the form of old roadways and picnic tables). MODERATE HIKES | Bull Creek Trail North // 3.7 miles each way - this beautiful trail is open year-round (some trails are not accessible due to high water levels) and offers hikers the chance to explore one of the largest old growth forests in the world. This trail can actually be started at either the Lower Bull Creek Flats area or the Big Trees area (both along Mattole Road). | Addie Johnson Trail // 2.2 miles total - though short in distance, this trail quickly takes hikers up a steep trail and out onto an open prairie known as Johnson Prairie. The Johnson family (which included Addie) was the family that homesteaded this area way back in the 1870s. From the prairie, you get some amazing views of the nearby mountains and forests. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO EXPLORING MOUNT GARFIELD IN COLORADO HARD HIKES | Johnson Camp Trail // 10.5 - 12.9 miles round-trip depending on where you start - this long out and back hike takes you from the dense redwood forests up 1,600 feet to an old "tie-hackers" camp (where loggers used to make railroad ties out of felled redwood trees). Today, you can still see a few falling apart buildings at the old camp. While this hike can be done in one day, there is also the option to camp at Johnson Trail Camp. The start of this long hiking trail can either be at Big Trees or the Grasshopper Multi-Use Trail/Road. Starting at Big Trees is shorter, but you will need to make sure the summer bridge has been installed. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you are thinking of backpacking in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, then you will need to register for the campsite you want at one of the established campgrounds (there are three). The backcountry sites are all first come, first served. It costs $5 per person, per night. You can learn more about backpacking in the Avenue of the Giants here. | Grasshopper Peak // 13.4 miles total - likely one of the hardest hikes in the area, this full-day adventure includes 1,300 feet of elevation gain. But the stunning views from the top of the peak - which can include over 100 miles of visibility - are likely worth it. The trail starts from the Grasshopper Multi-Use Trail/Road, which is located just over 5 miles from the Avenue of the Giants on Mattole Road. While hiking up to Grasshopper Peak is a great idea, because the trail is actually on a multi-use road, you also have the option to mountain bike or ride a horse on the trail as well. Other possible adventures along the Avenue of the Giants include mountain biking along one of the many dirt forest roads and multi-use trails (including the aforementioned Grasshopper Multi-Use Trail/Road) or road biking along Mattole Road. We personally decided to ride out on Mattole Road for a couple of miles and absolutely loved the scenery and the quiet. While we only road a couple of miles each way, if you are feeling tough, you do have the option to ride all the way to the historic town of Ferndale, which is only 66 miles away. 💬 INSIDER TIP: in fact, if you have ever wanted to check out the King Range or the Lost Coast area, then biking (or driving) down Mattole Road until you hit the coast might be a great option. From the beginning of Mattole Road (where it intersects Avenue of the Giants) it is approximately 42 miles to Mattole Beach, which is the start of the Lost Coast. \\ Other Top Adventures Near the Avenue of the Giants If you are hoping to combine your visit to the Avenue of the Giants with other beautiful outdoor adventures, then you are in luck, for there are a good number of amazing destinations within a short drive of the Avenue. Below are three great destinations. REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS One of the closest adventurous destinations to the Avenue of the Giants is Redwood National and State Parks, which is just under 1.5 hours away to the north. This stunning national park is actually made up of various redwood state parks (much like Humboldt Redwoods State Park). Within the park you can find numerous hiking trails, campgrounds and visitor centers. SHELTER COVE If you are looking for a bit of a change in scenery, then consider driving down to the remote town of Shelter Cove, which is located right on the Pacific Coast in the King Range National Conservation Area. From the town you have the option to explore the rugged coast (which includes black sand beaches) or head into the dense forest for some hiking and biking. The town of Shelter Cove is around 1 hour away to the southwest. CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK By far the farthest adventure from the Avenue of the Giants is this other beautiful national park. Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the USA as well as numerous hiking trails (including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail) and road biking routes. The national park is roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes northeast of the Avenue of the Giants. The Avenue of the Giants in Northern California is by far one of the coolest places to explore in the whole state. The drive, which can take anywhere from an hour to a full day, is absolutely stunning. Visiting this part of the country truly humbles you and makes you feel like you are definitely walking amongst giants. Hopefully, this in-depth Avenue of the Giants Travel Guide covered everything you needed to know about this beautiful drive. But if you have any questions please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS AVENUE OF THE GIANTS TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! 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35.2828° N, 120.6596° W EXPLORE OUR TRAVEL GUIDE ON THE BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA - HOME TO CAL POLY, HISTORIC SPANISH MISSIONS, AND LOTS OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Located in the heart of Central Coast California, the lively and scenic town of San Luis Obispo might just be the perfect place to head to for a fun weekend away or long-term adventure. Thanks to its central location within California (it's at almost the exact halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles), San Luis Obispo - or simply SLO - has over the years become one of the best places to base yourself for a wide range of activities. This includes such adventures as mountain biking, hiking, surfing, scuba diving, road biking and wine tasting. Plus, thanks to it being the home of Cal Poly University (where Luke actually graduated from way back in 2018), the town has a nice hip and exciting atmosphere. This can easily be felt in SLO's colorful downtown, its large array of tasty cafes and its focus on being outside having fun. Our San Luis Obispo Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about this exciting and beautiful city; including, how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and what hidden gems you need to uncover. So without further ado, here is the ultimate guide to the beautiful town of San Luis Obispo, California. HOW TO GET TO SAN LUIS OBISPO San Luis Obispo is located at almost the exact halfway point between the metropolises of San Francisco (in the north) and Los Angeles (in the south). The city is located right on Highway 101, which is one of the major highways that goes north and south across the entire state of California. Similarly, San Luis Obispo is also right at the intersection of Highway 101 and the famously scenic Highway 1. From SLO, it is roughly one hour to the start of the scenic drive along the Big Sur coastline. SAN LUIS OBISPO TO SAN FRANCISCO: 232 miles, 3.5 hours SAN LUIS OBISPO TO LOS ANGELES: 189 miles, 3 hours and 20 minutes While you can easily drive to San Luis Obispo, if planning to visit, you also have the option to fly into their small regional airport or take the Amtrak train up from Los Angeles or down from San Francisco. Both train routes are incredibly scenic and are definitely worth considering if you want to see the beautiful coastline that makes California such a popular travel destination. Find your train route to SLO here. 📣 PLANNING TO DRIVE FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO TO SAN FRANCISCO? If you are thinking of doing the absolutely beautiful drive from San Luis Obispo up north to San Francisco via the famous Highway 1, and want to learn more about the natural and human history of the area (including the history of such places as Hearst Castle, Carmel and Monterey) then consider downloading this audio tour from GetYourGuide. Download the in-depth audio guide here. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SAN LUIS OBISPO San Luis Obispo experiences a very mild Mediterranean-like climate - meaning that no matter the time of year, you can likely expect plenty of sun and warm temperatures. During the summer, when the town is quite busy, daily highs are usually in the mid-90s (though over 100° temperatures are not exactly rare). Similarly, between May and September, you are more likely to find mornings slightly foggy thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean. If you are looking to visit San Luis Obispo and are hoping to spend a good deal amount of time outside (like hiking, mountain biking or hanging at the beach), then we suggest visiting during the summer months, especially in May and June. Plus, during this time of year, you have a good chance of seeing some late spring wildflowers. EXPLORE MORE | 7 WAYS TO REALLY SEE BIG SUR IN CALIFORNIA WHERE TO STAY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO There are many options when it comes to where to stay in San Luis Obispo. From the high end hotels in downtown, to the iconic Madonna Inn, you can easily find a spot for your needs, style and budget. Below are some of the best hotels and Airbnbs in the town. We have also included a few tips for people looking to van life in the area. HOTELS San Luis Creek Lodge: this centrally located and modern lodge features free parking, bicycles to use and high speed internet. It is also pet friendly. | BOOK HERE Avenue Inn Downtown San Luis Obispo: this recently updated motel is just blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo. It also includes free breakfast and free parking. | BOOK HERE Madonna Inn: likely the most well-known and recognizable hotel in San Luis Obispo, the historic Madonna Inn on the edge of town is a great place to stay if you want the full, funky SLO experience. Within the hotel complex you will find a heated outdoor pool, a colorful bar and lounge, an upscale restaurant and even a horse paddock (where you can go on horseback rides). They also have a spa, fitness center and easy access to nearby trails. | BOOK HERE AIRBNB If you are looking for a bit more privacy or just some more room to spread out, then renting an Airbnb in San Luis Obispo might be the way to go. For the most part, you can choose from a whole slew of places, including smaller apartments in downtown SLO, an entire historic cottage, or even a condo with ocean views out in nearby Morro Bay. Simple Studio in Downtown SLO: this space is perfect for a couple looking to get away for the weekend and who wants to be in the middle of the action of downtown San Luis Obispo. The studio includes a fully stocked kitchen, free parking on the premises, and quick access to nearby hiking and biking trails. | BOOK HERE Private Tropical Cottage in SLO: this cute and colorful historic home is located in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown San Luis Obispo. The house is perfect for entertaining and comes with two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, a large deck and a bar area. | BOOK HERE Spacious Condo Right on the Water in Morro Bay: this sizable condo is literally steps from Morro Bay and the iconic Morro Rock. Within a short walk you can reach a good number of restaurants and cafes within the cute seaside town. This is a great option if you want to be a short drive from SLO (around 20 minutes) but want super easy access to the nearby beaches. | BOOK HERE VAN LIFING There are a number of great free camping options near San Luis Obispo if you are looking to van life and explore the area. One of our personal favorite van lifing camping spots was up on Cuesta Ridge, which is located about 6.5 miles from downtown SLO on TV Tower Road - a mostly dirt road that climbs up from Highway 101 to the top of a wide ridge that rewards you with stunning views of SLO and a few of the 9 Sisters - including, if you are lucky, Morro Rock. 💬 INSIDER TIP: this area is a pretty well-known van life and car camping area, so if you are looking to stay there on a weekend we suggest trying to arrive early in the day to snag one of the better spots. WHERE TO EAT IN SAN LUIS OBISPO There is a surprisingly large array of restaurants in San Luis Obispo. From the more upscale restaurants in downtown to the more college-focused (but no less delicious) joints closer to the Cal Poly campus, you can very likely find a spot that will pique your fancy. Below are a few of the best restaurants to check out during your visit to San Luis Obispo. Taqueria Santa Cruz | $ / Mexican This no-frills taco shop has been proudly serving the San Luis Obispo area for many years. Today, they have two locations within SLO: one near downtown and one closer to the campus on Foothill Avenue. Taqueria Santa Cruz is a great spot to stop in at if you want traditional Mexican tacos at a very reasonable price. | EXACT LOCATION Firestone Grille | $$ / American, Barbecue Another SLO mainstay is this always busy BBQ joint in downtown. Firestone Grille, while famous for their tri-tip sandwich, also serves up tasty fries, chicken sandwiches and large salads. | EXACT LOCATION Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill | $$ / Mediterranean Another great restaurant option in San Luis Obispo is this popular Mediterranean grill that focuses on pizza and pita sandwiches. The service is fast, the location downtown is super central, and the outdoor seating is very fun. Plus, the food is delicious. | EXACT LOCATION SloDoCo | $ / Donuts A somewhat recent SLO mainstay, SloDoCo has quickly become one of the go-to spots for Cal Poly students and visitors alike. While they are known for their colorful and wacky donuts, they also serve delicious coffee. Plus, they are open 24 hours so you can always get your sweet fix. | EXACT LOCATION Del Monte Café | $$ / Breakfast Del Monte Café, in our opinion, is one of the best places to head to for a nice relaxing weekend breakfast or brunch. The American-style joint is located close to the SLO Amtrak station in an old house with a large patio. We suggest ordering the French Toast or the Sweet Potato Pork Hash. | EXACT LOCATION WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO SAN LUIS OBISPO Long-sleeved hiking shirt The sun can get pretty intense during San Luis Obispo summers, therefore it would be wise to bring at least one flattering sun shirt along on your trip. This one from Backcountry is stretchy, lightweight and quick-drying. It also comes with a handy little side pocket that can easily hold your keys and wallet. | OUR RECOMMENDED WOMEN'S SUN SHIRT Mountain bike shorts These comfortable shorts can quickly transition from the SLO dirt singletrack trails to walking around downtown with a cup of coffee in hand. | OUR RECOMMENDED MEN'S BIKE SHORTS Surfing swimsuit Hit the waves in Morro Bay in this colorful and flattering long-sleeved surf swimsuit. The suit is made out of a nice stretchy nylon fabric and includes a long zipper pull to make getting the suit on and off a breeze. | OUR RECOMMENDED WOMEN'S SURFING SWIMSUIT Sun hat Don't get caught at the beach or walking around downtown SLO without a fun and fashionable sun hat. In this case, we present the Patagonia Wavefarer bucket hat, which luckily comes in a number of funky patterns (including our personal favorite, Ojai Pixie). | OUR RECOMMENDED SUN HAT ➳ You can find even more awesome outdoor gear at Backcountry.com. TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN SAN LUIS OBISPO 1 | Walk Around Downtown San Luis Obispo One of the easiest ways to get in tune with San Luis Obispo is to spend a couple of hours wandering around their cute and colorful downtown. Some of the town's can't-miss spots are the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was built in 1772 and today houses a beautiful Spanish-style mission, a large garden and a small museum; Bubblegum Alley, which is a 70-foot long alley covered in colorful (chewed) bubblegum that was started way back in the 1970s; and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, which is a cozy little spot featuring works from local artists. All three of these spots are within a short walk of each other and could easily be seen within a couple of hours. But, if you have more time to kill, then we suggest checking out a couple of the town's cute cafes as well. A few of our favorite coffee shops in San Luis Obispo are Scout Coffee (they have multiple locations, including a nice airy one off of Garden Street), Kreuzberg California, which has a delicious chai and a fun eclectic atmosphere, and Linnaea's Café, which serves up not only delicious coffee but also tasty breakfast food. Plus, they usually have live music a couple of nights a week. 💬 INSIDER TIP: the town of San Luis Obispo is pretty walkable, so even if you are staying closer to Cal Poly's campus or a bit farther outside of town, you can probably very easily walk to the downtown area. From the campus, it is roughly 1.5 miles to the heart of downtown. EXPLORE MORE | 25 WAYS TO BE A MORE SUSTAINABLE VAN LIFER 2 | Head to the Beach While San Luis Obispo is a very cute town, what makes it extra special is its easy access to many other amazing destinations - including wide sandy beaches, state parks, Eucalyptus forests and popular surfing spots. And in our opinion, some of the best places to explore near SLO are Morro Bay and the town of Los Osos and its neighbor Montaña de Oro State Park. MORRO BAY This cute seaside town is perfect if you are looking to while away a sunny day on the beach. Luckily, Morro Bay has two beaches that are perfect for relaxing on, heading out for a quick swim in the ocean or if you are feeling extra adventurous, for a nice refreshing surf. The two main beaches are Morro Rock Beach and Morro Strand Beach State Park. To reach both (they are right next to each other), head out of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1 until you get to exit 279A (Main Street) in Morro Bay. Get off there and then drive on Main Street towards Beach Street. Turn on Beach Street and then turn again onto Embarcadero. Once on Embarcadero, drive towards the massive Morro Rock until you see a large parking lot on the right. Park there and walk out onto the beautiful Morro Rock Beach. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: we suggest parking in this large lot and then walking around the beaches and/or up to the nearby restaurants on Embarcadero Street. Similarly, this are is a very common spot to see seals and sea otters. Distance from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay: ~14 miles, 20 minutes LOS OSOS AND MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK Another small coastal town worth exploring while visiting San Luis Obispo is Los Osos and its nearby neighbor Montaña de Oro State Park. In fact, if you are looking to get out in nature and do a bit of coastal hiking, then this is the place to head to. Besides Montaña de Oro State Park - which is massive and full of hiking trails, including some through stunning eucalyptus trees, you can also explore the Coastal Access Monarch Butterfly Preserve, Morro Bay State Park, and the Elfin Forest. Besides hiking and mountain biking trails, this area also offers camping (mostly in one of the state parks), some cute coffee shops and restaurants, and just some stunning California coastal scenery. Distance from San Luis Obispo to Los Osos and Montaña de Oro: ~12 miles, 20 minutes ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: it costs $25 to camp in Montaña de Oro State Park. You can camp at one of the Environmental Campsites (which are more backcountry-esque) or at the Islay Creek Campground. You do need to reserve your spot ahead of time. You can make your reservations here. 3 | Go Mountain Biking While they might not seem like much to the naked eye, the hills around San Luis Obispo are full of exciting outdoor adventures. And by far one of the best ways to explore those golden hills is via mountain bike. Below are some of the best mountain bike trails in and around San Luis Obispo: Poly Canyon Road | Blue / 3.7 miles This relatively easy dirt road gets you back into the heart of beautiful Poly Canyon. The ride can easily be picked up on the edge of Cal Poly's campus (here), and then ridden up into the hills. And from there, you can link up with various singletrack trails. The main Poly Canyon Road is an entirely dirt doubletrack - though it does have a couple of big hills you need to be ready for as well as a few loose rocky sections. ➳ Find the full mountain bike ride beta here. Shooters | Blue-Black / 1.2 miles This is one of the few fun descents back down from the TV Tower Road/ridge area (a 2.8 mile long green route). The Shooters Trail, though short, is a fun, quick descent back down to the Stenner Creek Road trails. This fast ride is a great addition to a longer loop that can begin in San Luis Obispo before heading up to the TV Tower Road (via Old Stage Coach Road). ➳ Find the full mountain bike ride beta here. East Boundary - Hazard Peak - Manzanita Trail | Blue-Black / 12.5 miles This full adventurous ride in Montaña de Oro State Park has a good mix of gradual climbs, flowy downhills and beautiful ocean views. This ride - though pretty long - is great for all skill levels and can easily be added to a full day of exploring the large state park. ➳ Find the full mountain bike ride beta here. Oats Peak Trail | Blue / 11.3 miles Another fun mountain bike option in the Montaña de Oro State Park area is this slightly shorter ride that takes you up to the top of the highest peaks in the whole state park. One of the main differences between this ride and the one above is that it is mostly an out-and-back trail, meaning you will climb up the same amount of elevation you will eventually get to ride back down (in this case, just over 1,400 feet). At the top of the climb you will be rewarded with stunning views of the golden coastal hills, the Pacific Ocean and nearby Morro Bay. ➳ Find the full mountain bike ride beta here. For even more mountain biking routes and beta, including more singletrack and doubletrack rides in the San Luis Obispo area, consider checking out the Central Coast page on Mountain Bike Project. Also, if you are planning to visit San Luis Obispo and don't have your own mountain bike, or if you just don't want to bring yours with you to SLO, then you do have the option to rent a mountain bike at Foothills Cyclery. This fun bike shop is located very close to the Cal Poly campus. Find the exact location here. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: because San Luis Obispo has a very mild climate, you can pretty much head out on a mountain bike ride year-round. Just know that during the summer (June-August) the middle of the day can get very hot and because the trail rides are usually pretty open, don't expect much shade. EXPLORE MORE | MOUNTAIN BIKING IN WESTERN COLORADO: THE TOP 17 TRAILS 4 | Hike Up One of the 9 Sisters If mountain biking isn't your thing, but you still want to get out and explore the beautiful landscape around SLO, then you also have the option to hike up one of the 9 Sisters or Morros (which are hills in Spanish). The Sisters are actually part of a larger chain of volcanic mountains or plugs and include such iconic SLO peaks and features as Morro Rock (which stands at 576 feet tall), Cerro San Luis Obispo (which stands at 1,292 feet tall) and Bishop's Peak, which is actually the tallest of the 9 Sisters at 1,559 feet. While there are 9 Morros in total, only six of them are open to the public for recreation. The most popular ones to hike and climb up are Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak. Morro Rock, though definitely iconic, is actually closed for recreation due to it being a nature reserve. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE 5 | Visit Cal Poly's Campus While visiting a college campus might not usually be at the top of a traveler's list of the top things to do, in the case of Cal Poly, we suggest you make an exception. The campus, which is located on the edge of town near the hills, is a fun and energetic area with cool buildings, interesting art and easy access to beautiful trails. We suggest spending an hour or so walking around the main campus area, including making stops at the large campus library (Robert E. Kennedy Library), the University Art Gallery and the Leaning Pine Arboretum. A bit farther outside the main campus area is the equally cool Architectural Graveyard, where you can find all manner of human-made structures and the Serenity Swing, a very scenic spot that requires a short hike up into the hills. Other Adventures Near San Luis Obispo As mentioned before, what really makes San Luis Obispo such a fun and exciting spot is its central access to so many amazing places. Besides the five destinations and adventures above, some other great things to check out in the SLO area are the nearby wine trails, including the ones in the towns of Paso Robles, San Miguel and Arroyo Grande, Big Sur, and the famous Hearst Castle. San Luis Obispo is one of the most charming and adventurous towns on the entire Central California Coast. With its almost 365 days of sun, mild climate and easy access to a number of outdoor sports, this lively town is sure to have everything you need for a fun weekend away. Hopefully, this San Luis Obispo Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about visiting SLO, but if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS SAN LUIS OBISPO TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! 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