Did you know that California has the most state parks out of any other state in the country? We’ve got 270 amazing state parks that offer endless opportunities for adventure. And don’t get us started on national parks! Located in Orick is one park (well, four parks, actually) that completely embodies Northern California’s rich and wonderful beauty. We’d go as far as to say that Redwood National and State Parks is one of the best parks in the country and everybody should experience its magic at least once!
There's no denying it - Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is an epic destination. Travel + Leisure thought so, as they named it California's best state park, so let's talk about why it's so amazing!
First of all, it's really not just one park. It's four. In 1994, the California Department of Parks and Recreation teamed up with the National Park Service to jointly manage Redwood National Park and three California state parks as one.
The three state parks that it consists of are Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. All of RNSP contains 139,000 acres of not just old-growth redwoods but open prairies, two major rivers, and 37 miles of Northern California coastline.
The reason each of these parks was created was to preserve and protect old-growth coast redwoods. Massive and majestic, the four parks together protect around 45% of all remaining coast redwood.
Exploring a place as beautiful and expansive as RNSP may feel intimidating, but you'll find there's a variety of ways to explore this majestic landscape. Go for a drive along one of the park's scenic roads, camp overnight in one of four developed campgrounds, or grab a bicycle and hit the road!
Of course, nothing beats a simple walk in the woods. The parks are loaded with walking and hiking trails - some short and some long - so you can go for the trail that suits your schedule.
If you have yet to visit Redwood National and State Parks, consider this your sign. It's most definitely one of the most fantastic places in California - maybe even the entire planet. Plan your visit at the National Park Service website!
Have you been to this incredible park in Northern California? The beauty of the redwood forest is unbelievable. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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