California
Hiking the Redwoods in Northern California
Program No. 21404RJ
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Northern California as you hike beneath redwoods with local naturalists, learning about these centuries-old trees and their coastal ecosystems.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
1,999Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
2,199Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
2,199Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024
Starting at
2,359Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024
Starting at
2,759Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
Starting at
2,759Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,7596 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
4
Sue-Meg State Park, Trinidad
Eureka, CA
6
Program Concludes
Eureka, CA
At a Glance
Explore the spectacular Redwood Coast of Northern California on hikes with naturalists and other experts along beautiful trails amid diverse environments all while learning about the natural and human history of this breathtaking region. Gaze up at giant cathedral trees, hear tales of timbering and marvel at the science behind the beauty of the Coastal Redwoods — the tallest trees in the world — and their limited range along the Northern California coast.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hike 3-5 miles a day on uneven terrain, maintained trails. Elevation gains of 300-440 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Hike the Avenue of the Giants to see much of the remaining ancient redwood forests.
- Explore Old Town Eureka and see its murals.
- Learn from a naturalist about the history of the Redwood National and State Park system, protecting half of all remaining old-growth coastal Redwood forest.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
John Ford
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
John Ford
View biography
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.
Suggested Reading List
(4 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Hiking the Redwoods in Northern California
Program Number: 21404
Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
A comprehensive, user-friendly and informative field guide that delves into the amazingly diverse wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest.
- Covers Oregon, Washington, northern California, and British Columbia
Describes and illustrates 1220 commonly encountered species.
-Includes perennials, annuals, and shrubs, both native and nonnative.
- 1,248 superb color photographs and 1,220 range maps.
- User-friendly organization by flower color and shape.
Coast Redwood: A Natural and Cultural History
Coast Redwood is the first contemporary illustrated book to focus exclusively on the natural and cultural history of the world's tallest tree.
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion & Daring
Hidden away in foggy, uncharted rain forest valleys in Northern California are the largest and tallest organisms the world has ever sustained–the coast redwood trees, Sequoia sempervirens. Ninety-six percent of the ancient redwood forests have been destroyed by logging, but the untouched fragments that remain are among the great wonders of nature. The biggest redwoods have trunks up to thirty feet wide and can rise more than thirty-five stories above the ground, forming cathedral-like structures in the air. Until recently, redwoods were thought to be virtually impossible to ascend, and the canopy at the tops of these majestic trees was undiscovered. In The Wild Trees, Richard Preston unfolds the spellbinding story of Steve Sillett, Marie Antoine, and the tiny group of daring botanists and amateur naturalists that found a lost world above California, a world that is dangerous, hauntingly beautiful, and unexplored.
Best Short Hikes in Redwood National and State Parks
A guide to short hikes and the history of the area. Longer hikes are described as possible add-ons.