Seven miles south of Crescent City, Del Norte Coast Redwoods protects 6,400 acres of coast — half of it old-growth redwood — where the trees grow so densely and tall that daylight struggles to reach the forest floor. Eight miles of wild Pacific coastline back the park, and the Damnation Creek Trail drops 1,100 feet through old-growth groves to a rocky beach that most coastal visitors never reach. This is part of a four-park complex that collectively protects 45 percent of California's remaining old-growth redwoods.
Details
- 🏞️Type
- State Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- California State Parks
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- Lahonda, CA, 94020-9717
- 📞Phone
- (707) 464-6101
- 🕐Hours
- Please call park.
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📡GPS
- 41.67687, -124.06086
The Place
Del Norte Coast Redwoods sits in the far northwestern corner of California, 7 miles south of Crescent City on Highway 101, and it is genuinely remote. The park covers 6,400 acres, roughly half of it old-growth coast redwood. Eight miles of largely inaccessible Pacific coastline back the park's western edge. This is part of a cooperative management area with Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods. Together, the four units protect 45 percent of California's remaining old-growth redwoods.
When to Go
Summer (July–September) is the only practical camping season, and even then, the far north coast runs cool and foggy. Pack layers regardless of the forecast. Spring and fall are excellent for day hiking but campground facilities are limited outside the summer season. The park sees far fewer visitors than Southern California parks, but summer weekends at Mill Creek Campground fill up.
Getting There
From Highway 101, turn east at the Mill Creek Campground road (7 miles south of Crescent City) and continue 2 miles to the campground. The Damnation Creek and False Klamath Cove trailheads are accessible directly from Highway 101. Nearest services: Crescent City. From the Bay Area, plan on 6 or more hours of driving.
What to Do
The Damnation Creek Trail (approximately 4 miles round trip) is the best hike in the park and among the best redwood hikes anywhere. It descends 1,100 feet through old-growth forest to a small, rocky beach — the return climb is the part people underestimate. Allow at least 3 hours.
False Klamath Cove (Wilson Beach) offers 0.5 miles of sandy beach for walking and tide pool exploration. Swimming is not safe here due to steep beach drop, rocks, rough seas, and cold water.
Mill Creek Campground has 145 sites open approximately May 1 through September 30, with restrooms, showers, dump station, and fire pits. No hookups. Max trailer length 27 feet.
Reservations & Fees
Day use is $8 per vehicle. Camping runs at standard California state park rates (roughly $35/night); book through ReserveCalifornia. Dogs are not allowed on trails; service animals are permitted.