4 Best Gateway Towns To Redwood National Park

Along the northern coast of California lies a large protected landscape known for some of the tallest tree species on Earth. These old-growth coastal redwoods can live for roughly 2,000 years and grow well over 300 feet tall. In 1968, after decades of efforts to protect the forests from intensive logging, Redwood National Park was established. Today, it is managed jointly with three California state parks, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods, forming a single park system covering about 139,000 acres and 37 miles of Pacific coastline. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, the area preserves nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth coast redwood forests.

Such an incredible attraction is worth visiting, as it is a chance to witness some of nature’s wonders up close while enjoying a myriad of adventures, including scenic drives, biking, hiking, beach exploration, wildlife viewing, and camping. Fortunately, several towns are within a 45-minute drive or less from the park, serving as gateways with plenty of amenities, including outfitters, top-notch restaurants and hotels, and even more outdoor attractions. From a town with the only major airport in the region to one lined with the most sought-after outfitters in the area, here are the best gateway towns where you’ll be best suited to explore all that the redwoods park system has to offer.

McKinleyville

McKinleyville is one of the most convenient towns for accessing Redwood National and State Parks. Located along U.S. Highway 101 in Humboldt County, this community of just over 16,000 residents sits about 30 minutes south of the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick, placing southern redwood groves and coastal trails within easy reach. McKinleyville is home to the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, the region’s main commercial airport, with flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver, along with on-site rental cars for direct travel to the parks. Visitors can rent bikes and outdoor gear locally for routes such as the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, where mature trees rise close to the roadway. Lodging options include chain hotels near the airport with amenities like hot breakfasts and indoor pools. Local restaurants, including LoCo Fish Co., provide seafood and casual meals that suit travelers preparing for long days outdoors.

Trinidad

Trinidad is the closest incorporated town to the southern reaches of Redwood National and State Parks. This small coastal community, with just over 300 residents, provides ample lodging, restaurants, fuel, and groceries for park visitors. Drivers can follow U.S. Highway 101 north for roughly 20 to 25 minutes to reach the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center and nearby beach access points. The California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport near McKinleyville is about 10 miles south, making air travel relatively convenient.

Travelers often stay at small inns and bed-and-breakfasts near Trinidad Bay, many of which overlook rocky coves and offshore sea stacks. Local dining options such as Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery offer seafood and casual fare within walking distance of town lodging. A Chevron station with an attached convenience store supplies fuel and basic necessities, while nearby Trinidad State Beach and other sections of the Humboldt County coastline provide opportunities for tide-pooling and kayaking between park visits.

Crescent City

Crescent City serves as a strong gateway to the northern portion of the park system and to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in particular. The city has a population of about 6,800 residents and sits along the Pacific coast in Del Norte County. Jedediah Smith’s redwood groves lie roughly 7 to 9 miles inland along Highway 199, placing the visitor center and trailheads within a 15 to 20-minute drive. The Crescent City Information Center on Second Street and nearby park facilities offer maps, planning assistance, and recommendations for routes such as Howland Hill Road, a narrow drive that passes directly through old-growth forest. Del Norte County Regional Airport, located a few miles northwest of downtown, provides daily flights to hubs including Oakland and Los Angeles, along with rental cars for ground transportation. Lodging choices include hotels and motels with free parking and breakfast, while harborside restaurants such as the Chart Room focus on local seafood after days spent hiking or exploring the coast.

Eureka

Eureka is the largest nearby community serving Redwood National and State Parks, with a population of about 26,000 residents. Located on Humboldt Bay, the city offers a wide range of services while remaining within driving distance of redwood trail systems. Travelers reach the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center by following U.S. Route 101 north for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Eureka has a strong selection of outdoor gear retailers that stock clothing, footwear, camping equipment, and bicycles suited for forest and coastal travel. Lodging options include national-brand hotels with amenities such as fitness centers and heated pools, as well as smaller inns located near the historic district. Many properties sit close to Highway 101, allowing for efficient morning departures toward the parks. Between excursions, visitors can walk through Old Town Eureka, where restored Victorian-era buildings and Queen Anne-style homes reflect the city’s history as a 19th-century lumber port.

Close To The Redwoods

Redwood National and State Parks combine extensive forests with rugged coastline and diverse wildlife habitats. With more than 200 miles of trails, long drives, campgrounds, and beach access points, the park system easily supports several days of exploration. Towns such as McKinleyville, Trinidad, Crescent City, and Eureka provide access to visitor centers, trailheads, lodging, and transportation without long commutes. Using these communities as home bases allows travelers to focus on time outdoors while keeping services and supplies close at hand throughout a memory-making visit to the redwood region.