Henry Cowell Redwoods

Kim Allen

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a gem! We had made reservations to visit Muir Woods; however a tree fell and they closed the park for a few days. We really wanted to see redwoods and found this amazing state park that I would say is even better than Muir Woods. It was about a 2 hour drive (with traffic) from downtown San Fran. Once we arrived, we went to the visitor center where we picked up a written trail guide that details a 0.8 mile trail with 16? different stops labeled by wooden signs. At each stop, there's about a paragraph to describe what you are looking at and give the history of the redwoods. The trail was flat and easy for me and my family to walk. It is colder and muddy so bring a jacket and some boots or shoes that can get dirty. It was the perfect way to explore and learn about the redwoods. Afterwards, we went to the gift shop where they have lots of neat items, including buying your own small redwood to plant.

Mike Fowler

We originally wanted to go to Big Basin, but it had a fire earlier that year so we thought we’d check this place out. We weren’t disappointed. These redwoods were fun to explore in and it wasn’t very crowded. After setting up camp we went into redwoods and hiked around. We kept hearing this train whistle and wanted to see this old train so we kept going until we found it. It’s a smaller train that originally was used for hauling cut trees out before they stopped cutting down the giants. We also found this tree that we were able to go inside of and stand up (see pics). If you want to ride the train you need to purchase tickets in advance.

renaygarseeya

On the weekends, there might be a might be a 10-15 minute wait at the entrance to pay for parking. We took our time and spent about an hour enjoying the enormous trees and taking pictures. I saw someone using a walker, so the pathway is easy to manage. There are plenty of clean bathrooms, a souvenir store, and a visitors center for extra information. There are volunteer docents available for guided tours. Pack a lunch for afterward because there are plenty of picnic tables available. The Roaring Camp Railroad is located nearby, about a 3 minute walk from the parking lot.

Jonathan Phan

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a serene escape into nature, featuring majestic redwoods and a variety of trails for all skill levels. My family and I loved walking among the towering trees, marveling at their size and the peaceful atmosphere they create. The park is well-maintained, with clear signage and accessible paths, making it easy to navigate. The visitor center provides helpful information about the park's history and ecology, adding depth to the experience. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the redwoods, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a rejuvenating retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Paul L

Incredible park, so clean and green. Every time I come here it’s an absolutely amazing hike. Kids usually enjoy it a lot, and there are tons of places for picnics (please pick up your trash). The train passing through is also a great experience. The restrooms here are really clean too!