USA Guide
California
Redwood National Park
The small town of Orick marks the southern limit, and busiest section, of the Redwood National Park. Tall Trees Grove here is home to one of the world's tallest trees – a mighty 367-footer. Many visitors hike to it on the 8.5-mile trail from Bald Hill Road near Orick, but make sure to visit the Kuchel information center (daily 9am–5pm; 
707/464-6101), from which you can obtain the needed free permit to drive along the access road to the trailhead.
Of the three state parks within the Redwood National Park area, Prairie Creek is the most varied and popular, and while bear and elk roam in plain sight, rangers lead tours through the wild and damp profusion. Highlights include the meadows of Elk Prairie in front of the ranger station (daily: summer 9am–6pm; rest of year 9am–5pm; 707/464-6101), where herds of Roosevelt Elk – massive beasts weighing up to twelve hundred pounds – wander freely.
Spectacular coastal views can be had from trails in the Klamath area, especially the Klamath Overlook, two miles up Requa Road and about three-quarters of a mile above the sea. You can jump over, lumber under, or glide through all the naturally contorted and sculpted Trees of Mystery (daily: summer 8am–7pm; winter 9am–5pm; $13.50; 1-800/638-3389, 
www.treesofmystery.net ), except the impressive Cathedral Tree, where nine trees have grown from one root structure to form a spooky circle. Further north in a stupendous coastal setting just off US-101, the 
HI-Redwood National Park hostel ( 707/482-8265, www.norcalhostels.org ; Price: $51-75) has dorm beds from $21 and two private rooms.
The park headquarters are in otherwise missable Crescent City at 1111 Second St (summer daily 9am–5pm, winter Mon– Sat 9am–5pm; 707/464-6101, www.nps.gov/redw ), but you can pick up information all over the park. There are campgrounds everywhere; three that have showers and water are Prairie Creek on US-101, Mill Creek, five miles south of Crescent City, and Jedediah Smith, eight miles north of Crescent City on the Smith River. If you do come in summer, make reservations through ReserveAmerica ( 1-800/444-7275, www.reserveamerica.com ), and if things get really desperate, head up US-101 to the numerous motels around Crescent City.