The northernmost of the great redwood groves, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park covers nearly 10,000 acres of virgin forest along the banks of the Smith River. Stretching east of US-101, and most easily accessible from US-199, the park offers over 20 miles of usually uncrowded hiking trails through the pristine wilderness, and is considered by many to be the most perfect of all the redwood forests. One of the most enjoyable trails leads through Stout Grove, past the park’s tallest tree and a number of summertime swimming holes along the Smith River.
The park is jointly managed by the state and federal governments, and you can get full hiking and camping information from the ranger station (707/464-6101) along US-199 at the main entrance to the park, four miles east of US-101. There’s also a good campground (800/444-7275) with hot showers.
