The best walks and hikes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park
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Hikes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park follow the Navarro River as it flows through a corridor of second-growth redwood forest. The park is characterized by its long, narrow layout along Highway 128, with informal paths leading from pullouts into the redwood groves. The landscape transitions from dense, shaded forest to the open coastal environment at Navarro Beach, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean.
Best hiking trails in Navarro River Redwoods State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Fern Canyon loop via Old Logging Road Trail — Van Damme State Park, a 3.7 mile (6.0 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This route follows a former logging road through a canyon environment.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Greenwood State Beach loop — Elk, an easy 1.2 mile (1.9 km) path. The trail offers views along the coast and takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail — Van Damme State Park, a 0.3 mile (0.4 km) trail leading through a unique forest of stunted trees, often completed in about 6 minutes.
- Hiking in Navarro River Redwoods State Park is defined by second-growth redwood groves, riverside paths, and coastal bluffs. The network of trails in and around the park provides options suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. More than 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Navarro River Redwoods State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
1.68km
00:29
40m
40m
Begin your easy hike at Greenwood State Beach, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way down to the shore. This route covers 1.0 miles (1.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 124 feet (38 metres), taking about 28 minutes to complete. The path leads you to a wide beach scattered with unique driftwood formations. You'll encounter dramatic sea caves, sea arches, and impressive sea stacks, including the notable Gunderson Rock, rising from the surf. While the main trail is easy, be aware that the beach itself has rocky terrain.
Accessing the trailhead for this hike is straightforward; you'll find a parking area conveniently located directly west of Highway One. This spot serves as both the parking and the starting point for your adventure. The main path leading down to the beach is wide and well-maintained, making for an easy descent. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the beach itself features rocky terrain and abundant driftwood, which can be uneven underfoot.
Greenwood State Beach is particularly known for its striking geological features, including the sea caves and arches carved by the ocean over time. The presence of iconic sea stacks like Gunderson Rock adds to the dramatic coastal scenery, making it a memorable spot for photography and exploration. This trail offers a quick yet immersive experience of California's rugged coastline, perfect for a short outing.
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1.86km
00:31
30m
40m
Easy 1.2-mile hike at Greenwood State Beach, offering dramatic coastal views, sea stacks, and a peaceful experience.
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5.0
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27
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6.01km
01:41
120m
120m
Embark on an easy hiking adventure through two contrasting ecosystems on the Pygmy Forest and Fern Canyon Loop. This 3.7-mile (6.0 km) route, with a gentle 388 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete. You will first explore the unique Pygmy Forest, where mature cypress and pine trees appear miniature due to nutrient-poor soil, creating an otherworldly "toy forest" landscape. Then, the trail transitions into the vibrant Fern Canyon, where you follow the Little River through a deeply vegetated gorge, crossing charming wooden bridges amidst a rich variety of ferns. This journey offers a visually engaging experience, showcasing nature's adaptability and beauty.
To plan your visit, the trail is generally accessible and parking is conveniently available at Van Damme State Park. Be aware that certain sections within Fern Canyon can become quite wet, particularly during the winter months. If you plan to explore closer to the creek bed for a more immersive experience, waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially after heavy rains, to ensure the best experience.
This trail stands out for its dramatic ecological contrast, allowing you to witness two distinct natural worlds in one short hike. The Pygmy Forest is a rare geological phenomenon, where ancient trees remain stunted due to a unique soil profile, creating a fascinating miniature landscape. Following this, the lush Fern Canyon offers a cool, shaded retreat, teeming with diverse fern species that thrive in the moist environment. It is a perfect example of how varied and surprising nature can be within a relatively small area.
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421m
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Embark on an easy hike along the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail, a unique 0.3-mile (0.4 km) loop that takes just 6 minutes to complete. You will experience a minimal elevation gain of only 1 foot (0 metres) on this accessible route. The trail features a wooden boardwalk, allowing you to comfortably explore a forest where mature trees like bishop pine and Mendocino cypresses grow only a few feet tall. This creates a striking natural bonsai effect, offering a fascinating contrast to the region's towering redwoods. Interpretive signs along the way help you understand this unusual ecosystem.
The Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail is conveniently located within Van Damme State Park. You will generally find ample parking available at the trailhead, making access straightforward. This route is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wooden boardwalk that accommodates all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. While there are no specific permits or fees required for the trail itself, be aware that standard state park entrance fees may apply when you visit.
This trail offers a rare glimpse into a truly unique ecosystem, where extreme soil conditions have stunted the growth of ancient trees. It is a prime example of how environmental factors can dramatically shape flora, creating a natural phenomenon often referred to as a 'pygmy forest'. You will see species such as bishop pine, Bolander pine, and Mendocino cypresses, all growing to an unusually small stature. This distinctive environment makes the trail a notable ecological highlight within California's diverse landscapes.
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12.4km
03:22
170m
170m
Hike the 7.7-mile Fern Canyon and Old Logging Road Loop in Van Damme State Park, a moderate route through lush forests.
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Just past the Van Damme State Park campsites and a little less than a mile east of the Van Damme State Park Visitor Center and beach is the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail Trailhead. There is a parking area and two pit toilets, with additional restrooms in the nearby campsites. If the parking lot is full, you can park back at the beach and walk about a mile along the road. For this Fern Canyon Trail, you do not need a permit or to make a reservation (there is another one in a different part of northern California that shares the same name where you do need both of those things). From the trailhead you hike gradually uphill along an easy trail and over bridges, through a redwood forest, along Little River until you reach the pygmy forest. Fern Canyon can be quite wet, so shoes that you don't mind getting wet are a must!
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Greenwood State Beach is a truly stunning beach, characterized by rugged cliffs, vast ocean views, and sandy shores. There is also a small visitor center housed in the former historic school house you can visit to learn about the history of the area. You can explore rocky outcrops and tidal pools, look for seals, sea lions, and seabirds, and, during migration seasons, enjoy whale watching. The beach is right off of Highway 1 so it is easy to enjoy beach-combing, tide-pooling, picnicking, and hiking. Swimming however is not a popular activity here; caution is advised due to strong currents and cold waters.
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A transformed pathway that once served as a logging road. It's an easy, well-marked route that conveniently links the scenic Fern Canyon Trail and Pygmy Discovery Trail. As you follow this trail, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that resembles prehistoric times, with lush ferns and towering trees all around.
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The Fern Canyon Scenic Trail is a vibrant and fern-filled forest. It feels like stepping into a world from a time long ago as you look up at the towering giants of the forest and down at the lush fern-covered ground. Along the trail, you'll encounter charming bridges and the soothing sounds of the nearby creek.
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Explore the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail, a short 300-yard loop boardwalk at Van Damme's eastern end, just two miles inland from Highway One. Over the course of 300,000 years, the forces of nature, including poor acidic soil and hardpan, have created a miniature wonderland resembling a bonsai forest. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you'll encounter interpretive panels that reveal the fascinating story behind these diminutive trees. Here, you'll find Bollander pine (exclusive to the pygmy forest), bishop pine, dwarf manzanita, and Mendocino cypress. Trees that would typically grow over 100 feet tall elsewhere are only a few feet tall here, with trunks as thin as a quarter-inch. The boardwalk hovers just above the forest floor to protect the nutrient-rich lichen. In some spots, you'll be eye-level with these ancient, tiny treetops. Don't miss the chance to explore this living testament to nature's forces!
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Beautiful Bluff trail leads along the coast and along the Greenwood Creek. Some stealth camp options close to a little town. Greenwood State Beach offers beach access and a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. The central theme is of Greenwood as a lumber town in the late 1800's through the early 1900's. The Visitor Center is in the middle of town and provides a glimpse of what life was like in this lumber town during the late 1800's. The gallery room and main museum room are filled with photographs of the early settlers of Greenwood and nearby Cuffey's Cove, as well as photographs of the town and it's lumbering operations during that era. There is an additional room filled with period furniture including an organ, stove, washing machine, steamer trunk, and bath tub. Outdoors, you will find artifacts which were used in the lumber camps to harvest the redwoods and bark from the tan oak trees. Upon entering the Visitor Center you will see a mural depicting the Greenwood wharf, painted by well known muralist Michael Cole. The wharf, which was built by the L.E. White Lumber Company, had a unique design as it was built on a series of outcropping rocks into the ocean. The schooners would tie to the wharf while loading redwood lumber, tan bark, railroad ties and passengers all destined for San Francisco. The ultimate destination of the railroad ties was China. Postcards and books are available for sale covering a wide range of coastal subjects, Pomo Indian culture and the history of Greenwood. Volunteer docents are available to answer questions and relate historic events. Greenwood State Beach is located along the Mendocino County coast about 15 miles north of Point Arena on Highway 1. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=447
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Navarro River Redwoods State Park?
Yes, dogs are permitted in certain areas. They are generally allowed on-leash in campgrounds and at Navarro Beach. However, they are typically not allowed on the unpaved hiking trails within the redwood groves to protect the park's wildlife and natural environment.
Are there easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
The park is well-suited for families. Many of the informal paths leading from the pullouts along Highway 128 are relatively flat and short, making for a gentle walk among the redwoods. For a very easy and accessible coastal walk nearby, consider the Greenwood State Beach loop — Elk, which is just over a mile long.
What are the trail conditions like in the park?
Most trails within the main corridor of the park are informal, well-worn dirt paths rather than formally maintained trails. They are generally flat and easy to walk on, but can become muddy after rain. These paths wind through the redwood groves and are accessed from pullouts along the highway.
Can you swim in the Navarro River?
Yes, swimming in the Navarro River is a popular activity, especially in the warmer months. The river's calm flow in certain sections provides refreshing spots to cool off. Always exercise caution and be aware of the current, which can be stronger in late winter and spring.
Is there an entrance fee for Navarro River Redwoods State Park?
There is generally no day-use entrance fee required to drive through the park on Highway 128 or to stop at the various pullouts to walk among the redwoods. However, fees are required for camping at the Navarro Beach Campground.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The park's diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. Along the river and in the forests, you might spot river otters, black-tailed deer, and birds like ospreys and great blue herons. The coastal area at Navarro Beach is a great place to see harbor seals, and during migration seasons, you may even spot whales from the bluffs.
Are the hikes in the park circular or out-and-back?
Most of the informal trails within the park are short out-and-back paths that lead from the highway into the redwood groves. For a longer loop trail experience in the region, you could explore the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail and Old Logging Road loop in the nearby Van Damme State Park.
What is the 'redwood tunnel'?
The 'redwood tunnel' refers to the scenic 11-mile stretch of Highway 128 that runs through the park. The towering second-growth redwood trees on either side of the road form a dense canopy overhead, creating the feeling of driving through a natural tunnel. It's a highlight of the park experience.
Are there any unique natural features to look for while hiking?
Yes, as you explore the redwood groves, keep an eye out for 'fairy rings'—circles of redwood trees that have sprouted from the stump of an ancient, logged parent tree. Near the coast, the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail offers a look at a unique ecosystem of stunted, miniature trees.
What do other hikers enjoy most about this area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere of the redwood groves and the stunning transition from forest to coast. The drive through the 'redwood tunnel' and the beautiful scenery at Navarro Beach are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Where are the best places for a picnic?
There are numerous dirt pullouts along Highway 128 that offer lovely, shaded spots for a picnic amongst the redwoods. For a picnic with a sea view, Navarro Beach at the mouth of the river is an excellent choice, offering sandy areas and dramatic coastal scenery.
What is the Navarro River Estuary?
The Navarro River Estuary is the area where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. It is a protected marine conservation area that provides a critical habitat for fish and other aquatic life. It's a beautiful and ecologically important part of the park, which you can learn more about from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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