Highlight • Rest Area
Hiouchi Visitor Center
Hiking
5.0
(5)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 7, 2023
Hiking
November 28, 2023
Hiking
Redwood Parks Conservancy is the park's official nonprofit partner and collaborative association. Our park shops offer souvenirs, quality books, cards, gifts and much more. Proceeds from all sales support parks and public lands along the northern coast of California.
•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Hiouchi Visitor Center
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
3.87km
01:10
120m
120m
The Wellman Loop Trail offers a unique hiking experience in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, distinct from the park's more famous flat groves. You'll start among impressive old-growth redwoods, but the trail quickly transitions into a steep climb with tight switchbacks, leading through a dense forest of huckleberry, tanoak, and Douglas-fir. While not always the most scenic for towering redwoods, it provides a good workout and a different perspective on the park's diverse ecosystems, with a small, attractive redwood grove appearing before the ridgetop.
Planning your visit to the Wellman Loop Trail requires a bit of attention to find the trailhead, which is marked by a small sign across Highway 199 from Jedediah Smith Campground. You'll likely need to park on a dirt road just south of the trailhead and walk up to the start. The 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop, with its 389 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, is officially rated easy but feels more challenging due to its consistent steepness, taking about 1 hour and 9 minutes. Consider visiting in May to catch the rhododendron blooms.
This trail is a solid choice if you're looking for a relatively short but vigorous hike, especially if you want to experience the varied Wellman Loop Trail terrain beyond just the giant redwoods. It provides a good contrast to other trails in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, showcasing the transition from lush old-growth to more upland forest. Just be prepared for some highway noise throughout your journey, which can detract slightly from the natural ambiance.
Details
Informations
Elevation 50 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 10 June
22°C
7°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h