The best walks and hikes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park
4.5
(4)
68
hikers
4
hikes
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: July 9, 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.
2
hikers
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.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
29
hikers
6.01km
01:41
120m
120m
The Pygmy Forest and Fern Canyon Loop offers a truly unique hiking experience, showcasing two vastly different ecosystems in one easy route. You'll wander through the Pygmy Forest, where ancient trees are stunted to miniature sizes, before descending into the lush, prehistoric-feeling Fern Canyon, with its towering fern-covered walls and a streambed you'll navigate. This 3.7-mile (6.0 km) hike, with 388 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes, making it a fantastic option for families or anyone seeking a high-reward, low-effort adventure.
This popular route is located in Van Damme State Park, near Mendocino. While the Pygmy Forest section features a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk, the Fern Canyon portion involves multiple shallow creek crossings and navigating over fallen logs and slippery stones, so wear appropriate footwear. Seasonal wooden footbridges may be in place during summer, but expect wet feet outside of peak season. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as this trail can get busy.
What makes this trail truly special is the dramatic ecological contrast: from the bizarrely stunted trees of the Pygmy Forest, a scientific marvel formed by ancient marine terraces and nutrient-poor soil, to the primeval beauty of Fern Canyon, which even earned it a feature in "The Lost World: Jurassic Park." It's a rare opportunity to witness such distinct natural wonders within a single, accessible loop.
1
hikers
421m
00:06
0m
0m
Step into a world of miniature trees on the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail, an easy 0.3-mile (0.4 km) loop that takes just 6 minutes to complete. This unique hike features a level wooden boardwalk winding through a "natural bonsai" landscape, where ancient bishop pine, Bolander pine, and Mendocino cypresses stand only a few feet tall despite their age. It’s a fascinating journey through a truly distinctive ecosystem, offering a glimpse into nature's adaptability.
Planning your visit to the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail is straightforward, as it's designed for maximum accessibility. The entire route is wheelchair accessible, making it a fantastic option for families and individuals with mobility challenges. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk provide engaging details about the unique plants and geology, ensuring an informative experience for all visitors.
What makes this trail truly notable is the rare geological phenomenon it showcases. The pygmy forest is a result of extreme soil conditions: nutrient-poor, highly acidic soil resting atop an iron hardpan layer. These conditions severely stunt the growth of trees, creating a specialized habitat that is a prime example of how environmental factors can profoundly shape flora, making it one of Mendocino County's most unique natural attractions.
4.0
(2)
16
hikers
12.4km
03:22
170m
170m
Step into a verdant, almost prehistoric world on the Fern Canyon and Old Logging Road Loop in Van Damme State Park. The trail plunges you into a narrow canyon where walls are draped in a rich tapestry of ferns and moss, creating a truly unique atmosphere. You'll likely find yourself walking in the shallow creek bed, navigating over or under fallen trees, before transitioning to the more open, well-marked Old Logging Road through towering trees.
This moderate 7.7-mile (12.4 km) hike, with 549 feet (167 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes. Located in Van Damme State Park, the trailhead is easily accessible, and you won't need any special permits or reservations. While enjoyable year-round, drier seasons make the creek crossings in Fern Canyon more comfortable, so plan accordingly.
What makes this route stand out is its blend of the unique fern canyon scenery with the historical aspect of an old logging road, offering a diverse experience. It's a fantastic option for hikers seeking a moderate challenge with high visual payoff, immersing you in a landscape that feels ancient and untouched, reminiscent of a movie set.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Other adventures in Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Tips from the Community
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!
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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!
0
0
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
0
0
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.
Most popular routes in Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
