The final stop on the 2025 Family road trip to Redwoods National Park was a total nature playground. We camped at Mill Creek, which was a great spot surrounded by towering trees and peaceful creek sounds. Right from the campground, the kids started spotting banana slugs — those bright yellow slimy critters were everywhere, and quickly became the unofficial mascots of our trip.
The Smith river was perfect for splashing around and fishing. The kids loved playing in the water, skipping stones, and trying to catch some trout or salmon. We found a great spot in the Jedediah Smith State Park to picnic and relax by the water's edge.
We hiked through the giant redwoods, feeling like tiny adventurers in a forest of ancient giants. The sheer size and age of those trees never get old. Stout Grove is a must-visit spot in the Redwoods if you’re a Star Wars fan. This peaceful trail winds through some of the tallest and oldest redwoods in the park and was used to film the Endor scenes in the original Star Wars movies. The trail is fairly easy and family-friendly, with soft forest floor paths and plenty of spots to stop and marvel at the massive trees. It’s a perfect mix of nature and movie magic
Fern Canyon is a magical hike through a narrow canyon where walls are completely covered in lush, green ferns and moss. It feels like stepping into another world — no wonder it was chosen as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2! The trail is short but unforgettable, with little waterfalls, rocky paths, and plenty of spots to stop and soak in the prehistoric vibe. The drive in to Fern Canyon is on a dusty forest road, which can be narrow and winding, but it was plenty wide enough for Bianca the Adventure van. (Don't listen to the online reviews, except this one, it's not that bad a road) Also, be sure to get a day-use reservation ahead of time, as access is limited to protect the area. Definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the Redwoods.
We also spent time tidepooling along the coast, exploring the little pools full of sea creatures and marveling at the diversity of life right at our feet.
To top it all off, we played on the beach, running in the sand and chasing waves. It was a perfect mix of forest, river, and ocean — a full day of adventure and fun that really showed us why the Redwoods are so special.
This park rates at 5 out of 5 stars based on our standard criteria.
Rating Criteria: Fun, Scenic, Ease of Travel, Wildlife, Crowds
Lots of Pit Stops on this leg, click the link to see them all.
