415. Redwood National and State Parks: Fern Canyon, Top Hikes, Scenic Drives & Food Stops

June 21, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Abby returned from a week in Northern California with a new appreciation for what a vacation can be when you are not working, parenting, or rushing. She flew into the tiny Eureka-Arcata airport with two longtime friends, Jenny and Grant, and spent six days exploring Redwood National and State Parks from a rented house on the coast in McKinleyville. The trip was a deliberate contrast to the family visit she and Jason made in 2023, which was compressed, kid-driven, and full of competing schedules. This time, she had a full week, a central time zone sleep schedule (up at 5:30, in bed by 9), and the freedom to move at the pace of three adults with no agenda but their own.

The Park's Unusual Structure

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What you'll learn

1 (00:31) **Trip Overview & Context** - Abby recounts a week-long trip to Redwood National and State Parks with friends Jenny and Grant, flying into the tiny Eureka-Arcata airport and staying in a coastal Airbnb in McKinleyville.
2 (03:00) **Park Structure Explained** - Clarifies the confusing co-management of Redwood National Park with three pre-existing California State Parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte, Prairie Creek).
3 (13:10) **Fees & Permits** - Abby notes that despite "fees may be required" language on the website, they never paid an entrance fee anywhere; the only permit needed was for Fern Canyon.
4 (15:30) **Fern Canyon Hike** - A permit-required, Jurassic Park-famous canyon hike along the coast, with a small parking lot limiting access.
5 (21:11) **The Joy of Revisiting Through New Eyes** - Abby reflects on the emotional value of taking friends who have never seen the Redwoods, experiencing their wonder and gratitude.
6 (24:44) **Lady Bird Johnson Grove** - A loop trail dedicated to the former First Lady who helped establish the national park; noted for a "killer uphill" that surprised the group.
7 (25:36) **Trillium Falls** - A relatively easy hike to a waterfall with a good payoff, suitable for children.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

In this RV Miles mini episode (415), Jason and Abby share a special trip report from Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, based on Abby’s weeklong May vacation with longtime friends Jenny and Grant. Abby recaps hikes and highlights, including Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, Big Tree Wayside, Stout Grove, Grove of Titans, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive, plus RV access cautions for narrow roads and small parking. She also recommends stops like SeaQuake Brewing, Hey Juan, McIntosh Farm Country Store, and the Sequoia Park Zoo’s Redwood Sky Walk.

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Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE

00:00 Intro
02:49 Why Abby Went Solo
05:25 Airbnb Coastal Stay
08:44 Park Basics
13:53 Sponsor Break
15:27 Fern Canyon
24:44 Lady Bird Grove Climb
25:31 Trillium Falls Payoff
26:34 Big Tree, Stout Grove, and Grove of Titans
30:43 Sponsor Break
32:28 Food Stops And Breweries
39:05 Botanical Garden And Zoo
42:24 Relaxing At The Beach House
43:27 Episode Wrap Up