Redwood National Parks Spotlight: The Boy Scout Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

There are more than 1,000 redwood groves throughout California. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park has 10,000 wild and scenic acres including ancient forests and sparkling rivers made for swimming, floating and fishing. With more than 15 hiking trails around Jed Smith, you can find many awe-filled moments from a quick riverside stroll to a multi-day backcountry adventure.

For a forested redwood hike with moderate distance, check out Boy Scout Tree Trail.

Trail Distance: 5.3 miles out and back

Elevation Change: 750 feet

Accessible: No

Dog-friendly: No

Distance from Crescent City: 20 minutes, 6 miles

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What You’ll See:

Wonder through a blissful forest with some of the best displays of old growth in Northern California. Boy Scout Tree Trail winds around moss-draped spruce and towering redwoods. There is a great hillside vantage point along the trail to really take in the ancient forest. Be on the lookout for the Boy Scout Tree, named for two redwoods that melded into one proud tree resembling the two-fingered Boy Scout salute. The trail descends into a lush gully with a peaceful mini waterfall.

Why We Love this Hike: 

Boy Scout Tree Trail is a serene escape into beguiling, prehistoric woods. The trail is a bit longer than others, so you can truly get lost under the sunbeams that break through the green canopy. The Boy Scout Tree Trail is also tucked away from the main road, providing captivating peace in a hushed forest.

Fuel Up at the Chart Room restaurant in Crescent City, California

After an inspiring day in an enchanted forest, coastal cuisine is in order. The Chart Room in Crescent City is a local, family-friendly favorite. Dive into a bowl of award-winning clam chowder in a bread bowl. Sip a cold draft beer and soak up the views of the harbor and lounging sea lions. Serving lunch and dinner, you can order steak and lobster, steamer clams and oysters, or a casual meal like a grilled crab sandwich or a french dip. The Chart Room is temporarily not open for breakfast right now, but check in with them to see when they start serving up a pre-hike feast of a fluffy short stack or a fresh Dungeness crab omelet.

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