Redwoods, Parks, and Forests in Del Norte County

Ambassadors from Another Time – Giant Old-Growth Coastal Redwoods

Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the world’s tallest trees: old-growth coast redwoods. They can live 2000 years and grow over 300 feet tall. Immense and ageless redwoods soar to heights that are unimaginable. John Steinbeck called them “Ambassadors from another time.” The old-growth redwood groves of Redwood National and State Parks are so removed from the present that to explore them is to explore the same forests that have existed here for eons.

An Amazing Natural Diversity

They say there is more living matter per square foot in a redwood forest than anywhere else in the world. However, The County’s amazing natural diversity isn’t limited to the forests. You’ll find mighty rivers and streams, seashores, botanical and wilderness areas and a mosaic of habitats including prairie/oak woodlands, and 37 miles of Pacific coastline. Here, banana slugs, gray whales, Douglas-fir, black bears, and sea anemones are equally at home with redwoods.

Abundant Wildlife

The park is home to numerous wildlife species such as the Roosevelt elk and one of the largest bear populations in California. Elk can be seen almost daily throughout the year. Bald eagles can be seen in several areas of the county. And the spotted owl, a rare and endangered bird, depends on old-growth redwood forests for its survival.

A Spectacular Show of Sea Mammals and Birds

The most abundant sea mammals inhabiting the Del Norte Coast are seals and sea lions. Twice a year, pods of gray whales travel along the coastline. Dall porpoise and the white-sided dolphin can be spotted off the coast. And, there are more than four dozen species of seabirds such as common gulls, killdeer and black oystercatcher, and rare and endangered species like the marbled murrelet and brown pelican. The rocky islands of the Del Norte coastline offer nesting zones, feeding habitat and sanctuary to huge flocks of birds that often take wing in dynamic, geometric patterns. The birdwatching is excellent here with 422 species of birds in Del Norte.

Del Norte County Parks and Forests

• Redwood National and State Parks
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Tolowa Dunes State Park
• Del Norte Redwood Coast State Park
• Pelican State Beach
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Six Rivers National Forest
• Syskiyou Wilderness
• A Few Gorgeous Places You Can’t Miss
• The Wildlife of the Redwood National and State Parks
• Redwood Parks Wildlife of the Forest
• Redwood Parks Wildlife of the Ocean
• Redwood Parks Wildlife of the River and Stream
• Redwood Parks Wildlife of the Prairies
• Threatened and Endangered Species

Redwood Itineraries

Be sure to check out our 1, 2 and 3 day Redwood Itineraries created by Del Norte county insider, Rick Nolan. Rick is the Chief of Interpretation and Education for Redwood National & State Parks.

A Few Gorgeous Places You Can’t Miss: A special selection of trails, overlooks, groves and beaches and drives you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.

The Wildlife of the Redwood National and State Parks: Learn about the abundance and variety of wildlife that thrives in our Redwood National and State Parks. The ecosystems are so diverse that you could be lucky enough to see black bears, sea stars, and bald eagles in a single day.

Threatened and Endangered Species: Del Norte County is home to many Threatened and Endangered Species that are protected here by the Redwood National and State Parks. Here are some of the birds, fish and animals on the list. And take our quiz to see how well you know their scientific names.