Hiking the Redwood Nature Trail on the Oregon Coast

Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km

The Redwood Nature Trail in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest is stunning loop trail on the southern Oregon Coast that traverses through one of two small pockets of Redwoods north of California, the other being the Oregon Redwoods Trail, east of Brookings.

That being said, both the Redwood Nature Trail and the Oregon Redwoods Trail see far fewer visitors compared to Redwood National and State Parks in California, which is why I highly recommend hiking one or both if you have the time when exploring the southern Oregon Coast.

Redwood Nature Trailhead Parking

Parking for the Redwood Nature Nature is located just off the side of North Bank Chetco River Road in a small parking area, about 9.0 miles (14.5 km) east of Brookings.

Google Maps Directions: Redwood Nature Trailhead

Redwood Nature Trailhead Parking

Redwood Nature Trailhead Parking

Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast

Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.

Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.

  1. Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.

  2. Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.

  3. Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!

  4. Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)

  5. Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!

  6. Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

  7. High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

Hiking the Redwood Nature Trail

The Redwood Nature Trail is one of the best southern Oregon hikes to do with young kids.

This easy loop is perfect because you never travel too far from where you started. However, the Redwoods are stunning nonetheless, considering how short of an adventure this Redwood Nature Loop really is.

Redwood Nature Trailhead

Redwood Nature Trailhead

Redwood Nature Trailhead

Redwood Nature Loop Trail

After only 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Redwood Nature Trail will split into the loop.

If you care to follow along with the guides that should be available at the trailhead, then go left at the loop to follow the Redwood Interpretive Trail.

However, I think that the loop to the right, which is how I have always hiked it, is prettier for photos than going left.

Redwood Nature Loop Trail

This is the loop as if you had gone right from the split.

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

As you can see, the numbers for the Interpretive Trail start higher from this direction, as opposed to turning left.

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

It may seem like there’s a bit of elevation gain from these switchbacks, but the entire trail is truly very mild.

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Toward the end of the trail, you should start noticing the road below, which is a nice mental checkpoint that you’re nearing the end.

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Trail

Redwood Nature Loop Junction

Overall, there’s not much to note about the hike, but if you take it slow, you can capture some amazing photos of the giant Redwoods, like the cover photo above.

The photo below is where the Redwood Loop Trail returns to the beginning.

Back to the Beginning!

Best Way to Find Places to Stay!

Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.

Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!

Park Butte Fire Lookout Washington

Washington

Best Way to Book Rental Cars!

I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.

In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!

Book Here: Discover Cars

Avenue of the Giants

Discover Cars!

Safety

Overall, the Oregon Coast has a fairly mild climate year-round, with beautiful summers and temperatures that seldom get below the upper 30s come winter.

That being said, there are a few things to know before venturing out on some of the many trails along the coast.

First, Pacific Poison-oak is found on trails up and down the Oregon Coast, which is why it’s important to learn how to identify it before hiking any trail.

Additionally, there are black bears on the Oregon Coast, and while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.

Pacific Poison-oak - (Toxicodendron diversilobum)

Disclaimer

All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.

Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.

Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.

All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.

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Iʻm a self-taught adventure photographer living on the island of Oʻahu.

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Hiking the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail on the Oregon Coast