Hiking the Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a beautiful pocket of old-growth Redwoods that was spared from logging in the early 20th century when Clara W. Stout donated the land to save the Redwoods, making Stout Grove the first dedicated grove in the Jedediah Redwoods.
Today, visitors can enjoy the relatively short and easy 0.6-mile (1.0 km) loop off Howland Hill Road, which inevitably makes Stout Grove one of the most popular hikes within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods—much like the nearby Grove of the Titans.
That being said, the short Stout Memorial Grove Loop, often called the heart of the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, should be considered a must-see destination for any first-time visitor. However, I recommend getting an early start when visiting Stout Grove or the Grove of the Titans, or you may have trouble finding parking when Stout Grove is at its busiest.
Stout Grove Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Stout Grove Memorial Trail is located just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) off Howland Hill Road in a small unpaved lot near the trailhead.
That said, be aware that this parking area fills up quickly during peak summer travel season, and visitors have been known to have to park up to half a mile away during the busiest times of the year.
Google Maps Directions: Stout Grove Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Redwood National & State Parks.
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.
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.
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!
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)
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!
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.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Stout Memorial Grove Trail
Overall, the hike through Stout Grove is very straightforward, with very little elevation change throughout the entire loop.
Stout Grove Loop Trail
At the split for the Stout Grove Loop, I like to go left because I think it’s the much more beautiful side of the loop.
If you’re looking for beautiful photos in Stout Grove, I think the left is where you’ll find them!
Stout Tree (Big Tree)
After a short walk from the split, the Stout Grove Trail comes to the biggest tree in the grove, known as the Stout Tree, sometimes nicknamed the Big Tree.
To protect the forest understory, please stay on the platform around the tree.
Stout Grove Loop-Hiouchi Junction
Then, just after the Stout Tree, the Stout Grove Loop will come to another split with the Hiouchi Trail.
Go right to stay on the Stout Grove Loop Trail, as the Hiouchi Trail is typically an out-and-back hike that begins off the Redwood Highway.
This next stretch is my favorite stretch of Redwoods on the entire Stout Grove Memorial Loop.
Stout Grove Loop-River Junction
At the back of the Stout Grove Loop, the trail will come to one last split with the much longer River Trail, which eventually turns into the Little Bald Hills Trail.
The River-Little Bald Hills Trail goes on for a little less than 20.0 miles (32.2 km), which is truly an adventure for another day!
If you hiked in the same direction as this post, go right at this split to complete the Stout Grove Loop.
Stout Grove Loop Junction
As you can see, the Stout Memorial Grove Trail connects with a number of different trails, meaning that this beautiful must-see hike could begin from a number of different trailheads, like the Hiouchi or River Trailhead.
I say this to suggest that if you're looking for a slightly longer and less crowded experience, I recommend exploring the Stout Grove Loop from one of these other trailheads.
More Redwood Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Redwood National & State Parks, check out my separate posts below!
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!
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
Discover Cars!
Safety
Throughout the Redwoods, Elk and Black Bears are common, and it’s important to know how to react in the event of either wildlife encounter.
Moreover, 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.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Redwood National & State Parks
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
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.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
