You do not have to drive into California to walk beneath giant trees. Oregon’s southern coast sits at the northern edge of the coast redwood’s native range, and the Oregon Redwoods Trail, officially the Redwood Nature Trail, is the easiest way to see them from Brookings. If you are planning a trip around redwoods in Oregon, this guide covers distance, difficulty and what to pack.
Trail snapshot
- Trail: Redwood Nature Trail #1111, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
- Distance: roughly 1.1 to 1.2 miles, depending on the source
- Elevation gain: about 300 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Typical time: about 30 to 60 minutes
Figures vary slightly between sources. The Forest Service trail page is the official reference, AllTrails lists recent hiker reviews, and RedwoodHikes has a descriptive write-up. Check conditions before you leave.
Getting there from Brookings
According to the Forest Service, the trail is about 9 miles north of Brookings and half a mile north of Alfred A. Loeb State Park. You can learn about the state park, a good spot for river time and camping, on its Oregon State Parks page. Allow extra time for winding roads, and download offline directions before you leave town because phone signal can fade.
What to expect on the trail
You walk beneath tall redwoods in a quiet forest setting, a very different feeling from the open beach just a few miles away. The climb is steady rather than extreme. After rain the path can be damp and slippery, so footing matters more than fitness.
Visiting in the cooler months? The forest stays green all year, and mist between the trunks can make the trail feel magical. Summer brings drier footing and more visitors.
What to bring
- Shoes with good grip, because roots and mud are common.
- A rain layer, since coastal weather changes quickly.
- Water and a snack for the climb.
- A charged phone with offline maps.
- A camera, because the scale of the trees is hard to capture and easy to love.
- A small trash bag so you leave nothing behind.
Practical safety tips
Tell someone where you are going, stay on the marked trail and keep an eye on the weather. If you plan to bring a dog, check posted rules at the trailhead first, since rules differ between state parks and national forest land. Our dog policy explains how dogs are handled at the hotel.
Make it a full day on the south coast
Pair the trail with the coast. Spend the morning among the trees, then head to the water for tide pools and sunset at Harris Beach State Park. In the evening, choose somewhere from our guide to where to eat in Brookings. If the weather turns, our attractions page and the post on the top attractions near the Oregon beach, part 2 offer indoor and outdoor backups.
For nature lovers, we also recommend reading why Brookings is ideal for nature lovers.
Where to stay
Blue Coast Inn & Suites at 1216 Chetco Ave in Brookings is open all year, with free Wi-Fi and parking in front of your room. Dogs are welcome under our hotel policy. Compare options on the rooms page, or call 541-469-2161.
Brookings gives you the forest, the river and the beach within a short drive, and a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Hike the Oregon Redwoods Trail in the morning, and watch the sunset from the coast that same evening.
Planning around the weather
The forest stays green year-round, but trail conditions change with the season. After heavy rain, mud and roots become slippery, and creeks may run higher than usual. In summer, mornings are cooler and shadier, while winter days are short, so start early and finish before dusk. Check the weather the night before and again in the morning, and download offline maps because signal fades on the drive. The City of Brookings visitor page lists local services, and the Oregon State Parks pets guidance helps if you are traveling with a dog.
Why this is a good family hike
Because the trail is short, it suits most hikers with decent mobility, and kids who like the idea of a “giant tree” walk usually finish happily. Bring snacks, set a gentle pace and turn the hike into a scavenger hunt for the biggest trunk, the greenest fern and the quietest spot. For more family-friendly planning, see our family-friendly hotels in Brookings post and our guide to what makes the Oregon coast unique.
Leave no trace
Redwood forests are slow-growing and fragile. Stay on the marked trail, don’t carve or pick at the trees and carry out everything you carry in, including food wrappers and tissues. Keep voices low so you and other hikers can hear birds and wind in the canopy, and give wildlife room if you spot any. Small habits like these keep the trail in good condition for the next visitor, and they are part of what makes the Oregon coast worth the drive.
Before you head out, charge your phone, tell a friend your plan and leave a note in the car if the trailhead has no reception. Arrive with daylight to spare, because forest light fades earlier than it does on the open beach, and enjoy the quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Oregon Redwoods Trail?
Sources list the Redwood Nature Trail at roughly 1.1 to 1.2 miles with about 300 feet of climbing. Check the Forest Service page for current details.
How far is the trail from Brookings?
The Forest Service places the trail about 9 miles north of Brookings, half a mile north of Alfred A. Loeb State Park.
How hard is the hike?
It is generally rated moderate. The climb is steady, and the path can be muddy or slippery after rain.
Are there really redwoods in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon's southern coast sits at the northern edge of the coast redwood's native range, and the Redwood Nature Trail near Brookings lets you walk among them.
Can I bring my dog?
Rules vary by site, so check the posted signs at the trailhead. Dogs are welcome at Blue Coast Inn & Suites under our pet policy.
