You do not have to travel far from Brookings to stand among giant trees. If you are looking for redwoods near Brookings, Oregon, you have two excellent choices: a short trail on the Oregon side of the border and a famous grove just across the line in northern California. This guide compares the two so you can pick the right one for your time, your vehicle and your energy level.
The Two Main Options at a Glance
- Oregon Redwoods Trail: a moderate forest loop about 9 miles north of Brookings, in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: an old-growth park east of Crescent City, California, with the well-known Stout Grove.
Both are worth the trip. The first is closer and easier to fit into a morning. The second offers the larger, more famous trees and a bigger adventure.
Option 1: The Oregon Redwoods Trail
The Redwood Nature Trail, number 1111, sits at the northern edge of the coast redwood’s native range. According to the Forest Service, it is about 9 miles north of Brookings and half a mile north of Alfred A. Loeb State Park. Most sources list it at roughly 1.1 to 1.2 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain. It is rated moderate and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
We cover distance, difficulty and what to pack in our full Oregon Redwoods Trail guide. Combine it with a stop at Loeb State Park, which has its own page on the Oregon State Parks website, for a relaxed half-day outing.
Option 2: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is part of Redwood National and State Parks in northern California. Its most visited spot for day trippers is Stout Memorial Grove, a 44-acre stand of old-growth redwoods, according to the National Park Service. The grove trail is about half a mile long, and the trees reach roughly 300 feet tall. The grove was donated in 1929 by Clara W. Stout in memory of her husband.
The National Park Service suggests allowing about two hours for the visit. That is because getting there takes some effort. There are two main routes:
- Year-round: the eastern section of Howland Hill Road. The park service describes it as winding, narrow and mostly unpaved, and not suitable for large vehicles. RVs and trailers cannot park at the trailhead.
- Summer: park at the campground day-use area, where a fee applies, and walk to the grove using the summer footbridge. Check the park service page for current details.
Because conditions and fees change, read the trails north of the Klamath River page before you go.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Question | Oregon Redwoods Trail | Jedediah Smith (Stout Grove) |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it? | About 9 miles north of Brookings | East of Crescent City, California |
| Length | Roughly 1.1 to 1.2 miles | About half a mile |
| Difficulty | Moderate, about 300 feet of climbing | Short walk once you arrive |
| Getting there | A short drive north of town; check directions on the Forest Service page | Narrow, mostly unpaved road or summer walk-in route |
| Time to allow | 30 to 60 minutes on the trail | About two hours including access |
| Best for | A quick, close forest fix | Walking among the largest trees |
If you only have one morning, start with the Oregon trail. If you have a full day and an appropriate vehicle, make the trip to Stout Grove. Many visitors do both on a longer stay.
Tips for Visiting the Redwoods
- Start early. Morning light through the trees is the best, and parking is easier.
- Check the National Weather Service forecast and road conditions before you leave.
- Wear sturdy shoes. Forest trails can be wet and slippery, even in summer.
- Bring layers. The forest floor stays cooler than the coast.
- Carry water and a camera, and stay on the marked trails to protect the roots.
- Leave large vehicles and trailers at your hotel if you plan to take Howland Hill Road.
Make It a Redwoods and Coast Weekend
The redwoods pair well with the rest of the area. After a morning in the forest, head back to the coast for a walk at Harris Beach, covered in our Harris Beach guide. If you are traveling by car, our pet-friendly Oregon coast road trip post covers more stops. For ideas on where to eat afterward, see our guide to dining in Brookings.
Traveling With a Dog
Dogs are welcome at our hotel, but rules at parks and forests vary, so check each site before you bring a pet on a trail. Oregon State Parks publishes its pet rules online. Our dog-friendly beaches guide and hotel policy page explain the details on our side. Dogs are $20 per night per dog, up to three per room.
Where to Stay
Blue Coast Inn & Suites is on Chetco Avenue in Brookings, a convenient base for both the Oregon and California redwoods. Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. See all room options, including the two-queen suite with kitchenette, which sleeps four and gives you a place to pack a picnic lunch. Questions? Contact us or call 541-469-2161.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there redwoods near Brookings, Oregon?
Yes. The Oregon Redwoods Trail is about 9 miles north of town, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is just across the border in California.
How long does the Oregon Redwoods Trail take?
Most hikers need about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on pace and stops.
Can I drive a large vehicle to Stout Grove?
The park service says Howland Hill Road is not suitable for large vehicles, and RVs and trailers cannot park at the trailhead.
How much time should I allow for Stout Grove?
The National Park Service recommends about two hours, including the effort to reach the grove.
Are dogs allowed at your hotel?
Yes, at $20 per night per dog, up to three per room. Always check pet rules at each park before you bring a dog on a trail.
