Crescent City, CA- Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) has made changes to their reservations and permits to increase visitor access and satisfaction. The park is increasing the number of reservations available for many areas. For the first time, reservations will be available for booking the day before and allow for visitors to access areas like Fern Canyon Trailhead and Tall Trees Trailhead without planning too far ahead. Computers will also be available in park visitor centers to help visitors make online reservations.
The park uses what is called “adaptive management strategy" to address this complex issue using real world experiences and data to inform decision making. Information was gathered during the last year which helped park managers make these improvements to the reservation system. “This adaptive management framework to addressing crowding and safety issues has benefited the park, fragile resources, and the visitors," said park superintendent Steve Mietz.
Changes to Fern Canyon Trailhead Reservations & Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use Reservations: During the 2023 summer season, reservations for Gold Bluffs Beach Day-use area (including the Fern Canyon Trailhead) will be required from May 15th to September 15th. Reservations will not be required from September 15th to May 14th. The number of reservations is increasing by 65 reservations per day, and day-before permits will be available. Learn more about the Gold Bluffs Beach day-use reservations.
Updates to Tall Trees Trailhead Reservation: The number of all-day reservations is increasing by 10 reservations per day, and day-before permits will be available. Learn more about Tall Trees Trailhead reservations.
Updates to Backcountry Permits - Backpackers going to Elam Camp, 44 Camp, and visitors to the Redwood Creek Dispersed Camping Area will now be able to park at the Tall Trees Trailhead without getting a separate permit to park at Tall Trees Trailhead. Learn more about backcountry permits.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service