How to See The Redwoods in Oregon

Think you have to drive to California to see redwoods? Nope! Oregon has its own.

The far southern corner of the Oregon coast, near Brookings, is the northern edge of where coast redwoods grow in the wild. It’s a small pocket, but you can walk right through it on two short, gorgeous trails.

Here’s how to see the redwoods in Oregon, plus a bonus grove you can visit in Portland.

About the Redwoods in Oregon

Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, and they can live for well over 1,000 years. They only grow in a narrow strip along the Pacific, where summer fog keeps them cool and damp.

That strip runs from central California up to just across the Oregon border. So the redwoods near Brookings are the northernmost natural redwood groves in the world. Pretty cool claim to fame for a little corner of Oregon!

1. Redwood Nature Trail (Near Loeb State Park)

Distance: 1.1 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 300 ft

This is the northernmost redwood trail in the country. It’s about 9 miles inland from Brookings, up North Bank Chetco River Road, with a small Forest Service trailhead just past Alfred A. Loeb State Park.

Don’t let the short distance fool you. The loop climbs pretty steeply through a ravine, and the roots get slick when it’s wet. Bring water and take your time.

Near the start, you’ll pass a creek that turns into a rushing little waterfall in winter. Then the trail climbs, and the biggest redwoods of the loop tower over you on both sides of the ravine. That’s the best part, so slow down and look up.

Starting from the state park: You can also walk in from Loeb State Park on the Riverview Trail, which follows the Chetco River for about three-quarters of a mile to the loop. Sections can wash out after big storms, so if you just want the redwoods, park at the Forest Service trailhead.

Alfred A. Loeb State Park

Loeb State Park sits right on the Chetco River, and it makes a great base for the Redwood Nature Trail. There’s a campground and a few rental cabins tucked into a grove of old myrtle trees.

In summer, the river is perfect for swimming and floating. In fall and winter, it’s all about salmon and steelhead fishing.

2. Oregon Redwoods Trail

Distance: 1.9 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 305 ft

If you want bigger, older trees, this is the one. The Oregon Redwoods Trail sits in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, just a couple of miles from the California border, and it’s usually way quieter than the Loeb trail.

It’s actually two connected loops. The first half mile is a wide, barrier-free trail, so it’s a great option for little kids or anyone who wants an easy stroll. The longer loop drops down into the forest, where the biggest redwoods grow.

At first, it feels like any other mossy Oregon forest. Then you round a bend and the giants show up, with ferns carpeting the ground at their feet. It’s honestly kind of magical. Interpretive signs along the way explain how the redwoods grow and survive fire.

Getting there: From Brookings, head south on Highway 101 and turn inland on Winchuck Road (County Road 896). After about a mile and a half, turn onto Peavine Ridge Road (Forest Road 1101), a narrow, bumpy gravel road, and follow it about 4 miles to the end. Plan on 25 to 30 minutes from town, and take it slow. If Lucy, our old VW bus, could make it, you can too! There’s a picnic table and a vault toilet at the trailhead, but no cell service.

Where to Stay Near the Oregon Redwoods

Brookings is the obvious base, just minutes from both trails. Gold Beach is about 40 minutes north, and Crescent City puts you right next to the California redwoods.

Bonus: See Redwoods in Portland

Not heading all the way down to the south coast? You can see redwoods right in Portland, at Hoyt Arboretum in Washington Park.

These ones were planted (the oldest coast redwoods here date to the 1930s), so it’s not a wild forest. But the grove is still seriously impressive, with coast redwoods, giant sequoias, and a dawn redwood that turns copper in fall. Hang out on the Redwood Deck and look straight up.

The arboretum is free, but parking around Washington Park is paid and fills up fast on nice weekends. The easiest way in is the MAX to Washington Park station, then the free park shuttle.

Want Even Bigger Redwoods? Head to California

Oregon’s redwoods are special, but the true giants are just across the border. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is about 30 minutes south of Brookings, near Crescent City, and the Stout Grove there will make your jaw drop.

Here’s our guide to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, plus all the best places to see the redwoods in California.

Tips for Visiting the Oregon Redwoods

• Bring layers: It’s cool and damp under the canopy, even in summer.
• Wear real shoes: Both trails have roots and mud, especially in the wet season.
• Download your map: Cell service is spotty to nonexistent near the trailheads.
• Bring the pup: Leashed dogs are welcome on both trails, which isn’t the case on many California redwood trails.
• Make a day of it: Pair the redwoods with Harris Beach and the views along Samuel H. Boardman, just up the coast.

Final Thoughts

The redwoods in Oregon are one of the coolest surprises on the whole coast. If you only have time for one trail, the Redwood Nature Trail is easier to reach. If you want the biggest trees and fewer people, brave the gravel road to the Oregon Redwoods Trail.

Either way, you’ll be standing under some of the tallest trees on the planet, without crossing into California.

We hope this helps you plan your Oregon redwoods adventure!

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