California Redwoods are one of our state’s most beautiful and unique treasures. Did you know redwood trees are the world’s largest and tallest trees? These beautiful trees are unique to the Northern California area because of the perfect weather conditions we have here for them to grow and thrive. There are many parks throughout the Bay Area where you can enjoy these giant beauties. Below are some of our favorites!

Redwood Regional Park
Oakland, CA

Redwood Regional Park is located in the East Bay. Extensive logging took place here in the mid 1800’s to supply the San Francisco Area with building supplies. This practice has since been stopped and the area is now used for picnics, hiking, and group camping. We took the dogs for a hike here and they loved the French Trail which allows for off leash fun! The trail winds through the redwoods which provide lots of shade. There is some elevation gain, but the beautiful scenery is a great distraction!

Pogonip Park
Santa Cruz, CA

Pogonip Park is located right next to the UCSC campus and offers miles of gorgeous redwood hiking trails. If you follow the Spring Box Trail you can even find a koi fish pond in the middle of the woods! Further up the trail there is a natural art installation by UCSC students that is constantly changing. People write and leave wishes and thoughts among piled stones and sticks in a magical looking grove. You can also spot some old limestone kilns that are barely visible since they are so overgrown. Pogonip is a beautiful place to explore with lots of unique things to see. Dogs are allowed on this trail as well.

Big Basin Redwood State Park- Berry Creek Falls
Boulder Creek, CA

Big Basin has hundreds of miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulties. We chose one of the more challenging hikes to Berry Creek Falls. Surrounded by beautiful, tall redwood trees, this waterfall was a great place to take a break and eat lunch while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.  Make sure to plan for a whole day hike on this trail, or opt for a more leisurely stroll on a different trail. Big Basin does have some handicapped friendly trails that are paved as well. No dogs are allowed here.

Saratoga Springs
Saratoga, CA

You don’t need to drive far for a sight and smell of the beautiful redwood trees. Saratoga Springs is the Bay Area’s oldest continually running picnic area. This family owned area is popular for corporate events, weddings, or a weekend camping trip. Many hiking trails can be found nearby, or just relaxing by the creek that runs through the grounds can make for a perfect afternoon or an easy weekend getaway from the South Bay.

Steep Ravine Trail
Mount Tamalpais

The Steep Ravine trail on Mt. Tam is expectedly steep, but it’s also super fun and scenic. The trail runs along a brook in the redwoods and connects with the Dipsea trail that leads to Stinson Beach. Once you get to Stinson you can head back up on the Matt Davis trail for a total elevation gain/loss of about 1,900 ft.  Make sure you bring a light jacket and plenty of water!