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Jedediah Smith
Redwoods
State Park
Our Mission
The mission of California State Parks is
to provide for the health, inspiration and
education of the people of California by helping
to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological
diversity, protecting its most valued natural and
cultural resources, and creating opportunities
for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Remaining coast redwood
forests grow naturally only
in a narrow strip along
the Pacific coastline from
central California into
California State Parks supports equal access.
Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who
need assistance should contact the park at
(707) 465-7335. This publication can be
made available in alternate formats. Contact
interp@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2249.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
For information call: (800) 777-0369
(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.
711, TTY relay service
www.parks.ca.gov
Discover the many states of California.™
SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp
Redwood National
and State Parks
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
1440 Highway 199
Crescent City, CA 95531
(707) 465-7335 or 458-3496 (Information)
Cover Photo by Stephen Corley. © Save The Redwoods League.
© 2003 California State Parks (Rev. 2014)
southern Oregon.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
State Park protects 10,000
acres of these first-growth,
primeval treasures.
Park, named for an American explorer of
extraordinary courage, is a feast for the eye.
The park protects 10,000 acres of primeval
redwood groves, a lush undergrowth of
rhododendrons and azaleas, and banks of
ferns against giant fallen trees.
Here at the confluence of the Smith River
and Mill Creek, summer temperatures range
from 45 to 85 degrees, in contrast to the cool,
fog-bound coast. Winter can bring 100 inches
of rain and temperatures between 30 and 65
degrees; snow is rare.
PARK HISTORY
Before European contact, the lives of the
Tolowa people, along with their neighbors
the Yurok, Hupa, Karuk and Chilula, were
secure and well-ordered. New settlers
depleted natural resources, causing radical
environmental changes and cultural conflict.
European diseases to which the Tolowa had
no immunity decreased their numbers, and
many were sent to the reservation at what
is now the Smith River. Part of the
site of Camp Lincoln, built in
1862 as a buffer between
the native people and the
settlers, is located in the
park. Tolowa descendants
are still present in northern
California, and many continue
to practice their traditions.
Who was Jedediah Smith?
Jedediah Strong Smith was the first nonnative known to have traveled overland
from the Mississippi River, across the Sierra
Photo courtesy of jeffbright.com
J edediah Smith Redwoods State
The scenic Smith River
Nevada to the Pacific coast. In 1821, at age 22,
he came west and joined the fur-trapping party
of General William Ashley. By late 1826, Smith
and two partners had bought out General
Ashley. Smith led his trappers across southern
Utah, Nevada, Arizona, the Mojave Desert and
Cajon Pass to Mission San Gabriel, where they
rested for two months.
When Mexican Governor José María Echeandía
ordered them to leave, Smith headed north
into the San Joaquin Valley.
In May 1827 Smith went to Utah to recruit more
trappers, but as they re-crossed
the Colorado River, the formerly friendly
Mojave Indians attacked, killing ten
men. When Smith and his surviving
men reached Mission San José,
Smith was arrested and sent
to Governor Echeandía in
Monterey. Again ordered out of
the province, the party went
north through the redwoods,
reaching what is now called the
Smith River in June 1828. Two years
later Smith and his partners sold their business
and returned to St. Louis. But in 1831, Smith
felt the lure of the Santa Fe Trail. While seeking
water during his last wagon train west, he was
killed in a Comanche ambush along the
Cimarron River.
Jedediah Smith’s wish was to be “the first to
view a country on which the eyes of a white
man had never gazed and to follow the
course of rivers that run through a new land.”
His reports on the geology and geography
of the western territories appeared in
newspapers of the day, and proved that the
Sierra Nevada could be safely crossed to
reach California. In a remarkably few years,
his travels, observations and notes filled in
many blank spaces on the country’s map.
Coast Redwood Country
California’s coast redwoods follow the fog
and thrive in continuous belts at elevations
below 2,000 feet, where heavy winter rains
and moderate year-round temperatures
occur. Trees can grow to 350 feet or more,
with a base diameter of about 20 feet. Their
root systems are broad and shallow, from
only a few inches to six feet underground.
The oldest coast redwoods are about
2,000 years old and show no signs of dying
out. They resist insects, fire and rot to
a remarkable degree, and their vigor in
sprouting back when cut or badly burned is
an important factor in their longevity.
Plant Communities
Feathery ferns, redwood sorrel,
salal, trillium, Douglas iris and
tiger lily grow in splendor
beneath redwoods.
Salmonberry, thimbleberry
and huckleberry provide
wildlife forage, and acres of
rhododendrons and azaleas
bloom from April to June. The
Spotted owl
area’s warm climate encourages
many other tree species — including western
hemlock, Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple, red alder,
California laurel, tan oak, madrone and Port
Orford cedar — to share the redwood habitat.
Wildlife
Deer, gray and Douglas squirrels, raccoons and
redwood chipmunks are common among park
mammals, and bears and mountain lions are
sometimes seen. A rare treat is the sight of an
otter playing in the river or a beaver working in
a deep pool. The noisy Steller’s jay steals food
from picnic tables. Other local birds include
American dippers, varied thrushes and several
species of woodpecker, with an occasional
ruffed grouse, belted kingfisher, osprey, spotted
owl or marbled murrelet.
Saving the Redwoods
California’s redwood parks are monuments to
those whose vision preserved their beauty. In
1900 concerned citizens helped to save the
coast redwood groves of Big Basin near Santa
Cruz, and in 1918 the Save the Redwoods
League was formed.
The names of several memorial groves
at Jedediah Smith reflect the generosity of
lumbermen who donated them or preserved
them until the League could purchase them.
When the park was established in 1929, the
Frank D. Stout Memorial Grove became its first
dedicated grove. The 5,000-acre National Tribute
Grove, dedicated to those who fought during
World War II, was purchased with League funds.
In May 1994, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast
and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks joined
with Redwood National Park in a cooperative
management effort. Their combined 105,516
acres — representing 36 percent of California’s
old-growth redwood forest — were designated
Redwood National and State Parks.
Recreational Activities
A picnic area near the Smith River offers tables
and stoves. The swimming beach is popular,
but the river can be treacherous; there is no
lifeguard service. Popular redwood hiking trails
are the Stout Grove Trail loop, the Simpson
Reed Grove Trail, and the Boy Scout Tree Trail.
Fishing—Depending on weather, fishing is best
from October to February. Large salmon and
steelhead have been caught during seasonal
runs. Summertime brings cutthroat trout fishing.
Anglers 16 and over must carry a valid California
fishing license. For current fishing information,
visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife
website at www.dfg.ca.gov.
Camping—Each of 89 sites has a table, fire ring
and cupboard, with restrooms nearby. Some
sites can accommodate trailers or motorhomes
up to 36 feet (no hookups). Reservations are
recommended between Memorial Day and
Labor Day. For reservations, call (800) 4447275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov. Hike and bike
campsites may not be reserved.
Interpretive Activities—Summer interpretive
programs include guided walks, hikes and
evening campfires on nature and historical
subjects. Check the park bulletin board for a
schedule of activities.
Accessible Features
Some restrooms and campsites, the campfire
center and the picnic areas are accessible, as
are paths from the parking lot to the campfire
and visitor centers. The center has large-print
exhibit panels and offers assistance in the
sales area. Visit http://access.parks.ca.gov
for accessibility updates.
Nearby State Parks
• Tolowa Dunes State Park, five miles north
of Crescent City on Old Mill Road
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Seven miles south of Crescent City on Hwy.
101. For parks information: Crescent City
Information Center, 1111-2nd St., Crescent
City 95531 (707) 465-7335
Please Remember
• Stay on established trails to avoid
compacting the soil near tree roots.
• All natural and cultural park
features are protected by law and
may not be disturbed.
• Purchase firewood at the park to
avoid spreading tree diseases.
• Do not feed wildlife; secure all
food items.
• Dogs must be on a leash no more
than six feet long and must be
confined to a tent or vehicle at
night. Except for service animals,
pets are not allowed on trails.
Kl am
Klamath
NF
Private
(inholding)
Sa l
0
400
Le
199
ar l
il
ra
Creek
ll
0
60
ed
u id
l f -g
Paved Road
Unpaved Road
800
400
Mi
d
Hio
u
400
Rd
E lk V
al l e y
200
il
il
Accessible Feature
H il l R d
0
Boat Launch
N ic k er
20
200
0
0
0
to
Little Bald Hills
Primitive Camp
Multi-Use Trail
a
Tr
so
Rellim
Ridge
Trail
Campfire Center
Ra
Campground
n
Humboldt Rd
40
40
60
H ow la n d H i l l R
Accessible Trail
land
0
Hiking Trail
Tr
e
e
H ow
0
ut
20
r
0
co
0
40
400
iv e
80
yS
20
P
Stout
Memorial
Grove
th R
South
Fork
Rd
Craig’s
Creek
Trail
199
Tr a
0
600
Bo
Smi
P
Legend
200
400
(707) 464-9150
www.redwoodparksassociation.org
to
Eureka
200
Hil l s
400
60
600
Trl
400
ald
Little B
T
al
Redwood National and
State Parks Visitor Center
(Winter)
Summer
Footbridge
STAT E PA RK
This park receives support in part
through the nonprofit
Redwood Parks Association
1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
P
Wellman Trail
400
JEDEDIAH SMITH
2
B o 00
tan
ic
Jedediah Smith
Campground
200
to Crescent
Beach
Environmental
Center
il
see
detail map
Fern
Falls
Howland Hill Rd
i Tra
ek
r
ch
to
Grants Pass,
Oregon
Cre
200
REDWOODS
to
Crescent City
M yrtl e
0
60
w
Society
Hole
400
rk
Jedediah Smith
Campground
Visitor Center
Hatton Trail
Hatton Loop Trail
d
Pa
ay
197
Simpson Reed
Grove Trail
P
R
to
Eureka
D
l
Trai
Rd
Templeman
Grove
Cr
os
s
101
nk
d
Peterson
Memorial
Trail
400
Peacock
Bar
20
to
Lake Earl
1.5 Km
Ba
e
rR
199
d
rt h
L
oo p
id e
No
r
Ellsworth
Loop Trail
ll ey
1.0
ak
O ve
i
lk
Wa
eE
d
Peacock R e
Ri v
S m it h
400
Camp
Lincoln
Elk Va
0.5
0
La k
0
gu
1 Mile
20
.
Kings Valley Rd
101
0.5
lf-
Ri ver Be ach
nR
Harry A. Merlo
SRA
Redwood
Weitchpec
NP
to
Brookings,
Oregon
0
mo
Somes Bar
Orleans
er
Humboldt Lagoons
SP
Patrick’s Point SP
to Eureka
Se
96
R iv
101
Orick
a th
O CE A N
Prairie Creek
Redwoods SP
0
i ff e r
FI C
Klamath
40
200
I
PAC
Requa
800 m
Se
Jedediah Smith
Redwoods SP
Del Norte Coast
Redwoods SP
Dr
State Park
Happy
Camp
Ta
n
Dr
Crescent City
500 ft
0
iver
Gasquet
0
Smith R
199
200
Tolowa Dunes SB
Point St George
Jedediah Smith Redwoods
0
Six
Rivers
NF
Smith River
0
40
Pelican SB
20
OREGON
Brookings
M i ll C
nc
hT
r ail
reek Horse Trail
REDWOOD
N AT I O N A L P A R K
Group Campground
Hike/Bike Campground
Locked Gate
Nature Trail
Parking
Picnic Area
Ranger Station
Restrooms
RV Sanitation
Center
Showers
Trailhead
© 2010 California State Parks (Rev. 2014)
Map by Eureka Cartography, Berkeley, CA