We live in Singapore where travel bans were just lifted. Previously, we were on a 81-day Vanlife adventure through the USA starting in Seattle. As we planned our trip down the Pacific Coast we came across Redwood National Park on Google. This was our first visit to the park and we got engaged there too! So the Redwoods definitely hold a special place in our hearts.
Since we were making our way down the coast we had the chance to spend two days at Redwood National Park. We lived out of our rented campervan in the parking lot of a Walmart, and drove in and out of different spots in the park. We decided to hike the easy paths at Redwoods simply because we both live in Singapore, which is like a little NYC.
There isn’t much in terms of hikes or forestry in Singapore, so we didn’t want to get lost and be eaten by bears or something at Redwoods! The two trails we completed were Boy Scout Tree Trail and Big Tree Loop Trail, and they were both incredibly beautiful offering epic views throughout, but we are certain that whichever trail you pick you will be thoroughly amazed.
The foliage and greenery are so different at the park and each new turn rewards you with trees bigger and taller than the next (whether they have fallen or standing). The sheer size of the giant trees is enough to keep you mesmerized the entire way through. We have never seen anything like it!
Highlights of Redwood National Park
For this trip we actually vlogged the entire trip in a 24 episode series on our YouTube channel @CaitOfAllTraits, so please check that out. Along the Big Tree Loop Trail there was a fallen tree that looked like a train that was no longer in service. My partner Z (Zenos) climbed it and walked along the trunk of this gargantuan while I stood by the side gawking.
My mind is still blown when I think about its sheer size. We also loved the area around Corkscrew Tree. This was the place we visited after we got engaged and the contrast between the massive Redwood trees and the smaller deciduous trees was wonderful to behold. We were on a high from both the news of getting engaged and the magical nature all around us.
We suggest hiking as many of the trails at Redwood National Park as possible while you are there, especially if you aren’t from the US. It’s not often that you get to see some of the tallest trees in the world that are still standing. This puts everything into perspective, and reminds us that we are nothing without nature and that we must protect our environment.
Good to Know Before You Go
Renting a campervan and sleeping in the camping areas in the woods is what we recommend for accommodation. This requires booking ahead of time so ensure you make reservations! While you may not have Internet while camping, walking among the giants is an experience in itself which is hard to describe. If you don’t have reservations at one of the campgrounds you can find accommodation in Crescent City or another town.
Definitely wear hiking shoes for the trails – not just walking or running shoes. Bring something warm too, although you may not need it if you walk for most of the time. Snacks and water are also essential. It’s easy to forget you might be hungry while enjoying the views, so when you do get hungry it will be ideal if you have food and water handy. Finally, prepare to be amazed for the entire time. Redwoods is a life-changing place!
It was an extra special place for us because Zenos said he was planning to propose somewhere else but Redwood National Park was so magical that he had to do it there! So he was hiking through the forest with a ring in his pocket! While everyone might not be lucky enough to get engaged here, we are sure that you will still love this place just as much as we did.
