Trail guide
Quick, Easy Peasy Hikes for Those Who Don’t Hike
Ocean beaches, tidepools, sea lions, and the tallest trees on Earth — Del Norte County's best scenery, minus the commitment. Fourteen short walks (and one drive) for people who don't hike.
With so many things to do in Del Norte County, California, we’ve compiled a list of some of the easiest hikes chock full of stunning scenery (think ocean beaches and tall redwood trees!) without the commitment. Short on time or energy? Check out these fourteen short hikes for those who don’t hike.
On the Coast
1 · Crescent City Harbor Trail. Part of the California Coastal Trail, this multi-user section officially starts in the Crescent City Harbor District at South Beach and follows the ocean past some of Crescent City’s most historic sights along Pebble Beach Drive. See barking sea lions, birds, and lighthouses; go tidepooling; or hunt for agates and sand dollars.
2 · Klamath Overlook. One of the highest lookouts in Del Norte County, with access to the California Coastal Trail. Whether you hike a little or just gaze, the viewpoint doesn’t disappoint.
3 · High Bluff Overlook Trail. Off the Coastal Road in Klamath at the site of an old rock quarry, this short hike features Pacific Ocean and sea-stack vistas. Explore both the north and south trails for epic views.
4 · Enderts Beach Trail via Crescent Beach Overlook. Enderts Beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Gaze over sea stacks and sandy beaches, then descend a forested trail to the sand below. Check the tide schedule for some of the best tidepooling.
In the Redwoods
5 · Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Take the shortcut to Stout Grove via the seasonal summer-only footbridge across the turquoise Smith River, then loop the iconic grove on an easy, flat trail some consider one of the most scenic in the world. No footbridge? Start from Howland Hill Road.
6 · Simpson-Reed Trail. A short hike peppered with gigantically tall redwoods — some say the best grove of all. Afterward, follow Walker Road to the Smith River for a cool dip or picnic, or extend your stroll on the 1.5-mile Leiffer Loop.
7 · Trees of Mystery Trails. Several short trails meander through this 120-acre, 80-year-old outdoor amusement park along the Redwood Highway — including the Kingdom of Trees Trail and the world’s largest “Cathedral Tree,” nine trees grown in a ring around an original redwood dated to roughly 1,000 years old.
8 · Hiouchi Trail. The Hiouchi Trail (“Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm” in the Tolowa language) begins at the Hiouchi Fire Station, on the ancestral land of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Bike- and dog-friendly, it connects scenic Highway 199 to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park — a collaboration between the National Park and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation.
9 · Myrtle Creek Trail. A quiet trail of seasonal wildflowers, old plank bridge crossings, and plenty of gold-mining lore, starting at a swimming hole on the South Fork of the Smith River.
Rivers, Elk, and Culture
10 · Darlingtonia (Botanical) Trail. Off scenic Highway 199 along the glorious Smith River, north of Gasquet at milepost 17.9 — where the rare carnivorous California Pitcher Plant grows from muddy bogs. Botanists, wannabe botanists, and plant lovers: stop here.
11 · The Forks Trail. Near Hiouchi, outside the National Park boundary — fun for fishing, trail running, or swimming and sunning on the Smith River.
12 · Elk Valley Rancheria’s Elk Trail. Safely gaze at Roosevelt elk (including babies!) from wildlife-viewing platforms connected by a one-mile trail through the nature reserve, with interpretive signage on local wildlife and Native history.
13 · Tolowa Cultural Trail (opening Fall 2026). A short walk starting at the Crescent City–Del Norte County Visitor Center will tell the history and current culture of the Tolowa People, or Taa-laa-wa dee-ni’, through interpretive signage and interactive displays. Beachfront Park sits on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Taa-laa-wa dee-ni’, specifically Taa-’at-dvn.
For Those Who Really Don’t Hike
14 · Drive Howland Hill Road. A gravel, tree-lined historic stagecoach route where you experience the entire “trail” from your car (no RVs allowed). A magical redwood adventure with zero walking required.
A magical redwood adventure with zero walking required.
Every trail on this list is within an easy drive of the Crescent City airport. Advanced Air flies Oakland to Crescent City nonstop — about 66 minutes in the air, with daily service on the current schedule through September 30, 2026. Pack sneakers, not boots.
Quick answers
Before you lace up
When is the Stout Grove footbridge across the Smith River in place?
The footbridge is seasonal and summer-only. When it isn’t in place, start the Stout Grove loop from Howland Hill Road instead.
Can I see the redwoods without walking at all?
Yes — drive Howland Hill Road, a gravel, tree-lined historic stagecoach route through the redwoods. No RVs are allowed, and you experience the whole route from your car.
When does the Tolowa Cultural Trail open?
Fall 2026. The short walk starts at the Crescent City–Del Norte County Visitor Center and tells the history and current culture of the Tolowa People, or Taa-laa-wa dee-ni’, through interpretive signage and interactive displays.