Redwood National and State Parks · California

Boy Scout Tree Trail

2.7 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail: 5.5 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 450 ft of climbing · 129 ft–533 ft · native surface · hiking

Bridges

209 ft 133 ft · 2.5 mi high 533 ft

Along the way Boy Scout Tree Trail Bridge Boy Scout Tree Trail Bridge Boy Scout Tree Trail Bridge Boy Scout Tree Trail Bridge

Trailhead Boy Scout Tree Trailhead 207 ft Drive there

Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail 5.5 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

3-5 Hours · no dogs · season Winter storms and fallen trees may make Howland Hill Road unpassable.

Start Boy Scout Tree Trail

Boy Scout Tree Trail

A Moderate Hike In The North

This rewarding hike though old-growth redwoods is popular for those in the north wanting a bit of a challenge. Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a twisting but scenic drive leads to this 5.5 mile round trip trail. During the walk, you will follow riperean areas, see "Fern Falls" and lots of big trees.

The shortest drive to the trailhead starts southeast of Crescent City at the Elk Valley Road. From this road you will need to take your vehicle east for 3.5 miles along the Howland Hill Road which is a dirt, windy road. Howland Hill Road is not suitable for trailers or motor homes . Trailhead parking is limited.

Pets Pets are not permitted on trails. Service animals are welcome.

Accessibility This is not an ADA accessible trail. It is composed of wood and aggregate and it ranges 4-6 feet wide. It climbs a couple of hundred feet with switchbacks. Service pets are welcome.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 170 trails in Redwood National and State ParksFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.