For years, visiting the redwoods of Northern California sat near the top of my travel bucket list. I’d seen photos of these towering giants countless times, watched documentaries about them, and imagined what it would feel like to roll beneath some of the tallest trees on Earth. But as any traveler knows, there’s always that little question lingering in the back of your mind before a dream trip: will reality actually live up to the hype? And as a wheelchair user, would it even be accessible?
After spending several days exploring Redwood National & State Parks and the surrounding region, I can confidently say that not only did it live up to the dream, but it completely exceeded every expectation I had.
Y’all… the redwoods are unbelievable.
Even now, as I look back through my photos and videos from the trip, I still find myself shaking my head in amazement. These trees are so massive and awe-inspiring that it’s difficult to fully comprehend their scale until you’re actually standing (or sitting, in my case) among them. Pictures simply don’t do them justice.
Even better, I was blown away by how many opportunities there were to experience the wheelchair accessible Redwoods. Before visiting, I wasn’t sure exactly how much of the parks I’d be able to explore. As it turns out, I spent several days rolling beneath some of the tallest trees in the world, and it ended up being one of my favorite national park trips ever.
If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible Redwood National Park adventure, or you’re simply hoping to experience one of America’s most incredible landscapes, I can’t recommend this region enough.
Why Eureka Is the Perfect Home Base
When planning this trip, I wanted a location that would give me easy access to multiple parks while also offering accessible hotels, restaurants, and attractions. After doing some research, I decided to stay in Eureka, California, and it turned out to be the perfect choice.
Eureka sits along California’s rugged northern coastline and serves as an excellent gateway to the redwoods. Most of the parks I wanted to visit were within a reasonable driving distance, making it easy to spend the day exploring and then return to town each evening.
Downtown Eureka was surprisingly enjoyable to explore as a wheelchair user. The area was fairly easy to navigate, and I loved wandering through the local shops and admiring the historic architecture. It has the kind of laid-back charm that immediately makes you feel welcome.
One of my favorite attractions in town was Sequoia Park Zoo, which is home to the incredible Redwood Sky Walk.
Rolling Among the Treetops on the Redwood Sky Walk
Before even visiting Redwood National & State Parks, I got my first elevated glimpse into the redwood ecosystem on the Redwood Sky Walk.
The Sky Walk is located inside Sequoia Park Zoo, which is well worth visiting on its own. As California’s oldest zoo, it has a charming feel and focuses heavily on conservation and education. It’s also very manageable to explore in a few hours and is impressively wheelchair accessible. During my visit, I loved seeing the red pandas, river otters, and animals native to Northern California.
But the real highlight is the Redwood Sky Walk. Instead of looking up at the trees from the forest floor, the Sky Walk lets you experience the redwoods from within the canopy itself.
The wheelchair accessible walkway gradually rises into the forest, offering incredible views from a perspective that few people ever get to experience. Along the way, interpretive exhibits explain the ecology of the redwoods and why protecting these forests is so important.
One of the things I loved most was how different everything looked from above. Throughout the rest of my trip, I spent most of my time craning my neck toward the sky. Here, I was suddenly surrounded by branches, trunks, and greenery at eye level. It completely changed the way I looked at the forest.
Having previously explored the giant sequoias in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, I already knew I loved being surrounded by massive trees. But the coast redwoods feel completely different. Giant sequoias impress you with their enormous trunks, while coast redwoods seem to stretch endlessly into the sky. Seeing them from the Redwood Sky Walk gave me a whole new appreciation for just how extraordinary they are.
If you’re staying in Eureka, I would absolutely put this near the top of your itinerary.
Where to Eat in Eureka
Eureka also impressed me when it came to food.
One of my favorite meals of the trip was at Gabriel’s Italian Restaurant. The bruschetta was fresh and flavorful, and the smoked salmon ravioli was absolutely delicious. After spending all day exploring the redwoods, it was exactly the kind of comforting meal I was craving.
Jack’s was another great stop. Located along the waterfront, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood while watching the boats come and go.
And if you have a sweet tooth like I do, don’t skip Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate. Their handcrafted chocolates were fantastic and made the perfect afternoon treat.
Accessible Accommodations in Eureka
During my stay, I checked into Home2 Suites by Hilton Eureka, and it proved to be an excellent accessible home base throughout my entire trip.
My wheelchair accessible room was spacious and thoughtfully designed. The bed measured approximately 24 inches high and had enough clearance underneath for a Hoyer lift.
The bathroom featured a roll-in shower with smooth entry, a pull-under sink, and grab bars beside the toilet. It couldn’t have been better for my accessibility needs.
Having a comfortable and accessible hotel made it easy to focus on what I came to Northern California to see: the redwoods.
Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
My first visit to the redwoods took me to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and it was the perfect introduction.
Like I usually do when visiting a national park, I started at the visitor center. The rangers were incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain which wheelchair accessible trails were in the best condition and which ones they thought I’d enjoy most. Their advice made planning my day so much easier.
Redwood Access Trail
The Redwood Access Trail was my very first chance to finally roll beneath giant redwoods, and honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling.
It’s only about half a mile long, but within minutes I was completely surrounded by towering trees. I knew they would be tall, but I wasn’t prepared for just how often I’d find myself stopping to simply look up. I probably spent as much time staring toward the sky as I did actually rolling down the trail.
Revelation Loop Trail
Although the Revelation Loop Trail is only about 0.3 miles long, it packs a lot into a short distance.
Interpretive exhibits explain the history and ecology of the redwoods, making it a great trail if you enjoy learning while you explore. I loved getting a better understanding of what makes these forests so unique.
Revelation Loop Trail also has a rope around it, so that visitors who are blind can hold the rope as they walk along the trail.
Prairie Creek Trail
The Prairie Creek Trail quickly became one of my favorites in the park.
Stretching roughly 1.2 miles, it allowed me to spend even more time surrounded by these incredible giants. One thing that really stood out to me was just how peaceful everything felt.
There were several moments when the only sounds I could hear were birds singing and the gentle breeze moving through the trees. Those quiet moments are some of my favorite memories from the trip.
There was a bridge toward the beginning of Prairie Creek Trail that was pretty bumpy, but manageable in a wheelchair. After that bridge though, it was smooth the rest of the way for me.
Big Tree Trail
No visit to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park feels complete without seeing Big Tree.
The accessible trail leading to it is short (only 0.3 miles long), but when I finally reached the tree, I completely understood why it’s one of the park’s most famous landmarks.
I probably sat there for several minutes just taking it all in. No talking. No rushing to the next stop. Just appreciating the fact that I was finally seeing something I’d dreamed about for years.
Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
If Prairie Creek introduced me to the redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park made me completely fall in love with them. This park is further north, about two hours from Eureka, but well worth the longer drive.
Many people consider this park home to some of the most spectacular old-growth redwood forests anywhere in the world, and after visiting, I completely understand why.
The forest here feels almost prehistoric. Massive trees rise in every direction, thick ferns cover the forest floor, and sunlight filters through the trees in a way that almost doesn’t seem real.
Simpson Reed / Peterson Memorial Trail
This 0.93-mile wheelchair accessible trail was easily one of the highlights of my entire trip.
As I rolled through the grove, every turn revealed another breathtaking view. Towering redwoods surrounded me, filtered sunlight streamed through the trees, and everything felt unbelievably peaceful.
There were moments when I simply stopped rolling because I didn’t want to miss a single second of the experience.
If you’re only able to do one wheelchair accessible trail in Redwood National & State Parks, this would probably be my recommendation.
Leiffer Loop Trail
The Leiffer Loop Trail is another fantastic wheelchair accessible option.
Although it’s only about 0.8 miles long, it offers some truly spectacular scenery. Throughout the trail, I found myself noticing all the little details beyond the towering trees: lush ferns, moss-covered logs, and fallen giants slowly returning to the forest floor.
Of course, I stopped for plenty of photos, but there were just as many moments when I put the camera away and simply enjoyed being there.
Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
The final major stop on my redwood adventure was Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It’s about an hourlong drive south of Eureka.
Like Prairie Creek, I started my visit at the visitor center, and I’m so glad I did.
This visitor center is much larger and features an excellent museum that explores the history, ecology, and conservation of the redwoods. It also had plenty of souvenirs and I spent quite a while browsing the exhibits and shopping before heading outside.
Fleishmann Grove Trail
The Fleishmann Grove Trail is about 0.63 miles long and offers another wonderful opportunity to experience old-growth redwoods up close.
Within minutes of starting the trail, I was once again looking straight up, wondering how trees could possibly grow this tall.
The Fleishmann Grove Trail starts across the street from the visitor center, so it’s easy to reach.
Gould Grove Nature Loop Trail
The Gould Grove Nature Loop Trail is another excellent wheelchair accessible trail in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
At roughly 0.62 miles long, it winds through a beautiful section of forest where the towering redwoods create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere.
It’s one of those places where photos are beautiful, but being there in person is something entirely different.
Founders Grove Nature Loop Trail
If I had to choose one trail that perfectly captures the magic of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, it would probably be the Founders Grove Nature Loop Trail.
Although it’s only about half a mile long, it showcases some truly remarkable trees. Massive trunks, filtered sunlight, and lush greenery combine to create one of the most beautiful settings I experienced during the entire trip.
By this point, I’d already spent several days exploring the redwoods, yet I still found myself saying, “Wow,” over and over again. Do yourself a favor and do not miss Founders Grove Nature Loop Trail!
Is Redwood National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
One of the things that impressed me most about this trip was just how accessible the region is.
I explored nine wheelchair accessible trails throughout Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, but those are only a small sample of what’s available. There are additional accessible trails, overlooks, visitor centers, picnic areas, and recreation sites spread throughout the region, meaning you could easily spend several days, or even a full week, exploring the wheelchair accessible Redwoods.
I was also pleasantly surprised to find accessible companion care restrooms at many of the trailheads and visitor centers. As a wheelchair user traveling with assistance, having companion care facilities available can make a huge difference when planning a day outdoors.
Combined with the accessible trails, knowledgeable park rangers, accessible visitor centers, and attractions like Eureka’s Redwood Sky Walk, I found far more accessibility throughout the region than I ever expected.
A Place I’ll Never Forget
I’ve been fortunate to visit incredible destinations all around the world and some of America’s most iconic national parks. I’ve watched Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, gazed up at El Capitan in Yosemite, and been in awe of the Grand Canyon to name a few of the national parks I’ve visited. And Redwood National & State Parks deserves a place right alongside them.
Maybe it’s because this trip had been on my bucket list for so many years. Or maybe it’s because looking up at the tallest trees on Earth creates a feeling that’s almost impossible to describe.
These trees have witnessed centuries of history. They’ve survived storms, fires, and generations of people passing beneath them. Standing among them reminds you just how remarkable our natural world truly is.
There were countless moments throughout this trip when I simply stopped rolling, looked toward the sky, and took it all in. In today’s world, it’s rare to experience something that genuinely leaves you speechless. But the redwoods did exactly that.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the wheelchair accessible Redwoods, I hope you’ll make it happen. Whether you’re a wheelchair user searching for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, a nature lover hoping to experience one of the world’s most remarkable forests, or simply someone looking for a destination that inspires awe, Redwood National & State Parks delivers.
I waited years to visit these forests, and now that I’ve finally experienced them, I honestly can’t wait to go back. Even after spending days among these giants, I still don’t think I’ll ever get over them.
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*Thank you to Visit California for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Redwood National Park! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.
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