Henry Cowell Redwoods Campground

While hiking trails are exclusively for travelers on foot and, often, horseback, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the park via bicycle. Several roads allow cyclists, and don’t let the word “road” throw you, as only authorized ranger vehicles are allowed to drive on them. Go ahead and strap your bike to the back, and check out what each path has to offer here.

If you make it up to the park November through February, be sure to grab your pole: fishing during the steelhead and salmon season is usually permitted. Before you head out, though, be sure to check the exact months as determined by the California Department of Fish & Game. And, of course, don’t forget to get your fishing license .

How does a 360 degree view of mountain, forest and sea sound? How about a trip along the San Lorenzo River, ending in an enchanted redwood grove and swimming holes to boot? Hikers, you have come to the right place. Henry Cowell has about 20 miles of trails ranging in length from .4 miles to 3.3 miles, several paths that take you through the heart of the park and give explorers of all abililities a chance to see it on foot. Keep in mind that some of the trails get quite steep, and there are no water crossings on any of the paths. While the campground has several trailheads, there are also many trails many trails in the area that are worth an explore if you have a car and some extra time.

If fording a river on horseback as you make your way through groves of ancient oaks and pines sounds like your kind of afternoon, you are in luck: with the exception of four trails, horses can be just about anywhere humans can be at Henry Cowell. Trailers are also permitted, so why not make a weekend (or at least a Friday or Saturday night) out of it? Click here here for a comprehensive breakdown of the different trails in the park (scroll to the last page).

Is there anything better than a swimming hole in the shade on a hot summer day? How about one surrounded by ancient pines and Red Woods? A lovely little secret, this park actually has tons of spots to take a dip , so don’t forget to pack a suit and towel!

If you are looking for something with a little more movement than a redwood grove (they are exquisite, but do tend to stay in one spot), you are in luck. Thrill seekers, take note: this park happens to be the starting point of an awesome whitewater trip. The four mile jaunt takes about a day, and is a class III (beginners, make sure you are with someone experienced). Click here for more information about the route and boat requirements.

This park has four distinct ecosystems, giving wildlife enthusiasts a chance to see the wide variety of species that call the redwoods home. Take a walk through the grasslands,where you should keep an eye out for white-tailed kites and white-crowned sparrows soaring and searching for lunch. A hike along the San Lorenzo River may reward you with the sight of a great blue heron stretching her long legs or a glimpse of the endangered steelhead trout, which spawn in the protected waters. If you stay in the shade of the forest, listen for the song of the Pacific wren, and as you make your way to the sandhills, look for two rare insect species, the Zayante band-winged grasshopper and the Mt.Hermon June beetle. Be sure to bring your camera, as you never know what you might find.