Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
State Park · Felton, California
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park lies in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Felton, in Santa Cruz County, along the San Lorenzo River. Its best-known feature is the Redwood Grove, a short, flat loop under old-growth coast redwoods near the visitor centre (confirm the length and any guide leaflet). Beyond the grove, trails climb through second-growth forest, oak woodland and an unusual sandhills habitat (confirm routes), and a campground sits in the trees (confirm size and booking). The river carries steelhead in winter and has swimming holes in summer (confirm where, and check water conditions). Roaring Camp Railroads and the narrow-gauge steam train next door are separate businesses (confirm schedules). Fog and cool air are normal, summer weekends crowd the lot, and poison oak and ticks line the paths. It suits families, easy walkers and anyone who wants big trees close to the Bay Area, and it disappoints people who expect solitude on a July Saturday.
101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, California, 95018, United States
California State Parks has generally run Henry Cowell as a day-use park from about sunrise to sunset, with the campground open around the clock for registered campers - confirm the posted hours. The visitor centre near the Redwood Grove keeps shorter, seasonal hours and may close on some weekdays, so do not count on staff being there. Entrance kiosks may be staffed only part of the day, and the main lot can fill by late morning on summer weekends and holidays. Winter storms can close trails after slides or fallen trees, and fire danger can restrict camping fires, so confirm conditions before you drive up from the coast or over the hill from San Jose.
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