Portola Redwoods State Park
State Park · La Honda, California
Portola Redwoods State Park lies in the Santa Cruz Mountains of San Mateo County near La Honda, reached by a long, winding road down into a deep, cool canyon. It protects second-growth and old-growth coast redwoods along Pescadero Creek, with ferns, tanoaks, banana slugs and, in spring, trillium on the forest floor. It is a hiking and camping park rather than a sightseeing stop: there are trails of several lengths, a small visitor area and a campground that takes reservations - confirm both. Cell signal is absent, fog is common and winter storms bring creek flooding and muddy paths. The approach is steep, narrow and slow, so it is poorly suited to large trailers. Big Basin Redwoods State Park lies to the south, and Pescadero Creek County Park is next door. Allow half a day for a walk, and a night for camping. Mid-week visits feel almost private, while summer weekends fill the campground, so book ahead and bring layers for the cool canyon air.
9000 Portola State Park Rd, La Honda, California, 94020, United States
California State Parks has generally listed day use at Portola Redwoods from around sunrise to sunset, every day, with a vehicle fee collected at the entrance or by honor box - confirm the current hours and fee on the official site. Campground check-in and check-out follow their own times and a reservation is normally needed for a site - confirm the booking window. Winter storms, fallen trees, landslides and creek flooding can close roads and trails at short notice, and fire danger in dry months can restrict use. There is no phone signal in the canyon, so check the State Parks page and local road status before you leave, because no one can tell you once you are down there.
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