Lady Bird Johnson Grove - Redwood National Park
This week we’re adventuring inside Redwood National Park through one of the most popular redwood groves here. Join me as we explore the tall trees along Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
The dedication site along Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
History
Native people of the North Coast region made the redwood forests and local ecosystems their home for thousands of years until gold was discovered in northwestern California during the mid 1800s, and outsiders moved into the area in overwhelming numbers. Commercial logging followed and large-scale logging was soon underway…and the once immense stands of redwoods began to disappear by the close of the 19th century due to timber harvesting. By the 1960s, logging had consumed nearly 90 percent of all the original redwoods. In 1968 the Redwood National Park was established, protecting the few remaining stands of uncut redwoods…and just one year later in 1969, Lady Bird Johnson Grove was dedicated as one of the park’s first groves.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
Sun rising through the forest along Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Location
Not far from Highway 101 (north-east of Orick), this grove is unique in that it is located substantially higher than most groves at more than 1,000 feet above sea level. Wet conditions and extra rain found at these higher elevations cause the redwoods here to look slightly less red than the giant trees found in the lower elevations. To get to this grove, you need drive over two miles on the windy and narrow Bald Hills Road, which is not recommended for RVs or trailers.
The bridge at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trailhead in Redwood National Park
Hike
Across the bridge from the parking area is an easy and gentle 1.5 mile loop through the grove along the old logging road. The trail begins as you cross the bridge from second growth to old growth redwoods (it’s fascinating to see the such a clear shift in the trees here). Soon after is a sign with a QR code, allowing you to download an online version of the trail guide tour for this grove with the official NPS digital app (I’d recommend downloading the app here and perusing the Redwood Self-Guided Tours section prior to visiting, as cell reception is spotty on the trail). In 1969 President Nixon dedicated this grove to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, for all of her conservation and environmental work. The dedication plaque can be seen about half a mile down the trail along with benches to relax on. You can see the sky through the giant trees (some towering over 300 feet high) and view fallen burned out redwoods alongside the healthy and growing giants. The trail descends slightly to the intersection with the Berry Glen Trail (which takes you on a 3 mile trail with 1,000 ft in elevation change if you want to take your hiking adventures further). This intersection is the low point of the hike before heading back to the bridge and parking area. See the official Lady Bird Grove Brochure for even more information.
A redwood stump carved into a bench along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Know Before You Go
• To protect the wildlife, pets are not allowed on this trail.
• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here unless you are connected via GPS.
• Trail conditions at Redwood can change daily. Please check at a park visitor center for the conditions on the day you arrive.
• Please don’t go off-trail and make any new trails. These forests grow by the inch and will die by your foot. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
Top 10 Redwood Attractions
Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Crescent Beach Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me today in Redwood National Park. For a virtual visit through Lady Bird Johnson Grove, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Sun rising through the forest along Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps in offsetting the cost of running this site so we can continue to provide you with free content to help you plan your next adventure.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
Today we're checking out the top 10 photo spots in San Fran, California. This Flying Dawn Marie travel guide will take you all over SF to the best viewpoints for photography, such as Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, and Lombard Street. We'll capture great Instagram shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and many other iconic landmarks in the Bay Area.