Tall, tall trees (some of them the slender-trunked young ones and some older ones with sturdier bodies) the dark, moist soil, the tranquility of the forest … Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail had it all. Some Douglas Fir, Redwood Sorrel and ferns also call this grove home. It was in spring that we were in this part of Redwood National Park so we got to see quite a lot of Rhododendron flowers throwing a bit of color here and there, too.
Visits to forests of these gigantic coastal trees of California are always refreshing. Walking by Coast Redwoods, which can grow to over 300 ft. in height, and live for 2000 years is fascinating and humbling at the same time. No matter how many times I have seen them, I’m amazed by these trees that can withstand fire to a very large extent and often go on living even after being brutally scarred by the flames.
I’m always awed by these trees, which even when hollowed out, continue to reach for the skies. These goose-pens are always fun to peep into. Some of them even allow you to step into the bowels of the redwood giants and get an idea of what it’s like in there.
The Trail in the Grove
The Lady Bird Johnson Trail in Redwood National Park is a lollipop trail in the Bald Hills Area, just south of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Here in the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, you’ll see old-growth as well as second-generation Coast Redwoods. Almost halfway into the trail, you will find yourself in a glade with a couple of benches and a plaque. This is the dedication site; the place that honors former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson for her environmental work and conservation efforts.
And then you’ll see more tall trees, more of the vegetation that belongs in redwood forests and more goose pens, and then you’ll find yourself back on the hikers bridge that will take you over Bald Hills Road and onto the parking lot.
Some sights from the trail:
Things to know about Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is in the Bald Hills area. Look for the parking lot beside the (unmissable) Hikers Bridge that runs over Bald Hills Road.
- It’s a fairly popular trail (However, it had very light traffic on the day that we were there. It was a Monday in the beginning of June.)
- The trail is 1.5 miles long
- Walk over the Hikers Bridge and into the grove to start your hike. The whole thing would be a lollipop trail.
- There is only a slight elevation gain so it is a pleasant walk in the woods.
- The trail does not have a paved section. Parts of the trail might be challenging for wheelchairs. (However, we did see a family with twin babies in a stroller make it all through the trail.)
- The trail is open all year round.
- It is a kid-friendly trail.
- There are restrooms by the parking lot.
Another POI in the vicinity: The Redwood Creek overlook, which is further up the hills from here.
This was hike 18 of my 52hikes2023. Want to jump into this wonderful bandwagon? Sign up for the 52 Hike Challenge and let’s get hiking! 😉
More from
Redwood National Park
Coast Redwood forests in CA
California Hikes
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I visited the trail some years ago. A very impressive place.
Hey Kenneth,
I’m sure it was a memorable experience walking among these giants.
Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Amazingly gigantic trees! Beautifully captured in pictures and words.
Aren’t they?! They amaze me no end! 🙂
Thank you so much, Magiceye. It’s always lovely to see you here. 🙂
Entering this enchanting woodland feels like stepping into a magical realm! I can only dream of experiencing the grandeur of these majestic trees in person.
Gorgeous photos, Dee!
Enchanting, it is, Veronica. 🙂
You should make it a point to see some of these trees ( in any of the redwood forests in California) when you come this side. Let me know and I can tell you which park would easily fit into your itinerary.
Thank you so much, Veronica.
I hope you are doing well. 🙂
I am awed by Redwoods since i have got to know from your posts. How huge that tree must be. Seeing you get into the truck is so fun. Thank you so much for joining and can’t wait to see more trees from your future hikes.
These are such amazing trees. The Coast Redwoods make the tallest trees and the Giant Sequoia (another kind of Redwood) makes the largest of trees. The trunks are huge and the goose pens in the trunks, quite roomy 😉 😀
Thank you so much for hosting, TTL, Parul. Have a great rest of your week. 🙂
Wonderful place, Amazing trees.
Loved the post.
I totally agree.
And I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Thank you, Rupam. 🙂
Wow what a place, I would like to take a walk there.
Isn’t it?
These forests are enchanting!
You’d love it, Lillian. 🙂
I was planning on going back to that area last summer, did not push through to my disappointment. I hope I can revisit that area and visit the Redwoods this year. Thanks for this post.
Since it’s so spread out, there’s quite a lot to see and you need a few visits to really see it, no? I hope you get to revisit soon. 🙂
The redwoods are on my bucket list. This trail looks perfect – beautiful and easy. I hope dogs are allowed.
Redwoods are such charming places for those of us who like trees and dark woods. You’ll thoroughly enjoy it, JoAnna. This is an easy and pleasant trail and was quite quiet the day we were there so it was perfect! 🙂
I don’t think dogs are allowed here; to protect the critters of redwood forests, I guess.
Thank you for coming this way. 🙂