Backpacking: Backcountry camping is only allowed at designated sites and along Redwood Creek gravel bars. There are four free sites: Nickel Creek, DeMartin, and Flint Ridge, located along the Coastal Trail; and Little Bald Hills, located on Little Bald Hills Trail. Little Bald Hills, Nickel Creek, and DeMartin are north of the Klamath River. The only site that requires a permit is Nickel Creek. Permits can be obtained at Crescent City Information Center.
Five sites are located south of the Klamath River. Ossagon Creek and Miners Ridge sites require a permit and a $5 per person per day fee. Permits are available at the Prairie Creek Entrance Station kiosks. Elam Creek and 44 Camp are located on Orick Horse Trail. Backcountry sites are also dispersed along Redwood Creek Trail. Elam Creek, 44 Camp, and Redwood Creek sites are free, but a permit must be obtained from Kuchel Visitor Center prior to departure.
All sites feature picnic tables, fire pits, food storage lockers, and toilets.
Horseback Riding: Many of the park’s trails are open to horses. If you’d like to explore the majestic redwoods on a guided ride or overnight pack trip contact one of these outfitters: Redwood Adventure Tours (866.733.9637, www.redwoodadventures.com, $60/person, 90 min.), Redwood Trail Rides (707.498.4837, www.redwoodhorserides.com, $65), Armstrong Woods Pack Station (707.887.2939, www.redwoodhorses.com, $80), and Tell Tale Trails (www.telltaletrails.com, $55). Rides must be reserved in advance.
Paddling is a great way to explore the coast, coves, and rivers. Big Lagoon, just south of the park, is popular among paddlers. If you don’t have your own kayak, rentals are available during summer from Kayak Zak’s (707.498.1130, www.kayakzak.com); they bring a rental trailer to the lagoon beginning at 10am on weekends and noon on weekdays. Single kayak rates are $20/hour and $35/half-day. They also offer guided trips and sea kayaking courses. Migratory bird and whale watching trips ($75 – 85, 2 – 3 hours) are available during spring and fall.