Length: 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
Elevation Gain: Minimal, Less than 100 ft (<30 m)
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, in Redwood National and State Parks, is a wonderful destination for experiencing and photographing some of the park’s magnificent old-growth redwoods. I have visited this trail many times and have always found it to be an exceptional location for photography, whether working in black and white or color.
One of the features that makes this location especially appealing to photographers is its higher elevation, where seasonal fog often drifts among the towering trees. This mist can add atmosphere, depth, and a sense of mystery to photographs, creating the dramatic conditions that make the redwood forest so captivating.
Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply enjoy exploring the natural beauty of our national parks, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail offers plenty of inspiration and wonderful opportunities to appreciate the grandeur of the redwoods.
Accessing the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National and State Parks
Starting Location: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail Parking Lot, Bald Hills Rd, Orick, CA
GPS (DD): 41.303391, -124.018300
Starting in Crescent City, travel south on Highway 101 for approximately 67 miles. Turn east onto Bald Hills Road and continue for about 3 miles, traveling mostly uphill, until you reach the trail parking area on the right.
Restrooms are available in the parking area. To access the trail, cross the road bridge located at the western end of the parking lot. From there, you can begin exploring this beautiful old-growth redwood forest.
Hiking Tips for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a relatively easy hike, with mostly flat terrain and little elevation gain except for a slight incline at the entry to the trail, making it a great choice for families with children. The trail is unpaved, with a dirt surface that can become muddy during the rainy season, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes is recommended.
Near the beginning of the loop trail, if you go in a clockwise direction, there is a clearing that provides a peaceful place to pause, with a bench and commemorative display honoring the dedication of this special area. President Richard Nixon dedicated the grove to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, on August 27, 1969.
Written on the plaque are the words of Lady Bird Johnson, for whom the grove is named. It reads:
“One of my most unforgettable memories of the past years is walking through the Redwoods last November – seeing the lovely shafts of light filtering through the trees so far above, feeling the majesty and silence of that forest, and watching a salmon rise in one of those swift streams – all our problems seemed to fall into perspective and I think every one of us walked out more serene and happier.”
– Lady Bird Johnson, July 30, 1969
This is truly a special place and one that you won’t likely forget. There are numerous opportunities along the trail to stop and enjoy clear views of these impressive trees. Plan on spending about one to two hours exploring the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or take photographs. For photographers, allowing extra time is worthwhile, especially when seasonal fog creates beautiful atmospheric conditions among the towering redwoods.
After completing your hike, consider continuing farther up Bald Hills Road. The drive offers additional scenic views and access to other interesting locations for exploring and photography. A few miles farther along the road, you will find the trailhead for the Tall Trees Grove and access to the Lyons Ranch Trail. Both are worthwhile destinations for experiencing more of the area’s natural beauty and discovering additional photographic opportunities.
Recommended Emergency Supplies in Redwood National and State Parks
Whenever you are traveling, it is always a good idea to bring extra emergency supplies. This is especially true if you will be hiking to more remote locations during your stay. Here are some highly recommended supplies to bring with you on your journey:
- Water
- Food
- Sun Protection (sunscreen SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses)
- Insect Repellent
- First Aid Kit
- Map (NPS trail map or offline GPS app)
- Flashlight/Headlamp (with batteries)
- Emergency Shelter (space blanket or poncho)
- Whistle/Signaling Device
- Extra Clothing
- Multi-Tool or Knife
- Additional Emergency Supplies (Click here for a complete list of our recommended photography and hiking gear)
Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service
National parks often have limited or spotty cell service, especially in the Redwoods, so it is always helpful to have some sort of map or GPS-tracking device handy to assist with trail and road navigation. Even when you don’t think you will get lost, if the trails or roads are poorly marked, it is a possibility. Some GPS trackers, like the Garmin inReach and the Garmin inReach Mini, can also communicate your location to others. At a minimum, have a printed copy of the park maps or download them to your phone via the NPS app or website.
When cell service was weak, I found it helpful to put my phone into airplane mode so that I could fully access the downloaded maps. There is also a self-guided walking tour that you can download from the NPS app for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is open year-round, offering opportunities to experience and photograph the redwoods in every season. I find the best conditions often occur during periods of seasonal fog, which can develop at any time of the year, including the summer months. Arriving early in the morning is ideal, before the sun has a chance to burn off the fog. The soft, diffused light and mist drifting among the towering trees create wonderful opportunities for atmospheric photographs.
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail can be busy during the summer tourist season, but arriving early in the morning usually means encountering far fewer people. An early start not only provides a quieter experience but also increases your chances of finding beautiful morning fog and soft light for photography.
If you visit in May or June, you may also find rhododendrons in bloom along the trail. Their colorful blossoms provide a wonderful contrast to the towering redwoods and offer additional opportunities for both photography and enjoying the forest. Late September and early October provide fewer crowds and insects, and are beautiful in their own way.
During the winter rainy season, low clouds and persistent fog can linger among the trees throughout the day, providing beautiful conditions for photography. These moody, mist-filled scenes are particularly appealing for black-and-white photography, emphasizing the shapes, textures, and towering forms of the ancient redwoods.
Photography Tips for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
I find that some of the best redwood photographs happen when fog lingers among the trees and the first sunlight begins to break through, creating dramatic rays of light in the forest. These are special moments that can transform an ordinary scene into an extraordinary photograph. Finding these conditions may take several visits to the area, but the effort is well worth it.
I recommend using a tripod when photographing the redwoods. Light levels are often low beneath the forest canopy, and maintaining sharp focus throughout the scene may require a small aperture and a longer exposure. A sturdy tripod helps keep your camera steady and ensures the best possible image quality.
The trail is wide in most areas, providing room to stop and compose your photographs without obstructing other hikers. In some locations, you can also step off the trail to find different perspectives of the trees, provided you do so responsibly and avoid damaging the forest floor or vegetation.
A standard zoom lens in the 24–70mm range is generally sufficient for capturing many of the best images along the trail. This focal-length range offers flexibility for photographing individual trees, groups of redwoods, and the interplay of fog and light throughout the forest.
Closing Remarks
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is just one of many wonderful places to explore in Redwood National and State Parks. This vast area offers an incredible variety of scenery, from rugged coastal landscapes to deep, quiet redwood forests filled with some of the tallest trees on Earth.
If possible, I recommend spending several days exploring the parks to experience their many remarkable sights and photographic opportunities. Each area offers something different, and taking your time allows you to discover locations you might otherwise miss.
Be sure to drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a beautiful, approximately 10-mile paved road that winds through magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Along the way, you will find trailheads, points of interest, and numerous opportunities to stop and photograph these impressive trees. It is one of the most enjoyable drives in the area and a wonderful way to experience the grandeur of the redwoods.
For photographers, Redwood National and State Parks offer endless possibilities. Whether your interest is in dramatic coastal scenery, towering trees, or the soft light and seasonal fog of the forest, this remarkable region deserves plenty of time to explore.
Happy Shooting!
Gary Wagner, Featured National Park Photographer
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Redwood National & State Parks, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife, like the Roosevelt Elk! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Redwood National and State Parks website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area.
Want to learn more about Redwood National and State Parks? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #218 — Redwood National and State Parks
- Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks
- The Ghost Forest: Racists, Radicals, and Real Estate in the California Redwoods
- National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States
- National Parks Cookbook
- Redwood National and State Parks: Coloring Book — Color the Parks
- The Redwood Forest: History, Ecology, and Conservation of the Coast Redwoods
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