Hikes

Richardson Grove State Park has nine miles of trails, Bring water, appropriate clothing, and a park map. 

Easy Hikes

Grove Interpretive Trail
0.3 mile loop, level

Starting at the visitor center, the Grove Interpretive Trail (aka the “race track” trail) is a good place to start any exploration of Richardson Grove. Heading south on a wide, level path, you’ll pass huge old-growth trees, including a “chandelier tree” with reiterated trunks branching several hundred feet above the ground.  Signs describe the colorful history and ecology of Richardson Grove.

North of the Visitor Center
less than 1 mile

Skyscraping ancient redwoods lie north of the visitor center, too. A handout at the visitor center explains what to look for at several numbered stops. At the far end of that short loop, you can continue through an underpass and head down the Exhibit Trail on the other side of Highway 101. Among its attractions are a colossal fallen redwood that dates back to 700 A.D.

“Beginning with a fire injury in 1147, this tree was again scarred by fire in the 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries,” explains an interpretive sign. “Fires continued to weaken the tree until March 12, 1933, when the tree finally gave up the fight and fell.” Touch the tree’s rings, and imagine the centuries gone by.

Moderate Hikes

Lookout Point, Tanoak Springs, and Durphy Creek Loop
4-mile loop

To sample Richardson’s diverse habitats, take a 4-mile jaunt on the Lookout Point, Tanoak Springs and Durphy Creek trails. From Madrone Campground, head up the Lookout Point Trail. When the trail forks, stay left, enjoying redwoods and Douglas-firs on the way to Lookout Point. A brief stretch on the trail to Hartsook Inn will bring you to the Tanoak Spring Trail, which heads upward to a forested ridge. From the ridge, the trail descends to Tanoak Spring. Then hike down to Durphy Creek, where the trail levels out among redwoods. When you hit the park road, turn right to return to the trailhead. Great for seeing both streamside redwoods and upland habitat.

Lookout Point Loop
2.4-mile loop, 340-foot elevation gain

The Lookout Point Loop is the most scenic part of the longer hike described above. The route starts in the main redwood grove and loops through ancient redwoods at a higher elevation. It’s interesting to compare the two. Click here for more hiking details.

Woodland Loop
1.6-mile loop, 500-foot elevation gain

The Woodland Loop starts near the ranger station and Huckleberry Campground. To enrich the hike for children 7 to 12, ask at the visitor center or go online to get a self-guided Quest guide.  You’ll return with newfound knowledge of huckleberries, live oaks, madrones, nurse logs, fairy rings, and more.

Toumey Trail
3.8-mile roundtrip

Start the Toumey Trail between campsites 123 and 126 at the Oak Flat Campground (also the start of the Settlers Trail Loop). Enjoy big trees near the river, then climb up to Panorama Point. From there, switchback down to Kauffman Springs. Finally, the trail descends to the swimming hole at the north end of the park. Return the way you came. 

Because the bridge to Oak Flat Campground is removed in the rainy season, this route is accessible only in the summer.

Settlers Trail Loop
0.7 miles

Begin Settlers Trail Loop between campsites 123 and 126 at the Oak Flat Campground (also the start of the Toumey Trail). When the trail forks, turn right, eventually crossing Settlers Creek. When you reach the campground again, walk north on the road to your starting point.

Because the bridge to Oak Flat Campground is removed in the rainy season, this route is accessible only in the summer.