Volunteering

Volunteer

Between our two beautiful parks, there's lots to do! Below you'll find a list of some of the ways our lovely volunteers help out around here. Of course, if you have your own ideas of how you'd like to help, we'd love to hear them!

Docent and Interpretive Activities

  • Public interactions and interpretive/educational programs
  • Leading guided hikes and tours for members of the public
  • Welcoming visitors to the park and answering questions, recommend hiking routes, etc.
  • Leading field trip tours for school groups
  • Operating the Portola Redwoods Park Store
  • Tabling at park events
  • Social media content creation

 
Trail Crew Activities

  • Maintaining trail accessibility and ecological stability
  • Cutting downed trees, removing debris from trails
  • Maintenance on footbridges, culverts, etc.
  • Coordinating with State Parks Roads and Trails crews
  • Answering questions for hikers at worksites

 Wilderness Patrol Activities

  • Hiking front- and backcountry trails within park borders
  • Reporting trail conditions to park staff
  • Reporting emergencies to Ranger Dispatch, 911
  • Directing lost hikers
  • Answering questions and reminding visitors about park rules

For questions about volunteering at Portola Redwoods and/or Castle Rock State Parks, contact portolacastlerock@ports-ca.us.

For information about volunteering and to apply at other state parks in the Santa Cruz District or across the state, visit our Volunteer Portal. 

Caslte Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks host an annual Volunteer Training Program every Spring. If you click the link above ("Volunteer Portal") and filter for Caslte Rock and/or Portola Redwoods, your application will be sent to park staff; they will reach out closer to the annual training start date to begin necessary processes.

 

Get Involved

Visit Portola Redwoods State Park. If you’ll be coming here or to other California state parks frequently, buy a state parks pass—an excellent way to save money and support state parks. 

Support nonprofit groups working on behalf of this park, including Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Sempervirens Fund, and Save the Redwoods League.