I’ve visited the Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park twice – once on my first visit to the pacific northwest, and the second time last summer.  The most memorable part – the one several of us remembered, but couldn’t have told you where we’d seen it – was the bridge over the road to access the trail.

 

 

On our first visit, we really didn’t enjoy the redwoods much – it was too much like walking in the woods behind our (east coast) house, plus the station wagon (we didn’t have a van yet) was dripping green fluid all over the parking lot, and we knew we had to get to some kind of civilization where we could get it fixed!  (Redding to the rescue!)

At any rate, we had no interest in returning last summer, but since we happened to be driving right through, hey, why not?  It’s less than a 2 mile loop.

It was very early morning (living on Eastern Time in California does have its perks), so the sunlight was filtering through the trees.  To top it off, we had the trail to ourselves.  It was so worth coming back for!

Since the trail is mostly self-exclamitory, I’ll just say this, then let the pictures tell their own story: The grove of Redwoods was named for Lady Bird Johnson, who came to the dedication of the grove.  There is a plaque commemorating her and others along the trail.  It’s also a nature trail, so pick up a booklet at the trailhead and read all about the redwoods as you walk along!

 

Round Trip Trail Length: 1.9 miles

Net Elevation Change: 104ft. (1,416ft. at the trailhead to 1,312ft.)

Facilities: Primitive restrooms at the trailhead

Trail Notes: Although the map states (and park rangers told us) there are several picnic areas along the road, there aren’t.  The whole area isn’t in as good condition as it was back in 1999, but the wonder of the redwoods definitely overcomes the lack of facilities, or the facilities that are sort of falling apart or closed altogether.

Trail

Road

Signs

Scenery

Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?

Overall Rating:

Key GPS Coordinates for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Parking: 41.30339N / -124.01830W (41° 18′ 12.2040″ / -124° 1′ 5.8794″) (1,369ft.)

Trail Beginning: 41.30345N / -124.01852W (41° 18′ 12.4194″ / -124° 1′ 6.6714″) (1,416ft.) (0.0; ended 1.9)

Loop Junction: 41.30627N / -124.02102W (41° 18′ 22.5714″ / -124° 1′ 15.6714″) (1,389ft.) (0.3)

Berry Glen Trail Junction: 41.30893N / -124.02564W (41° 18′ 32.1474″ / -124° 1′ 32.3034″) (1,312ft.) (0.8)

Trail Junction: 41.30622N / -124.02099W (41° 18′ 22.3920″ / -124° 1′ 15.5634″) (1,368ft.) (1.6)

The gpx file for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.

Download GPX File size: 37.9 KB Downloaded 121 times

(Note: I do my best to ensure that all downloads, the webpage, etc. are virus-free and accurate; however, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that might result, including but not limited to loss of data, damages to hardware, harm to users, from use of files, information, etc. from this website.  Thanks!)

Getting to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove

From the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, drive north on US-101N.  After 3.1 miles, turn right onto Bald Hills Road (the road is well-marked for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove).  Drive uphill (this is one crazy road through the rain forest!) for 2.6 miles, then turn right into the parking area just after passing under the foot bridge.

Alternatively, from Orick, CA, drive south on US-101S.  Cross the river and drive 19.1 miles, then turn left onto Bald Hills Road (signed for the Lady Bird Johnson Grove).  Drive uphill (this is one crazy road through the rain forest!) for 2.6 miles, then turn right into the parking area just after passing under the foot bridge.

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