The Best California National Forests To Visit

This is the perfect place to pause and take in the quiet ambiance when modern life gets a little too overwhelming.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

If you’ve never seen a redwood before, you owe it to yourself to visit the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

• Here, you can observe these majestic trees in all their glory.
• Redwoods are unfeasibly huge; they must be seen to be believed, and thankfully, this reserve has plenty of them to see.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten track, this quiet, serene forest is the perfect place to visit, as it doesn’t attract as many visitors as California’s more popular forests.

Klamath National Forest

The USA is a remarkably vast country, and its biodiversity is immense.

• Nowhere is this better encapsulated than in the Klamath National Forest, where you’ll find a massive elevation range and diverse ecosystems.
• This forest is home to the Siskiyou mariposa lily, which is the flower’s only habitat, so if you’re looking to spot a few, make sure you explore thoroughly.

Muir Woods

Another stunning redwood forest, Muir Woods is home to some of the country’s last remaining giant redwoods, which are a seriously impressive sight.

• Located close to the Pacific Ocean, Muir Woods often experiences fog rolling in, which protects the plant life and creates a thriving environment for wildlife.
• There are several trails to walk here, but be prepared to set aside a significant portion of your day, as the longest trails can take up to two hours to complete.

Six Rivers National Forest

If you’ve ever visited California and lamented the lack of rainfall in the state, then you need to visit the Six Rivers National Forest.

• This rain-soaked region sees upwards of 200 inches of rainfall every year, and while that number can vary, it’s a safe bet that you’ll encounter rain during your visit.
• The titular “six rivers” run through the forest valley, and if you can get to high ground, you can watch them flow.

It’s a supremely peaceful sight, just like the rest of the forest.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Sites of natural beauty are at their absolute best when unspoiled by humanity, and that’s the case with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which is breathtaking.

• Here, you’ll see rising peaks, flowing waterfalls, and vast, beautiful lakes full of fish, along with several species of bear, deer, and coyote.
• There are plenty of hiking trails available, ranging from beginner-friendly treks to daring mountainous climbs, so no matter your level of hiking expertise, you’ll find something for you.

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest is something of a “greatest hits” for California forests.

• It has everything you could possibly want from a site of natural beauty in California, including giant redwoods, arid pseudo-desert landscapes, and huge expanses of meadow filled with grass.
• For a truly breathtaking moment, scale one of the forest’s peaks and look out over its sulfur pools.

Let it never be said that there’s nothing beautiful left to see in the world.

Sequoia National Forest

We couldn’t finish this list without mentioning Sequoia National Forest, which contains the world’s largest single-stem tree that’s still living.

• General Sherman is, of course, the main draw of the forest, but there’s much more to see.
• Wandering through the shaded canopies and wooded trails, you’ll struggle to convince yourself that there isn’t magic at work in the Sequoia National Forest.

Of course, there are hiking trails available if you’re looking for a little structure, too.