Redwood in February.

Crowd snapshot.

February averages about 24,500 recreation visits in the five-year mean, roughly 26% of June and the second-quietest month after December. The count covers Redwood National Park itself, and the three state parks are counted separately. Campgrounds have room. Jedediah Smith is first-come, first-served, Mill Creek is still closed, and Elk Prairie is outside the May-to-October season when NPS calls reservations essential. On most February days, weather shapes a visit more than other people do.

Weather snapshot.

The Klamath station averages a February high near 55.8°F and a low near 39.1°F, with about 10.7 inches of precipitation. Only December has a colder average low. NPS says coastal temperatures stay fairly steady year-round, in the mid-40s to low 60s°F, and that winters bring considerable rain. The station's snowfall normal is zero, though up in the Bald Hills, NPS lists winter snows among the sights. Bring rain gear and non-slip shoes for wet trails.

Access snapshot.

Main roads stay listed open, but check the NPS conditions page after storms. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is often closed for days in winter by fallen trees or ice, and it closes to cars on February's first Saturday for Bike and Hike Day. NPS's scenic drives page says Cal-Barrel Road is closed to vehicles in winter. Bald Hills Road is open with road damage and isn't recommended for RVs or trailers. The Tall Trees Trailhead needs a free online reservation all year. No Fern Canyon reservation is needed until May 15. Mill Creek Campground is closed; the other three campgrounds book through ReserveCalifornia. Redwood National Park charges no entrance fee.

Seasonal events.

February is still winter elk season. Roosevelt elk graze the valleys, and NPS names Orick, Elk Meadow, Elk Prairie, and the area south of Crescent City as the places they're most often seen. Keep at least 25 yards away. Fern Canyon has no footbridges in winter, so plan to wade Home Creek and climb over fallen trees if you go, and leave pets behind, since they aren't allowed in the canyon. On the coast, NPS warns that sneaker waves are hard to spot, the beaches are steep, and the water is very cold.

Audience verdict.

February suits visitors who want the redwoods quiet and green and can plan around rain. Keep a backup for the day a storm closes the parkway. Families do best with short grove walks, visitor center stops, and elk viewing from pull-outs rather than long trails or beach days. RV travelers should skip Howland Hill Road, which is too narrow for RVs, and check campground limits, since Mill Creek is closed. The Tall Trees hike is open with a reservation, but it's 4.5 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of elevation change.

Common questions.

Is February a good time to visit Redwood?

February runs quiet at Redwood, about 26% of the June peak, with mild shoulder-season weather (average highs near 56°F). If thinner crowds are the goal, it is one of the easier months to pick.

How crowded is Redwood in February?

February averages about 24,451 recreation visits, roughly 26% of Redwood's busiest month (June). That puts it among Redwood's quietest months.

How much of Redwood is open in February?

In a typical February, about 80% of Redwood's road network (weighted by how important each route is) is open to wheeled vehicles. Road-opening dates shift year to year, so check the official NPS page for current conditions before you go.

Methodology

Monthly recreation visits come from the official NPS Visitor Use Statistics Data Package, 2025 on NPS IRMA Stats; the statistic shown is Recreation Visits (Redwood National Park), the 5-year mean for 2021-2025. These counts cover Redwood National Park (the NPS-administered lands); the three cooperatively managed California state parks are counted separately, and the 2024-2025 totals reflect an improved NPS counting method rather than real growth, so the reliable timing signal is the month-to-month share of the peak. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at Klamath, CA (station USC00044577, 28 ft elevation, coastal lowland). The access score weights how much of the road network is typically drivable that month; Redwood's main roads have no closing season, so the winter dip is our estimate of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway's winter storm closures and first-Saturday Bike and Hike Days. Seasonal specifics (the Fern Canyon reservation window, Mill Creek Campground's season, visitor center hours) can change; confirm current details on the official NPS Redwood page before booking. Independent site, not affiliated with the National Park Service.