Stout Memorial Grove - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
This week we’re heading to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a wonderful little hike among the giant redwoods. Join me as we explore Stout Memorial Grove.
Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
Sunrise along the Stout Memorial Grove trail
History
In 1929, Clara W. Stout donated over 40 acres of old growth redwoods that had escaped the extensive logging in this area to the Save the Redwoods League in memory of her late husband, lumberman Frank D. Stout. Stout Grove then became the first dedicated grove located inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and to this day it is often considered one of the world’s most scenic and stunning stand of old growth redwoods.
Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
Stout Memorial Grove in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
Location & Hiking
Located east of Crescent City, Stout Memorial Grove can be reached by driving the winding dirt Howland Hill Road. This narrow road is not suitable for large vehicles such as RVs or trailers, but the scenic drive is incredible as some of the giants are close enough you can roll down your car window and reach out to almost touch them! This trail is very gentle and family friendly at less than a mile in length with only 50 ft in elevation change. For a more robust hike, you can connect to the Hiouchi Trail for nearly 5 miles of hiking with 350 ft in elevation gain.
Stout Tree in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
The Stout Tree
There are plenty of impressive and densely packed redwoods to be found inside this grove, but the Stout Tree with its distinctively rippled bark towers above the rest. This highlight of the grove stands over 340 feet tall and 16 feet in diameter. It’s encircled by a large viewing platform to give hikers a chance to get up close views without venturing off trail. There are no interpretive panels found along the path, leaving this grove in a natural, wild state. Nothing beats seeing the sunlight streaming through these giants at sunrise or golden hour.
Stout Tree in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
Know before you go
• Cell coverage is very limited and cannot be relied on in an emergency. Have a plan for checking in and checking out with a friend when you are here, and consider using a good map and trail guide for your adventures in Redwood National and State Parks. Don’t rely on online maps when you are here unless you are connected via GPS.
• Trail conditions at Redwood can change daily. Please check at a park visitor center for the conditions on the day you arrive.
• The small parking lot at the trailhead is accessible via Howland Hill Road, which is mostly unpaved and very narrow & windy in multiple sections. For those with RVs and larger vehicles, alternative parking is available at Jedediah Smith Campground…however, the trail bridge across Smith River to Stout Memorial Grove is only accessible from here during the Summer months.
• Please don’t go off-trail and make any new trails. These forests grow by the inch and will die by your foot. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• This trail is not ADA accessible, and pets are not allowed on this trail to protect the wildlife (service animals are welcome).
Top 10 Redwood Attractions
Tall Trees Grove
Stout Grove
Crescent Beach Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook
Boy Scout Tree Trail
Sunrise at Stout Memorial Grove
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week among these giant redwoods. For a virtual visit to this spot, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Stout Tree in Jedediah Redwoods State Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting the tallest trees, the oldest trees, and the largest trees in the world. The giant sequoias, the coastal redwoods, and the ancient bristlecone pines are all found in California, and this week I'm sharing my favorite places to go and hiking trails to see these trees up close, most of which are in state and national parks, forests, and monuments.