Exceptionally beautiful, the hike to Trillium Falls via the Trillium Falls Trail should top any list for Redwood National Park. Hands down, this was my favorite hike from our entire Redwoods trip and one of the few hikes I’d be happy to do again. Highly recommended on countless blogs and even the official NPS website, it’s a gorgeous area through an old-growth redwood forest, including maples, trillium flowers (where it earns its name), ferns, and giant fir trees. It’s an incredibly picturesque hike and waterfall – a striking gem in the large, beautiful diamond necklace that is Redwood National Park.

While the entire Trillium Falls Trail is a 2.7-mile loop (4.3 km), the waterfall is approximately 0.5 miles in. It’s a terrific turnaround point for those who are short on time, want a quick, one-mile hike, or are primarily there to view the waterfall. We fell into all three categories, as we had only two days to spend at Redwood National Park and were at the tail end of our second day. Open year-round, Trillium Falls Trail is considered to be a “moderately challenging” route that takes, on average, about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. This depends on skill level, pace, and how often you stop to snap your pictures. As with all trails within Redwood National Park, dogs are not allowed. All-in-all, it makes for a fantastic day hike.

You must walk a short distance to reach the trailhead regardless of where you park. We parked in a small turnout along Highway 101, had to cross a bridge, and then walked about half a mile along a gravel path before reaching the trailhead. There is also a parking area near the Elk Meadow Day Use Area, located off Davison Road, about three miles north of Orick, California. This area offers drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, information kiosks, and space for RVs, buses, and vehicles with trailers. If you have a larger vehicle or are pulling a camper or trailer, I highly recommend parking in the Elk Meadow Day Use Area instead of the small turnout area we parked in, as there is limited space. Again, no matter where you choose to park, you must walk a bit before officially starting your hike along Trillium Falls Trail.

The 0.5-mile portion leading up to the waterfall can indeed be a journey, albeit a beautiful and rewarding one. According to the popular hiking website AllTrails, “Because of the trail’s beauty and the good parking and picnic options, many rangers recommend this as the best little hike in Redwood National and State Parks.” You read that correctly – the best little hike in the expansive Redwood National and State Parks. Additionally, there is a good chance of encountering herds of elk in the meadow near the parking lots and trailhead. Although the hike is family-friendly, it involves multiple switchbacks and an elevation gain of 200 feet to reach the falls. However, fear not, as my seven-year-old completed it with minimal effort. We also saw another 5- or 6-year-old child exiting the trail on a small mountain bicycle. So, if they can do it, I’m sure you can too!

While I can’t speak for the trail beyond the waterfall, according to AllTrails, after the waterfall, the trail continues to ascend a few hundred feet, continuing to guide you through more old-growth redwoods, past massive “chimney-trees”. Eventually, you will cross an old logging road. Once on this road, you can shorten your hike by 0.5 miles by following the grassy road downhill back to the parking lot. If you continue on the trail, you’ll walk past more redwoods as you gradually descend in elevation. Eventually, the trail will lead you north along the edge of Prairie Creek back to the Elk Meadow Day Use parking area.

The waterfall itself is a breathtaking sight. Although not the most sizable or powerful waterfall, it firmly holds on to its charm and allure. It is fairytale-like, evoking images of magical realms where fairies, unicorns, and princesses roam freely. Enormous boulders adorned with vibrant green moss serve as the canvas for the water’s flowing descent, making its way underneath a picturesque bridge that adds to the storybook scene. Whether you admire the waterfall from the bridge’s vantage point or move closer to experience its beauty firsthand, both viewpoints offer great perspectives. While there are different schools of thought on venturing closer to the waterfall, ultimately, the decision rests with you, and either choice promises a memorable experience among the natural splendor of Trillium Falls.

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Overall, the hike to Trillium Falls holds a special place in my heart, standing out as a beloved memory from our journey to Redwood National Park. Amidst the gorgeousness of this natural wonderland, Trillium Falls became my favorite trail due to its beauty and enchanting vibe. Truthfully, it’s an achievement for any one hike to stand out so much in a National Park brimming with such amazing landscapes. While I often consider hikes as “one and done” and unlikely to offer new discoveries or sights upon return visits, Trillium Falls beckons me back. I’d love to return and surround myself again with its fairytale charm. 🌲🧚