The Best Places for Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Near Redwood National Park

With nearly 40 miles of coastline and multiple river inlets, there are numerous places for paddle boarding and kayaking near Redwood National Park, with both ocean and freshwater options.

This guide details the best places for paddle boarding and kayaking near Redwood National Park. To better help you plan, we’ve organized everything in geographic order from south to north, as well as where to launch, route options, and more.

Jump to:

• Humboldt Lagoons State Park
• Orick Fishing Access Beach
• Klamath River
• Smith River
• Crescent Beach
• Crescent Harbor

Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Where to Launch: shore launch
Type of Paddle: freshwater and ocean
Rentals Available: yes, at Kayak Trinidad on Big Lagoon. Kayak rentals available at Stone Lagoon Visitor Center.

This series of three lagoons, located in quick succession of each other off Highway 101, offer serene paddles in a protected environment. Freshwater Lagoon, the furthest north, is slightly smaller than Stone and Big Lagoons.

You can park at either Stone Lagoon Visitor Center (directions) or Big Lagoon County Park (directions). Big Lagoon also has beach access for ocean paddling.

Orick Fishing Access Beach

Where to Launch: shore launch
Type of Paddle: ocean and freshwater
Rentals Available: none

The aptly-named Fishing Access Beach provides an easy launch spot for either kayaks or paddle boards.

Those desiring an ocean paddle will find an enjoyable stretch of coastline here, and if water levels are high enough, you might also be able to explore the freshwater Redwood Creek. The mouth of the creek empties here, and you can paddle as far upstream as you’re able (although sand beams eventually become limiting).

It’s easiest to park by the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center (directions).

Klamath River

Where to Launch: Klamath River boat ramp (directions)
Type of Paddle: freshwater
Rentals Available: yes, at Rogue Outdoor Sports

One of two primary rivers cutting through Redwood National Park, the Klamath is easily navigable by either paddle board or kayak.

Here, it’s easiest to both put in and take out at the public boat ramp. You can start your paddle upstream, cruising the riverbanks for as far as you wish before drifting back down to take out. Alternately, you can paddle to the river mouth, where the Klamath meets the mighty Pacific.

Additionally, if you need to rent watercraft or desire a longer adventure, Rogue Outdoor Sports will back-haul you 6 miles upriver. From here, it’s approximately a 2-hour trip back down to your vehicle.

Smith River

Where to Launch: Jedidiah Smith Campground Day Use (directions)
Type of Paddle: point-to-point or out-and-back
Rentals Available: yes via Redwood Rides, although you’ll need to transport to the launch spot yourself

The Smith River cuts through the Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park, and makes a wonderfully scenic paddle through stately old growth forest.

Logistically, the easiest trip is to both put in and take out at Jedidiah Smith Campground Day Use, where you can launch from the small beach and go as far up or downriver as you wish.  

Alternately, you can also do a point-to-point adventure by staging one car downriver at your end point, and then driving a second car back up to Jedidiah Smith as your starting point.

Some down river take-out options include the beach at Templeman Grove (approx. 2 miles downriver, directions) or Ruby Van Deventer County Park (approx. 5 miles downriver, directions). The Jedidiah Smith Campground Day Use area is also a perfect spot to post up after your paddle, with shaded picnic tables and a small rocky beach.

Safety note: the Smith River can often have small rapids or “riffles”, even along the calm stretches. Nothing unmanageable, but paddle boarders may prefer to drop to their knees in these portions to maintain balance.

Crescent Beach

Where to Launch: shore launch (either via street parking or the Picnic Area parking lot, directions)
Type of Paddle: ocean
Rentals Available: none

Adventure-lovers can experience an ocean paddle at Crescent Beach, located just outside the town of Crescent City along Redwood National Park’s northern boundary.

You’ll need to enter through the surf, but on calm days the waves are typically no more than 1-2 feet. Always check the surf forecast, as wave height can vary dramatically even day to day.

Once out past the break, you can cruise as far along the coastline as you wish. Whales, seals, sea lions and other sea life frequent the area, and you may be lucky enough to spot one while out on the water.

Safety note: as with any ocean paddle, always stay aware of the currents, and whether you’ll be paddling against them on your return.

Crescent Harbor

Where to Launch: boat docks throughout the harbor
Type of Paddle: protected, with ocean access
Rentals Available: none

Crescent Harbor is small, but offers scenic views of Crescent City from the smooth waters of the protected marina.

Those willing to venture outside the harbor can pass the jetty, to get up close to Steamboat Rock and the city’s iconic Battery Point Lighthouse (one of the first lighthouses in California!).

Have more time to explore Redwood National Park? Check out our guides on the best camping, things to do, and more.