Portola Redwoods State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Swimming
Boating
Wildlife Watching
Picnicking
Horseback Riding
Backpacking
Waterfall Viewing
Biking
Historic Sites

✓Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Peninsula’s Hidden Redwood Grove

Portola Redwoods offers old-growth redwoods just an hour from San Francisco—peaceful camping and hiking without the Big Basin crowds.

Highlights

Feature	Details
Old growth	Some trees 1,000+ years
Tiptoe Falls	Seasonal waterfall hike
Shell Tree	Hollow redwood you can enter

Camping

52 sites nestled in the redwood forest. Reserve early for summer!

How old are the redwoods?

Some of the old-growth trees are over 1,000 years old!

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Last updated: February 20, 2026