Portola Redwoods State Park
🌲 Old-Growth Redwoods, 1,200-Year-Old Trees, and a Hidden Waterfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains — Portola Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains of San Mateo County with old-growth coast redwoods, the remote Peters Creek Grove, a 1,200-year-old tree, Tiptoe Falls waterfall, 18 miles of trails, 55-site family campground, backcountry camping at Slate Creek, and deep forest solitude an hour from Silicon Valley — San Mateo County, California
Portola Redwoods is the quiet, hidden redwood park that everyone drives past on their way to Big Basin or Henry Cowell. That’s a mistake. Deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this park protects some of the most impressive old-growth coast redwoods in the Bay Area — including a 1,200-year-old giant and the remote, stunning Peters Creek Grove.
There are 18 miles of trails, a 55-site campground under the redwood canopy, backcountry camping at Slate Creek, and a small waterfall. And because most visitors flock to the bigger-name parks, Portola Redwoods offers something increasingly rare: solitude among ancient trees, just an hour from Silicon Valley.
The Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoia Nature Trail | 1.5 mi loop | Easy | Family-friendly, redwood history, near visitor center |
| Old Tree Trail | 0.6–1.2 mi RT | Easy | 1,200-year-old coast redwood |
| Iverson Trail → Tiptoe Falls | ~2 mi RT | Moderate | Hidden waterfall in fern canyon |
| Peters Creek Loop | ~11–12 mi | Strenuous | Remote old-growth grove — full day hike |
| Slate Creek Trail | ~5 mi one-way | Moderate | Backcountry camp access, creek crossings |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Campground | 55 sites | $35/night | Under redwoods, reservable via ReserveCalifornia |
| Group Sites | 4 sites | $100–$200/night | Reservable |
| Slate Creek Trail Camp | Backpacker sites | $15/night | Hike-in only, no water, reservation required |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 50–68°F | Tiptoe Falls at peak, green ferns, wildflowers |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–75°F | Warmest, driest, clearest — best for Peters Creek |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 55–72°F | Camping season, foggy mornings, cool under canopy |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 42–55°F | Rainy but lush, waterfall at best, fewer crowds |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day-Use Parking | $10/vehicle | CA State Parks |
| Family Campsite | $35/night | Under redwoods |
| Backcountry Camp | $15/night | Slate Creek Trail Camp |
| Weekend Trip | $70–$85 | 2 nights camping + Old Tree + Tiptoe Falls + Peters Creek |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there cell service?
No — there is no cell reception in the park or surrounding area. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before you go.
How old is the oldest tree?
The “Old Tree” is approximately 1,200 years old. It’s a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) accessible via a short, easy trail from the visitor center.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed only in campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads. They are not permitted on most hiking trails.
🌲 Silicon Valley’s Secret Redwood Cathedral
1,200-year-old giants, a hidden waterfall, the remote Peters Creek old-growth grove, and camping under ancient redwoods — an hour from San Francisco.
Wildlife & Nature
Portola Redwoods SP — 2,800 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains — preserves a quiet, less-visited redwood forest with trails through old-growth and second-growth coast redwoods. The park’s Peters Creek Old-Growth Grove has some of the tallest trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Marbled murrelets (threatened) may nest in the old-growth canopy. Banana slugs carpet the forest floor. Pacific giant salamanders inhabit the creek.
Nearby Attractions
Pescadero Creek County Park — adjacent — has connecting trails. Butano State Park — 5 miles west — has redwoods and fern canyons. Big Basin Redwoods SP — 10 miles south — has California’s oldest state park (1902). La Honda — 5 miles north — has Alice’s Restaurant (of Arlo Guthrie fame). Palo Alto — 20 miles east.
