The Oregon Redwoods Trail in Brookings, Oregon: A Walk in the Shadows of Giants
Walk along towering giants with the sunlight filtering through a canopy of ancient trees. This lesser-known, but absolutely beautiful trail is an opportunity to explore a pristine grove of coastal redwoods, an enormous experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world.
Just a short drive from Brookings, this 1.1-mile loop trail will lead you through a dense, misty forest filled with some of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet. While redwoods are often associated with California, Oregon's coastal groves are just as majestic and awe-inspiring—and far less crowded. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape, this trail might just be your perfect getaway. As soon as you step onto the trail, you’re transported into another realm. The trees, some of which are over 300 feet tall, seem to stretch endlessly into the sky. The air smells fresh and earthy, filled with the scent of pine, damp moss, and the salty tang of the nearby ocean. You’ll feel small, in the best possible way, as you gaze up at these living giants. The Oregon Redwoods Trail is a place that makes you appreciate the sheer scale of nature and the passage of time.
While there are plenty of hiking trails around the world, few can boast of the grandeur of walking through a grove of coastal redwoods. These trees, which can live for more than 2,000 years and grow up to 30 stories tall, are simply mind boggling. Standing next to one of these ancient trees, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. You’re walking in the footsteps of those who came before you, people and creatures who have experienced the same sense of awe for millennia.
The trail itself is well-maintained and designed to let you experience the majesty of the redwoods up close. As you wander through the forest, you’re surrounded by an atmosphere of quiet solitude. The dense trees create a canopy overhead, casting a soft, green light over the path. Ferns, moss, and small shrubs blanket the forest floor, adding to the otherworldly feel of the place. While the trail is relatively short (just over a mile), it’s incredibly peaceful, and every step seems to slow time itself. It’s one of those rare places where you can truly get away from the world, take a deep breath, and let the forest work its calming magic on you.
The Oregon Redwoods Trail is an easy to moderate loop, making it accessible for most people. It’s an excellent choice for families with children, casual hikers, or those who may not want to commit to a longer or more strenuous hike. The path is smooth and well-marked, winding through the forest and occasionally opening up to stunning views of the towering trees. The trail is also perfect for nature photographers, as it offers endless opportunities to capture the grandeur of the trees, the play of light and shadow, and the lush undergrowth that covers the forest floor. Along the way, you’ll come across interpretive signs that offer interesting tidbits about the redwoods and their environment. You’ll learn that these trees, though they look like they’ve been around forever, actually grow quickly compared to other trees—they can grow up to 3 feet per year in the right conditions. You’ll also discover the redwoods’ ability to survive intense wildfires, as their bark is thick and resistant to fire, and they can regenerate from their roots if their trunks are damaged.
There’s a unique sense of scale that comes with walking among redwoods, the ancient sentinels of the forest. The sheer size of the trees can be difficult to comprehend, especially when you try to capture their full height in a photograph. Some redwoods on the trail have trunks that are so wide, it takes multiple people to wrap their arms around them. Standing in the shade of one of these towering trees, you can’t help but marvel at how something so ancient and enormous can exist right before your eyes. There’s something deeply humbling about walking through these forests. The redwoods have stood the test of time, surviving floods, fires, and storms. They’ve seen centuries come and go, and as you stand in their shadow, you’re reminded of how fleeting human life is in comparison. Yet, these trees continue to grow, pushing upward, ever-reaching toward the sky.
The gentle terrain and short distance make it an ideal hike for children, older adults, or anyone who may not be looking for a challenging trek. The wide, well-marked path ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the redwoods without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Plus, the kids will love looking out for wildlife, spotting the many different types of birds, insects, and critters that call the forest home. The interpretive signs along the trail are also a great educational tool, helping young explorers learn about the fascinating life cycle of the redwoods and the ecosystems that depend on them. It’s a perfect opportunity to teach kids about nature, the importance of conservation, and the need to preserve these incredible natural wonders for future generations.
For those interested in more hiking opportunities, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, just a short drive north, offers a variety of trails that lead to stunning coastal viewpoints and secluded beaches. Whether you're looking to explore more of Oregon’s coastline, take a scenic drive, or simply relax by the water.
While the Oregon Redwoods Trail is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Brookings, the town and surrounding area have even more to offer. After you’ve completed your hike, head to nearby beaches like Harris Beach State Park, where you can relax by the ocean, look for sea stacks, or watch the sunset. Brookings is also home to a number of cute local shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it an excellent place to unwind after your outdoor adventure.
