How would you spend 2 days?

Question

I’m in the beginning stages of planning a trip for 3 adults. We will be driving to the redwoods from Crater Lake (via Oregon Caves if they reopen tours) and then will have 2 full days (a Friday and Saturday in August) to explore before heading up the southern Oregon coast. Would you go to Jedidiah Smith or Prairie Creek or one day in each? We can do short hikes (5 ish miles or less) and scenic drives. I see advice to stay in Trinidad over Crescent City but am mostly concerned with a safe/clean place to sleep - otherwise we’ll be out exploring. Thoughts?

Answer

With 2 full days to explore Redwood National and State Parks, you can get a good taste of the towering trees, scenic drives, and short hikes. Since your group can handle hikes around 5 miles or less, I’d suggest splitting your time between the northern and southern sections of the park to maximize variety.

Day 1 – Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park:

Drive from your accommodation (Trinidad or nearby) to Jedediah Smith. This park has some of the most impressive old-growth redwoods and quieter trails.
Hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail (about 4.5 miles roundtrip) to see massive redwoods, ferns, and Smith River views.
Take a short, easy stroll along Stout Grove, one of the most iconic and accessible redwood groves, perfect for photography and a peaceful walk.
Consider scenic drives along Howland Hill Road to see groves from the car if you want a more relaxed pace.

Day 2 – Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park / Northern Coastal Section:

Drive north toward Prairie Creek. This area is known for both redwoods and coastal views.
Hike the James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon (roughly 4.5 miles roundtrip). Fern Canyon is famous for its lush walls of ferns and has appeared in movies like Jurassic Park 2. Make sure to check if permits or reservations are needed in August.
Drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for an easy, scenic loop where you can spot elk and enjoy the massive trees without a long hike.
If time permits, take a short detour to the Coastal Overlook to see the Pacific Ocean framed by redwoods.

Accommodation Suggestions:

Trinidad is a good base: safe, clean, and close to the northern park entrances. You’ll have easy access to restaurants and amenities, and it’s only a 20-30 minute drive to Prairie Creek.
Crescent City is larger and offers more hotel options, but it is slightly farther from Jedediah Smith and some southern trails.

Additional Tips:

Start hikes early in the day to avoid crowds, especially in August.
Bring layers; coastal fog and redwood groves can be cool even in summer.
Plan for meals in advance; options inside the parks are limited, so stocking up or eating in Trinidad/Crescent City is best.

Overall, splitting the two days—Day 1 in Jedediah Smith and Day 2 in Prairie Creek/Coastal Section—gives you the best mix of trails, scenic drives, and iconic redwoods. This plan balances hiking, driving, and exploration while keeping travel time reasonable.