Redwood Parks Storm Closures: Fern Canyon Road, Scenic Parkway and Howland Hill Access — November 14
California parks travel alert — November 14, 2026. Severe weather, flooding and fallen trees are restricting access to several popular locations in Redwood National and State Parks in northern California. A National Park Service current-conditions report updated November 13 lists multiple road and trail closures that began November 12. Visitors should not assume that the parks as a whole are closed, or that a trail marked open is necessarily reachable by the normal road.
What is closed or restricted?
Davison Road: Closed from November 12 because of flooding. It is a principal driving approach to Gold Bluffs Beach and the Fern Canyon trailhead, so visitors should not rely on driving to the usual Fern Canyon parking area.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Closed from November 12 due to fallen trees and debris. The NPS says Prairie Creek Visitor Center can be reached using Highway 101 Exit 753; check signs and updated local instructions.
Howland Hill Road: Closed from November 12 due to severe weather. Trails along this road are also closed pending an assessment after the storm.
Boy Scout Tree Trail, Grove of the Titans Trail and Stout Grove: Listed closed from November 12 because of severe weather. Do not attempt to enter a trail behind a closure notice.
Cal-Barrel Road: Closed to vehicles for the winter season. This is a separate seasonal restriction, not solely the November storm.
Are any redwood hikes still open?
Yes. The park’s conditions page currently lists Simpson-Reed Trail as open and Tall Trees Trail as open, although a permit is required year-round for Tall Trees. Fern Canyon itself is listed open on the trails table, but access via flooded Davison Road is listed closed; that distinction matters when planning your trip. Other paths have partial closures and downed trees. A trail marked open is not a guarantee that the normal approach road or all facilities are available.
The NPS also lists portions of the James Irvine, Miners Ridge and Dolason Prairie trails as restricted for construction, fallen trees or bridge damage. These are different from the storm closures. Choose a route only after checking the current access table and permit requirements.
What should travelers do?
Check the NPS updates before driving. Weather-related closures may be lifted or extended after rangers assess trees, roads and streams. The source page is updated more frequently than a static travel guide.
Avoid using an old map route as proof of access. A road marked open in a navigation app may still be closed at the park entrance.
Keep an alternate plan. If your itinerary depends on Fern Canyon, Stout Grove or Howland Hill Road, select another confirmed-open visitor area instead of bypassing barricades.
Confirm parking, trail permits and campground access separately. A campground or hike can appear open in the NPS list while its normal access road is under restriction.
Check local highway conditions. The NPS refers visitors to California transportation authorities for nearby state-highway advisories.
Plan a different route if needed
Visitors can use OptionTrip Travel Partner Vi to plan alternate sightseeing stops and lodging options without assuming that closed park roads are available. For independent hotel search, see OptionTrip stays . Always confirm live availability and road access with the relevant operator or official agency. Partner disclosure: OptionTrip may receive a commission from eligible travel-service referrals; this is independent of the NPS closure information.
Official source and update time
U.S. National Park Service — Redwood National and State Parks, Current Conditions (page last updated November 13, 2026). The NPS describes storm damage, road and trail closures, and available alternatives. The status is time-sensitive; travelers should use the current NPS page on the day of their visit.
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