Redwood National Park, famous for its towering ancient trees, is located along the northern California coast. While most visitors associate the park with mild, rainy winters, snow does occur. Whether snow is present depends highly on location and elevation. It is a rare and fleeting event in the coastal groves but becomes a predictable part of the winter landscape in the park’s higher reaches.
Geographical Factors Influencing Snowfall
The park’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates its climate, creating a mild, temperate environment at sea level. This oceanic influence keeps coastal winter temperatures relatively warm, with average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit and highs in the mid-50s. These temperatures are too warm for sustained snowfall. The significant variation in elevation within the park is the primary factor determining where snow will fall.
While the park headquarters sits near sea level, the park boundaries extend inland to elevations exceeding 3,000 feet, creating a distinct climatic gradient. This change in height creates cooler air temperatures, allowing precipitation to fall as snow. Higher elevation areas, away from the direct coastal influence, experience snow as a regular winter occurrence. This shift means visitors can experience rain at the coast while snow is actively falling a short distance away in the mountains.
Specific Snow Patterns and Timing
Snowfall is most likely to occur between December and February, the coldest months of the year. Even in the higher elevations, the snow is light and does not accumulate into deep, long-lasting blankets. When snow falls, it is often a dusting that quickly melts due to the mild regional climate.
The most reliable location to encounter snow is the Bald Hills area, an elevated section rising above the coastal redwood groves. Destinations like the Redwood Creek Overlook on Bald Hills Road, which sits at over 2,000 feet, have the highest probability of seeing snow. Occasionally, during intense winter storms, light snowfall may reach lower elevations, briefly transforming spots like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. This low-elevation snow is rare and short-lived, rapidly turning back into rain or melting away.
Winter Access and Road Conditions
Visitors exploring Redwood National Park during winter should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, especially at higher elevations. Even without active snowfall, the park receives substantial rainfall between October and April, which can lead to slick roads and localized flooding. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) often implements chain controls on highways when snow levels drop below 2,000 feet.
If driving on higher roads, such as Bald Hills Road, visitors should carry tire chains and know how to install them, as conditions can change without notice.
Road Closures
Certain unpaved park roads, including Cal-Barrel Road, are closed to vehicles throughout the winter season. Some sections, such as the Tall Trees Grove access road, may be closed due to snow or ice. Additionally, certain trails may be inaccessible due to high water levels, such as the seasonal closure of Redwood Creek dispersed camping. Information on road closures and chain requirements is available through the National Park Service website and local visitor centers.