The Stout Grove Trail, or the Stout Grove Memorial Trail, is an unmissable short hike in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Our Stout Grove Trail Complete Visitor's Guide has everything you need to know to make your trip a success.
This beautiful, easy-to-access trail is just 1/4 of a mile from Highway 199 and is an easy stop off if you're headed up or down the coast. There is no parking fee or entrance fee for the park.
Stout Grove Trail Map
Use the map below to navigate to the Stout Grove trailhead:
Stout Grove Trailhead Directions
To reach the Stout Grove Trailhead from Crescent City, drive east on Highway 199, past the Jedediah Smith State Park Campground entrance and the town of Hiouchi. After crossing the Myrtle Creek bridge, turn right and cross another bridge over the Smith River. There is a 3-way intersection ahead; keep right here.
The next section of the road passes through a residential area before turning into a dirt road (there are a few potholes, but it is passable by any well-driven car). Keep driving straight until you see a paved road on your right; turn here and continue till you reach the parking area for the Stout Grove trail.
Did you know? The tightly packed trees in Stout Grove reach a maximum of around 300 ft.
Need to Know
Dogs are not allowed
Stroller and kid-friendly
Mostly wheelchair friendly
Bathrooms located at the trailhead
Plenty of parking
There is only minimal cell service
Mosquitos are an issue in the summer
Stout Grove Trail Parking and Facilities
The Stout Grove trail starts at a circle parking lot with numerous spaces. But, this trail is quite busy, so it's not unheard of for the lot to be entirely full.
If the parking lot fills up, you can park along Howland Hill Road for overflow. At the busiest times, you'll only have to walk around five minutes to the trailhead.
There is a bathroom at the trailhead and an informational placard that features interesting facts about the area.
Stout Grove History
The land the park's on today was donated by the wife of a deceased lumberman in 1929. It was later the first grove included as part of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Best Time to Visit Stout Grove
The best time to visit is in the spring when the crowds are less, and the temperatures are never too hot. A springtime visit also means that mosquitoes will be much less of a problem.
Hiking the Stout Grove Trail
Even though the road isn't far, and Highway 199 is less than half a mile away, on quiet days, the Stout Grove trail is incredibly peaceful. The dense foliage blocks out the noise and provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
0.7 miles | 30 feet | 1 hour | 0/10 |
How long you take on the trail is entirely up to you, most visitors choose to spend around an hour on the trail enjoying the natural beauty. If you walk without stopping, you can finish the whole loop in around 20 minutes.
The trail is only 0.7 miles long and can be walked clockwise or counterclockwise. We recommend going around counterclockwise and even taking a detour down the river if you want to! If you keep walking across Mill Creek and across a small bridge, you'll get to another smaller redwood grove that's not nearly as busy.
Along the trail, you'll see trees that are hundreds of years old towering overhead and fallen alongside the path. The trail itself is very well maintained and nearly completely flat.
While the trees in this particular part of the forest aren't the largest in the state, they're grouped quite closely, and the easy access makes this the ideal spot to bring tourists or for a calming afternoon walk.
The west end of the grove has the most densely packed trees, but no matter which part of the loop you're at, there's going to be something to enjoy.
The largest tree in the park, Stout Tree, is marked by a viewing platform. The platform was installed in 2018 to maintain the integrity of the trail and surrounding forestland.
Stout Grove Camping
If you want to hike the Stout Grove Trail and need somewhere to camp, the Jedediah Smith State Park Campground is just across the river, about a five-minute drive away.
Camping is not allowed in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, including anywhere within or along the Stout Grove trail.
The Jedediah Smith Campground is one of the most popular and well-maintained sites in the area. It includes large spaces, flush toilets, pay showers, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, river access, and more.
Fees: Campsites are $35 per night
Reservations: Can be made between May and September. At all other times of the year, the area is first come, first serve.
Read all about the campground in our Complete Guide to Jedediah Smith State Park Campground.
FAQs
Is Stout Grove haunted?
Stout Grove is one of a few places around Highway 199 that are reportedly haunted. VisitDelNorteCounty.com relays the haunted details on their website about a couple snapping a mysterious photo of a red-haired girl who may have been a murdered hitchhiker from 1994.
Are dogs allowed on the Stout Grove trail?
No, dogs are not allowed on the Stout Grove trail because of concerns about the area's ecological stability.
How many miles is it from Stout Grove to Eureka, California?
It is 96 miles from Eureka to Stout Grove, taking around 2 hours and 5 minutes of driving time.
Where is Stout Grove?
Stout Grove is in Del Norte County, California, about 1/4 of a mile off of Highway 199. Although close to the road, it feels secluded once you drive back into the woods on a dirt road. Plus, the densely packed trees block out almost all of the car noise.
Is Stout Grove open?
Yes, the Stout Grove trail is open! Visitors come from around the Pacific Northwest to see the redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park, and this is one of the best, easy-to-access options!