Howland Hill Road

Total Miles
5.1

Elevation

161.38 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

1

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

Howland Hill Road is an old stagecoach road nestled in the old-growth redwoods. Few places still exist where you can drive alongside trees as tall as 300'. The main section of Howland Hill Road is narrow with a dirt/stone packed surface and it is approximately 5 miles long. Expect the surface of the road to be slick during the winter months. However, it's just the opposite during the summer months as the dirt surface of the road turns loose. Dust can be overwhelming during the summer months. Multiple modern outhouses/bathrooms are available at three different trailheads. Parking is limited. Cell phone coverage is spotty but mostly available even without a cell booster.

Difficulty

Howland Hill Road is not suitable for trailers or motorhomes. Howland Hill Road is narrow and the surface of the road is a hard packed dirt/stone mix. The road is maintained by California State Parks. In the winter or rainy season, expect a more slick mud surface. However, in the summer or dry season, expect loose dirt with a lot of dust.

History

Howland Hill Road was once a stage coach road.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

Maui Kai
Mar 21, 2024
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Normal
Carlos B.
Apr 02, 2023
4x4
Open

Access Description

From Crescent City, California: drive south 1 mile on US-101 and turn left (east-northeast) onto Elk Valley Road; continue 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Howland Hill Road; after approximately 1.5 miles the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. From Hiouchi, California: drive northeast on US-199 to South Fork Road (mile marker 7) and turn right (south); after you cross two bridges the road splits, and follow the road to the right (Douglas Park Road) for approximately 1.5 miles until the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

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