A Walk Among Giants: Visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park

High in the coastal mountains of Northern California is a grove of towering redwoods dedicated to a woman who spent her life advocating for America’s natural wonders. 

Lady Bird Johnson Grove offers a peaceful hike through some of the world’s tallest and most majestic trees. This tranquil grove is located within Redwood National and State Parks and honors former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s dedication to conservation. It’s one of the park’s most accessible and rewarding hikes.

A Living Memorial to Conservation

Dedicated on August 27, 1969, and named for Lady Bird Johnson, an outspoken advocate for natural beauty and preservation, the grove symbolizes the importance of protecting America’s wild spaces. During the dedication, President Nixon, then California Governor Reagan, former President Johnson, and Mrs. Johnson stood among the redwoods to celebrate her legacy and the grove’s protection. You can read the whole dedication here. 

“Conservation is indeed a bipartisan business because all of us have the same stake in this magnificent continent.” – Lady Bird Johnson, August 27, 1969.

Hiking the Lady Bird Johnson

The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that winds gently through towering coast redwoods, lush ferns, and lichen-draped branches. Because the grove sits at about 1,200 feet, it’s often cloaked in coastal fog, adding to its quiet, otherworldly feel. On several of our visits to the area, it’s been socked in by thick fog. 

One unique feature of this grove is the beautiful redwood footbridge that takes you from the parking lot over the road and up into the grove’s start. The grove itself is an old-growth grove of ancient redwood trees, some as tall as 300 feet. It is surrounded by a second-growth forest of Douglas Firs that were planted after extensive logging in the early 1960s. 

Interpretive signs along the trail provide insight into the ecology, history, and efforts to protect these ancient forests. The walk is family-friendly, not strenuous, and perfect for all ages.

A plaque marks the dedication site for both the national park creation and the grove dedication about a half mile down the trail. 

My husband and I have had the pleasure of visiting this special grove several times. It is a favorite of ours. The trail is mostly flat, well-worn, and easy to follow. On each of our visits, it’s felt like we’ve had the park to ourselves. 

Unlike the more crowded groves closer to the coast, the Lady Bird Johnson Grove offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. You won’t find souvenir stands or taco trucks here. 

The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s a walk through history, conservation, and time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong lover of redwoods, this trail is a reminder of nature’s resilience and the legacy of those who fought to preserve it.

Take a deep breath, step softly, and look up—you’re in the company of giants.

Tips for Visiting the Grove

• Getting There: Access is via Bald Hills Road, just off U.S. 101 near Orick. The narrow, winding road climbs into the hills, so drive carefully.
• Parking: There’s a small lot at the trailhead. Arrive early, especially in summer, as it can fill quickly. We’ve always arrived very early and have enjoyed the place ourselves.
• Weather: Bring layers. Fog and cool temperatures are common even in summer.
• Restrooms: Pit toilets are available at the trailhead, but no other facilities are on the trail.