Redwood in October: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 64/100 · #8 of 12 months
October is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Redwood National Park: crowds run 52% of the June peak (49,415 average visits). Weather: highs average 63°F and lows 45°F, with 5.0″ of precipitation and 11.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Redwood in October
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof bootsSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Water bottles for the daySee it on AmazonWhy: hydration is one of the NPS Ten Essentials.
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Redwood in October: what the park service says
In October, one Redwood trail needs planning ahead: the park service requires a reservation for the Tall Trees Trail year-round. October 15 is also when dispersed camping along Redwood Creek closes for the high-water season, until April 1. Davison Road to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach is open, but its two stream crossings get hard after rain, so the park recommends a high-clearance vehicle. As of late October 2026 the Mill Creek day-use area opens only on weekends.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in October
Redwood averages 49,415 recreation visits in October — 52% of what June, the peak month, draws. Plan lodging and entries with that in mind.
Weather & daylight
Daytime temperatures are comfortable (highs average 63°F), and nights stay mild (lows average 45°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.0″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station KLAMATH, CA US (4 mi from park coordinates, 28 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of October.
What to pack for Redwood in October
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
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Looking for a better window? The computed best months for Redwood are April and May.
Also at their best in October
Other parks whose computed October verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Badlands in October — 27% of peak crowds, highs 63°F, score 81/100
- Isle Royale in October — 2% of peak crowds, highs 51°F, score 81/100
- Wind Cave in October — 25% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 81/100
- Gateway Arch in October — 26% of peak crowds, highs 69°F, score 80/100
Common questions
Is Redwood crowded in October?
Moderately: October runs 52% of the June peak, averaging 49,415 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Redwood.
What is the weather like in Redwood in October?
Average highs of 63°F, lows of 45°F, 5.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, KLAMATH, CA US station). Compare it with other national parks in October.
What should I pack for Redwood in October?
Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in November instead? Redwood in November has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in October · Last verified 2026-09-24