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backTour FAQs

This tour has 24 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to Know Before You Go!

  • Cell phone (with tour downloaded!)
  • Car charger
  • Phone mount for car
  • Flashlight - for sunset viewing (optional)
  • Park Map - available at visitor centers
  • Binoculars - for elk/whale watching (optional)
  • Waterproof rain jacket or coat
  • Non-cotton/waterproof or quick-dry pants
  • Dress in layers (layer with NON-cotton fabric like fleece/wool–for cooler weather or synthetic materials like nylon–for warmer weather). The key is to stay warm and dry! 
  • Waterproof hiking boots/sturdy shoes with non-slip soles
  • Wool or non-cotton socks
  • Water shoes/sandals for Fern Canyon hike
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottles - plenty! (Do not drink from any streams/rivers to avoid giardia.)
  • Snacks and/or picnic food (Remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs) There are a number of fantastic picnic sites.
  • First aid kit/medications
  • Emergency roadside assistance kit
  • Swimsuit and towel if interested in swimming in the Smith River
  • National Park Pass or cash/check (Jedediah Smith RSP Day Use or Gold Bluffs Beach/Fern Canyon only) *The rest of the park has no entrance fee.
  • Parking permit to visit Fern Canyon or Gold Bluffs Beach (May 15- Sep 15). Online reservations can be made up to midnight the day before. No same-day reservations. No permit needed off-season.

What you spend depends on the activities you do, but here’s a list of entry fees on the tour: 

  • Fern Canyon Trail
    • $12 per vehicle. A California State Park entrance fee is required. 
  • Trees of Mystery
    • $30/ adult
    • $25/ senior
    • $15/ kid (3-12)


Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the hours of operation vary based on the season. There are also seasonal road closures, so be sure to check the park’s website in advance. 

  • Hiouchi Visitor Center
    • Spring to Fall - Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
    • Winter - Open Wed - Sun 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Trees of Mystery
    • Open daily from 9 am - 4 pm (except Christmas)
  • Yurok Country Visitor Center
    • Spring & Summer Hours: Daily from 9 am - 4 pm (closed for lunch)
    • Winter Hours: Closed Mondays. Check the website for seasonal hours
  • Prairie Creek Redwoods Visitor Center
    • Summer Hours (Apr 30 - Nov 3): 9 am - 5 pm Daily.
    • Winter Hours: 10 am - 4 pm. Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
  • Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center
    • Summer Hours (Late April - early November): 9 am - 5 pm Daily.
    • Winter Hours: 10 am - 4 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
  • Hiouchi Cafe, Crescent City
    • Sunday - Thursday: 7 am - 2 pm.
    • Friday - Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm Sunday Brunch
  • Sea Quake, Crescent City
    • Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9 pm
    • Friday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 10 pm
  • Chart Room Restaurant, Crescent City
    • Wed, Thurs, Sun: 11 am - 7 pm
    • Fri & Sat: 11 am - 8 pm
    • Closed Mon/Tues
  • Historic Requa Inn, Klamath
    • Breakfast is open to the public from 8 am - 10 am daily. *Hours may change seasonally.
  • Country Club Bar & Grill
    • Daily from 12 pm - 9 pm

Yes! The tour has three starting points: Gasquet, CA, Crescent City, CA and Trinidad, CA. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting. 

If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience. 


Yes! You can take this tour north to south or south to north.

Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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