After winding over rolling hills and through the Anderson Valley, motorists traveling along Highway 128 suddenly enter an eleven-mile-long redwood tunnel to the sea. The Navarro River Redwoods State Park reveals itself gradually as you drive through this canopy of second growth redwoods, their trunks creating a natural corridor that feels almost otherworldly. Once you arrive, the river and forest offer enough to keep you and your dog occupied for an afternoon or several days.

The park stretches along the Navarro River itself, and there’s real variety in what you can do here. Picnicking and swimming are popular during warmer months, though the water stays cold year-round. Anglers, canoeists, and kayakers are out in force during late winter and spring when water levels run high. You’ll see raccoons and black-tailed deer moving through the redwood groves, and if you’re quiet near the water, you might spot a belted kingfisher diving for fish.

There are two main campground options depending on what you want. The Paul M. Dimmick Campground sits six miles east of Highway 1 along Highway 128 and puts you in the heart of the redwoods. Navarro Beach Campground is at the river’s mouth where it meets the Pacific Ocean—you access it from the south side of the Navarro River Bridge. It’s a completely different experience, with ocean views and beach access rather than forest immersion.

Weather here can shift quickly even in summer, so pack layers. Unlike the coast, summers inland can get quite warm during the day but cool down at night. Dogs need to stay on a leash no longer than six feet throughout the park and must be confined in your tent or vehicle after dark. The combination of river, redwoods, and beach access makes this an unusually flexible park if you’re torn between different California landscapes.