Frequently Asked Questions
Portola Redwoods State Park is a 2,800-acre redwood park near La Honda, open 6 a.m. to sunset, with a $10 vehicle fee. It has 18 miles of trails, 55 family campsites and a backpackers' trail camp. There is no gas, no store and no cell reception, dogs are kept off the trails, and fishing is not allowed. The answers below link to the page that covers each topic in full.
About This FAQ
Each answer is drawn from California State Parks' own pages for Portola Redwoods. Fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive on the official park page or by calling (650) 948-9098. Start with plan your visit if this is your first trip.
Portola Redwoods Questions and Answers
Where is Portola Redwoods State Park?
At 9000 Portola State Park Road, La Honda, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. From Highway 35, take Alpine Road west 3 miles, then Portola State Park Road to its end.
How much does it cost to get into Portola Redwoods?
$10 per vehicle, or $9 for seniors 62 and older. Buses pay $50 or $100 depending on size.
What are the hours?
Day use is 6 a.m. to sunset. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Can you camp at Portola Redwoods?
Yes. There are 55 family campsites, four group campgrounds, four hike-and-bike sites and the six-site Slate Creek Trail Camp. Book family and group sites at ReserveCalifornia.com.
Are dogs allowed at Portola Redwoods?
Only in campsites, picnic areas, on paved roads and the Upper and Lower Escape Roads, on a six-foot leash. Not on hiking trails or dirt roads.
What is the best hike at Portola Redwoods?
For an easy walk, the ¾-mile Sequoia Nature Trail. For a full day, the strenuous 13-mile round trip to the old-growth Peters Creek Grove.
Are there waterfalls at Portola Redwoods?
Yes, on Fall Creek and Pescadero Creek, including Tiptoe Falls, which has its own trail on the State Parks map.
Is there cell service at Portola Redwoods?
No. There is no cell reception in the park or the surrounding area, and State Parks does not recommend rideshare.
Can you fish at Portola Redwoods?
No. Fishing is not allowed in the park.
Can you bike at Portola Redwoods?
Only on paved roads and the Old Haul service road, a 10-mile round trip to Memorial County Park.
Are there showers at Portola Redwoods?
Yes, pay showers in the main campground, 25 cents for two minutes.
How long is the drive to Portola Redwoods?
State Parks says 1½ to 2 hours from most Bay Area locations, on steep, winding mountain roads.
When did Portola Redwoods become a state park?
It opened in 1945, after the Islam Shrine of San Francisco sold its summer retreat to the state.
Is Portola Redwoods the same as Memorial County Park?
No. Memorial is a San Mateo County park on Pescadero Creek Road. The two are linked by the Old Haul Road.