Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park |
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Stout Memorial Grove
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 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Location in California
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Del Norte County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Crescent City, California |
| Area | 10,430 acres (4,220 ha) |
| Established | 1939 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a special state park in California, United States. It protects very old and tall redwood trees that grow along the Smith River. You can find this park about 9 miles (14 km) east of Crescent City, right along U.S. Route 199.
The park gets its name from an explorer called Jedediah Smith. It's also one of four parks that work together as part of the Redwood National and State Parks. This amazing park covers about 10,430 acres (4,220 ha) of land. It was created in 1939 and became part of a special worldwide nature area called the California Coast Ranges International Biosphere Reserve in 1983.
Contents
Exploring the Park's History
This park is named after Jedediah Smith, a famous explorer. He was the first American to travel all the way from the Mississippi River to California by land. He made this journey in 1826, and he passed right through the area where the park is today.
Discovering the Park's Nature
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is home to about 9,500 acres (3,800 ha) of redwood trees. Many of these are "old-growth" trees, meaning they have been growing for hundreds or even thousands of years. One special area, covering 5,000 acres (2,000 ha), has the world's largest coast redwood tree. This giant tree is about 20 feet (6.1 m) wide and 340 feet (100 m) tall!
Animals of the Smith River
The Smith River flows right through the park. It's a great place for many animals to live. You might spot rainbow trout and salmon swimming in the water. On land, there are black bears, black-tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons.
The Smith River is very special because it's the last major river in California that hasn't been blocked by a dam. The river inside the park is mostly untouched by people. It even holds the state record for the biggest steelhead rainbow trout ever caught, weighing over 27 pounds (12 kg)!
Fun Things to Do in the Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers lots of ways to explore. There are about 18 miles (29 km) of hiking trails for you to walk. If you want to stay overnight, there are over 100 campsites available.
Mill Creek also flows through the park and joins the Smith River near the campground. During the warmer months, a temporary bridge is put across Mill Creek. This makes it easier to get to the Mill Creek Trail and one part of the Hiouchi Trail.
Images for kids
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Stout Memorial Grove
See also
In Spanish: Parque estatal de Jedediah Smith para niños
