The Klamath River Overlook, is a scenic vista point overlooking Northern California’s Pacific Coast, a coastal estuary, and the Klamath River flowing into the sea.
Located just a few miles off Highway 101, the overlook is part of Redwood National And State Parks. This national park stop, however has nothing to do with redwoods. The Klamath Overlook is a popular destination for whale watching and birding. According to park rangers, there is a pod of gray whales that calls the waters near the overlook home and on clear days, they can be seen feeding just off shore. During November-December and March-April migrating whales can also bee seen.
From this scenic viewpoint, you can also:
- Enjoy views of the federally designated Wild and Scenic Klamath River.
- Spot seals and sea lions, as well as a variety of birds like kestrels, ospreys, and bald eagles.
- View remnants of an 1890’s wagon road that ran from Arcata to Crescent City along the south bank of the Klamath River.
- Follow a short trail 0.25 mile downhill (0.5 mile round-trip) to a lower viewing area with spectacular views or continue on for a 3.0 mile hike down to the beach far below.
This overlook, a little off the beaten path, was the perfect spot to relax a little and enjoy the cool ocean breeze after our very hot morning kayaking down the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. After taking in the view from the viewpoint by the parking area, we started hiking down to the lower viewing platform, but the clouds were rolling in and the view was pretty much blocked, so we turned around and hopped back in the car to head to continue our adventures.
Up next was a visit to the Klamath Tour-Thru Tree — a redwood tree you can drive through — and hiking trails in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Know Before You Go
- The Klamath Overlook is located on Requa Road in Klamath, California 95548 in Del Norte County, 18 miles south of Crescent City.
- When you turn off Highway 101 onto Requa Road, you’ll travel abour 2.5 miles through the small town of Requa to the coastal overlook.
- The overlook is part of Redwood National And State Parks. While the state parks may have entrance fees, Redwood National Park has no entrance stations and is free to visit.
- Download a Redwood National And State Parks Newspaper to learn more about things to do and see in the area.
- We recommend that you dress in layers! While it was warm when we arrived, the fog came in and the wind picked up fairly quickly and it got cold!
- Bring your binoculars and watch for spouting whales.
