
Save the Redwoods League turns 100 this year.
MENDOCINO CO., 1/8/17 — Do you have plans to visit the redwoods this year? You can get free passes every second Saturday of the month through 2018 as part of a new program celebrating Save the Redwoods League’s one hundred year anniversary. If you’ve been meaning to go hiking in one of Mendocino County’s many parks, or check out the redwoods along the north coast, here’s all the details of the Free Second Saturdays program taking place in coordination with California State Parks.

Some of the participating redwoods parks around Mendocino County.
Passes are free and cover both admission and parking, but they are first-come, first-serve and you must print one out to show at the park entrance. Many parks in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties are participating, you can check out the dates and locations at this website or in the press release below. Passes were made available beginning at 8am today:
San Francisco, Calif. (January 8, 2018) — To celebrate 100 years of saving California’s iconic redwood forest, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks are offering free day-use admission to more than 40 redwood state parks on the second Saturday of each month in 2018. The goal of Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks is to reconnect the people of California with these magnificent natural legacies, to inspire visitors with the beauty and power of the redwoods, and to celebrate Save the Redwoods League’s 100-year conservation legacy.
Thanks to the generous support of Oracle and Save the Redwoods League members, more than 16,000 free vehicle day-use passes will be available in 2018 for more than 40 redwood state parks. The passes cover day-use admission and parking fees. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at FreeRedwoodsDays.org beginning today at 8 a.m. Some of the participating parks are Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. League staff will also be hosting free guided hikes at select parks. Please visit our FreeRedwoodsDays.org to sign up as space is limited.
The 2018 dates for Free Second Saturdays are:
- January 13
- February 10
- March 10
- April 14
- May 12
- June 9
- July 14
- August 11
- September 8
- October 13
- November 10
- December 8
“People come from around the world to walk among California’s ancient redwoods,” said Sam Hodder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Redwoods League. “As part of our Centennial celebration, Save the Redwoods League is thrilled to host a free day in the redwood parks once a month all year long. We invite you to stand under the world’s tallest living creatures – the most powerful forest in the fight against climate change – and learn why we are working so hard to protect and restore it. We are celebrating our 100th birthday in the redwood parks, and we want you to join us!”
“Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks events are among many successful programs in the long history of our collaboration with Save the Redwoods League,” said Lisa Mangat, California State Parks Director. “Together, we work through our state parks to support the health, inspiration and education of all Californians. Free Second Saturdays at Redwood State Parks events allow people who might not otherwise be able to visit a park to get outdoors in our spectacular redwood state parks.”
Please keep in mind:
- The number of passes is limited. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis according to each park’s capacity.
- Only one day-use pass is needed per vehicle, per park.
- The pass covers day-use admission and parking fees. The pass does not guarantee a parking space or entry if the park is full due to high demand.
- To ensure valid entry and avoid fines, printed passes must be presented to park staff members at entry gates or displayed on vehicle dashboards if no personnel are on duty.
- Electronic images of the pass will not be accepted.
- Consider visiting a state park during off-peak hours – opening time to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to closing time.
- Visitors without passes are welcome, but must pay admission.
- We encourage all park visitors to review and obey park rules.
- Share your experiences with us on social media and tag them with #FreeRedwoodsDays, #Stand4Redwoods and #CAStateParks.
For detailed information, including a full list of participating state parks, park operating hours and outdoor safety tips, please visit FreeRedwoodsDays.org.