Redwood Creek offers a multi-day wilderness paddling trip through Redwood National Park, culminating in a coastal estuary. The primary put-in for the classic run is at the Bair Road bridge, a public right-of-way, as traditional access points on private land in Redwood Valley are often blocked. This put-in adds approximately ten miles of paddling upstream of the national park boundary. The take-out is typically at Orick, though intrepid paddlers with ocean skills can continue to the Pacific Ocean, turning south to land on the beach near the Redwood National Park visitor center. The trip is characterized by long stretches of class I-II water, with a notable section of class III whitewater upstream of the park. The class V+ Rocky Gap rapid is a major hazard requiring a strenuous portage on river left; a small eddy at the top allows for staging. The portage trail is overgrown and steep, necessitating teamwork. Downed wood is a persistent hazard throughout the creek, requiring constant vigilance.

The scenery transitions from ranch and timberlands to the stunning ancient redwood forests within the national park, where paddlers float beneath 350-foot-tall trees. Campsites are excellent but infrequent, with a notable site near the Arco Grove of the Giants; camping within a quarter-mile of the Tall Trees Grove is prohibited, and a permit is required for overnight stays in the park. The best season for paddling is typically spring, with sunny weather possible in March and April. The creek is known for superb solitude, as the combination of a difficult portage and long mellow sections deters many boaters. Wildlife sightings can include deer, bald eagles, bears, otters, and elk. Water quality is good at low flows but becomes turbid with higher water levels. The overall experience is a remote, challenging adventure through one of the world's most iconic forests, best suited for intermediate kayakers prepared for significant self-sufficiency and a demanding portage.