Driving
No matter which highway you take to get to Klamath, or into Del Norte county, you'll drive through the redwoods along the way. IN Del Norte county are several exceptional drives, some that put you right in amongst 'em.
One outstanding drive is the Stout Grove / Howland Hills road. It starts on the east side of Crescent City and winds about 12 miles back through huge groves of redwoods, finally ending at slant bridge on highway 199. The road is generally good, although it's not paved. It has many narrow spots and tight curves, so motorhomes and trailers are pretty much out. (unless you want to spend all day backing up and dodging Subarus.) You'll see many of these wonderful trees Up Close, and there are a few nice little creeks running through the area. Towards the North end of the drive you'll cross the Smith River, one of the west's Scenic and Wild rivers. It's probably the nicest place there is to see the redwoods from the comfort of your car.
Go south from Klamath on highway 101 about 3 miles then take the Newton B. Drury bypass. This route takes you through some really BIG trees and also the Newton B. Drury / Prairie Creek area.
Prairie Creek is a large prairie in the midst of the redwoods, and is home to a large herd of native Roosevelt Elk. These elk are at home among the trees and out on the grassy expanse of the clearing. There is a park campground here, and some interpretive installations. Stop along the road and get some great pictures of the elk. PLEASE READ AND HEED THE SIGNS ALONG THE FENCE. Adult elk are as big as a horse and capable of causing great harm! They can be very aggressive and dangerous!
Since the Newton B. Drury bypass WAS highway 101 up until a few years ago, the road is very good, and motor homes and trailers are not a problem. At the prairie itself, the verges of the road have been paved and considerably widened to allow and encourage people to pull over and have a look.
In Klamath itself, a great drive is along the Coastal Drive, comprised of the old highway and the old, old highway. Go south across the 101 bridge, take the exit, then turn west. This drive is part paved, part gravel but wide and smooth. Fantastic vistas of the ocean are yours and if it's the right time of year you'll likely see a few whales. The south end of this drive puts you back on old 101 and if you turn south (to your right) you'll be heading down the Newton B. Drury scenic bypass.
Walking (as opposed to hiking)
One really great, do not miss, place is Fern Canyon. There are a few Redwoods here, lots of Elk and a big spooky Spruce forest. AND the real gem of Fern Canyon, which I'll describe in a minute. Go south out of Klamath over the bridge. Continue past the Newton B. Drury bypass towards Orick. Just past where the four lane bypass ends, on the right you'll see Rolf's restaurant (Great Food!). Turn right there. The road is maintained dirt, but winding and narrow, so use due caution and forethought. Follow the signs to the park entrance, it's about three miles. This is a State Park so there is a use fee. This is Gold Bluffs State Park and has camp sites, picnic sites, and a really great beach. It backs up on some high bluffs and is usually warm here. But, the coolest thing here is Fern Canyon.
On the northern end of the beach is the entrance to Fern Canyon. This is a walk up an ancient creek bed into one of the most awesome natural sights you may ever see. The walls and part of the overhead are lined, neigh, carpeted with ferns. Criss crossing the overhead occasionally, are moss covered logs. The floor of the canyon is clean gravel. It is truly something worth taking the time to see. I really can't do justice to this amazing area with words, so here's a picture by Jef Poskanzer.
Our area (Klamath and Del Norte County) has Redwoods all through it, so just exploring on your own will reward you with the discovery of many interesting things and beautiful places.