Visiting northern California (Redwood National Park, California coastal drive) (Sacramento: spring break, home)

[gagliano3]

I'm taking my 3 teenage boys 13 to 17 for Spring break in early April and we are planning to visit Portland and Seattle then drive south on coastal all the way to Crescent City then to Redwood National Park, Eureka before driving home to Sacramento.

Any suggestions what to do or look for at Redwood National Park? what about northern California coastal areas?

Thanks in advance!

[treedonkey]

Originally Posted by gagliano3

Any suggestions what to do or look for at Redwood National Park? what about northern California coastal areas?

Hike around Redwood groves. Look at Redwood trees.

Trinidad cove and Patrick's Point SP, just north of McKinleyville, are both very nice. Other than that, the most scenic parts of the coast are mostly south of Eureka or north of Crescent City... in Oregon.

[abalone_girl]

There is a lot going on in Humboldt all year. There are great beaches for beachcombing or fishing. Lots of trails for hiking in Arcata Community forest. If you want to get sidetracked try going out HWY 36 to "Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park" there is a portion called 'Owen Cheetum' that is where a portion of Star Wars was filmed. It is just so beautiful. It is about 20 minutes off of HWY 101.

There are usually at a few festivals going on any time of year. Use thenet to google Humbolt County. Good Luck!

[eureka1]

Jeez,that's a lot of driving for a week. Re:Redwoods NP you'll want to get off the road for the short hike through the Ladybird Johnson grove and also the turnoff to of Fern Canyon near Orick,near the elk herd,takes longer. Strongly recommend the Trees of Mystery near Klamath,south of Crescent City. It's an old tourist trap that has been refurbished in recent years with the addition of a tramway you can ride up to the top of the hill for an amazing view. We were able to able to see whales last time I went up. Check out their gift shop too,Native American crafts etc. Have a wonderful trip.!

[eureka1]

Good idea. Also try googling "redwoodsinfo' for the Visitors and Convention bureau.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

The most impressive grove, Stout Grove, is about 15 miles off Hwy. 101 on Hwy. 199 going toward Grants Pass.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by gagliano3

I'm taking my 3 teenage boys 13 to 17 for Spring break in early April and we are planning to visit Portland and Seattle then drive south on coastal all the way to Crescent City then to Redwood National Park, Eureka before driving home to Sacramento.

Any suggestions what to do or look for at Redwood National Park? what about northern California coastal areas?

Thanks in advance!

Thought you might be one of two folks who emailed me the past week. But you have 3 children, and they had 2, and 4.

Sure, I have some ideas. There is a page that fits much of what you many want. Search these exact keywords on Google:

"Best places to see the Redwoods"

A few other folks, and myself, have quite a bit of experience hiking and exploring the coast redwoods. Where we all agree, for the ultimate in coast redwood viewing and hiking, are Jedediah Smith redwoods, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Redwood National Park, and Humboldt Redwoods near Avenue of the Giants.

To condense the advice, these are highlights of top priority.

1. Never hit the trail without EXTRA batteries for the camera
2. Howland Hill Road and Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods S.P.
3. Howland Hill Road and Boy Scout Tree Trail ~ 5 Stars
4. Prairie Creek Redwoods S. P. & James Irvine Trail

If the Parkway is closed due to strorm damage, take the next exit. The south way in is always open to get folks to the visitor center and campground, and the James Irvine trailhead is right about there.

5. Redwood National Park & Tall Trees Grove Trail.

Get free permit in morning from parks office in Crescent City, or south side of Orick near beach.

6. Humboldt Redwoods S. P. Avenue of the Giants. Mattole Road. Founders Grove. Etc..


Here is one image from Prairie Creek Redwoods. See the man under the burl?