California, here we come!
We drove directly from our Crater Lake campground to the California coast. We booked three nights on the Klamath River, just a short drive to the ocean. We chose Klamath because it is smack dab in the middle of the State and National Redwood Forest areas. That way we could spend a day going north and a day going south. That also left a day to explore both Klamath and Crescent City.
On our first day we chose to head south. For anyone driving on Hwy 101, there is an option to cut through the forest on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It is a two lane road with redwoods on both sides and plenty of pullouts to take pictures.
Both northern and southern forests had scenic roads, but you will see the difference later in this post. I am glad we went south to the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park first because it was a wonderful experience. The park was very well maintained and it had dozens of marked hiking trails.
We set off on a hike that was supposed to be just over three miles. It was so quiet and peaceful and we hardly passed another person. The trail went over, under, and around trees of all shapes and sizes.
The only wildlife we saw was a momma deer and her two babies. They were walking down the trail in front of us, not really paying attention to us. Once we got closer, they scampered away into the woods. I’m glad it was a group of deer and not a bear!
Our three mile hike turned into seven miles when we didn’t turn left to cross the road. We didn’t figure out our mistake until about five miles in. Oh well, it wasn’t hot or strenuous so we just kept walking.
One of the most popular attractions is the Fern Canyon, which you can only access from a dirt road long the coast. This is the only place that you have to pay a park entrance fee. We used our national park pass and it saved us eight dollars.
After a short hike, we reached a narrow canyon where the walls are completely covered by luxuriant ferns and mosses that were dripping with moisture. I can see why Steven Spielberg chose this as a location for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.
Small foot bridges were periodically spanning the shallow creek, but we had to climb across some big trees to keep going through the canyon. It was so lush and green, and while standing there, I felt like I was somewhere far, far away.
Let me not forget the beach right beside Fern Canyon. It was amazing and you can camp at a campground along the road or pitch a tent anywhere in the sand. Again, these beaches are not for swimming because of the strong currents.
The next day we drove north to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The scenic drive on Holland Hills Road was very different from the day before. The road was dusty, hilly, narrow, and almost terrifying in places. We passed a vehicle that slid off the road into a ditch. Once you start driving, you can’t turn around until you reach the end.
We stopped at a couple of places, but we did not spend as much time in this forest. I am glad we saw the other one first, because it was better all around.
On our drive home, we passed a herd of elk beside the road. There are plenty of elk viewing spots up and down the roads in Northern California. It is currently rutting season and the parks have warning signs about elk encounters. Back away from the elk!
A big attraction in Klamath is Trees of Mystery. We didn’t stop to ride the gondola or hike on a trail, but Darin wanted a picture of Paul Bunyan. These large statues sure get a lot of attention. Great marketing strategy!
Only a mile from our campground, the Klamath Rivers empties into the Pacific Ocean. We took a quick drive and enjoyed walking on the secluded beach. The breeze was a little cool, but I can stare at the water for hours. There’s something about a beach that fills my heart.
A natural sandbar formed where the fresh water and salt water merge. We were in for a big surprise when we saw at least 15-20 sea lions searching for food. The smaller ones looked like they were playing in the crashing tides.
Crescent City was worth a stop, but we didn’t spend a whole lot of time in town. We wanted to see both lighthouses and we needed some groceries. The St George Reef Lighthouse was too far away for my camera, but there were walking trails at Point St George where we spent an hour or so taking in the scenery. Battery Point Lighthouse was adjacent to the harbor and it offers tours only on days that have a very low tide.
I have rarely endorsed eating establishments, but we found a great restaurant overlooking the harbor in Crescent City. The Chart Room has to be on our top five list of all time favorites since we have been traveling (June 1st). Darin gives the cod fish and chips a thumbs up.
That wraps up National Park number three. Be sure to follow along to see where we are headed next!