For over 450 miles, from Monterey County in the south to just south of the Oregon Border in the north, California’s redwood coast is breathtaking. Dave and I visited the northern end, from Eureka to Crescent City, specifically to visit the Redwood National and State Parks in the area. From smelling the fresh ocean air while winding along the rugged coast to hiking through the lush coastal redwood forests, we had a great stay in the area.
The Redwood National and three State Parks, Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek, and Elk Prairie are a string of protected forests, beaches, and grasslands along Northern California’s coast. With these parks, over 150,000 acres are protected, and even with that, only 5% of original old growth forests remain. The Elk Prairie State Park is known for its Roosevelt Elk (yep, named after President Roosevelt). We passed a large herd as we were driving, but could not stop in time to take a picture. Helen would be so disappointed. She was the avid picture taker on our Alaska trip last year and her photos were amazing. Hopefully you followed last year’s trip and saw many of her fabulous photos.
Ready for fun facts? There are three kinds of redwoods: Coastal, Giant Sequoia, and Dawn. The coastal redwoods, which live primarily along the foggy Northern California and Southern Oregon coasts, can exceed 380 ft in height and live 2,000+ years. They are the tallest trees in the world, but skinny compared to the giant sequoia tress. The giant sequoias live primarily in the Sierra Nevada, snowy mountain regions of California. They can still grow to height greater than 300 ft. but have a massive trunk diameter (up to 30 feet) and can live 3,000+ years. The dawn redwoods live in central China, grow up to 200 ft and live up to 600 years.
I bet you were wondering how the redwoods can live so long? They have thick, fibrous bark, up to 12 inches in the coastal redwoods and 2 feet for the giant sequoias. Their bark is loaded with tannins which resists decay and pests and protects from fire damage. Area fires eliminate smaller trees and underbrush, reducing competition for light and water. And, if damaged, coastal redwoods can resprout from their base or even branches. Redwoods can even grow clones from burls on their trunks, giving them a type of biological backup system. They also live in a relatively stable, temperate environment with few extreme weather events.
O.K., enough of those fun facts. On to the fun Dave, Murphy, and I had.
We stayed at two locations in the area, the first at Azalea Glen RV Park in Trinidad, CA. This was my favorite RV park of the trip so far. Besides our campsite being on grass and having a nice deck with a picnic table and two Adirondack chairs overlooking a pond, the flowers, plants, and overall landscaping throughout the park was so welcoming. Even the small dog park was nicely landscaped. We just missed the Rhododendron bloom.
Trinidad is the oldest town along the northern California coast, established in 1850, initially as a supply port for gold miners. It later became a lumber and fishing hub, and even, sadly, a whaling station for a short time. After setting up in our lovely RV campsite, Dave, Murphy and I headed for Trinidad State Park and hiked to the top of Trinidad Head, where a lighthouse began operation in 1871. Gorgeous views from all around.
Trinidad Lighthouse pictures
The next day the three of us headed a few miles south to the college town of Arcata, home of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt or otherwise known as Cal Poly Humboldt. Being a college town, they must have a great coffee shop or bakery, right? They did! Los Bagels, a Jewish-Mexican organic bagel shop. We enjoyed a yummy breakfast to start our day.
We next headed to Arcata Community Forest, 790 acres of woodland delight with miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The community has won awards from professional forestry associations for a “model” forest. It was truly magical walking amongst the coastal redwoods. And the best part, it is dog friendly!
Speaking of dogs, it was time for Murphy to enjoy his first Pacific Ocean swim. The coast had several dog friendly beaches and several welcomed off leash (well behaved) dog. So, off to nearby Mad River County Park we went. After a quick hike across the sand dunes, Murphy was unleashed and off he went. He had a blast. Dave kept throwing the stick until Murphy finally said he had enough.
Our last stop in Arcata was for…you guessed it, Mexican food! We stopped at dog friendly Fiesta Grill & Cantina, just a few miles from the beach. The food was so delicious. I just cannot explain it, but the flavor profile of Mexican food in California (or Arizona) vs. Florida is so much better. I wanted to lick my plate! And, I got a horchata to go. What a great way to end our visit to Arcata. Bagels, redwoods, beach, and Mexican food. What more can a girl ask for?
We ventured even further south to Eureka, CA the next day. We walked around the waterfront and visited Dick Taylor’s award-winning Chocolate factory. Dave ordered a malted Hot Chocolate which he said was the best hot chocolate he has ever tasted. I bought a bar which contained 73% of the chocolate from Belize, with just a bit of salt added. Divine!
We also walked by the Carson Mansion, built 1884-1886, regarded as one of the premier examples of Queen Anne style Victorian architecture in the United States. William Carson was quite the lumbar baron. The mansion was sold to a private business club in 1950, which maintains the property.
When it was time for lunch, after checking out the local offerings, we decided to head back to Arcata and return to the same restaurant we had lunch yesterday. Yes, it was that good. And yes, I had another horchata. On our way back to Trinidad, we stopped at another dog friendly beach, Moonstone River County Park, so Murphy could enjoy another swim. Happy, happy dog he was.
Sadly, it was time to head out. Since we were not traveling too far that day, Murphy and I decided to hike to the top of Trinidad Head again and Murphy enjoyed a last romp in the surf at Trinidad State Park. And yes, the backseat of the truck is full of sand. But, not to worry, the Oregon coast with more dog friendly beaches is coming up soon.
Stay tuned for Part II of our coastal redwood fun. Dave and I appreciate you following along.
I absolutely loved this area Brenda, an undiscovered gem, shhhhh! Dave, and playing in the surf 3 days in a row is the bomb Murphy.
My favorite part of your trip so far!! Except, of course, your stop at our house❤️
This area in Northern CA is amazing.
I love Trinidad. Patrick’s Point is quite interesting with all its various beaches. You are so lucky to be traveling through this beautiful coastal area. Lucky Murphy!
Stay safe! Reta