Help......Traveling to Northern California

W

Waterball

New member
My wife(Jeanie) and I are planning a trip down south to North California and Oregon in early November this fall. We've plan to rent a camper van in Oakland and travel north on I-5 visiting relatives along the way north to the Eugene OR area and head back via the coastal highway on 101. We've been trying to find good places to camp on the coast and there seems to be a lot. This is where you all come in :wink If anyone knows a good RV park or just a spot where you think we should visit please feel free to share. Thanks in advance.
Shaun
 
Without question, spend the night on the coast at Prairie Creek Redwoods SP then drive a little further to hike through Fern Canyon. Easy hike even for a 2X CAB survivor. This is where part of the movie "Jurassic Park" was filmed, and it's a magical area. Our most favorite spot in No. Cal. The access road is windy and you'll think your on a logging road then a ranger station suddenly appears.

Second best, go to Samoa CA, near Eureka and eat breakfast at the Samoa Cookhouse. It started out as a logger's restaurant and everything is served "family style."

Don
 
I agree! Don't miss Fern Canyon! Careful on the road down though. That is one windy narrow road!

Also, if going far enough north you might consider taking a mail boat on the Rogue River. It is quite a ride!
 
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and Fern Canyon are accessed by Davison Road, which is, located 3 miles north of Orick off of Highway 101. 50 miles from Eureka and Crescent City. This is the area we love.


I found a couple of photos. The elk was right next to the road by the beach within sight of Gold Bluffs campground. The other shot is the entrance to the Fern Canyon trail.

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ferncanyon.jpg
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When I went to Fern Canyon in the summer of '85 there was a herd of about 75 elk sunning on the beach. The big Bull had just finished totalling a VW Bug! For some reason he had taken a dislike to the car sitting in the parking lot and just trashed it. He was the biggest elk I have ever seen. The rangers we having a tough time keeping people away from the herd as they were litterally sitting on the trail to the beach and canyon.
 
A few miles north of the Davidson Road turnoff off 101 is the blatantly tourist "Trees of Mystery" site with a huge "Paul Bunyan" out front.

Get past the tourist crap and take the self guided tour. It's actually a very interesting and beautiful hike around some very unusual redwood trees. I must have passed that Paul Bunyan a dozen times without stopping because the whole thing smacked of old fashioned PT Barnum "sucker born every minute" tourist trap. Finally we succumbed and I've been through it (and thoroughly enjoyed it) twice now.

Just stay out of the store/restaurant. :wink
 
I'll third the Prairie Creek recommendation - Dana and I have been going there since we were kids, it's a very special place.

Two items not mentioned, though...

- Reservations. If you haven't made any yet, you may not get in, depending on how late in the Fall you are planning on going. They do have an overflow area, but the spots stink compared to the reserved sites. I'd look into this ASAP...the longer you wait, the worse your chances will be.

- Fern Canyon...if you are physically able, don't drive down - hike from the main campground. It's a long hike, it will take about 5 hours round trip as I recall. However, it's relatively flat, and the trek is through some of the most awe inspiring redwoods you'll ever see. They are every bit as impressive as Fern Canyon, which awaits you near the end. Even if it's raining, you'll stay mostly dry - the trees are so huge and their canopies so tall and thick, the water barely hits you.
 
I have a co worker that has suggested that I make Mendicino one of my stops. Does anyone else have an opinion or place in the Mendicino area for camping or site seeing? Also just to reiterate I'm flying into Oakland CA and returning to the same place Nov 5-19. Any other thoughts would be great.
Shaun
 
Shaun,

The Medocino coast is a beautiful area. If you are in a motor home Van Damme state park would be easy to get into but there are many great places to visit and camp.

If you don't mind the narrow twisting road all the way down HY1 to Sausalito is great coastline. You should not have problems with full parks in Nov. but there are also private camps - just ask around.

Mendocino is a great place for kayakers. There are sea caves, surf, and calm rivers. (Safety Warning) I would not kayak on the ocean unless you are experienced or with a guide - same with surf and river mouths. There are places to rent canoes/kayaks for the rivers and enjoy great scenery and wildlife.

Sounds like and excellent trip,
Steve
 
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