California Version of an Alaskan Wilderness trip: North Redwoods (Bell: mattress, cabinets) - (CA) - City-Data Forum

mdvaden · 01-03-2010, 01:10 PM

How many folks have made it out to the redwood forest to relax and enjoy themselves over the past couple of months? I'm hoping to visit there again in about 4 weeks. I think that a good description for the experience in the northern redwoods, is California's version of an Alaskan Wilderness trip. No polar bears, but there are bears, deer, elk and mountain lion. Although most folks like seeing the elk and deer, and that's the was it usually is.

When people ask "where is the best place to see redwood trees", my response is almost always the north redwoods like Rockefeller Forest or Jedediah Smith. Unless just a day is available, then maybe Montgomery Woods. Muir Woods is beautiful, but has more of a city park feel to it. Not the wilderness feel of Prairie Creek or Redwood National Park. Especially autumn to spring when fewer people go.

Took my mother at age 90 to see the redwoods for the first time, two years ago, and she said it was the most peaceful place she had ever been.

The New Year is here. Any of you feel like you want a place to go to relax, peacefully think through some decisions, or start the year with an excellent adventure? Winter is a great time in the redwoods. One of the best for me. Most is greener, brooks are flowing and the air is washed clean.

With all the negative political and economic news of the past year, the tranquility in those north parks would seem to be the perfect medicine for some folks.

The one pic is 'Mutant Redwood' in Prairie Creek. The man is someone I explore with who is into photography, from Trinidad. The other pic is one of the creeks. I was getting water, since I carry a filter in my daypack.

Fiddlehead · 01-03-2010, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the pics MVaden!

I live a couple hours away from the redwoods, and I can't visit them enough. Winter or summer.
To quote your Grandma and Ed Abbey "this is the most beautiful place in the world.........................................ther e are many such places..."

Great to think and appreciate, especially with the coming of a new year.

mdvaden · 01-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

Thanks for the pics MVaden!

I live a couple hours away from the redwoods, and I can't visit them enough. Winter or summer.
To quote your Grandma and Ed Abbey "this is the most beautiful place in the world.........................................ther e are many such places..."

Great to think and appreciate, especially with the coming of a new year.

Until we moved back up here near Beaverton, we were 2 hours away too, in Applegate Valley with a Jacksonville, OR address. The one thing I missed most about southern Oregon, was ... the redwoods. Jed Smith was but 2 hours west.

I would drive there every two weeks to go hiking and exploring.

One of the smaller things I found which was pretty cool looking, were these Trilliums in Redwood National Park.

abalone_girl · 01-08-2010, 11:36 PM

Its funny, I have been in Humboldt for over 25 years and I never seem to get tired of going out and about. It always feels 'new'! Nice pics. There is always someplace to be outdoors even when the weather is wet and uncooperative. Good to hear you got your mother out. Mine is 70 and I still take her out to fish every so often. Its thrilling for her to reconnect with the outdoors. Cheers!

mdvaden · 01-09-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abalone_girl

Its funny, I have been in Humboldt for over 25 years and I never seem to get tired of going out and about. It always feels 'new'! Nice pics. There is always someplace to be outdoors even when the weather is wet and uncooperative. Good to hear you got your mother out. Mine is 70 and I still take her out to fish every so often. Its thrilling for her to reconnect with the outdoors. Cheers!

The lagoons are nice. I've just stopped for photos and to relax near those. The birds are nice to watch. That the area is not very close to SF sure keeps it mellow around there, almost all year.

I'd like to get down to Rockefeller Forest next spring, plus drop in on Garberville. Pretty sure this month will be Prairie Creek and Tall Trees Grove if I make it down, hopefully late January.

Mach50 · 01-09-2010, 10:16 PM

Just took a mini road trip up to Eureka over the holidays. We stayed in Garberville too, did the Ave of the Giants, Confusion Hill, drove through 2 trees, let the dogs run around. I agree, I love this time of the year up in groves, everything is vibrantly green and tranquil. One of my favorite places on earth.

If you stay in Garberville just don't eat at that Italian/Mexican restaurant Sicilitos horrid service! That was the only downer of the entire trip.

It is beautiful up there.

mdvaden · 01-10-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach50

Just took a mini road trip up to Eureka over the holidays. We stayed in Garberville too, did the Ave of the Giants, Confusion Hill, drove through 2 trees, let the dogs run around. I agree, I love this time of the year up in groves, everything is vibrantly green and tranquil. One of my favorite places on earth.

If you stay in Garberville just don't eat at that Italian/Mexican restaurant Sicilitos horrid service! That was the only downer of the entire trip.

It is beautiful up there.

All the reviews I've read for Confusion Hill have been good. Haven't been there yet.

Will keep that restaurant in memory. Somehow Italian and Mexican seems like odd combination. Took me a while to get used to KFC and Taco Bell being together in some locations.

Next time I get near Avenue of the Giants, it will probably be like last time, arriving around 2am in the morning when its pitch black. Too dark to find a campground, I just park by Founders Grove and nap until daylight.

We sold our 18' Komfort travel trailer, and converted this cargo trailer instead. Like a tent on wheels, but better. With more mattress area than a Queen size, plus oak cabinets and heaters. I have a TV & DVD player for it too. Its so lightweight, I can get from Portland to Crescent City on one tank of fuel.

kanhawk · 01-10-2010, 04:53 PM

Most definitely agree the off season is a great time to go to Redwood Natl Park. Few crowds and you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest more fully. It is also a great place for older people or those less athletic as many of the trails are easy to moderate for hiking.

abalone_girl · 01-11-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdvaden

Somehow Italian and Mexican seems like odd combination.

Actually both have heavy Spanish influence and they blend very well. I had a girlfriend whose mother was from Mexico and her father was from Italy, boy was she a good cook!

mdvaden · 01-14-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abalone_girl

Actually both have heavy Spanish influence and they blend very well. I had a girlfriend whose mother was from Mexico and her father was from Italy, boy was she a good cook!

I'll take that as a vote for Mexican / Italian in general, but not neccessarily for the Garberville place.

Looks like the end of January is still going to work out for the drive down.