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I’m thinking about a trip to visit the Redwoods of norther California along the ocean this fall. I’m trying to figure out which city area to stay in for lodging. It appears that Crescent City and Eureka are both good choices however I don’t want to miss something else that might be better in that area. Also is there a better choice of parks to do some light hiking in than others. I’ve visited a travel website that helps point out some things however I thought there might be a few folks here on City Data that have been there and could give me a few tips or pointers; places to stay things to do or visit, etc. and anything to avoid?
Family style / no menu. I usually plan my trips for French Toast breakfast (certain days... call for schedule). Dinner is a bit too much food and $$ for my old age. BUT as a motorcyclist at age 18 (MANY yrs ago), I enjoyed a WHOLE 9" apple and 9" Chocolate cream pie for dessert. Was back for Breakfast, and stayed and did laundry so could do lunch! (Didn't need to eat for about a week!)
Of course you want to catch all the trees, hikes, and Scenic drives (best motorcycle roads in USA)
I toss a $500 vintage sport bike on the bumper of RV.
Lots of fun, CHEAP.
Be careful where you park... Branches can fall out of trees and CRUSH your car / tent / RV. Last trip happened to a rental car in parking lot. SMASHED to the ground!.
Stay in a park, or south of Crescent City in a small town. The bigger towns are not nice for lodging / quiet coastal ambiance. We stay in hospitality guest homes ($10/ night) so seldom in city, usually a gorgeous beach home with a guest cottage overlooking the ocean). Also we camp a lot in small RV, so stay in fairgrounds / forest service campgrounds. Ferndale was a nice quiet place to camp and has some older B&B's.
Do go north into Oregon and stay in some yurts at state parks (Very nice).
Last edited by StealthRabbit; 06-21-2015 at 10:55 PM..
I have camped in all the redwood parks in CA & I would recommend Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park...there are many trails there & most are flat & not difficult...you can hike as little or as far as you like...you can hike to, and camp on the beach if you desire (Gold's Bluff Beach). It is insanely beautiful there, one of my favorite places! The main campground is in the trees, the bathrooms have pay showers. If you don't camp, stay in Crescent City, you should be able to find inexpensive lodging. Eureka, TBH, has some scary areas...many homeless there.
We made a short trip a month ago with starting point from San Francisco. We stayed in Eureka at Holiday Inn Express. It is a new hotel, clean and comfortable. I second Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park mentioned in a previous post.
Day 1 – SF to Eureka via Avenue of the Giants with lots of stops and short hikes. You will be driving through Redwoods and will see a lot. Overnight in Eureka.
Day 2 – Eureka to Redwoods at Oregon border. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (outstanding lots of hikes). This is THE REDWOODs that you need to see as it was explained by a ranger in the information center, and while it has State Park as part of the name it is actually joint National and State park together. Drive to Fern Canyon with nice hiking trails. Overnight in Eureka.
Day 3 – Eaureka to SF (leave early in the morning) via Pacific Coast Hwy 1. Takes long time to drive curvy roads, but the scenery is outstanding. Tiny towns, and incredible views. Do not miss MacKerricher State Park along the route with a nice boardwalk, and seals close up. Also Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens at Fort Bragg are lovely. Fort Ross State Historic Park a historic Russian settlement is a good stop as well.
I’m thinking about a trip to visit the Redwoods of norther California along the ocean this fall. I’m trying to figure out which city area to stay in for lodging.
Crescent City is a bit bleak for my tastes; have a look at Trinidad, Arcata and Ferndale for alternatives to Crescent City or Eureka. Ferndale in particular is a lovely little Victorian town off the highway but still close enough to the Avenue of the Giants etc. but also close to the Lost Coast, the last bit of coastal roadless wilderness in California. At Trinidad, the state park on the coast is very pretty. Both Ferndale and Trinidad won't have vast resources on the accommodation front, but both are worth a look.
And if by "the fall" you mean anytime after mid-October, then the odds will be building big time that the weather will be wet, so plan your gear and timing accordingly.
For a "twofer," consider extending the drive north into Oregon as far as Port Orford - some of Oregon's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Trinidad doesn't have one of these ... although, Trinidad is a nice little community, and is worth staying at. I would couple Trinidad with visit to Prairie Creek redwoods.
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Originally Posted by MarciaMarshaMarcia
I have camped in all the redwood parks in CA & I would recommend Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park...there are many trails there & most are flat & not difficult...you can hike as little or as far as you like...you can hike to, and camp on the beach if you desire (Gold's Bluff Beach). It is insanely beautiful there, one of my favorite places! The main campground is in the trees, the bathrooms have pay showers. If you don't camp, stay in Crescent City, you should be able to find inexpensive lodging. Eureka, TBH, has some scary areas...many homeless there.
Eureka has some interesting lodging choices. If you like Victorians, try
www.eaglehouseinn.com/"]the Eagle House.
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