Kids in northern Ca.
 

Hi,
We'd like to introduce our daughters (13 & 10) to Northern Ca. during Spring Break. (Mid April)
After 2 days in SF, we are thinking a circular loop up along the north coast, including the Red Woods, then into some towns like Ferndale, and finally over into the Gold country including Yosemite. Hiking would be ideal. Horseback riding a real plus. Any thoughts?
We have 8 days.
Thanks & kind regards.
pete

You might look at the loop that goes up into Oregon. Oregon Caves National Park is fantastic, as is the entire Rogue River area, maybe rafting or jet boating. Then Lassen National Park coming down into California again.

That's a big area to cover in 6 days. I would suggest Victoria's Fashion Stables in Petaluma for horseback riding. She has a huge property in east Petaluma (on a clear day you can see San Francisco). She also used to do rides on the beach. Her phone number is 707-769-8820. I would also suggest hiking in the Marin Headlands or on Mount Tamalpais - beautiful hiking, waterfalls, etc. Ferndale is beautiful, but quite a drive from San Francisco. You can see the redwoods closer at Armstrong Woods in Guerneville along the Russian River. I live in Petalum, and would be happy to give you more info if you would like. Have a great time.

If you haven't been to Lake Tahoe...it's beautiful in April!

Are you talking about going to Redwood National Park? That's 365 miles of some pretty slow driving up the coast. If this is the Red Woods you are talking about then the circle is well over 1,000 miles. You will be spending most of your time in the car.

IMHO, you are asking to much of the remaining 6 days.

I would either do the drive along the coast up to the Redwoods and back...

OR see some of the coast near SF like Point Reyes National Seashore and then head inland to Placerville and drive down Hwy 49 for your Gold Rush Experience. Sutter's Mill, Columbia State Park, Jackson, Angels Camp, Jamestown and if you want to see some Giant Sequioa trees go to Calaveras Big Trees State Park just above Arnold, CA on Hwy 4. Nice hiking amoung the giant redwood trees. Then you can take Hwy 120 into Yosemite National Park. There is plenty of hiking to do in Yosemite.

Utahtea

Hi,
Thanks again! Great info; we will cut back on the driving and go for quality over quanity.
Cheers,
pete