Northern California Beaches and Hikes
May 24th, 2000 | 06:59 PM
#1
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Northern California Beaches and Hikes
We are planning 2 weeks of camping in July in Northern California. I would like recommendations on places to camp along the coast and the northern Sierra's. I want the kids to experience tide pools, star fish, sea lions and would like beach hike recommendations.
May 24th, 2000 | 08:48 PM
#2
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You should plan to stay at either Salt Point State Park north of the Russian River or at MacKerricher State Park north of Fort Bragg. Both meet all your requirements (except for the northern Sierras--though Salt Point is backed by the Coast Ranges). Both have great hiking trails.You could also explore the "Lost Coast" in northern Mendocino County.
May 25th, 2000 | 09:09 AM
#3
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Please note that it will be foggy along the northern California coast in July. I once spent a week near Jenner and saw the sun for 3 hours total.
One place I wouldn't miss is Lassen National Park. I thought Yosemite was beautiful but was completely blown away by its beauty, diverse hiking trails, and history. Camping rules in the area.
One place I wouldn't miss is Lassen National Park. I thought Yosemite was beautiful but was completely blown away by its beauty, diverse hiking trails, and history. Camping rules in the area.
Jul 21st, 2000 | 09:37 AM
#5
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On your way up to the north coast, stop at Pt. Reyes National Seashore and have the kids listen to some of the ranger presentations. That will give them some knowledge of tidepools and marine life along the coast. It's a beautiful area and you can walk and walk along the beach.
Jul 21st, 2000 | 12:04 PM
#6
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Steve & Rea,
For camping try these two parks which are not too far apart in southern San Mateo County. It's a beautiful remote area with mammoth stands of coastal redwoods and easy rugged coast access.
Both are in the vicinity of Pescadero if you look at a map.
Butano State Park
http://parks.ca.gov/districts/bayarea/bsp423.htm
San Mateo Memorial Park
http://www.eparks.net/parks/memohome.htm
Nearby at the coast you can check out Pescadero State Beach (tidal pools), Pigeon Point Lighthouse (tallest on west coast - I think, great vistas, tours to top on weekends), Ano Nueva State Reserve (elephant seals), or simply find your own private little beach without much trouble. Great beach walking in the area, just be cautious of crumbing cliffs (stay on paths) and check tide tables (and watch tide) as to not get trapped behind a monolithic outcropping if you wonder too far. With children be very cautious -- 'rogue waves' can sweep in even on seemingly calm days. Also, always have warm clothes at the ready - notorious area for sudden fogbanks rolling in and stiff winds. Have lunch or breakfast at Duartes Tavern in the dinky town of Pescadero - with luck they'll be serving their famous artichoke soup. Really hope you can check out the area - you will not be disappointed.
For camping try these two parks which are not too far apart in southern San Mateo County. It's a beautiful remote area with mammoth stands of coastal redwoods and easy rugged coast access.
Both are in the vicinity of Pescadero if you look at a map.
Butano State Park
http://parks.ca.gov/districts/bayarea/bsp423.htm
San Mateo Memorial Park
http://www.eparks.net/parks/memohome.htm
Nearby at the coast you can check out Pescadero State Beach (tidal pools), Pigeon Point Lighthouse (tallest on west coast - I think, great vistas, tours to top on weekends), Ano Nueva State Reserve (elephant seals), or simply find your own private little beach without much trouble. Great beach walking in the area, just be cautious of crumbing cliffs (stay on paths) and check tide tables (and watch tide) as to not get trapped behind a monolithic outcropping if you wonder too far. With children be very cautious -- 'rogue waves' can sweep in even on seemingly calm days. Also, always have warm clothes at the ready - notorious area for sudden fogbanks rolling in and stiff winds. Have lunch or breakfast at Duartes Tavern in the dinky town of Pescadero - with luck they'll be serving their famous artichoke soup. Really hope you can check out the area - you will not be disappointed.
