Redwoods State and National Parks
 

Hi, Can anyone help with deciding which parks one should focus time on in the Redwoods? I have seen some mention that Humboldt Redwoods is the most magnificent, but am not certain. We only have about a day as we drive on to the Oregon Coast. Any insight that anybody has would be great! We don't have camping gear, so any suggestions for great Inns or hotels from Eureka north, would be great. Thanks!

we stayed at the Trinidad Inn in Trinidad one night- very nice motel, some kitchens available- staff were very helpful in advising on what to do.

We also stayed at the Scotia Inn - another very nice place to stay in the historic logging town of Scotia.

What is the starting point for your drive north?

The very best hike is James Irvine Trail. This trail starts at Praire Creek Visitor Center and goes for about 3.5 miles. Then you will hike the last .5 mile thru Fern Canyon all the way to the ocean. This is an uncrowded trail until Fern Canyon. One of the top 5 hikes I've hiked and I've been to 29 National Parks and hiked most of the major trails at them. You would of course need to hike the 4 miles back unless you have two vehicles(one at each end of the trail).
The trail doesn't involve much elevation gain/loss and is in shade, so it isn't a hard hike. You are likely to see several banana slugs too.

You will likely see elk near the Prairie Creek Visitor Cntr.

If you don't hike James Irvine Trail, then you can drive to Fern Canyon and just hike it. It is really something to see, but the canyon itself doesn't have the big trees, but amazing ferns all over the canyon walls.

If the James Irvine Trail sounds to much, then consider a short one mile walk thru Stout Grove in Jedidiah Smith section. This is on an easy hike. You have to drive on a spectacular scenic dirt road to get their.

Here is a really good link to check out.
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/

If you have time check out Patricks Point State Parks. specifically see Palmers Point(which is located with Patricks Point State Park)-great tidepooling. Also see Agate Beach, which is interesting. Go at low tide for the tidepooling-check tide tables.

You could also consider seeing Tall Tree Grove and Lady Bird Johnson Grove, but I would consider those at my 2nd options.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWa2
Link to 2010 trip with my Nephew. Pics 63-73 are Patricks Point
Photos 74-98 are of James Irvine Trail, Fern Canyon, and Gold Beach


http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWbB
Link to our 2009 trip to Oregon and Redwoods-Stout Grove.
Stout grove is #153-167

sdog, they have one day. I'm not sure hiking is what they want.

Here are some websites, including the gov't website.

http://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm

http://www.redwoods.info/?gclid=CMG6...FUkbQgod3HMAbw

http://www.redwood.national-park.com/

Stay at Crescent City on the beach and drive 5 minutes to spectacular Jedadiah Smith Redwood Park. Best of both worlds...you can almost invision Dinosauers roaming about the Redwoods.

Nice easy access from the parking lot, flat trails, awesome trees. Perfect for a picnic luch to get out of teh ar or if you stay overnight at Crescent City on the beach, get unpacked and go spend the afternoon.

Scroll down to see the pictures on the first link.

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Jed%20Sm...d%20Smith.html

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/413/fi...bBroch2012.pdf

restaguy,
I'm glad your a mind reader and know exactly what the poster wants.

IMOP, Don't just drive thru The Redwoods. Even if you have just a day get out and walk/hike a bit. Fern Canyon would take an hour. Stout Grove would take an hour. So, I don't really even consider either of those much of a hike. James Irvine Trail to the ocean would take 5-6 hours for most people.

If you are really pressed for time, and want a short walk in the Coast Redwoods, make a stop at the "Trees of Mystery".
http://www.treesofmystery.net/
Either stay at the Ravenwood motel in Klamath or some place in Crescent City. What is your goal on the Oregon coast?

In Crescent City, we like Ship A Shore - it has a great river view and very close to the ocean.
http://www.ship-ashore.com/

Crescent City also has more restaurants than some of the areas - especially if you like fish. If you don't you might want to ask for some suggestions in advance.

If you get to Crescent City early, nearby Jedidiah Smith State Park (7 miles) away has a wonderful swimming beach and is in the redwoods.