Going the distance: 300 miles of Redwoods and beaches

If you’re a dog person, make sure to visit Clam Beach County Park, another canine-friendly spot along the coast. The south end connects to a small area of inlet water where you can watch ocean wildlife, such as sea lions at play. Plus, the beach is big and broad enough that it never really feels cramped. Pack a kite or a bocce set to take advantage of the space. This is a great spot to pull over to stretch your legs, even if it’s just for 15 minutes (though you’ll want to stay longer).

If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway, take a detour to the Road to the Lost Coast. The 100-mile drive might add a day or two to your trip, but it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you’re game for the four-hour (or so) hike to the absolute end of the road. Plan accordingly though—it’s called the Lost Coast for a reason. You won’t see much, if any, development along the way, and the route can be tough in bad weather. But if you want to see what untouched California coastline has to offer, this is the way to do it. Take Mattole Road (aka “The Wildcat”) south toward Petrolia, heading for Cape Mendocino where the road takes a steep drop and ends near the ocean.

New rule: Stop and smell the redwoods. This 32-mile section of old Highway 101, lined with giant redwood groves, features lots of gorgeous areas where you can pull over and get a closer look at your surroundings or enjoy a picnic. Some of the best stops along the way are Founder’s Grove, with its fallen 362-foot Dyerville Giant, and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Hearthstone, designed by famed architect Julia Morgan. The detour to Rockefeller Forest will bring you up close and personal with some of the largest trees in the area.

After you’ve experienced what it feels like to stand beside a redwood, join the club of nature-lovers who know what it’s like to drive through one. The Tour-Thru Tree is located at the northern end of Redwood County. Even though the tree was scarred by a forest fire and lost its top to a storm, it still stands today as a healthy, living monument to a storied past. It costs a little bit of dough ($5.00 per car of three occupants), and, of course, you might want to call ahead to make sure your car will fit, as there are some size restrictions. If you’re in a larger vehicle, you can still walk through the tree, if you’re after the iconic photo op!

If you have it in you once you arrive at Crescent Beach, walk the half-mile hike to the Enderts Beach overlook for the best view of this long, wide-sweeping beach. If you’re tuckered out from a day of hiking, though, take it easy: Park in the main lot near the midpoint of the crescent-shaped beach, find a driftwood log the winter storms have tossed on shore, and simply relax.

You’re probably in need of a good meal after all of this hiking and exploring! The Good Harvest Cafe has been serving up healthy meals since 1993. You’ll find no trans fats, tropical or hydrogenated oils, margarines, or artificial ingredients. All food allergies are treated with equal care and consideration. This is not a stop if you’re rushed, though. Quality food takes a little longer, but the signature dishes and local twists on classics such as burgers and fish ‘n’ chips are well worth the wait.

There’s something absolutely poetic about a lighthouse, and the Battery Point Lighthouse is no exception. You only can reach the lighthouse at low tide, but once you do, you can walk through most of the rooms for a $3.00 donation. Very knowledgeable tour guides are on hand to answer questions and share the history of the place—some volunteers even live in the lighthouse at certain times of the year. If you don’t actually make it to the lighthouse, at least find a little time to explore the tide pools nearby.

The redwoods often make visitors feel as if they’ve gone back in time, so She She’s, a 1960s-themed café, seems right at home in this environment. This nostalgia-driven restaurant serves up burgers and milkshakes with the best of them.

Flowing through several of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of Del Norte County, the Smith River is a lifeline to the giant redwoods and the surrounding ecosystems. Oh, and the river is absolutely stunning. In fact, it’s the only river on California’s Pacific Coast that has no mud. Its granite-based riverine system and local, active watershed organization help keep the river and the areas around it clean.

Along with salmon, anglers can catch steelhead here from wintertime through April and big fish year-round. And, because there’s only one dam along the river line, it’s a great spot for white-water rafting and kayaking if you can handle the cold weather.