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Going the distance: 300 miles of Redwoods and beaches

Discover the Lost Coast

  • 17
  • 07:13
  • 349 mi
  • $55
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Created by egarant57 - December 23rd 2018

Northern California is the perfect place to get away from it all. Whether you’re getting some solitude among the stands of massive redwood trees, or you’re taking a peaceful walk along the misty shores of the aptly-named Lost Coast, a road trip here will have you feeling completely spellbound.

Photo of Fern Canyon Hike
5.0

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Orick, CA, US

Fern Canyon Hike

In the initial stretch of the Fern Canyon Hike though Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you’ll be met by five-finger, deer, lady, sword, and chain ferns that cover the precipitous walls of the canyon. Bright yellow monkeyflowers and fairy lanterns (creamy white or greenish bell-shaped flowers) also hang in clusters along the path. It’s no wonder that the production team chose this place as one of the filming locations for The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Keep an eye out for giant salamanders as you head toward Clintonia Trail, which will lead you through a mile of virgin redwood groves toward Miners Ridge Trail, named after fortune seekers who used it to reach Gold Bluffs Beach. In 1850, prospectors erected a tent city on the bluffs overlooking the beach after finding gold flakes mixed in with the sand. The walk along Miners Ridge Trail really makes you ponder what it must have felt like to be one of those hopeful residents looking for fortune on the beach.

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24mi 00h 33m
Photo of Patrick's Point State Park
4.5

4150 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA, US

Patrick's Point State Park

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Next up, another natural landscape so amazing and otherworldly that “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” was filmed here. It also might be the best spot in the world to view a sunset... but you’ll have to be the final judge of that.

With several miles of hiking trails, a Yurok village, a native plant garden, three group picnic areas, and a dramatic shoreline ranging from broad sandy beaches to cliffs that rise above the Pacific Ocean, Patrick’s Point offers a lot to see and do. Don’t leave until you’ve spent time exploring the tide pools—this is a beachcomber’s paradise! If you’re lucky, you’ll see a starfish or two along with a bevy of other sea plants and creatures. The park is dog-friendly; while your dog plays, keep an eye on the water to catch a glimpse of whales or sea lions frolicking off the coast.

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27mi 00h 44m
Photo of Redwood National Park
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US Highway 101, Orick, CA, US

Redwood National Park

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With 200 miles of hiking trails, cozy small towns dotted around the outskirts, shaded campsites, and kayaking along the bubbling scenic rivers, Redwood National Park is more than just the groves of trees for which it’s named. Since the National Park is co-managed with three redwood state parks (Jedidiah Smith, Prairie Creek and Del Norte Coast) visiting any of them can give you a taste of the forest, but each provides their own distinctive experience.

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37mi 00h 53m
Photo of Clam Beach County Park
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4851 Clam Beach Dr., Trinidad, CA, US

Clam Beach County Park

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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).

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37mi 00h 45m
Photo of Road to the Lost Coast
4.3

Mattole Rd, Ferndale, CA, US

Road to the Lost Coast

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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.

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34mi 00h 37m
Photo of Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5.0

Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA, US

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

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Humboldt redwoods state park - In the early 1900s, loggers came to what is now Humboldt Redwoods State Park to cut down the giant ancient redwoods for grape stakes and shingles. Today, Humboldt Redwoods span an area almost twice the size of San Francisco. About one third of the park is old-growth redwood forest—the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet.

The park has hiking for all levels of difficulty, and it’s also the best place to see redwoods by car in the North Coast region. Be sure to stop by the visitors’ center: It’s open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and provides lots of educational information about the park’s history and visitor outreach goals.

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12mi 00h 15m

6831 Avenue of the Giants, Miranda, CA, US

Avenue of the Giants

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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.

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119mi 02h 11m
Photo of Tour-Thru Tree
4.0

430 CA-169, Klamath, CA, US

Tour-Thru Tree

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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!

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5mi 00h 07m
Photo of The Trees of Mystery
4.0

15560 US Highway 101 N, Klamath, CA, US

The Trees of Mystery

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The Trees of Mystery attraction has been welcoming visitors for more than 65 years. The park is loaded with redwoods, but they have some more unique things to do here as well. One of their offerings is “The Trail of Tall Tales” and will delight you with depictions of the stories of Paul Bunyan. If you (or anyone you are traveling with) aren’t comfortable walking far, no worries! Take the Sky Trail, an enclosed gondola ride that lets you get a totally unique perspective of the forest.

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0mi 00h 00m
Photo of Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
4.3

15500 Highway 101 N, Klamath, CA, US

Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues

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When you arrive at the Trees of Mystery attraction, you will be met by a 49-foot 2-inch-tall Paul Bunyan and his 35-foot-tall friend, Babe the Blue Ox. They do more than just wave at you, but we don’t want to spoil all of the fun! You easily can spend a half day touring and exploring this little redwood treasure, and at $15.00 or less a person, that’s basically a steal for the memories.

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13mi 00h 16m
Photo of Crescent Beach
4.3

Hwy 101, Crescent City, CA, US

Crescent Beach

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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.

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0mi 00h 01m

575 US Hwy 101 S, Crescent City, CA, US

The Good Harvest Cafe

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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.

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1mi 00h 03m
Photo of Battery Point Lighthouse
4.5

577 H St, Crescent City, CA, US

Battery Point Lighthouse

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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.

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2mi 00h 06m
Photo of Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP
5.0

Crescent City, CA, US

Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP

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Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the oldest redwood parks in California. When you arrive, you’ll drive a 1.5-lane dirt road for several miles before you reach Stout Grove, an area of old-growth redwoods that are absolutely majestic. The road will be bumpy, so take it slow, but keep in mind that there was a time when there was no road at all.

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15mi 00h 21m

9900 US Highway 199, Gasquet, CA, US

She She's

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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.

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2mi 00h 04m
Photo of Smith River
5.0

Hwy 199, Gasquet, CA, US

Smith River

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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.

11mi 00h 16m
Photo of Crescent City Redwoods KOA
4.2

4241 Highway 101 North, Crescent City, CA, US

Crescent City Redwoods KOA

KOA Book With KOA

Click to find bookable tours and activities here

If you’re in the area to explore the redwoods and the Wild River area, then the Crescent City / Redwoods KOA Holiday can’t be beat for location and convenience. It’s a 17-acre park, surrounded by plenty of redwood forest with rental bikes and goats on-site in addition to more typical amenities such as laundry facilities. Even though you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nature, you’re still only about five minutes from local restaurants and stores. Spots can fill up fast, though, especially in summer, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. If you’re tent camping, request the Blackberry Loop or Redwood Way for the best experience.

Staying right in the middle of the redwood beauty is the best way to fully immerse yourself in this special landscape. Disappear among the trees, even if its only for a day or two, and enjoy getting a little lost here.