Hi, this is sort of off the subject of things but our family is considering a vacation in Northern California and are wondering where a good town/rental might be located? Looking to stay by redwoods and ocean but not right on the ocean. Some place comfortable, safe, and fun. Any ideas would be great! Graciez
Hey Graciez -
How far north are you willing to travel? I live in n.cal and there is beautiful scenery around every corner. If you are looking for Redwoods specifically, you need to be as far north as Red Bluff or Eureka. If you want the ocean you have to check out any little town in Mendocino county. If you are are interested in the wine country you can’t miss Napa Valley either. And of course, Sacramento isn’t bad - 2 hrs to snow in Tahoe or 1.5hrs to San Francisco.
Good Luck
Redwood forests are pretty cold, expect 50 degree days. even in July and Aug, and even worse in spring/winter.
Drive through, enjoy the sights of the redwoods, then drive about 30 miles inland, and enjoy warmth.
Willow creek east to redding is nice camping in summer, with tempatures of about 80 to 105.
Just north of Orick is Prarie creek park, with wild elk to see, nice campgrounds, but cold as can be, nice for just a day trip. There are lagoons along the coast to explore if you have a boat.
Camping within a mile of the ocean is a bad experience. The fog comes in at night often, and its a drippy fog, and will drench everything, plus be very cold,
There are bear as low as the ocean, Mountain lions, and rattle snakes are in most of the mountains. Scorpins are in the area north of hoopa, which is north of willow creek.
We have had quite a bit of mountain lion sightings in the coastal areas, even some in populated areas.
Some areas of california have wild pigs and can attack.
Pecary, a small wild pig might be in far south california. They can be dangerous, as they attack in packs like wolves.
Thanks for the info. Any other ideas? Graciez
Write to:
Eureka Chamber of Commerce
Eureka California
95521
They have all kinds of tourist info to send you, and maps, etc. and brochures on whats neat to see and do in Northern California. Also, they can provide you with vacation rental information. The info is for an area about 100 miles or less from Eureka.
Things you must see:
Mendocino Botanical Garden just a bit south, and near fort brag Calif. Extremly beautiful landscaped with flowers and plants, with lots of trails to hike even down to the beach.
Miniture forest. An ancient forest thats only a few feet tall, just south of Mendocino botanical gardens.
Chapmans Gem and Mineral museum. Just a bit north of Rio Dell California.
Trees of Mystry, Think thats about half way between Orick and Cresent city on highway 101.
Jet boat rides on the Kalamath river. near orick
Salmon/tuna fishing trip contact captains at Trinadad California.
Skunk train ride. Think thats at Weot, south of Eureka.
Goes through forest , Think its an all day trip.
Just up the hill from trinidads dock, on the left, stop by the Humboldt state marine lab, and take a look at the aquariums, its free. Also go out the doors at the far end, and turn to the left, there are additional tanks out here.
Redwoods. Richardsons Grove is about the warmest of the groves.
Agate Beach, This is a bit north of Trinidad, located within Patrics point park. Ask just inside gate at ranger station directions to Agate Beach.
Two basic types of agates are found. Beer bottle brown clear , and transparent glass clear agates, that look a bit like raw diamonds. Sometimes they have swirls on the surface.
Sometimes a bit of Jade is found on this beach, and even at times the extremly rare white jade has been found here.
Best time is around the 4th of July to end of Auguest.
The Arcata to Ferndale pedal powered sculpture race is something to see thats fun to watch. Its a three day race, and sculptures must be able to travel on land and water, with part of the race course crossing humboldt bay near Eureka California The race ends at Ferndale Calif.
Then you might head east on highway 299 up to Weaverville area. There are some real nice lakes there, and summertime tempatures are just right for swimming, water ski, etc.
.