Redwood National Forest

Our last stop in California - the Redwood National Forest and Klamath River. The drive from Redding was a long one, but we were grateful to not have the 5th wheel on the winding Hwy 199. Every bit of the drive was spectacular with views of rushing rivers, vast lakes, deep canyons, sharp curves, narrow shoulders and several construction zones. We didn't stop to take pictures! After a quick lunch in Arcata, we followed Hwy 101 to view the Redwoods!
We diverted from Hwy 101 for a wonderful drive through the heart of the preserved area. The quiet was intoxicating and few other travellers interrupted our enjoyment of looking up, up and up!

We wanted to see the area just north of the Redwood Forest where the Klamath River reaches the Pacific. Our mostly faithful GPS did indeed know the way, but along a roadway that was mostly gravel and more narrow than the shoulder in the photo above. Fortunately, we met very few other cars. When we did, it was quite a dance to squeeze past one another. We found this turnout to catch a photo of the Pacific and the almost black beach area (at the base of the boulder in the photo below).

Finally reaching the river, we found no sign of sea lions or other water creatures - just plenty of birds, very cool breezes and yet another unique beach of California.

The trail from the parking area was mostly marsh.

Cory had to get close enough to feel the water temperature - very cold, as you might expect!

We asked a helpful couple in the parking area for directions back to Hwy 101 as our GPS was now suspect of finding the most expeditious route. Along the way back, we were happy to find a spot to see a few elk close enough to the road to photograph.



Satisfied that we had adequately adventured our way through the area, we settled in for the riverside, canyon side drive back to the RV park. Another day to rest and pack up the RV and we were off to Oregon!