 Looking up to the Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park In the beginning of Oct 2023 I was delighted for the chance to return to the Redwoods and to see even more of the combination of state and national parks, all the way south to Eureka. Here's a link to my first visit in 2020. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park—9 mi east of Crescent City CA on Hwy 199 If you take Hwy 197 to or from the north, off Hwy 101, along the Smith River, you’ll pass Ruby Van Deventer County Park (I didn't have time or opportunity to stop this trip). Redwood National and State Parks Visitor Guide--one of the guides I saved from 2020 to outline my hoped for return to the Redwoods, and then forgot to take it in 2023. Naturally I would expect to find similar info published for any year. Smith River CA In Oct 2023 we stayed at The Pelican Cottage--17265 US Hwy 101, Smith River CA 95567, right by the State Ag Inspection Station (very near the CA/OR state line). It was a quiet pleasant place, inclusive of a game room and small yard with BBQing amenities. We were pretty fortunate with good weather for October (foggy morns, but we didn't get rained on). There were plenty of dishes and linens, and quite nice kitchen/laundry facilities. The parking area was nicely paved and reasonably roomy. There was a place to plug in an RV, but we were charged extra for that. I think it advertised accommodations for 10 or 12, but if you have 5-6 couples, privacy might be an issue for a couple or two. It also advertised pet friendly, but pets were not to be allowed upstairs. The stairs were steep and narrow, but there was a gate at the bottom of them. From the photos sent I thought it would work for a person in a wheelchair, but the master room bed was terrifically tall, and none of the bathrooms were wheelchair friendly (I barely managed toilet, not so with showers--I ended taking "spit baths" with hygiene wipes, do-able for a couple nights). The main floor had a master and a bedroom with bunks. Couches in the living room could sleep a couple people if needed. It did have a full and a 3/4 bath on the main level (no steps), and a half or three-quarter bath upstairs. The living room and master bedroom had nice big screen TVs, game room as well, not sure about the other rooms. I believe they had Wifi and cable TV.  As one exits the CA Ag Inspection station . . . California Agricultural Inspection Station--17200 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567
Pelican State Beach--17200 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567 (close to Pelican Cottage above) Picnic tables in view of the ocean, but of course the beach itself is not wheelchair accessible. Picnic areas had scattered trash when I saw them: a good service opportunity--bring gloves and garbage bag. Marine Protected Areas brochure pictured below Don’t Move a Mussel brochure pictured below White Rock Resort Ocean Rentals--16800 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567 (right by Pelican State Beach) Apparently you can buy a cabin, too. Restaurant next to the lodgings looked closed for an extended period. Sea Escape Oceanfront Lodging--15370 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567 (not pictured below, see their site) Clifford Kamph Memorial Park--15100 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567 (not far south of the CA/OR border) Ocean Views RV Park--14015 US-101, Smith River, CA 9556 (not pictured below) Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel, gas & convenience store, and Howonquet/Tolowa Dee-Ni' Nation Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel, dining, fuel mart Howonquet/Tolowa Dee-Ni' Nation
Xaa-wan'-k'wvt (Howonquet) Village & Resort--12420 Hwy 101 N Smith River, CA 95567 The boat by the highway used to be a museum & gift shop, formerly a private yacht.
Smith River CA (town) While all the addresses from the CA/OR border down to where US Hwy 101 crosses the Smith River seem to be called "Smith River CA", the actual little town itself is considerably more circumspect. Below are photos of the town, and a few extra links for places I didn't get to explore. Dollar General--100 Timber Blvd, Smith River, CA 95567; see it from US Hwy 101 Hastings Bulb Growers--437 Borough Ln, Smith River, CA 95567, take Borough Ln off US Hwy 101 Del Norte County Boat Ramp--S Fred D Haight Dr, Smith River, CA 95567; west of Hwy 101 on the Smith River, Google maps isn't showing any street sign of where to turn to the ramp from Fred D Haight Dr, it looks like it's behind private property. Ulrich lane is too far. (Alternatively, Fred D Haight Dr parallels US Hwy 101 south from the town of Smith River). Crescent City CA Florence Keller Regional (County) Park & Campground--3400 Cunningham Ln, Crescent City, CA 95531 West of US Hwy 101 near its intersection with Hwy 199, is Florence Keller Regional (County) Park & Campground, off Elk Valley Cross Road. It's a beautiful place to spend a day or a weekend, offering a group picnic shelter with grills, playground, camping, trails (one accessible), the restroom looks to have flushing toilets. Most of this park is forested, though there's a clearing with rentable group space and amenities. Tolowa Dunes State Park—Kellogg Rd, Crescent City CA, 2 mi north of Crescent City (not pictured below) Tolowa Dunes offers guided horseback riding & facilities. It doesn't appear to have any accessible amenities. Google maps looks like you can get there from Hwy 101 by taking Morehead Rd west off Lake Earl Dr out of Fort Dick (make the turn south of Redwood Elementary School & Earl Grange Hall, but north of Pelican Bay State Prison) . At the west end of Morehead Rd go north on Lower Lake Rd, then west on Kellogg Rd.
Crescent City CA (town) I visited Crescent City in 2020. Here's a link to the places I saw and reviewed then: Below are a few photos I took on my way through town early Oct 2023 Perhaps less picturesque, but useful for travelers . . . these are along US Hwy 101, which is southbound on 'L' St, and northbound on 'M' St. Del Norte County Fairgrounds--421 US-101, Crescent City, CA 95531
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park—7 mi south of Crescent City, campground 2 mi east of Hwy 101
Wilson Creek Beach pull-out, just south of DeMartin Beach Picnic Area & just north of Lagoon Creek Picnic Area The website warns this is not a safe place to swim. Lagoon Creek Picnic Area--.7mi south of De Martin Beach Picnic Area, Hwy 101 This area was closed early Oct 2023, for my review & photos from 2020, scroll down at the first link below.  Lagoon Creek has parking, picnic area, restrooms, trails, bus stop; just south of the pull-out at Wilson Creek Beach. Klamath CA Trees of Mystery--15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548 (actually about 5 mi north of Klamath CA) Motel Trees--15495 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548 Forest Café--15499 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548 Hidden Beach Trail—just north of Motel Trees, Hwy 101, Klamath CA, not well marked at trailhead Anglers Cove Campground--300 Requa Rd, Klamath, CA 95548; also, a boat ramp just west (not pictured here) Klamath River Overlook—further west (northwest) on Requa Rd (not pictured here, see link below) “Requa Road [one of the scenic drives recommended by the National Park Service] Paved; Motorhomes/RVs and trailers not advised-road very steep and narrow. Distance & Duration: ~2¼ miles, one way (to Klamath River Overlook); 15 minutes. Directions: Signed exits off of U.S. 101 located ~2¼ miles north of Klamath, Calif. or ~18½ miles south of Crescent City, Calif. Description: Pass historic Requa, Calif. en route to the Klamath River Overlook perched 650 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy breathtaking views, whale watching, and bird viewing at the mouth of the Klamath River, where freshwater merges with seawater after a journey of over 250 miles that begins high in the snow-laden Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon.” See also: In 2020 I provided info & photos of Klamath CA, a modern Native American village with tourist facilities. Scroll down at: A little south of the village of Klamath CA, and not far off US Hwy 101, is the Klamath Tour Thru Tree tourist attraction--430 Hwy 169, Klamath, CA 95548 (exit 769 off Hwy 101 just north of the Klamath River). West of Hwy 101 (on Hwy 169) is Klamath's Camper Corral, east of Hwy 101 is the Log Cabin Diner, as well as the Tour Thru Tree.
The Klamath River The Coastal Drive Another of the scenic drives recommended by the National Park Service is the Coastal Drive. Take Klamath Beach Rd west (exit 768 off US Hwy 101, south of Klamath CA and the Klamath River). Coastal Drive is a loop off Klamath Beach Rd; RVs & trailers prohibited. I took pics of two campgrounds along the way to Coastal Drive, both on the Klamath River: Klamath River RV Park and Kamp Klamath RV Park. Depending on the weather, one may wish a more sunny or a more shady place. Klamath River RV Park--700 Klamath Beach Rd, Klamath, CA 95548 (sunny) Kamp Klamath RV Park--1661 Klamath Beach Rd, Klamath, CA 95548 (shady) Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway—exit 765 and 753 off US Hwy 101, the Redwood Hwy One of the highly recommended scenic drives, has many trails, Big Tree Wayside has an accessible one. Big Tree Wayside really worth taking in Elk Prairie Campground/Prairie Creek Visitor Center—25 mi south of Crescent City, 6.5 mi north of Orick CA; US Hwy 101 (aka Redwood Hwy CA), has several trails. Prairie Creek Visitor Center—25 mi south of Crescent City, 6.5 mi north of Orick CA; US Hwy 101/Redwood Hwy There's a ramp up to the door, but it might need some TLC. A friendly, helpful ranger offered to walk a ways along the trail when I expressed my concern about taking it solo across a bridge and not knowing how steep and narrow it might be for a person in a wheelchair. The other staff kindly covered for him. Choices of trails near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center—25 mi south of Crescent City, 6.5 mi north of Orick CA; US Hwy 101/Redwood Hwy 1.2 mi accessible section Prairie Creek Trail at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, Hwy 101, 6.5 mi N of Orick CA On my 2020 trip I was cautious about taking this trail on my own in a wheelchair (which was a manual at the time), so I was very glad to be able to venture upon it in 2023, and it was a nice day for it. The ranger walked with me over the bridge to make sure I would be ok. The bridge was rough, and I would have liked a little more between me and the stream below on either side to my right and left, but I was able to do it, and what a great trail through the trees! Elk Meadow Picnic Area/Trillium Falls Trail--258 Davidson Rd, Orick, CA 95555 (a short distance west off US Hwy 101, maybe 3 mi north of Orick). The trail to the Falls is not accessible. Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery—historical landmark, off Hwy 101 a bit north of Elk Meadows (not pictured here) Heart of the Redwoods Cottages & RV--124244, US-101, Orick, CA 95555 Elk Meadow Cabins--7 Valley Green Camp Rd, Orick, CA 95555 Humboldt County
California Redwood Coast Map & Guide. This brochure covers Humboldt county, with highlights of several towns. I was most focused on Eureka, not to say there's nothing else worth exploring/visiting. Photos below from 2 different years' editions.
Orick CA--50 mi north of Eureka CA, US Hwy 101 Redwood National & State Parks South Operations Center--121200 US-101, Orick, CA 95555 Orick Market--121175 US-101, Orick, CA 95555 US Post Office--121147 US-101, Orick, CA 95555 La Hacienda restaurant--121137 US Hwy 101, Orick CA Roosevelt Base Camp motel--121130 US-101, Orick, CA 95555, unobtrusively located on the west side of the Hwy EdeBee’s Snack Shack--12079 Redwood Hwy, Orick, CA 95555 (much cuter than photo below shows, due to sun) The Redwood Gift Shop/California Native Woods--120069 US-101, Orick, CA 95555 Shoreline Fuel Mart--120025 US-101, Orick, CA 95555; convenience store, Aug 2023 notes no longer sells gas Redwood Creek Cottage--121233 US-101, Orick, CA 95555
Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center—turn west off US Hwy 101 at the sign, a mi south of Orick CA (exhibits for the Redwoods parks & seashores) Redwood Creek Beach County Park—US Hwy 101 where you turn for the Kuchel Visitor Center Orick Beach front, Historical landmark—south of Redwood Creek Picnic Area, US Hwy 101 (not pictured here) Ocean by the road, beach pavilion—south of Orick Beach front, US Hwy 101 (not pictured here) Redwood Creek Beach County Park photos Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center exterior The parking lot is flat and has accessible parking spaces. Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center interior. Stone Creek Visitor Center--15336 US Hwy 101 Elk Country RV Resort & Campground—US Hwy 101 between Stone Creek Visitor Center & the road to Dry Lagoon, Humboldt Lagoons State Park Humboldt Lagoons State Park—US Hwy 101, 55 mi south of Crescent City, 40 mi north of Eureka Take McDonald Creek Rd west off Hwy 101, then northwest on Park Rd Harry A Merlo State Rec Area/Big Lagoon County Park—Big Lagoon Rd off Hwy 101, 7 mi north of Trinidad CA (I didn't see in person)
Sue-Meg State Park (formerly Patrick's Point State Park)--4150 Patrick's Point Dr, 5.3 mi to Trinidad, CA--half a mile from US Hwy 101; I didn't want to pay $8 just to drive around taking pictures in the park. Trinidad CA (I didn't visit) From Google Maps: College Cove Falls, Trinidad State Beach, Trinidad Museum CalPoly Humboldt Marine Lab, Trinidad Head Lighthouse, Old Home Beach . . .
Bus system Trinidad south to Eureka, Fortuna & Scotia Vista Point--near California Redwood Coast-Humboldt Co Airport, north end of McKinleyville CA McKinleyville CA—5.6 mi north of Arcata CA (I didn't visit) California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport--3561 Boeing Ave, McKinleyville, CA 95519 Cab Louie—Mckinleyville, Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Manila, Samoa, Trinidad fares
 see https://www.funbeachfun.com/mckinleyville/ Note a little discrepancy on the site, McKinleyville is in CA, nor OR Arcata CA--7.6 mi north of Eureka CA (I didn't visit) Mad River County Park—1 Mad River Rd, Arcata CA 95521 (5 mi northwest of Arcata)
Ma-le'l Dunes, North—off Hwy 255 north of Manila CA  Arcata CA "blog at boelah.blogspot.com has been removed" Hwy 255 loops west from Arcata down to Eureka, through Manila (note Manila Community Park on Arcata Bay) & almost to Samoa. Just north of Samoa continue south on New Navy Base Rd to Samoa Beach, Fairhaven, Samoa Boat Ramp, Humboldt Bay US Coast Guard Station, and Samoa Dunes Rec Area (thence Lincoln Rd to Samoa Dunes Beach view point, walk out to North Jetty)--Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to visit any of these. Manila Dunes—off Hwy 255 west from Arcata Humboldt Coastal Nature Center—220 Stamp Lane, Manila CA The Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum--77 Cookhouse Rd, Samoa, CA 95564 Timber Heritage RR museum--930 Vance Ave, Samoa, CA 95564 By Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum, and not far from USS Milwaukee Memorial and beaches  see https://www.humboldtbaymaritimemuseum.com/buhne.html Eureka CA
Turn north on ‘X’ street to see Blue Ox Millworks and Historic Village (I would love to have visited if I'd had a couple days instead of half a day in town). Clarion Hotel is at 4th & ‘X’ St, Red Lion Hotel is at 4th & ‘V’ St, and across from it is The SeaDrift Inn at 2014 4th St. Of course, there are are place to eat and get gas all along the way.  North & South Jetties create a gateway from the Pacific Ocean to a series of bays, channels, and sloughs that make up the waterfront of Eureka CA. 'R' St to the North off Hwy 101 is Hwy 255 to Samoa etc. (See above), and to the south it becomes Myrtle Ave south of 5th St (aka Hwy 101 eastbound), which you can take to Cooper Gulch Park & Recreation Center (turn at Myrtle Ave & 8th St). Cooper Gulch Park has baseball and a skate park. Cooper Gulch Rec Center--1720 10th St, Eureka, CA 95501 At 4th & 'Q' St is tiny Kamisu Park, named for Eureka’s sister city, with just a sign advertising Old Town downtown 9 blocks ahead. You can take 'O' St north off Hwy 101 to get to Humboldt County Library (1313 3rd St). The streets in this area are a bit tangled, but it’s worth going west on either 3rd or 4th St and north on 'M' St to drive or walk past the historic (but private) Ingomar Club, where 2nd St Ts into 'M'. Take 2nd St west to 'L' St, then north to Waterfront Dr. East of there on Waterfront Dr is Halvorsen Park. To the west is Adorni Community Center and Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, and beyond that Waterfront Dr becomes 1st St.
Due to constraints of time and conditions, I decided to pretty much tour the town via my vehicle, street by street with some particular places added. Since some streets are one way, and/or busy, it was a challenge to get good photos, especially without braving the spotty wet weather. Thankfully it didn't start pouring until after I started north again, and then the rain stopped maybe half an hour or so up the road. 'C' & 'D' streets, Eureka CA--traveling south I love historic architecture, and Eureka is full of it. I've included some structures that caught my attention as I drove around. The historic landmark William S. Clark House at 1406 C St was built in 1888 and is listed on the National Register. Under the sobriquet Abigail's Elegant Victorian Mansion Historic Inn, you can arrange for an “opulent” stay in this hallmark home. I saw it on Google Maps, but not in person.
I was there on Columbus Day and thought to eat Italian, but aside from the ubiquitous pizza offerings, none of the Italian places were open until evening. Since I had to be back in Bandon OR that night, I just bought ingredients for Alfredo Shrimp with shirataki noodles & spaghetti squash (which we made and enjoyed greatly). 'E' Street--traveling north from Grant St (about 10th) to 2nd St The historical marker #477 at Opera Alley & 'E' St says, "Eureka was founded as a town in 1850 and incorporated as a city in 1874. Located on the remote northwestern coast of California, Eureka was the region's major port of entry by water in the 19th century before the construction of good access by land, and rose to historical prominence as the major social, political, and economic center of the region. 'Eureka' is a Greek expression and a popular mining term meaning 'I have found it.'" 'F' street--traveling south from 1st to 12th St: feasts for the eyes and ears. Hammond Park--takes up the block bounded by 'E' & 'F' streets, and 14th-15th streets For amenities, check the parks & rec link at the beginning of the Eureka section of this post. 'G' street--traveling north; sights, sounds, & tastes, tantalizing in every sense. Redwood Discovery Museum--612 G St, Ste 102, Eureka, CA 95501 (I didn't get to) A children’s museum that looks so fun inside from their site. 'H' street (and one church on 'I' street)--traveling south; attractive public structures Sequoia Park Zoo--3414 W St, Eureka, CA 95503 (closed when I was there) Continuing south on ‘H’ street, you’ll pass or play at Carson Park (bounded by ‘H’ & ‘I’ streets, Buhne & Carson streets). From the map it looks like it has (reservable) baseball fields, soccer, basketball, playground, a (reservable) group picnic area, and restrooms. I didn't see it in person. From ‘H’ St turn east on Harris St (a one-way street, eastbound). The Boys’ and Girls’ Club is between ‘J’ and ‘K’ streets. At ‘W’ St turn south again to get to the Zoo, which is inside Sequoia Park, and has a number of amenities, including the much touted Redwood Sky Walk. It looks like you can drive through Sequoia Park (not the zoo) on Milo Lane, between ‘W’ St and Glatt & ‘T’ streets.
Eureka Mall & Bayshore Mall (I didn't have time to explore) If you haven’t got mauled at the zoo, you can go to a Mall or two from there thus: from the Zoo, return to Harris St (by going north on ‘W’ St) and drive west, then when Harris becomes a one-way eastbound at ‘I’ St, go north to Henderson St and turn west again. Just north of Henderson between California & Union streets, Pine & Summer streets are interrupted by Da' Yas Park (official address 2605 Pine St, Eureka, CA 95501). Eureka Mall is between Henderson St (westbound one way) and Harris St (eastbound one way), Spring St on the east, Central Ave on the west. I count 5 bus stops around the perimeter of Eureka Mall. Continue on Henderson down the hill to Broadway St and turn south to reach Bayshore Mall. West of downtown Eureka US Hwy 101, aka Redwood Hwy, runs roughly north & south. Along this part it is also called Broadway St, at least south of 15th St. This is a major shopping area, including Bayshore Mall. Da’Yas Park-- 2605 Pine St, Eureka, CA 95501 (I didn't get pics) Eureka Mall-- 800 W Harris St, Eureka, CA 95501 (Didn't get pictures as I passed) Bayshore Mall—3300 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501 (Only got a few photos as I passed through the area) Ft Humboldt State Historic Park--3431 Fort Ave, Eureka, CA, park hours 8am-5pm South of Bayshore Mall (Broadway St) is Highland Ave; from there go east a block to Fort Ave then north to the Fort. Not far east from Ft Humboldt, on Highland Ave is Highland Park (Highland Ave & Glen St), which offers tennis, basketball, baseball, and a playground.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites--815 W Wabash Ave, Eureka, CA 95501 A very accommodating staff helped me with my luggage as well as making sure the room would work for me. I always check to see that the bathroom doesn't have issues for me, as soon as I check in. The towels were nicely reachable from my wheelchair, but as is often the case, I had to have the hand-held shower adjusted to within reach, and the shampoos and such put within reach in the shower. Fortuna CA--abt 20 min south of Eureka on US Hwy101/Redwood Hwy Further south--Ft Bragg & Sonoma county CA Fort Bragg is on the coast, 2.5 hours south of Fortuna CA, so there's a lot to see between the two. It's almost directly west of Reno NV (Lake Tahoe is nearby, on the CA/NV border), 285 mi/5.5 hours by car on CA Hwy 20. It's almost 4.5 hours by car north of San Francisco.
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Wheelchair WomanI've been in a wheelchair for 30+ years. It poses some challenges for traveling. Maybe others can benefit from my experiences. Archives
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