wow...a literal redwood forest on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt! we were visiting my kid and he…read morewas showing us around campus. adjacent to the baseball field we saw multiple paths that led into the forest. we dove in and explored..wow just wow!!! first of all we stumbled upon a disk golf course....no real path at this point. some people arrived who were playing so we got out of the way and found a body of water. green but gorgeous! there was a pathway at this point and we followed it ....eventually after so much Beauty we ended up at a grass clearing surrounded by giant trees. it was a park with so many people picnicking and playing lawn sports. then found another forest pathway back to campus. I'm not sure if we actually left campus or not but having this as a backyard is astonishing!

Absolutely magical. Old growth redwoods, tons of banana slugs, and really great hiking trails.read more

I don't think there's a city park that could ever amount to anything more than a reminder of this…read moreone. The scenery is reminiscent of scenes from the movie Excalibur (1981) in that it captures this sense of the ethereal and divine. Thick, lush foliage covers every inch of the hilly trails and you're surrounded on all sides by towering redwoods. Throughout the trail you hear a babbling brook and bird song unlike any I've heard in my life. The experience then ends nearby one of the most beautiful parks I've ever seen in my whole life that sits upon a well tended field that's also surrounded by redwoods and ferns.

Wow, absolute breathtaking. I had to check out of my hotel and had 2 hours to kill before heading…read moreto the airport. I am so glad I stopped here for a short hike! The tall redwoods were mesmerizing, lots of friendly folks on the trail. Some parts were a bit muddy so be careful where you are stepping.

So. Many. SAND DOLLARS!! It's mind blowing - every few feet there's another one, and another one,…read moreand another one!! And this is probably the first California beach I've ever had all to myself! I think I saw 1-2 other people and that was it...fantastic!! I visited in March as part of my Redwoods trip...it's easy to get to along the Redwoods Coast - highly recommend if you're in the area. It was cloudy, cold, and windy - but that made it even more gorgeous! Very cozy...I loved it! The colors were dramatic and waves were angry - such a mood!! To get to the beach, you have to walk over a stretch of sand dunes dotted with clumps of beach grass. And then it's wide open beach after that. Lots of shorebirds, sand dollars, and shells to keep you occupied. There are looming mountains off in the distance. So photogenic! There's a small-ish parking lot (I didn't see any bathrooms) with a gate that indicates the entrance to the beach walk. Before you get to the parking lot, there's a yellow sort of gate area that they close at a certain time every evening - there are plenty of signs to tell you what time it closes and don't get caught behind it after hours or you'll have to call the cops and get towed! Apparently, down the other road to the right of the gate takes you to a boat ramp and horse staging area. Be sure to make a stop at the nearby Mad River Bridge too - you can miss it!! Totally worth it - especially since you're already in the area (see my bridge review - it has a cool history and views)!

This beach hold many memories of bon fire nights with friends along with star gazing nights…read more Beware this beach is open sunrise to sunset so make sure to park outside the fenced area if you want to stay after closing. Also be careful when waking in the areas where folks have bon fires by the beach, there are many sharp objects such as construction nails and such especially since people prefer to use wood pallets for bon fires. Back in the day there way no fenced area so it was fairly easy to stumble on rocks or sharp grass back to the car especially if a friend had too much to drink. Once in awhile you will see dark objects bobbing their heads in the water. Don't be too alarmed it might be a seal. I wasn't sure at first but I made sure to zoom in on my camera ;-)

The Azalea State Natural Reserve is an area protecting Azalea plant species…read more.. From their web site: "A reserve for western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale). Each spring, a profusion of pink and white blossoms scents the air. There is a picnic area available. Plan to visit in April and May when azaleas are in bloom." http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=420 So you want to plan your visit in the April/May time frame - if you want to have a chance of experiencing the Azaleas when they are in bloom. Other times, of the year, it's a nice, peaceful place for a hike! #AzaleaStateNaturalReserve

This small state reserve in northern Humboldt county, off the 101, just below McKinleyville. Off…read moreNorth Bank Road, just about a mile or so down on the left hand side(north) of the blacktop. Is one of the top flower watching destinations in California. This state maintained reserve is loaded with western azaleas, and in the springtime it becomes alive with color and fragrance. Because of the temperate climate, blooms can be found year around. Walking trails are literally covered with pink and white blossoms from late April to June (depending on the weather) and the scent of these beautiful trees flowers can be smelled from yards away, lofting through the air - you find yourself lost in a maze of trails with millions of blooms all around. This unassuming little park is really a very amazing place to walk, look, relax and enjoy nature. There are picnic areas, and a couple different maintained low to medium grade walking trails - also a paved parking area. There is also a trail that crosses the roadway and leads into the far side of this cool place. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset, year around. There are no dogs allowed in this fragile natural reserve, so please leave your fur friend at home or in the car. This natural state reserve, is one of the best places for blooms in the springtime in the entire state - and well worth the effort. A true 5 star gem on the north coast. 00154

Such a cool mix of dog park and open meadow that leads into a beautiful coastal trail. The views at…read morethe end overlooking the ocean are incredible.

Very relaxing and I felt my dog was very safe there. There was plenty of open space so dogs could…read morebe by themselves if they wanted to. We will return.

Beautiful coastal trail! I hiked a tiny portion of it while on my vacation…read more The path is well marked, and is accessible from multiple access points in the McKinleyville area! #HammondTrail

It's beautiful BUT choppy. Not a straight trail, some paved, some not and it doesn't connect the…read moretrail from the Interpretive trail over to Clam Beach. You have to drive to vista point to pick it up again or walk down side streets.

Great little trail behind a strip mall in McKinleyville. Great interpretive information, sweet…read morelittle trail with great views and park benches to sit and enjoy the views.

My cousin is a river guide for Redwoods and Rivers and when we wanted to do a multi-family,…read moremulti-day trip he hooked us up! We all had such a good time with them. Their site and cabins are comfortable, clean, and cozy. It's such a treat to have delicious breakfasts and dinners al fresco, under a canopy of tall trees. There are a variety of options for ingredients for your sandwiches on the river and delicious, homemade salsa. Michael and Wanda are great hosts making sure you have everything you need. The rafting equipment is well maintained. Our evenings were topped off sitting around a campfire. Anyone would be fortunate to spend time a couple of days with Redwoods and Rivers.

**** Ask for driving directions. Address does not show up appropriately on apple maps. ****…read more GREAT EXPERIENCE.... Even for beginners. Our group was age 10 - 64 and everyone survived :-) *** request Chris *** I guess I didn't realize how potentially dangerous it was until a couple of our teenagers fell out of the raft during a rapid.... But they were ok... Only bruises and some scrapes. They would do it all over again.... Falls and all. We went on a Class III tour which included Class I - III rapids. It's sort of "medium adventurous". If you have a lot of younger or older people in your group, you are probably good sticking with a Class I - II tour. But you will be safe during a Class III if you tell your guide that you can't swim, don't want to be thrown from the raft, etc. TIPS: DRINK A LOT OF WATER, show up early, expect to be exhausted the next day, expect to do a little hiking / climbing during lunch, Bring sunscreen, get one of those things that help your sunglasses stay around your neck because you will lose them, wear a visor or a cap under your helmet, bring cash to tip your guide because they do a hell of a job and they only make $100/day. IT'S A LOT OF FUN and the owners are really nice people.