Alabama Hills

Getting ready for some winter adventuring bring back great memories of past road trips. While watching a car commercial I was drawn back to the land of the Alabama Hills. No, I’m not in Alabama, but eastern California up against the back drop of Mt. Whitney. Near the town of Lone Pine is this adult adventure land of spectacular rock formations. A movie enthusiast will love it too – especially if you love old westerns. Check out the BLM website for more details.

Also check out the remnants of the WWII concentration camp and nearby Mono Lake.

Albino Redwood

When I first heard of the infamous Albino Redwood – I was definitely a skeptic. But, after careful research and a little luck I found one! Located north of Myers Flat in a smaller grove – there is one hidden amongst the taller trees. Albino redwoods are pretty rare. It’s estimated that there are around 50. The needles are completely white. They are lacking chlorophyl and must tap into a host tree to get their nutrients. The bark or stems are a pinkish red color. A pretty awesome find – I’m hoping to find more on future Redwood adventures!
Picture coming soon-

Northern California Coast, Redwoods, Oregon Southern Coast, & Campgrounds

We have been visiting the Norther California Redwoods Coastal area for more than 5 years now. I compiled a list of notes from trips that I hope might be helpful to someone else. It does rain often, but I love the Redwoods even in the rain. I will continue to post more about traveling these areas. There aren’t any complete guidebooks that I have found that really cover this area well. I do own quite a few on the area, but most seem to be missing different important pieces. If you have questions about this area, please send me a message and I will be happy to help.

Campgrounds –

Eel Lake Campground Oregon

Great spots. Privately managed @ $20 a night – a little too expensive

Prairie Creek Redwoods Campground

Showers, great spots – especially second loop, wet near river – but good summer  access. $20 a night – can reserve ahead

Burlington Campground next to visitor center at Redwoods – Avenue of the Giants

Ok spots. Showers, $20 a night. – The visitor center is a nice place to stop to learn a little more about the area. I really liked the exhibit of animals.

Patrick’s Point Campground

Ok sites. Located in second growth/logged forest.

Brookings Campground (Oregon)

Great sites with ocean view. Showers, laundry, hook-ups

Lighthouse Point – Nice open sites. Windy, but fairly protected. Great fire pits. One site tucked back in trees.

Highlights –

Elk Prairie – Elk viewing

Ferndale – Victorian Homes

Garberville – always a favorite

Myers Flat – Drive through tree, winery

Lost Coast Drive – love it everytime! There is a nice little retro campground tucked back along this drive. I’ll try to track down the name of it. It sits right along the river.

USAL Beach – if you can find it ~ great spots to camp, magical surf with seals that watch you from just a few feet out.

Shelter Cove – great little spot

Arcata – amazing – we always try to stop at the coop.

Gold Bluffs Beach

Road Trips Out West

Are you planning or thinking about taking a road trip out west? Here are some places I can help you with-

Oregon – All over – from the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and the Oregon Coast. I have backpacked the Wallowas, the Cascades, Coastal Mountains and more. I can help you out with areas around Fort Rock, Christmas Valley, the Strawberries, Elkhorns, etc.

California – All over the northern region and the Yosemite and Sequoia area. I have also driven most of I5. Redwoods, Elk preserves, Shelter Cove…

Washington – most of the coastal areas, and some of the eastern/central areas.

Montana – I have been all over this state from Missoula, Glacier, Western Region, southern region, from Butte to Billings etc.

Idaho – almost most of this state now from the northern tip to the southern region and all over in-between. Idaho is amazing and has a lot to offer.

Utah – I have backpacked the Wasatch range, traveled Escalante, Bryce, Capital Reef, Moab, Black Canyon, Calf Creek and more.

Colorado – I have driven most of this state from the wildlife preserve at the uppermost western tip to Durango and beyond. I have been to Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Leadville, Estes Park…

Northern California Redwoods – Gold Bluffs Beach

If you are headed to the Redwoods and want some tips on where to camp, let me know. My favorite is Gold Bluffs Beach, but can give info on other places as well. Happy traveling!

Gold Bluffs Beach offers a lot to the outdoor enthusiast. The campsites are right along the beach backed up by awe inspiring bluffs. There are a ton of elk and an occasional bear. The campground offers a solar shower as well (at least the last time we were there). The drive in can get a little bumpy, but it is well worth the trip. There are great trails nearby and the redwood driftwood is like nothing I had ever experienced before.