Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [337]
A don't-miss detour along U.S. 101 is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which passes through redwood groves and elk-filled meadows before returning to the highway 8 miles later. While you're cruising along, take the Cal-Barrel Road turnoff, a narrow, packed-gravel road (no trailers or motor homes) just north of the Prairie Creek Visitor Center off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It offers a spectacular 3-mile tour through an old-growth redwood forest.
One of the premier coastal drives on the Redwood Coast starts at the mouth of the Klamath River and runs 8 miles south toward Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The narrow, partially paved Coastal Drive winds through stands of redwoods, with spectacular views of the Pacific and numerous pullouts for picture taking (sea lions and pelicans abound) and short hikes. Keep an eye out for the World War II radar station, disguised as a farmhouse and barn. If you're heading south on U.S. 101, take the Alder Camp Road exit just south of the Klamath River Bridge and follow the signs to the Mouth of Klamath. North-bound travelers should take the Redwood National and State Parks Coastal Drive exit off the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Motor homes and vehicles with trailers are not advised.
The most amazing car-friendly trail in all of the Redwood National and State Parks is the hidden, well-maintained gravel Howland Hill Road. It winds for about 12 miles through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, an unforgettable journey through a spectacular old-growth redwood forest—considered by many one of the most beautiful areas in the world. To get there from the north-bound lanes of U.S. 101, keep an eye out for the southernmost traffic light coming into Crescent City, at Elk Valley Road, and turn right. Follow Elk Valley to Howland Hill Road, which will be on your right. After driving through the park, you'll end up at U.S. 199 near the town of Hiouchi, and from there it's a short jaunt west to get back to U.S. 101. Plan at least 2 to 3 hours for the 45-mile round-trip, or all day if you want to do some hiking or mountain biking in the park. Driving a motor home or towing a trailer is not recommended.
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs
The parks run interpretive programs on subjects ranging from trees to tide pools, legends to landforms, at the Hiouchi and Kuchel information centers and in the Crescent Beach area during summer months, and year-round at the park headquarters in Crescent City. Park rangers lead campfire programs and numerous other activities throughout the year. Call the Kuchel Visitor Center (☎ 707/464-6101, ext. 5265) for current schedules.
Day Hikes
Regardless of the length of your hike, dress warmly and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Big Tree Trail
.25 mile RT. Easy. Access: Big Tree turnoff along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
For the nonhikers in your group (including those in wheelchairs), this is a short paved trail leading to an impressively large tree.
Boy Scout Tree Trail
6 miles RT. Easy. Access: Ask for directions and map at Jedediah Smith Information Center.
After taking this trail through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, you might understand why an activist such as Woody Harrelson would chain himself to the Golden Gate Bridge to protest logging old-growth forests. This is nature primeval, a lush, cool, damp forest brimming with giant ferns and majestic redwoods. Just being here is truly an emotional experience.
Enderts Beach Trail
1.2 miles RT. Easy. Access: End of Enderts Rd. at south end of Crescent City (about 3 miles south on U.S. 101