Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California, October 2023

When we traveled the Oregon Coast in the Fall of 2016, we had hoped to continue into northern California to Redwood National Park, but the weather turned very nasty, so we went inland instead. This year, on our way from western Canada to Pismo Beach on the central California Coast, the weather was much nicer so we were able to visit some of our bucket list places. Our first stop was Crescent City, where we stayed for free at the new Elk Valley Casino for three nights.

Howland Hill Road
	Not far up Howland Hill Road beyond Crescent City, we found ourselves deep in the redwood forest. These giants are always amazing.
	Brad poses beside a redwood stump.
	At the end of the road, we take the Stout Memorial Grove Trail. Brad is kneeling beside a fallen redwood, with the upended roots of a fallen tree beside him.
Klamath River
	Just south of Crescent City is the town of Klamath and the Klamath River. From the Klamath River Overlook, you can see the river on the left of the sand spit, and the Pacific Ocean on the right.
	From the overlook, we returned to Highway 101, crossed the Klamath River and followed Klamath Beach Road to the river outlet. Here, harbor seals were basking and swimming, making for a great show. The river was running very fast too, a current I would not want to be caught in, but the seals were having fun.
Smith River
	North of Crescent City, the Smith River lets out into the ocean at Pyramid Point. We spent a day just sitting and enjoying the view and the seals.  There is a small parking lot behind me, and a small beach below the bushes.
	On the way home, we came upon two male elk fighting. Fall is rutting season, and we saw many herds of elk in our northern and central California travels. These warriors were at a campground along Highway 101, where the campers and female elk were calmly watching. They put on quite the show.
Crescent City
	Crescent Beach is a 3-mile stretch of sand with Crescent City at the northern end. This view is from Crescent Beach Overlook on Enderts Beach Road.
	Battery Lighthouse is accessible during low tides. We walked out to the island and toured around the building, which was unfortunately closed. Like most lighthouses, this one is now automated.  The one thing we did have to endure while camped at the casino was a fog horn that sounded about every 8 seconds.  Honestly though, we got used to it quickly and it didn't bother us.
	The tide pools around the lighthouse were full of sea stars - red ones and orange like this one pictured. Many people were braving the slippery rocks to investigate with the low tide.

 

Mount St. Helen's in Washington, October 2023

	After leaving BC and Canada, we crossed into the U.S. from Osoyoos, B.C. to Oroville, Washington. On our way to Mount St. Helen's, we pass by this incredible view of Mount Ranier.
	I have wanted to visit Mount St. Helen's for a long time now, but we are never in Washington, although here we were passing through on our way to California! However, a scan on the Mount St. Helen's National Volcanic Monument website indicated that the Visitor Center and the best two areas from which to view the crater were all closed due to mud slides closing the roads. Not to be discouraged, we camped in the town of Cougar, and drove up National Forest Road 83 to the Lava Canyon Trailhead. Just before the parking lot, we scooped this view of the southeast side of Mount St. Helen's. The eruption in 1980 was on the north side, so we are unable to see the crater that was formed. There is also a nice view from the Lahar Viewpoint Parking Lot.
	The Muddy River from a bridge on the Lava Canyon Trail. This was a nice, easy trail to hike, although the suspension bridge lower in the gorge was washed out and closed, making the loop hike impossible.
	Ape Cave is a lava tube, worthy of exploration. We purchased tickets in advance online. The cave was created about 2,000 years ago from an eruption near the summit of Mount St. Helen's.
	Marilyn taking in the sheer size of Ape Cave. Hard to believe that 2,000 years ago, this tube was full of fluid basalt flowing like a river. I highly recommend this self-guided hike. There is also a nice gift shop on-site, and a volunteer who is very knowledgeable about the cave and can answer almost any question.