In July I traveled
with my family from Oregon via Highway 101 down to Crescent City, along the
California coast. I was unexpectedly surprised by the beauty and scenery that
Northern California has to offer. The state is truly magnificent to behold. The
first thing I noticed about this area in California was the abundance of
gorgeous wild flowers that grew along every road and the welcoming people. While
I was traveling California, we visited many places. Some places stood out more
than others. An area that was the top destination on my list of places to see
was the Redwood National and State Parks. These parks are certainly well worth
the trip across the country. The Redwood National and State Parks are home to
some of the world’s tallest trees.
Redwood National and State Parks - The trees are much taller than I
could have ever imagined, and I felt as if I were an ant among giants. The
forest, as well, is quite something to behold, it has a fairyland effect on
visitors. The Redwood National and State Parks are not only home to the
redwoods but also home to spruce, hemlock, Douglas-fir, and sword ferns. I
suggest that anyone who visits the Redwood National Forest take time to hike
the trails that the park offers, such as the short walk to the ‘Big Tree’. The
trails provide an up close look at the forest and at nature. Our early morning
hike in the coolness of the morning, up close with the large ferns and tall
trees, was certainly an unforgettable experience. I also spotted Roosevelt elk
in some of the meadows.
Discover the mighty beauty of the
Redwood National and State Parks,
located at 1111 Second Street in Crescent City, California. Visit their site
online or call (707) 465-7306 for visitors information.
Lassen Volcanic National Park - At Arcata we left Highway 101 and traveled on Rt.
299 toward Lassen Volcanic National Park. The countryside between Arcata and
Lassen was some of the most scenic we saw on our three week trip. This route
takes you through the Whiskeytown National recreational Area. I enjoyed
traveling this scenic piece of highway as it winds along the Trinity River
where gold seekers sought their fortunes in the 1800's. It was picturesque
territory and I realized the natural beauty that surrounded the Argonauts as
they sought their fortune. I also thought that the early miners were so busy
laboring to take the gold from the area that they probably had no time to enjoy
the natural beauty that surrounded them. Explore the peaceful forests
and untouched wilderness at Lassen
Volcanic National Park by visiting their website online or for visitors
information call: (530) 595-4444.
I also was impressed by the Lassen Volcanic National
Park which was snow-capped when we visited it. From the park brochure I learned
that Lassen Peak is the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range and is located
on an extinct volcano, Mt Tehama. It was once a vent on Mt. Tehama that formed
into a volcano. Lassen Volcanic National Park appears to be a quiet and tranquil
place today, however, Lassen Peak, the world’s largest plug dome volcano,
erupted in May 1914. It was the last volcano to erupt in the contiguous 48
states until Mount Saint Helens erupted in the state of Washington in 1980.
The Lassen
Volcanic National Park has much to offer. The park is
aesthetic in its landscape and scenery. Trails allow visitors
an opportunity to explore the geothermal areas which include
mud pots and vents. However, I was unable to visit the entire
park due to road repairs. If you travel to the Lassen Volcanic
National Park, take at least a full day to enjoy the natural
beauty that the park has to offer. Above
Photo Credits: © USA Travel Magazine
Before I
visited northern California, I always thought of Hollywood and
Disneyland when I heard the word California. Now I realize
that California has so much more--scenic views, volcanoes,
redwoods, whose size steals your breath away, and exciting
history lessons for those who are willing to get off the
heavily-traveled byways.
