North Coast Points of Interest:
Bodega Bay was discovered by 18th century Spanish explorers. Russian fur hunters settled at Fort Ross, nearby in 1809. Bodega Head State Park is at the north end of Bodega Bay, a three mile trail leads to Salmon Creek Beach at Sonomna Coast State Beach.
On Highway 1, 11 miles north of Jenner, Fort Ross State Historic Park is known for its Orthodox Church, the stockade, block houses, officers' barracks, well and storehouse reconstructed.
Inland in nearby Lake County, Mount Konocti has remained a mysterious dormat volcano for over 1000 years. Reaching 4,300 feet, its base is located at Clear Lake, rising to four individual peaks.
Lost Coast 50 miles north of Fort Bragg, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park is the southern gateway to the Lost Coast. Rising to a 7,000 coastal plateau with ocean vistas, waterfalls, rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, tide pools and trail campsites.
Humboldt Redwood State Park 51,222 acre park encompassing a forest over 20 million years old of the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. Camping is permitted. Avenue of the Giants is the world famous drive paralleling State Highway 101. 31 miles meandering through groves of redwoods, many that reach nearly 300 feet tall.
Ferndale is a town designated as a State Historic Landmark due to the remaining landmark redwood Victorian homes with ornate detail and gingerbread trim. The Gingerbread Mansion, built in 1898, takes its name from the facade rich with fancy finish work.
Eureka located just north of Ferndale, is also a town of Victorian architecture. The Carson House, a local lumber baron's mansion, was built with intricate gables, balconies and carved moldings.
Cresent City is the northern most city near the Oregon state border. Here, the famous Battery Point Lighthouse sits solitarily on its on reef, 200 yards near the Nautical Museum, a must for most tourist, birders or otherwise.
Redwood National Park is a most unique park, located 30 miles north of Arcata, CA, where the small town of Orick marks the southern end. At this entrance, Tall Trees Grove, is a major attraction with the world's tallest tree standing at 367 feet. Redwood National Park has three parks contingent and inside it: Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods parks. At Redwoods, there are many educational programs available to nature lovers. Information centers are located at each end of the park, and in Crescent City.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Del Norte and Jedediah Smith state parks sit either side of Crescent City. Because this park is visited by less fog than many of the others, it is a spectacular place for light and shadow. It's fern covered forest offers hundreds of shades of greens and yellows. The park contains 46 memorial groves, virgin growth redwood, stands of hemlock, tan oak, fir, cedar and madrone trees.
Klamath area: Not part of the Redwood National Park, Klamath nonetheless, offers coastal views and many specimen redwood trees. The Cathedral Tree is an unusual growth of nine trees joined at one root. Trees of Mystery, a popular tourist destination, offers views from its aerial tramway, recently completed for a memorable ride.
Patrick's Point State Park: A breathtaking sight north of Eureka approx. 30 miles on the rugged coast, this park of 625 acres has countless attractions including shells, agates and piles of driftwood.
19 miles north of Eureka, the town of Trinidad is off US 101 in Humboldt County. Here, Trinidad State Beach is just north of town, where the Trinidad Lighthouse stands overseeing the surf.
Six Rivers National Forest comprises of over 1,000,000 acres and encompasses six major northwestern California rivers. Nearly 200 species of birds may be sighted, as well as amphibians, reptiles, 74 mammal species including deer, skunks, squirrels and raccoon.
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is visited by large concentrations of migrating species and attracts many birders with over 20 miles of scenic bayshore near US 101. A diverse number of species inhabit nearly 8,600 acres of wetlands along the Pacific flyway. Open from sunrise to sundown all year long.
Mendocino Coast: Fort Bragg is located at the junction of Hwy 20 & Hwy 1, beginning life as a coastal sawmill town. The town of Mendocino is surrounded |
Discovering Santa Cruz
by Ruby Elbogen, Travel Editor
Santa Cruz is well known for it’s beaches, the Boardwalk, sixties' counter culture, surfers, the extraordinarily beautiful UCSC campus and as survivor, that rose anew after the Loma Prieta earthquake and today a great downtown to visit.
The heart of the area, however, is on the roads less traveled: Acres of agriculture, wineries, antiquing, eateries and quaint places to stay that abound in Santa Cruz County. They are out of the way spots awaiting new discovery.
The Land of Medicine Buddha B & B, just a mile or so above Soquel has the feel of being far from the bustle of the of the world. It’s tranquil location in the Redwoods, massage therapy, meditation, medicine wheels, swim ming pool, sauna, yoga and classes can all be part of the healing quality of a visit. They can be reached at: 821/462-8383.
The brand new Capitola Hotel, a seven room B & B on the Esplanade of Capitola By The Sea is welcoming it’s first visitors. The charming decor and warm ambiance of the Inn invites guests to enjoy a tempting Continental breakfast in the lobby every morning. Just from the ocean, Call The Capitola Hotel at: 831/476-1278.
Roses of Yesterday & Today a magnificent garden of vintage roses in Corralitos is perfect for picnics. After a stop at the Corralitos Market for sandwiches, follow the road to dine under a century old rose tree. Call: 831/728-1901 for directions.
Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville grows apples, Ollallie and strawberries at their orchard/farm. After browsing, shopping or picking fruit locals and tourists look forward to a piece of Nita Gizdich’s famous apple pie ala mode’ and fresh pressed apple juice.
For details call: 831/722-1056.
The Brookdale Lodge in the Santa Cruz mountains has a fast running brook racing down center of it’s two story restaurant. To enjoy a spectacular experience of waterside dining,
Call: 831/338-6433.
For a truly enjoyable historical Epicurean tour, A Taste Of Soquel offers an overview of food, wineries and antiques ending with a delectable meal prepared by Chef Michael Clark at Michael’s on Main on Soquel Creek. The tour is the first in a new series created with authenticity and fun by local wine aficionado and foodie Annette McGarity.
Call 831/475-9029 to reserve.
ABC offers an individualized list of tours in limos and vans that seat up to 14 people.
Call: 800/734-4313. Santa Cruz County awaits year ‘round. |