Trip Report: California Redwoods & Lost Rocks
When: 06/17/2017
Location: Redwoods & Lost Rocks
Conditions: Lower 70's daytime. Upper 50's night. Sunny.
Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Useful links:
Dispersed Camp Sites near the Redwoods:www.nps.gov
Jedediah Smith State Park:www.parks.ca.gov
The Full Report:
This trip was a multi-faceted adventure. A visit to the Redwood's sandwiched around beach-side climbing at Lost Rocks. The Redwood's speak for themselves and you can get lost in the awe and wonder of them for three days alone easily. If it's your first visit, pony up the money and stay at Jedediah Smith State Park. You get to camp within/under these magnificent trees. We chose this for our second night with us setting up shop at Flint Ridge the night before. Flint Ridge is considered dispersed and is free because it is about a 1/4 mile walk into the campground. You still need a permit, so check in with the local ranger station to make sure a spot is available and acquire said permit.
After we got our permit we drove through the Redwoods and got in a nice easy hike on Saturday on our way to Flint Ridge. Any turn out alongside the road and trail in the wider area will make you happy, but there are a few along highway 101 where you can hike out to overlooks high above the Pacific. Flint Ridge offers all the amenities of fancier campgrounds but much quieter. It is also located very close to the parking lot for Lost Rocks. After our hike and getting camp set up, we ventured out to "find" these "lost" rocks. Despite what the internet currently states, park near the mouth of the Klamath River and start hiking South on the beach. You can't miss them. My buddy accidentally left his shoes back at camp but I couldn't resist getting a quick session in on these rad rocks.
We spent the better part of six hours climbing on Sunday. Lost Rocks are amazing. Sunshine, check. Sand, check. Climbing directly on the beach, check. A variety of grades, check. Highballs, check. Nap time, check. This was one of those days in your life when you think back on it you smile broadly. You don't need a lot of words to describe how awesome it was. If you are a climber (boulder only at this spot) go! This is also a friendly place to take beginners. Leave the crash pads at home. The sand is soft.
After a quick move of camp sites to Jedediah, we chased the sunset up the coast to Samuel H. Boardman. It didn't disappoint. A great ending to "one of those days". We had the cove to ourselves with a few sea gulls to keep us company. If you want a real meal, Perlita's Authentic Mexican in Crescent City will set you straight. The burritos are massive and the beers cold.
Monday started with a relaxing morning next to the Smith River which meanders by Jedediah Smith. The water is mild and refreshing and the campsite itself is a great swimming spot. Nice way to end our adventure before the long drive back to Portland.
The Full Report:
This trip was a multi-faceted adventure. A visit to the Redwood's sandwiched around beach-side climbing at Lost Rocks. The Redwood's speak for themselves and you can get lost in the awe and wonder of them for three days alone easily. If it's your first visit, pony up the money and stay at Jedediah Smith State Park. You get to camp within/under these magnificent trees. We chose this for our second night with us setting up shop at Flint Ridge the night before. Flint Ridge is considered dispersed and is free because it is about a 1/4 mile walk into the campground. You still need a permit, so check in with the local ranger station to make sure a spot is available and acquire said permit.
After we got our permit we drove through the Redwoods and got in a nice easy hike on Saturday on our way to Flint Ridge. Any turn out alongside the road and trail in the wider area will make you happy, but there are a few along highway 101 where you can hike out to overlooks high above the Pacific. Flint Ridge offers all the amenities of fancier campgrounds but much quieter. It is also located very close to the parking lot for Lost Rocks. After our hike and getting camp set up, we ventured out to "find" these "lost" rocks. Despite what the internet currently states, park near the mouth of the Klamath River and start hiking South on the beach. You can't miss them. My buddy accidentally left his shoes back at camp but I couldn't resist getting a quick session in on these rad rocks.
We spent the better part of six hours climbing on Sunday. Lost Rocks are amazing. Sunshine, check. Sand, check. Climbing directly on the beach, check. A variety of grades, check. Highballs, check. Nap time, check. This was one of those days in your life when you think back on it you smile broadly. You don't need a lot of words to describe how awesome it was. If you are a climber (boulder only at this spot) go! This is also a friendly place to take beginners. Leave the crash pads at home. The sand is soft.
After a quick move of camp sites to Jedediah, we chased the sunset up the coast to Samuel H. Boardman. It didn't disappoint. A great ending to "one of those days". We had the cove to ourselves with a few sea gulls to keep us company. If you want a real meal, Perlita's Authentic Mexican in Crescent City will set you straight. The burritos are massive and the beers cold.
Monday started with a relaxing morning next to the Smith River which meanders by Jedediah Smith. The water is mild and refreshing and the campsite itself is a great swimming spot. Nice way to end our adventure before the long drive back to Portland.