Jedediah Smith State Park

Our first excursion after arriving in Crescent City was a trip into the heart of the park via Howland Hills Road, a very narrow, winding drive, but well worth the trip. When we reached particularly tight spots, Mom kept exclaiming "What are you going to do if someone comes from the other way??" Thank goodness, whenever we did meet someone else head on, it was always at a time when one could pull over.

Howland Hills Road - obviously no motor homes or trailers allowed on this tiny, twisty road!

We walked among these giants in the Simpson-Reed Grove. Mom had to keep touching them to make sure they were real and she was really with them.

We both got cricks in our necks from looking up trying to see the tops of these massive redwoods.

Some of them were badly burned and hollowed out following forest fires or lightening strikes, but the coastal redwoods are so resilient that they can remain standing.

A view from the bottom - this is what remains of the shallow root system after one has fallen - still an awe inspiring creature that then nourishes new growth in the forest.

This is another great trail through Stout Grove that you get to from Howland Hill Road. I was escorted on this great walk by my friend Hank when I lived in the Ashland area. He used to be a tour guide and insisted it was not a spot to be missed. Thanks, Hank - you were certainly right on!

Next - Fern Canyon