Okay, I never especially wanted to visit Redwoods National and State park. I realized that northern redwoods are bigger and older. But that never made me think about the trip there. I love the dramatical Northern coast though, and it magnet me for a long time.
That was the reason why I added Fern Canyon into the Memorial day trip. I knew there will be a lot of people but I wanted to see this miracle with my own eyes. So after a long driving from Redding we finally reached the trailhead. Road along the Gold Bluffs Beach was terrible. Winter washed out some part, in some place we needed to cross creeks. It wasn’t the road for sedan. I still can’t believe how some was able to complete this trip.

Fern Canyon

We were limited with time. As I mentioned earlier, I knew about the popularity of the place. But I will say, if you want to have a pleasant time, make great photos and just enjoy sound of the water, you need to wake up earlier (I do think it’s better to be on the trail right after sunrise)

Another thing worth to mentioned. I was very naive to think we could do some hiking to the redwoods from the loop. But my shoes became wet and slippery in 5 minutes. Put on your rain shoes!

It was the only place where I planned to stop in the redwoods. Our three days of the weekend very strictly scheduled with dozen of the scenic beaches and viewpoints. But on Saturday right before getting to sleep I found description of scenic alternative route of 101 – Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway.

Newton B Drury Scenic Byway

Long weekend added crowds in here but it could not hide the wow factor of this place.
I was so happy to see elk so close to us!

And of course, redwood fog. Azaleas were in bloom and added special charm to foggy woods.