“The guides have been all exceedingly friendly, helpful, and genuinely fun to be around, especially to my son, whose first question upon returning home is always, "Where are we going next year?" ”
Redwoods National Park Family Trip
Dates Available
- Jun 10, 2013 - Jun 14, 2013
- Jun 17, 2013 - Jun 21, 2013
- Jun 24, 2013 - Jun 28, 2013
- Jul 1, 2013 - Jul 5, 2013
- Jul 8, 2013 - Jul 12, 2013
- Jul 15, 2013 - Jul 19, 2013
- Jul 22, 2013 - Jul 26, 2013
- Jul 29, 2013 - Aug 2, 2013
- Aug 5, 2013 - Aug 9, 2013
- Aug 12, 2013 - Aug 16, 2013
You really can’t appreciate a stand of giant redwood trees by simply driving through them. These trees are magnificent and awe inspiring, and one of the best ways to see them is by bike.
Our Redwood National Park itinerary is one of our best family trips yet. Way up on California’s northern shore, this area provides a great spot for riding, hiking, swimming, and camping.
After meeting in Crescent City, we head for Jedediah State Park and a stroll through the famous Stout Grove. In the afternoon the kids can ride along the Howard Hill Road, or swim in the Smith River, while the parents head out for a longer loop through the Elk Valley. On the second day we head for the coast and a ride on the Coastal Trail, an old doubletrack closed to cars – perfect riding for kids. A short pedal will bring us to astounding views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, the kids go to camp to learn exactly how a redwood can grow to over 350 feet tall, while parents have an opportunity for a longer ride. We continue this pattern alternating between epic groves of astounding trees, remote walks and rides on the beach itself. Everyone has the opportunity to do as much or as little as they like, while exploring the remote California coast and the tallest trees on earth. Questions? Give us a call at 800-845-2453. We’re happy to help you learn more about this amazing tour.
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Redwoods National Park Family Trip Itinerary
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-845-2453 or email biking@westernspirit.com.
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
This trip will meet at 9:00am PST at Back Country Bicycle, 1331 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531, 707-465-3995. You will need to spend the night before in Crescent City.
ENDING TIME AND PLACE
We will return to Crescent City between 2:00-3:00 pm on the last day.
ITINERARY
TRIP DAY 1
We will begin our adventure with a shuttle to the beginning of our first ride; an out and back along the beautiful Howard Hill Road. While we ride, one of our guides will drop the gear trailer at our camp at Jedediah Smith State Park. They will then drive around and meet us at the famous Stout Grove. After lunch we will hike thru Stout Grove and here we will get an introduction to the giant Redwoods. These big trees are called Redwood or Sequoia sempervirens, a name meaning "ever living"; an appropriate name as these trees can grow to over 350 feet tall and live for up to 2,000 years. The trail through the Stout Grove takes us in and around trees both living and dead. Those trees lying on the ground really help you understand how big 350 feet really is! Can you imagine one growing in your front yard? After the hike, we can either ride or drive in the van back to camp. TOTAL MILEAGE - 10-18 miles riding, 1 mile hike
TRIP DAY 2
Today we will get our first glimpse of the vast Pacific Ocean. We head south to the Last Chance section of the Coastal Trail. This was the original north-south road through the area, but it is now closed to cars. Everybody rides this morning as we make our way to a dramatic bluff above the ocean. We will pack our lunch today and stop along the trail. Afterwards we will return to the van to continue our journey south. The second half of today is mostly paved or gravel. Those who are ready for a few more miles will ride the Coastal Drive which continues on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Mr. Drury was a former National Park Director and was extremely influential in saving the redwoods for us to enjoy today. This ride is unsupported and has some steep grades. The van will go back to camp with the kids. Our camp tonight will be at Elk Prairie, our home for the next three nights, giving us lots of chances to see the elk herd that frequents this area. TOTAL MILEAGE - 4-6 miles AM, 15 miles PM
TRIP DAY 3
This morning we will do a ride right from our camp on the Davison and Streelow Creek trails. We begin all together for a one mile section of trail through giant trees which takes us south. Then we head west to the beach on a remote, but smooth section of introductory singletrack. Here we find ourselves on a nice section of wider dirt road, which takes us right to the ocean. We continue along the shore to the start of our hike. We will hike up Fern Canyon, a spectacular, vertical walled canyon which is dripping with ferns and water. The trailhead is also our picnic spot. After lunch the energetic can continue north along the shore past some amazing waterfalls to a fun section of singletrack. Meanwhile, the kids will have time to explore the beach. We won't be swimming from here as the tides and currents are quite strong, but it is a great place to learn about marine life in the various coastal zones. Afterwards the kids will shuttle back to camp to meet those who have ridden all the way back to camp. TOTAL DISTANCE - 5.5 miles AM, 14 miles PM
TRIP DAY 4
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is our first destination for today and we will shuttle in the van to get there. Here we will hike the trail, where we will learn more about the trees and how they were saved when the national park was formed. This is a great close up look at these towering giants. The geography of northwestern California creates the unique conditions which allow these trees to grow. The proximity to the ocean makes the climate very moderate. Rainfall is very high in the winter, up to 80 inches! All these factors combine to make this the most productive and diverse forest in the world. After lunch, the parents will head out to ride Holter Ridge. This long and unsupported ride includes some substantial climbs and a fast steep downhill, not for the feint of heart. The ride will take the parents right back to camp. The kids will shuttle back to camp and then do a ride on another section of the Davison Trail. TOTAL MILEAGE - 16 miles (kid section 3 miles), afternoon hike - 1.5 miles
TRIP DAY 5
We take a day off the bikes today and opt for a beautiful coastal walk. We will shuttle north from camp to the section of the Coastal Trail which will take us to Hidden Beach. It is a primarily downhill walk with great views to the beach. This is a beautiful beach which has great giant boulders to climb, tide pools, soft sand and cool drift wood. In the tidepools we may see creatures such as anemones, sea stars, sea cucumbers, crabs and chitons. Once we have all explored the tide pools and marine life of this very special spot, we will continue north to Lagoon Creek for the final lunch of our trip, after which we will do a short 45 minute shuttle back up to Crescent City. TOTAL MILAGE - 3 miles hiking
TERRAIN
Riding Surface: Mostly dirt roads, smooth singletrack and some pavement.
Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Altitude: 0-500 feet.
Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
GETTING THERE
-Driving
Crescent City is located on Highway 101, 15 miles south of the California/Oregon border. It is a 5-6 hour drive from either San Francisco or Portland. There is parking available for your car.
-Flying
There are a few options to look into:
Fly into Crescent City
Airport Code: CEC
There is no need to rent a car since many restaurants are within walking distance of the hotels.
Fly into Medford, OR
Airport Code: MFR
Medford is approximately 79 miles to the northwest; you would drive over lovely Grants Pass.
Fly into Eureka, CA
Airport Code: ACV
Eureka is approximately 66 miles south on Hwy 101; a beautiful drive along the Pacific Coast.
If you fly into Medford or Eureka you would need to rent a car. Weekly rates can be reasonable and there is parking available while you are on the tour.
TAXI SERVICE
Del Norte Taxi Service 707-464-6030
Comfort Cab 707-218-7979
LODGING
It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead and these are our recommendations.
Bay View Inn
$70-100
800-446-0583
Best Western Northwoods Inn
$115-135
707-464-9771
Quality Inn and Suites
$145-210
800-424-6423
Crescent City Chamber of Commerce
800-343-8300
Above rates are approximate.
WEATHER
There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.
If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.
PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather on the coast can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! Please pack all of your gear in a medium to large duffel bag. It will ride in the trailer. If you have any questions about anything on the list, please call us.
SHIPPING YOUR BIKE
You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.
To ship your bike UPS, send it to Back Country Bicycle, 1331 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531; 707-465-3995. It is critical that you include your name, tour date and "Western Spirit Cycling" on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.
If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.
THINGS TO DO
RESTAURANTS
Crescent City has a lot of restaurants and fine food. You will easily be able to get recommendations from the place you're staying once you get there.
MAPS
Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip and you can obtain a park map when we enter the park on your trip. If you would like to see the map in advance you can print it from the Redwood National Park website http://www.nps.gov/redw/pphtml/maps.html.
ACTIVITIES
For additional information from the Crescent City's Chamber of Commerce go to http://www.northerncalifornia.net/ or call 800-343-3800.