Redwood National and State Parks, CA

July 25

After 141 miles we arrived at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, CA which borders Redwood National Park and along with a few other state parks protect nearly 40,000 acres of primeval coast redwood groves.

The Jedediah Smith Campground is situated right among old-growth redwood trees at the confluence of the Smith River and Mill Creek. After setting up we walked down to the Smith River, a shallow, slow-moving river in a rocky bed flanked by redwoods. It is truly a scenic stretch. We promptly saw lots of tadpoles among the rocks, a few frogs, and a small snake in the water. After a quick stop at the state visitor center we relaxed at the campground.

July 26

In the morning we hiked the 0.5 mile Stout Memorial Grove, considered the heart of this state park. There are awesome specimens and a few times we thought we might have found the tallest tree. However, the location of the tallest tree is a secret in order to protect it.

Banana slugs, large, bright yellow slugs can be seen among the fallen leaves and debris. They can grow to 10 inches in length. They help recycle plant matter and waste into humus. We had fun spotting them.

We took a peak inside the national visitor center across the street, then blew up two of our tubes and headed back to the Smith River. We spent the afternoon tubing the surprisingly warm water. Back at the camper Ethan stepped on a wasp that stung him in the foot.

We found some small wood pieces someone had trimmed from a larger block and left at a campsite. As they were already clean and interestingly shaped, we decided to try our carving skills. Esther spent a good amount of time carving a humpback whale for Ethan. We had seen the humpbacks in Monterey, CA on Ethan’s birthday after all.

July 27

Wanting to do a longer hike we took the Mill Creek Trail (2.6 mile round trip) to the Boy Scout Tree Trail (2.8 mile round trip). A famous, large, double redwood, discovered long ago by a troop leader, is near the end of the Boy Scout Trail. We didn’t feel like hiking quite that far after all, walking just about 5 miles.

The afternoon and evening were spent relaxing at the campsite, eating s’mores over a campfire, and telling scary stories.

Here are the pictures.