Children's Forest (Humboldt Redwoods State Park)

Seasonal bridge from William's grove across the Eel to the Children's Forest.

46 feet, 4 in cbh

44 feet, 6 in cbh

Sea horse tree

Chinese house tree

I took a hike in the Children's Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for the first time yesterday. I'll rank the Children's Forest near the top of my favorite places in the park. The bridge from William's grove to the Children's Forest is in place for the summer. William's grove was filled with campers yesterday. Despite this, I didn't see a single person in the Children's Forest and had the grove to myself. The grove is large enough to feel somewhat swallowed by the forest. It is surrounded by logged forest so it doesn't take long to leave the majesty of the old growth, but for a while, one can feel lost in time. I ate lunch on the banks of the Eel and enjoyed the warm sun and summer breeze. Traveling through the grove is also enjoyable whether on trail or off. Unfortunately, I did find another tiny deer tick embedded in my arm afterwards, so ticks are still out there. Mosquitoes also were thick in spots. Otherwise, a gem of a hike.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park June 22-26 2014

Old rusted out Volkswagon being reclaimed by the forest

Highway 101 between Eagle Point and Myers Flat

Support beams from an old roadway

Exit ramp just south of Myers Flat

Can you spot the deer?

We've had a couple days of summer rain along the North Coast. HRSP still seemed dry, perhaps a few showers entered the groves. Needles are beginning to yellow on a lot of the trees, and I imagine they will start shedding them at some point soon. Water levels in creeks and along the Eel River are noticeably lower. Again mosquitoes really come out in the evenings. More summer travelers seem to be in the park as well...

Summer is Here

Van Duzen County Redwood Park

$5 day fee to enter Van Duzen County Redwood Park. Looked like excellent swimming and camping opportunities here.

The Immortal Tree in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

One log truck

Immortal Tree

Mattole Road

Summer has arrived in the redwoods. Here's a few photos from last week. The wind has really been picking up in the afternoons in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Also stopped by Van Duzen County Redwood Park. Nice hiking along the river, as well as a pretty sweet looking campground among big trees and a cool watering hole for swimming. Hard to believe the days will be getting shorter again...

Photos of the Redwood Forest by Yinghai

Check out these beautiful photos of the redwood forest (and other places) from a man named Yinghai. (I tried to post a sample picture but could not do it), so you will have to click on the link to see his photostream!

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Brightest and most direct sunlight of the year is entering the redwood forest right now. Seasonal bridges seem to be in place in HRSP. Summer season begins next week...

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Overcast days can really bring out the colors in a picture

Late afternoon along the Eel: June 3, 2014

Awesome triple redwood

Looking south along highway 101

Here's a few more photos of HRSP this week. Warmer temperatures in the afternoon. Once again, enjoying the sounds of the varied thrush. Mosquitoes are out in the evenings. Haven't noticed the ticks as much lately. Seems more summer travelers are making their way into the park. Also more touring bicyclists are making their way through the park these days. I still rarely see anyone hiking through the less popular groves. I'm slowly making my way through the park and trying to see as much as I can while this opportunity lasts...