State Parks - California State Parks https://californiastateparks.info Your Resource Guide for California State Parks Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:36:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Discovering Pelican State Beach: California’s Hidden Coastal Gem https://californiastateparks.info/pelican-state-beach/ https://californiastateparks.info/pelican-state-beach/#respond Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:46:37 +0000 https://californiastateparks.info/?p=2660 About Pelican Beach State Park Pelican State Beach, which is situated in Smith River, California, is one of those true "hidden gems" for beach enthusiasts and as the northernmost beach and state park in the state, it offers those breathtaking ocean views, just minutes from the Oregon border.  This beach is not very big, but it is large enough that you will feel like you have it all to yourself, at times. The shore stretches roughly 1.7 miles which is the main beach area that winds north, into Oregon. The beach itself is just a short walk from the parking area, which

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About Pelican Beach State Park


Pelican State Beach, which is situated in Smith River, California, is one of those true "hidden gems" for beach enthusiasts and as the northernmost beach and state park in the state, it offers those breathtaking ocean views, just minutes from the Oregon border. 

This beach is not very big, but it is large enough that you will feel like you have it all to yourself, at times. The shore stretches roughly 1.7 miles which is the main beach area that winds north, into Oregon.

The beach itself is just a short walk from the parking area, which is a nice surprise and makes trips back to your car more realistic and doable.

The beach is scattered with drift logs, creating a picturesque setting for your walks or to avoid sitting down in the sand. It's important to mention that the area can be quite windy and cold, so it's advisable to dress appropriately and wear layered clothing, if possible. 

I do want to point out that this beach doesn't have any facilities, so plan your trip accordingly and the rules also state that dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed anywhere else, as long as they are on a leash.

There is no fee to enter the beach and parking is free, so if you're into fishing, surfing, or windsurfing, this is an ideal spot for someone like you.

Quick Info About Pelican Beach:

  • Address: 17200 US-101, Smith River, CA 95567
  • Phone Number: (707) 464-6101
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on a leash, not allowed on beach (except for service dogs)
  • Fees: Parking is free and so is the beach
  • Things To Do: Walking along beach, hiking, tide pools, kite flying
  • Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, gas station, hotels, supermarket
  • Weather: Can be windy & avg. temps in the 40s-60s(f)

Weather & Map Of The Area


Average Annual Climate Info (Smith River, Ca)

Smith River CA Average Annual Weather

Other State Parks You Might Like


Nearby Trails


Beach Trail

Hiking Trails Icon

The beach, is relatively flat and spans roughly 1.26 miles, for the main stretch. You can start out from the parking lot and make your way north from the beach to cross over the Oregon border.

Oregon Redwoods Trail

Hiking Trails Icon

This trail is only 7 miles from Pelican Beach but takes about 20 min. to get there. The trail is a 1.7 mile loop and there are some smaller (old growth) redwoods mixed in with other mixed trees.

Crissey Field Trails

Hiking Trails Icon

Crissey Field Recreation Site is just over the border, into Oregon and it has a visitor center with some shorter trails around the area. If you walk along the beach, it you can make your way to Pelican Beach.

Camping


While there are no campsites on the beach, there are a few options nearby in the surrounding areas, the closest option being just a little further down from the beach, called Clifford Kamph Memorial Park, right off of Highway 101.

This park is geared more towards tent camper and is a tent-only campground, which won't work for everyone out there but the good news is that there are other options available in the surrounding areas.

Some of these other campgrounds can be found just north of the beach around Brookings, Oregon and a little further south around the town of Crescent City, California.

You will find many more options in these campgrounds other than just tent camping. RVs and cabins are available for rent in some of these areas and are worth taking a look into if you're planning on exploring the areas around Northern California and southern Oregon.

Camping Image 2

Nearby Towns


Brookings, Oregon, and Crescent City, California, are two neighboring towns next to Pelican Beach and are located North and South of the area, along highway 101.

Situated in close proximity to the beach, these towns offer many different facilities and amenities, so making a trip to town is not too far out of the way.

Both towns are ideal for anyone who wants to stop by Pelican State Beach but also wants convenient access to facilities, a taste of local life, or a scenic detour along the way.

Brookings, Oregon

If you travel north, just about a 10-minute drive from the beach, Brookings, Oregon is right over the border and provides a variety of conveniences including supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and quaint local shops, perfect for those looking to stock up on supplies.

Crescent City, California

If you were to travel south, (about 20 minutes) Crescent City stands as a gateway to the Redwoods and offers a much larger selection of amenities, including many more dining options, large shopping centers, and pretty much everything else you would find in a larger town. 

Helpful Links


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Wilder Ranch State Park Historical Tour https://californiastateparks.info/wilder-ranch-state-park-historical-tour/ https://californiastateparks.info/wilder-ranch-state-park-historical-tour/#respond Sat, 21 May 2022 01:36:51 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=2268 Whether you are a history buff or a mountain biker, a wildlife enthusiast or a serious hiker, this park offers something for everyone. This historic complex, designated as a state cultural preserve, is home to what was once innovative and successful Wilder Creamery. California State Parks have spent decades restoring historic buildings and cultural features, restoring surrounding wetlands and protecting rich land and sea resources. Weather Forecast For Santa Cruz, CA: Quick Information:* Address: 1401 Coast Rd.   Santa Cruz, Ca 95060* Phone: (831) 426-0505* Park Hours: 8AM to Sunset* Established: 1974* Size: 7000 Acres Total* Elevation: 50 Day Use Fee:$10Dogs:NoWater:YesToilets:YesWhat's there

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Whether you are a history buff or a mountain biker, a wildlife enthusiast or a serious hiker, this park offers something for everyone. This historic complex, designated as a state cultural preserve, is home to what was once innovative and successful Wilder Creamery. California State Parks have spent decades restoring historic buildings and cultural features, restoring surrounding wetlands and protecting rich land and sea resources.

Weather Forecast For Santa Cruz, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 1401 Coast Rd.

   Santa Cruz, Ca 95060
* Phone: (831) 426-0505

* Park Hours: 8AM to Sunset
* Established: 1974
* Size: 7000 Acres Total

* Elevation: 50

Day Use Fee:
$10

Dogs:
No

Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes

What's there to do at Wilder Ranch State Park?

What are you into? History? They have that. Hiking? They've got that too. Biking? Yep. Ornithology? Birds galore. Basically, this is one of the best overall parks in California for a plethora of things to do. It is also centrally located, being literally just north of Santa Cruz and about 2 hours south of San Francisco. It is also not far from many other areas in the greater Bay Area.

Wilder Ranch entrance

A Brief History of Wilder Ranch;

Before the written history of the Santa Cruz area, the land was taken care of by the Ohlone. Once the Spanish arrived, the life for the Ohlone changed. You can read a bit about their life by seeing my page on the Santa Cruz Mission State Park.  This land was once incorporated as part of the vast expanse that was Mission Santa Cruz. It was known as Rancho Arroyo del Matadero, the Missions cattle grazed these lands and were also slaughtered there.

Some time during the 1830s, the Mexican Land Grant lands were eventually re-granted out. By this time the area was known as Rancho Refugio and Joaquin Castro and the Castro family were prolific cattle ranchers in the area. Their land spanned from Gilroy to Santa Cruz. His 3 daughters were granted the land.

All three of the girls eventually married, one of them married to Jose Antonio Bolcoff, who was a Russian sailor. He jumped ship and had been living in the Branciforte across the hill from the Santa Cruz Mission. He was the Alcalde in the year 1834. The Balcoffs were very good at making cheese and butter. Their butter was so delicious that it caught a high price in Monterey. They built the adobe home that you can still see standing on the Wilder Ranch. They raised 11 children in that home!

Wilder Ranch Balcoff Adobe


The lands were eventually split and a gentleman by the name of Moses Meder acquired a large tract of it. Meder Creek is named for him. He was one of the Mormons brought by Sam Brannan on the ship "Brooklyn" which landed in San Francisco in 1846. Meder expanded the farming operations and built the farmhouse in the 1850s. The original portion of the home is now what you see as the front. He, too, sold butter for a good cost of $1 a pound, which at the time was very pricey. 

Deloss Wilder along with a partner, Levi Baldwin, bought the farm and 4,160 acres of it in 1871. The Wilder's made a living over 5 generations and nearly 100 years. Over the years they built onto the original home from Meder and in 1897 They built the Victorian home that you can see today..

Wilders 1951

By the late 1960's the farm wasn't prospering enough to compete with the inflation of property taxes. With the land being proposed for development, like so many places that were saved, it became a state park.

Wilders 1973


Wilder Ranch State Park Map:

WIlder Ranch Map 1
Wilder Ranch Building Layout

The photo below shows an aerial view of what the ranch looked like during the 1930's. Since this place is so large, it really gives perspective on where everything is located. 

Wilder Ranch Complex Map

This building below was the newest home built on the property, built circa 1946. Unfortunately, it wasn't open when we went, so I could only peer inside. But on the chalkboard outside, they list that month's activities. I am hoping to make it back for a "Living History" day. Those are on the 1st Saturday of every month.

Wilder Ranch monthly schedule

As you can see from the photo, there are 2 different styles on this home. The portion on the left was the original Meder Residence, and the area on the left was the addition built by the Wilders.

wilder ranch Old Farmhouse

The shop and bunkhouse was built in the early 1900s. It still contains the tools of a working farm. Being capable to make everything like implements and tools needed to complete the daily tasks.

Wilder Ranch workshops

The horse barn. A truly beautiful building, look at the ornamental shingles. Can you imagine installing something like that now on your own home...and first off, where would you find a craftsman who can even make them? This one is circa 1891-1892.

Wilder Ranch Horse Barn 2

Next to the Bolcoff adobe is the storage for the larger ranch equipment. It is the equipment and wagon house built circa 1879.

Wilder Ranch Equipment
Wilder Ranch Bolcoff Adobe

The Victorian home you see was built my Melvin Wilder, the son of Delos D Wilder who was the founder of the Wilder Ranch. It was built between 1897 and 1897. A Victorian era farmhouse in such pristine shape is something to behold. What a wonderful piece of American history.

Wilder Ranch Balcoff Adobe

The slaughterhouse and dairy barn are located next to each other. I was only able to take a peek inside the slaughterhouse which is looks like its just filled with old stuff. The dairy barn used to be much larger but even still it is a very large building. I would have loved to have seen it during its heyday. 

Wilder Ranch grainery and cow barn

What's Nearby?

There is so much to do in Santa Cruz County and beyond. No matter if you go north or south, there are still options. Heading north of Santa Cruz, you will find a multitude of beaches. When we went, most of the beaches up the coast had little to no people on them. Though, I am not sure what it's like during the heat of the summer.

In the town of Santa Cruz itself, you have the Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Mission, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Train Excursion. Heading south, you can visit the town of Salinas to see John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. And of course Monterey Bay Aquarium is always a joy to visit.

Hiking Trails;

There are many trails over this wonderful State Park. All the trails, with the exception of the beach trails, allow for equestrian use. There are 35 miles of bicycle trails. There are many options for trails, so I have only posted a couple.

Old Landing Cove Trail: This trail is the most popular by far for the Wilder Ranch State Park. It is rated as an easy trail and is 2.4 miles long. It is kid friendly, stroller friendly and bike friendly. There are no dogs allowed on this trail. This trail takes you down to the ocean, with a good possibility of seeing some seals!

Old Landing Cove Trail

Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff to Old Cove Landing Trail: Next up for a really great trail is this one at 10.1 mile loop. Rated at moderate, I assume due to the time it takes to distance. For the entire length, it gains an elevation of about 902 feet. This trail is also a no dogs allowed trail.

Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff and Old Cove Landing Trail


Helpful Resources:

My information came mostly from historical accounts in newspapers and a visit to the Wilder Ranch.


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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park https://californiastateparks.info/santa-cruz-mission-state-historic-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/santa-cruz-mission-state-historic-park/#respond Tue, 03 May 2022 21:54:43 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=2270 The original Santa Cruz Mission was built in 1791 and was located nearer to the mouth of the San Lorenzo river. This flooded in its first winter, so rebuilding commenced in 1793 at the location on the hill overlooking the surrounding area. Though there isn't anything left of the original Santa Cruz Mission, what you see there today was built in 1822 there is enough left to get a glimpse as to the daily life of those who built, lived and worked there.  Weather Forecast For Santa Cruz, CA: Quick Information:* Address: 144 School St   Santa Cruz, Ca 95060* Phone: (831) 425-5849*

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The original Santa Cruz Mission was built in 1791 and was located nearer to the mouth of the San Lorenzo river. This flooded in its first winter, so rebuilding commenced in 1793 at the location on the hill overlooking the surrounding area.

Though there isn't anything left of the original Santa Cruz Mission, what you see there today was built in 1822 there is enough left to get a glimpse as to the daily life of those who built, lived and worked there. 

Weather Forecast For Santa Cruz, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 144 School St
   Santa Cruz, Ca 95060
* Phone: (831) 425-5849

* Park Hours: 10AM-4PM

   Thursday-Monday
* Established: 1971
* Size:

* Elevation: 75

Day Use Fee:
Free/$5 for the weekend tour

Dogs:
In day use area only

Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes

Santa Cruz Mission ruins 1

A Very Brief History on Santa Cruz Mission:

The Mission movement started in 1529 with the arrival of the Catholic Church of Rome. Even though they were met with fierce opposition, they persisted. From Florida onward. They managed to build a total of 407 missions over the course of time, from 1529 up until around 1833. 21 of those missions are in California.

The Santa Cruz Mission was "founded" on August 28th 1791 by Father Fermin Lasurn. Eventually known as "The Hard Luck Mission", it was destroyed by flood, moved to higher ground, then plagued by disease, loss of the slave labor as they fled from terrible conditions and hard labor.

Then the governor of what was the Alta California decided to build a secular pueblo built by convicts from Guadalajara. They took many provisions from the Mission. In1818, a "pirate" by the name of Hipolito de Bouchard headed up the coast, hitting Monterey first. When word spread that he was heading towards Santa Cruz, the residents fled. While away, the Santa Cruz Mission was robbed by the men from the pueblo across the way. 

Numerous earthquakes only allowed this Mission to exist for about 130 years. Eventually the area went secular and all was lost at that point.

The Pirate?

Though Hippolyte Bouchard, whose real name was Hipolito Bouchard, did commit the things told in history...but he was not a pirate like the idea of Captain Jack Sparrow. He had been given authority to do his pirating. Originally from France, he was given citizenship in Argentina.

"Captain Bouchard was a corsair from the then very young free state of the "United Provinces of Rio de la Plata River," (direct ancestor of the present Argentine Republic). He was encharted from the government to have a legal "corsair license" against any property of the Spanish Empire all over the world."

Here is a great article on the types of pirates

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park; Map:

Santa Cruz Mission Map


What's there to do at the Santa Cruz Mission SHP?

We were lucky to have been in the area on a Thursday. This park is open 5 days a week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10AM till 4PM. When we went, there was a group of school children there.

There was only 1 person working at the Mission, so we weren't able to go into the gift shop as she was busy with their tour. They got to make candles and mud bricks. I believe that every hour a tour is conducted for anyone there visiting the Mission who would like a tour.

Santa Cruz Mission ruins 2

What will you see at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park?

So honestly, not much is left of all that was once there, and the last 200 plus years have not been kind. The church built around 1791 has long since become but a memory. A scaled down version of that church was built in the 1930s, and you can see it at the corner of School Street before you get to the Mission ruins. You can see it here.

Santa Cruz chuch rebuild

It seems that even before the Mission was built, there was life in the now Santa Cruz area. You can see below the floor, ruins from a time even further in history still exists.

Santa Cruz Mission ruins 4

Time behind the walls. Over the course of time, things changed. Walls where windows once existed, and windows where solid walls stood.

Archaeological room Santa Cruz


The native Indians, lived with their family members in these small rooms. Cooking on fires, eating, sleeping and spending what free time they were given.

santa cruz mission rooms

My Conclusion:

This park may be small, but it is a part of the building of California history. What is still there is well-preserved, and worth the time to visit. If you like history then this place, in the heart of Santa Cruz is something to see.

santa cruz making candles
Santa Cruz doscent

What's Nearby?

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Wilder Ranch State Historic Park
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium


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Informative Guide to Henry Cowell Redwood State Park https://californiastateparks.info/informative-guide-to-henry-cowell-redwood-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/informative-guide-to-henry-cowell-redwood-state-park/#respond Sun, 01 May 2022 04:24:43 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=2263 Henry Cowell Redwood State Park sits on the doorstep of downtown Santa Cruz. Yet is remote enough that you don't know that a busy little town is a mere 5 minutes away. The park is unique, as it is basically divided up into 3 separate and distinct areas. The campground with trails that leads over to the main park entrance. The first area is holding 107 campsites and 4,650 acres of wilderness. Then there is the Fall Creek Unit, truly a hikers delight. Henry Cowell Redwoods offers you and your family so many places to make memories. Weather Forecast For

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Henry Cowell Redwood State Park sits on the doorstep of downtown Santa Cruz. Yet is remote enough that you don't know that a busy little town is a mere 5 minutes away. The park is unique, as it is basically divided up into 3 separate and distinct areas. The campground with trails that leads over to the main park entrance. The first area is holding 107 campsites and 4,650 acres of wilderness. Then there is the Fall Creek Unit, truly a hikers delight. Henry Cowell Redwoods offers you and your family so many places to make memories.

Weather Forecast For Santa Cruz


Quick Information:


* Address: 2591 Graham Hill Rd
   Scotts Valley CA 95018
* Phone: (831)-438-2396
* Elevation: 648 feet
* Established: 1953
* Size: 4,650 Acres +

Who was Henry Cowell?:

The name behind this amazing park.

Henry Cowell was one of the Pioneers who could see that California is going to develop into one of the great states of the nation. Through their hard work, capitalist mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, they became one of the largest landowners of California at that time. Mr. Cowell started with ships, bringing cement from Belgium and fire brick from England which was put to use in the building of our largest cites from San Diego to San Francisco, Sacramento to Los Angeles. 

He acquired land with limestone deposits in the Santa Cruz mountains so that he could produce his own cement. Those limestone queries you can still see on the trails in Henry Cowell State Park today. 

Henry passed away in 1903, but his family and namely his son Samuel Henry “Harry” Cowell went on to give this first growth redwood land that you can now visit today to the county of Santa Cruz and to the people. For everyone to experience.

Henry Cowell

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Information:

Campsite Fee:
$35 a day

Day Use
$10 per vehicle

Pets:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times. Not on trails.

Showers:
Hot showers
(.25 per min.)

Potable Water:
Yes, many spigots around campground

Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
No

Let's Visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park!

If you are camping in the state park, then you will have access to not only Henry Cowell's locations, but you will also have access to any of the other parks in the Santa Cruz area owned by the state.

I will start with the campground info, then we can see what's going on at the Fall Creek location, where the big redwoods are!

Henry Cowell Same Park=2 locations

Campground:

A really great campground, you have 107 (though the numbers go up to 113) sites to chose from. All can accommodate tents of various sizes (which I will touch on shortly). And nearly all the pads can handle vehicles with travel trailers or motor homes of up to 35' in total length.

Be sure to get the pad size from reservecalifornia. The campground is consisting of 2 figure 8 loops divided between section 0-51 and 52-113.  

Campground Map:

Henry Cowell Campground

Campsites:

We are partnering with California Campground Authority on YouTube for an in depth view on nearly all the campsites at this State Park. 

RV Sites:

Most of the sites can accommodate an RV or vehicle with trailer of up to 35'. When you are looking into which sites can accommodate a rig, be sure to look at the "accommodations" section on each specific site on reservecalifornia. From there you can find detailed information on the length and width of each site. Plus any info should there be any low-hanging branches to know about.

Tent Sites:

Now, this is one of the best campgrounds for tent sites that we have visited so far. We have a 16x13 canvas tent, making us particular on what campground we can stay at. This campground really delivers! There are so many options for families or folks with big tents.

Huge Tent Henry Cowell Redwoods

Setting up our site.

Handicap Sites:

Henry Cowell State Park has some excellent options for ADA compliant campsites. All have large paved pads and the water spigot right next to the sites. They are also located directly by the restroom/showers.

ADA Campsite

Unique Sites:

From camping beneath the canopy of some fantastically humungous trees, or waking up to a canyon view. There are many choices in the way of diversity in this State Park.

Group Camping:

If you are looking for a getaway for a large or extended family or a reunion or even a large group of friend, then check out these campsites: 

They are sites 85, 81 and directly across from them is 108, 105 and 103. The first two are on the upper loop and the others on the loop below. But they are connected in between by a beautiful, open, but treed setting. Basically, if you wanted sites with privacy, these aren't them. But for an awesome get together, this would be a place to make memories.

Family Campsites
Henry Cowell SP family sites
Camping With A View:

As I stated before, some of these sites have very cool views. When we walked over to that side of the campground, I was stunned to see it. I have included a few sites and some photos for your viewing pleasure.

There are a few more than what I have posted here, but you can see more at the link for California Campground Authority.

Below you can see sites, 76, 78 and 80.

Site 76
Site 78
Site 78


Note:

Poison Oak

Campsite Features:

These campsites are really nice and, as is standard, they all have a nice picnic table, fire pit and a "bear box". Though there are no bears in this area, there are other critters just waiting for you to leave some tasty morsels. This campground has a "Crumb Clean Campaign". Leave no food out unless you are with said food. So it's convenient to store your food in the food storage bin.

Picnic Table

Picnic table Henry Cowell State Park

Fire Pit

Fire Pit Henry Cowell SP

Food Storage

Bear box Henry Cowell

Bathrooms/Showers:

One thing about this campground, not enough restrooms/showers. There is only one set of showers for the 2 sections. That is basically 8 showers for 107 campsites. Though when we were there, even though the sign said full, there were maybe 30-40 campsites with occupants. And now that so many people travel with trailers or in motorhomes, the showers aren't very busy. 

One night when I had gone alone to shower, I forgot my flashlight and I didn't realize until I had finished up and was headed back to camp. It was a long walk in the pitch black and a little unnerving. I lucked out when someone had turned on the marker lights on their vehicle. So even though I never had to wait for a shower, it was a long dark walk back to our site.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

This area of the park which is attached to the campground section is located 101 Big Trees Park Rd. Felton CA. It is located about 10 minutes down the road from the campground location. Unless, of course, you are hiking there, then you are able to access the rest of the park via the trails located within the campground.

This is the main area for traveling tourists, it's a great day trip if you are staying elsewhere on the coast between Monterey and Santa Cruz.

How to get there:
Driectiosn between the park

A Great Place For Families

With 3 younger children, we can appreciate the importance of kid friendly activities. Henry Cowell Redwoods really delivered to us and the kids. Humongous trees, stroller friendly trails, trees with awesome hidy-holes, a little creek, bee flies warming themselves in the sunlight and brightly colored banana slugs. We really recommend this park to families.

Henry Cowell Fall Creek Trails 2
Redwoods at Henry Cowell
Henry Cowell Self Guided Tour

Trails:

Henry Cowell offers a variety of trails inside the park as well as the Fall Creek location. Below the photos, I have listed just a few of the various hikes within the main area of the State Park.

Trail in Campground
Henry Cowell Fall Creek Trails

Day Use Area Hikes

Redwood Grove Loop Trail: 0.8 miles

henry cowell redwoods trail
Redwood Loop Trail

Less than a mile long, this trail is stroller friendly and ADA compliant. This trail starts at the visitor's center. I believe that you can purchase the self-guided pamphlets in the store for .25 cents, or you can click this link to download the PDF from home.

We really loved this trail for the kids, it is ADA accessible, which makes it very stroller friendly. Our children really had a wonderful time exploring. Even with a full parking lot, the trails are so large that you can still be alone. When we went there were some local schools on field trips really enjoying themselves. We encountered them briefly then had the park to, what felt like, ourselves.

Meadow Trail: 0.8 Miles one way

Meadow Trail

This trail starts at the day use entrance bridge, carries on behind picnic lots 2 and 4, then goes on to the main parking lot. Basically, once you come into the park and past the giants logs with the park name, you will cross a bridge. Or, I reckon, you would be better to start at the main parking lot and get to the trail, that way you have a place to park. 

River Trail: 1.6 miles one way

river trail

To get to this trail, you begin on the meadow trail then take the lower branch at the Y. It leads over towards the Visitor's Center and from there is follows the San Lorenzo River.

You can either stay on this and go under the Train Trestle Bridge, head down to Eagle Creek Beach, or continue on till the end at Ridge Road.

We took the upper portion of the  Redwood Loop Trail, then went back on the paved River Trail after heading down under the Train Trestle Bridge a ways. I like to never go the same way twice if I can help it.

Fall Creek Henry Cowell
Henry Cowell train tracks

I am unsure as to how much is paved, but all that we walked on was. It was very kid and stroller friendly.

The River Trail and the Pipeline Trail are on the same path for a lot of the journey.

Fall Creek Unit

Fall Creek Unit

After doing my due diligence, I found that it wasn't all that easy to locate the Fall Creek Unit on the maps. At least not in perspective to the other areas of Henry Cowell State Park. I was finally able to find the park lot for this location and a bit of information on it. There are a few trails you can wander on in the Fall Creek Unit, however I have listed only 1 below, which is the most popular. 

This area of the Henry Cowell State Park isn't like the main area. As, the main area is a very family friendly destination, where young and old alike can enjoy the redwoods. The Fall Creek Unit is more of a hikers' destination, very beautiful, but it's definitely a journey for those seeking some exercise in the great outdoors.

How To Get There:

From HWY 9, turn left at the Chevron at the corner of HWY 9 and Felton Empire Rd. From there you will travel a short distance, you will see the sign for the Fall Creek Unit. It is a smaller dirt parking lot, so be sure that you don't leave any valuable in your vehicle, as it is a bit secluded.

This portion of the park is 2,930 additional acres on top of the 4,650 acres of the main area. This part of the park is centered around the Fall Creek, which happens to be the tributary for the San Lorenzo River. 

Fall Creek to Lime Kilns: 3.3 Mile Loop

This trail starts out at about 400 ft elevation and climbs to about 800 feet over the course of 2 miles. Passing through redwoods, giant cedars and eucalyptus, this trail takes you to the once active lime kilns.

Lime Kiln

What's Nearby?

If you have some time to spend in the Santa Cruz area here are a few other parks to check out:

  • Wilder Ranch; step back in time to a 1800s dairy ranch.
  • Santa Cruz Mission; dating back to the 1700s.
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Countless beaches

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Visit The Historic Empire Mine State Park https://californiastateparks.info/visit-the-historic-empire-mine-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/visit-the-historic-empire-mine-state-park/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:12:00 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1660 Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in the historic town of Grass Valley, the Empire Mine State Historic Park is one of the most well-preserved gold mines in the United States. Sitting on 856 acres, this mine contains 367 miles of mine tunnels and 14 miles of some amazing dog friendly hiking trails.  Though there are many gold mines in Nevada County (some of them are within the Empire Mine State Park grounds), but the Empire Mine is the most well known and best preserved. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the beautifully kept grounds. And on a quick note, it

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Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in the historic town of Grass Valley, the Empire Mine State Historic Park is one of the most well-preserved gold mines in the United States. Sitting on 856 acres, this mine contains 367 miles of mine tunnels and 14 miles of some amazing dog friendly hiking trails. 

Though there are many gold mines in Nevada County (some of them are within the Empire Mine State Park grounds), but the Empire Mine is the most well known and best preserved. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the beautifully kept grounds. And on a quick note, it can even be rented for wedding ceremonies.

Weather Forecast For Grass Valley, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 10791 East Empire Street
   Grass Valley, Ca 994
* Phone: (530) 273-8522

* Park Hours: Summer 10am-5pm

                         Winter 10am-4pm
* Established: 1975
* Size: 856 Acres

* Elevation: 2500 - 2900

Day Use Fee:
$5 for 6 years and older

Dogs:
On Trails Only

Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes

Bourne Home Empire Mine

A Very Brief History, Gold and the Empire Mine

Back in the year 1850 as the story goes, a gentleman by the name of George McKnight and two associates found rock with gold in it, though this was the 3rd location to find gold in Grass Valley, this was the first one to draw the attention of the placer miners. 

It was at that moment the "Gold Rush" began in Grass Valley. This was just 2 years after gold was first discovered by James Marshall in Coloma, California. Known as Placer Mining or mining in stream beds. But this was the first hard rock gold found in California. 

In the same area where McKnight first found gold, many a miner dug what was called a "coyote hole", all with the thirst for gold. Because no one had mined for gold like this before, there was a lot of trial and error, and many miners lost everything they had and moved back to placer mining. Though money had been made by some, it wasn't easy, and it cost a lot of money to extract the gold from the quartz.

In 1869 the claim and land had been sold to William Bowers Bourn, Sr.. At that time the Empire really prospered. They held onto the mine until 1929. After that it was sold to the Newmont Mining Corporation, who happens to still own the underground portion of the mine to this day. During its time span, it and was one of the most profitable mines in the state of California and in the United States. It was mined for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operations ceased in 1956.

Empire Mine State Historic Park Map:

Empire Mine State Park Map

NOTE: The Dirty Business; 

If you need to use the restroom, there are 2 areas available in this park. One being in the parking lot and the second being some very, very clean portables down below the tennis courts.

EMpire Mine portable toilets
Empire Mine restroom parking lot

What is there to see at the Empire Mine State Park?

What can you do at the Empire Mine

From the pathway in, you are greeted with the Assay office.

Here is where the day's gold was weighed and given a dollar amount. During its time, the Empire Mines assay office would have been an incredibly busy place. When you go inside, you can get a glimpse of what it was like to work inside.

assay office Empire Mine
Empire Mine 1928(1)

Step Inside and Step Back Into The Past;

Inside the visitor's center you will find terrific information on the Empire Mine's history, its miners and what their life was like for them, the owners of the mine. Plus, you will get an excellent course in history when it comes to the actual mine when you enter the once secret area that holds the scale model of the inner workings of the Empire.

Below are some photos from inside the Visitors Center. The Gold Room holds some incredibly beautiful minerals and some very large pieces of gold.

Gold Room Empire Mine
Gold Room 2 Empire Mine
No Depression Empire Mine

The Bourn Cottage;

This beautiful home has withstood time itself. Though not the largest of the homes owned by the mining moguls, it is the best known. You can step inside with a guided tour to get a real feel for what life would have been like for them when they stayed at the Empire. 

Built in 1897, the home had all the amenities afforded to the family, including electricity. Costing $25,000 to build, it would be nearly $1,000,000 with today's inflation. The home was built with mine rock directly from the grounds.

Empire Mine Bourne Home


Bourne Home Empire Mine


Time to Reflect;

The reflection pool was at one time a place for gatherings. Though it was originally built as a reflecting pool, it was ultimately used for swimming.

Bourne home pool

By Invite Only;

To be on the invite list, you would have had to have been in the upper crust of society. By invitation only, you would have enjoyed your stay by playing games, tennis, swimming, strolling the grounds, cocktailing, dancing and eating. But, on that note, the mine just a few hundred yards away ran 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. Miners were not allowed to visit.

Game home

The industrial part of the park;

After passing some relics and ruins, homes of past employees, you enter into the working part of the yard. Smelter, machine shop and smithy. Everything that was needed to produce gold and keep the daily life was contained in this yard.

Stamp Mill Ruins
stamp mill Empire Mine
Empire Mine machine Shop

On most days at the Empire Mine State Park, you can find nice fellas like this one below showing their handing work at blacksmithing. He knew a lot about his craft and the historical use of a blacksmith shop at the Empire Mine. Plus, you can buy some handcrafted items made by one of these docents.

Smithy Shop Empire Mine

Now for the exciting part;

You can go down into the main shaft at the Empire Mine. It is a very unique experience and definitely a highlight of the tour. It is a pretty steep incline, but there are handrails on both sides. Once in there you can take in but a mere inkling of what these men did every single day.

Traveling on the skip at 6 miles per hour into the darkness. Listen closely, and you can hear a donkey bray, Cornish miners singing and picks chipping away at the earth below you.

If for any reason, you cannot physically go down the stairs into the mine, then you can view it via a window and a mirror to the right of the door. This will allow for a glimpse of the mine.

Empire Mine Main Shaft
Empire Mine shaft


*If your day is just for hiking, then here are a few of the trails available at the mine.*

These trails are free to access and parking is free also.

Hiking Trails at the Empire Mine

If your trip to Grass Valley includes your doggo, then this place has trails for you. One of the very few California State Parks that allows dogs on the trails, it can also be used for equestrian riders as well. There is a staging area for horses at the lower "Penn Gate". This is located on Empire Street, about 1/2 mile from the park's main entrance.

Hardrock Trail Loop; 2.4 mile loop

(Listed as easy, but I think that should be based on a person to person basis)

This trail is by far the most popular of all the trails, and you will encounter walkers, runners, horses and dogs. It starts out pretty flat but after a small downhill, it goes up for a bit. It will get your heart rate up. Furthermore, it's good for strollers until you get to the creek and head up the gnarly hill towards the main area of the State Park. 

If you are sans children, then this one should be a fine workout. It takes you though the parking lot and along the road back towards Penn Gate. It gets very narrow just after you pass the Bourn Cottage along Highway 174.

Hardrock Trail Loop

Conlon Mine Loop Trail; 2.8 mile loop

This trail starts out at the visitor center parking lot, heading to your left and going past the mine buildings and machinery. Head down the hill and across the creek. Once there, stay to the left in order to do this trail (if you go to the right, then you will end up at Penn Gate).

Conlon Mine Loop Trl


Osborne Hill Loop Trail; 2.4 miles but noted as a moderate hike

This hike is a lot like the Conlon Mine hike, but it takes the outer perimeter, basically paralleling it. However, it omits the area known as Ophir Hill Acres, making this one a bit more difficult but a little shorter in distance.

Osborne Hill Mine Loop

Ophir Hill and Historic Mines; 5.7 miles

This trail begins at the Penn Gate and takes you up towards the main Empire Mine parking lot, this portion of the trail is the Hardrock Trail. But it shoots off to the right as you ascend the hill taking you towards the Orleans Hill. The trail will wind up through the woods towards HWY 174 where you will cross it. From here the trail is a bit less traveled than the others inside the main portion of the park.

Once across the highway the trail then becomes the Lower Union Hill Trail. Stay on this trail and to the left, it then becomes Upper Union Hill Trail before becoming Indian Ridge Trail and down to Pipeline. This will loop you back to the Lower Union Trail and back to HWY 174.

Upper Union Loop

Be sure to map it before you go as there are a few offshoots from this trail. I'm not sure how good the cell service is there, I know that cell service is spotty by Union Hill School.

Ophir Hill and Historic Mines

What's Nearby?

Depending on the time of year when you visit, there are many things to do and see. During the summer months, downtown Grass Valley has a Farmers Market on Thursday evenings. Depending on the year, either Grass Valley or Nevada City hold a 4th of July Parade. In the winter, just after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley or Victorian Christmas in Nevada City.

About an hour away, you can go over the Donner Summit to see Donner Historical State Park and check out Alder Creek, or head over to Truckee for lunch before going to Lake Tahoe for the night.

Helpful Resources:

The Empire Mine is a favorite of mine, and I have been many times in my life. It's a great place to take folks who may be visiting from out of town. 

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Old Sacramento Historic Park Review https://californiastateparks.info/old-sacramento-historic-park-review/ https://californiastateparks.info/old-sacramento-historic-park-review/#respond Thu, 17 Mar 2022 03:41:28 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=2095 Located on the Sacramento River, this Historical State Park is worthy of a day trip. With over 50 shops, including restaurants set in the 1850s, you can walk the old streets and almost hear horse-drawn carriages. Old Town Sacramento has been so well-preserved that it receives visitors from all over the world. All coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of this Old Town. Weather Forecast For Sacramento, CA: Quick Information:* Address: Old Sacramento   Sacremento, Ca 94515* Phone: (916) 445-7387* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset* Established: 1971* Size: 296* Elevation:  Day Use Fee:Free/Pay to parkDogs:On leashWater:NoToilets:Yes A Brief History on Historic

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Located on the Sacramento River, this Historical State Park is worthy of a day trip. With over 50 shops, including restaurants set in the 1850s, you can walk the old streets and almost hear horse-drawn carriages. Old Town Sacramento has been so well-preserved that it receives visitors from all over the world. All coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of this Old Town.

Weather Forecast For Sacramento, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: Old Sacramento
   Sacremento, Ca 94515
* Phone: (916) 445-7387

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1971
* Size: 296

* Elevation: 

Day Use Fee:
Free/Pay to park

Dogs:
On leash

Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes

Historic Old TOwn Sacramento

A Brief History on Historic Sacramento

Prior to the arrival of immigrants, the area that is now Sacramento was inhabited by the Nisenan and Maidu tribes. Then came trappers and fur traders with the likes of Kit Carson and Jedediah Smith.

In 1839, a man by the name of John Sutter sailed to California. An immigrant from Germany with a desire to really make something of himself, by himself, after leaving his family, debt and life in Switzerland. Knowing how to wheel and deal, he acquired nearly 50,000 acres of land from the then Mexican Governor Alvarado as did many of California's early pioneers. This land ran from Sacramento all the way up past Marysville.

In the early days of the building of Sacramento, places of business consisted of canvas covered structures. Then eventually wood and brick buildings were built. There were 3 major floods during the mid 1800's that all but wiped out every building in its vicinity. It was voted upon to raise the level of the town.

Old Buildings Sacramento

In need of a mill to work lumber, Sutter had a mill created up in Coloma on the American River. Run by James Marshall, it was the birthplace for the gold rush of the 1840s. Placer gold was discovered in 1846 and by word of mouth people from all over, came in search of fortune in California.

There's gold in them hills!

And so it was done, wagon load by wagon load. The city was raised up 10 feet+ to the level you see it at and walk on today. The photo below is a painting from 1847. Notice how the city was at the same level as the river. Wagon load by wagon load, can you imagine?!

Historic Sacramento 1849

Hidden Gems of Old Town Sacramento

In such a well-preserved gold rush town, there are bound to be hidden gems that many folks don't see. They come to see the buildings, the Sacramento River, Sacramento Train Museum and to taste the food from places like Rio City Cafe or Joes Crab Shack. Some gems are in places many tourists don't look. 

Here are a few of them to keep an eye out for or to seek out (I will post a link to websites in the resources at the bottom of the post):

  • Take an underground tour. Head over to the Sacramento History Museum. Not only can you learn a lot about the beginnings of California's State Capital City, but you can also get tickets to tour the underground of Sacramento. In its early years, the Sacramento River would rise and flood the town. So to eliminate the risk of losing everything time and time again, the town was built up. They also offer Paranormal Tours if that's something that might tickle your fancy.
  • If you are in front of the Train Museum, look straight across. You will see a little food joint by the name of Dannys. Its excellent, hot and fresh, but that's not what I'm pointing to. Just to the right of Dannys you will see a set of stairs leading to some dining or shops below. Well that down there, is how far below the current street level, the original street level used to be! This town has really been built up!
  • Pioneer Park. When you find this little park, be sure to stop for a moment and take in what used to be. Once the city market and butcher shop. In its beginning, it was made of wood and brick. Then it turned from 1 story to 4. You can see the columns that many businesses would have used to add elegance, it is reminiscent of ancient Rome. 
Pioneer Park Sacramento

Old Sacramento Historic State Park Map:

Old Sacramento State Historic Park Map

Famous Historical Events in Sacramento

From its beginning to even now, California has been a place where things happen. Here are some folks and events that have either come from here or made their name into the history books in our Golden State.

Pony Express Sacramento
  • Leland Stanford 1846: Originally from New York, Leland made his way and his fortune in California. One of the "Big Four", he was a railroad tycoon. Being a major player in the Transcontinental Rail road. Which, in fact, started its line in Old Town Sacramento. He also became the 8th Governor of California.
  • John Sutter: Though John Sutter may have been the first Caucasian to settle into Sacramento, he is ultimately known for "Sutters Fort" built beginning in 1841. This fort would eventually be a waypoint for pioneers after they made their way over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
  • Transcontinental Railroad: The Southern Pacific line and the beginning of the first train line to cross the western half of the United States had its beginning in Old Town Sacramento.
  • The Pony Express, 1861: In the early days of mail service, men would ride horseback across the America. Service from the state capitol of California began in Sacramento and ran to Missouri. The first journey was done in 10 days! That is an amazing feat!.
  • The First Transcontinental Telegraph was transmitted to the Pioneer Telegraph Building at 1015 2nd Street. At this moment in time, the Pony Express became a thing of the past.
  • Fire of 1852: This fire consumed nearly 80% of the town, which at that time was mostly wood timbers and linseed oil covered canvas. One of the now historic survivor is The Lady Adams Building. It not only survived the fire, but also the flood of 1861. You can see it at 119 K St. Sacramento
Sacramento fire 1852

What's there to do at Old Sacramento SHP?

Easily, you could spend half a day wandering Old Town Sac. We always start our visit with a stroll down the old wooden boardwalks. Checking out what's new in the way of businesses or restaurants. Some businesses have been there for decades and many come and go. So you never know what may be there. Here is a list of some of the old faithfuls, the businesses that have made it through the ups and downs.

  • Evangeline's Costume Mansion; if you visit Old Town Sacramento, then you must visit Evangeline's. From quirky tees, handbags, buttons, keychains to some very cool and very eclectic clothing. If you want a novelty item or something just different, then this if your kind of store. Located at 113 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Sacramento History Museum; this place is a must not miss. It's a true gem of old time Sacramento. They have really been able to preserve many items and display them for everyone to see.
  • California State Railroad Museum; we adore this place and became members on our first visit. If you live close to Sacramento and enjoy history and or trains, then this is the place for you. Very cool trains to see, and the volunteers are always very friendly.
  • Ride the train on the Sacramento River; if you are visiting on Friday through Sunday, then you can catch a ride on the rails. Get your tickets in advance to guarantee that you get a set. They also offer a few themed train rides during the holiday seasons. (NOTE: The bathrooms right by the train station are really unfit for families. So be sure to use the one near the ticket booth before you go to the line for the train.)
  • Eat! There are some great options to chose from, if you are looking for a meal or a snack.
Sacramento Sweets Old Town Sacramento

What's Nearby?

If you want to continue with your historical tour of Sacramento, then you have many places to pick from.

  • California State Capitol
  • Governors Mansion
  • Leland Stanford Mansion
  • Sutters Fort State Historic Park
  • Historic Old City Cemetery
  • Walk to Downtown under I5. From this walkway you can walk over to the California State Capitol and to many other eating options.
Downtown Old Town Sac walkway


Helpful Resources:

From our numerous visits, I have been able to get much of my information. But I did obtain a bit of the historical info from the Sacramento History Museum. 

NOTE: You will need to pay to park in Old Town, you can do it via an app ParkMobile. This was feels a bit more secure than putting your card into the meter.


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MacKerricher State Park Guide https://californiastateparks.info/mackerricher-state-park-guide/ https://californiastateparks.info/mackerricher-state-park-guide/#respond Sat, 12 Feb 2022 17:54:06 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1867 One of the most popular State Parks in Mendocino, MacKerricher State Park has so many things to offer. From whale watching, seals, historical train trestles, camping and nature preserve. All of this contained within the 9 miles of California Coast. Weather Forecast For Fort Bragg: Quick Information:*Address: 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437* Phone: 707 964-8898* Elevation: 45 feet* Established: 1949* Size: 9 miles of Coastline MacKerricher History:Originally the land, now known as MacKerricher State Park, was known as El Rancho De La Laguna. It was purchased by Duncan MacKericher and his wife Jessie in 1868. Though Duncan and

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One of the most popular State Parks in Mendocino, MacKerricher State Park has so many things to offer. From whale watching, seals, historical train trestles, camping and nature preserve. All of this contained within the 9 miles of California Coast.

Weather Forecast For Fort Bragg:


Quick Information:


*Address: 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
* Phone: 707 964-8898
* Elevation: 45 feet
* Established: 1949
* Size: 9 miles of Coastline

MacKerricher History:

Originally the land, now known as MacKerricher State Park, was known as El Rancho De La Laguna. It was purchased by Duncan MacKericher and his wife Jessie in 1868. Though Duncan and his wife died in the mid 1920's, the land was run by the MacKerricher family until it was deeded to the state of California for use as a park in 1949.

Laguna Point is still there, and it may be possible today to still see anchor pins and holes that once held pier pilings used for loading ships with lumber. Now, Laguna Point is a place to watch whales from during the winter months. 

MacKerricher SP map

Campsite Fee:
$45 a day

Day use:
Free

Pets:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times

Day Use at MacKerricher State Park:

Laguna Point

If you decide to visit the actual MacKerricher portion of the park, there is parking for day use. When we went there in December, it was closed as storms in late October had taken out a portion of the haul road. But previously you could, and probably can now, drive over to Laguna Point which is the day use area.

We did see a 40ft motor home headed out to park at Laguna Point, but honestly I was unsure if they would be able to navigate the turns. Its a bit narrow. Call over to the visitor center to ask them if there is parking for large rigs.

When we were there while the road out to Laguna Point was closed, we parked over in the Cleone Campground and walked the trail over to the beach. It basically put you on the same road to Laguna Point, but at the time it was closed to vehicles.

Campgrounds: 

MacKerricher SP Campground map

Showers:
Hot showers
($1 for 5 min.)

Potable Water:
Yes, many spigots around campground

Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
Yes

MacKerricher offers a multitude of different sites for your choosing, with a total of 153 sites over 4 different camping areas.

Cleone: Sites 1-20

Cleone Campground tent pad

This area is the group area and consists of 20 sites, cabins as well as some sites have tent platforms.

East Pine: 21-59: PHOTOS COMING SOON

The East Pine Campground is for tents only and no generators are allowed.

West Pine: 60-107

MacKerricher beach trail

West Pine Campground can accommodate RVs, trailers and motor homes. This area is open year round and fills up quickly as many folks come through Fort Bragg in their rigs. There are trails located in each of the beachside campgrounds that can take you to the ocean. Some of the sites on the West Pine are located just a dune away from the ocean.

Surfwood: 108-143: COMING SOON PHOTOS

Surfwood: 1-10 for Walk-in only

What is there to do in MacKerricher?

Glass Beach:

Glass Beach Pool

Between 1906 and 1967, the area now known as Glass Beach, was once the tow dump site. As shocking as that would be, especially in today's time..what we have been left with is some of an amazing seaside attraction.

As the ocean waves crashed into what was the town dump, the glass that was thrown up was smashed and rounded and softened over many decades.

You may see many websites on this beach showing huge pieces of glass, but that isn't the case anymore, not to say that you couldn't score but. It has been picked through and since this area has become a part of the California State Park system, they say it is illegal to take anything from the beach.

Though there isn't nearly the amount there was once was, it is still a great place to take the kids to see what can be found. Access down to the beach is pretty easy if you stay to the right as you head out there. 

Glass Beach glass
Noyo Headlands Park Glass Beach

At the parking lot for Glass Beach, there is a restroom available. I am unsure as to the cleanliness of it, but it seems it was a very busy restroom. I did observe some folks look in then turn to see if the other side was cleaner.

Pudding Creek Trestle:

Pudding Creek Trestle MacKerricher

The Union Lumber Company built the 10-mile-long train trestle in 1916, When Mendocino County was in its height of its lumber industry. The train replaced the old ways of hauling the logs out to ships via horsepower. Between Fort Bragg and 10-Mile River were 42 logging camps. In fact, these camps were around dating back to the mid 1800's and ran from Navarro River and on up to Westport Union Landing. 

The railroad ran from 1916 until 1949, when it was replaced by a haul road which ran for 8 miles along the coast. This was the main transportation for logging trucks until 1983.

Today the old train trestle, turned haul road, turned walking path is a wonderful place to get a birds eye view of Pudding Creek and the Pacific Ocean. Just down the street from Glass Beach you can park right at the beginning of the bridge, many folks enjoy watching the unobstructed sunset view from this location.

Pudding Creek Beach Hours

NOTE: There is one single portable toilet at this location. When we visited in early December, it was spotless.

But when we were there in mid-July, it was incredibly nasty. People had stopped using the toilet and were just using the inside of the restroom.

Pudding Creek restroom MacKerricher


Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dune Natural Preserve:

This area located in the MacKerricher State Park has been set aside as to preserve these last remaining ecosystems located in the state of California. The dunes, which happen to be one of the last remaining pristine dunes in our state. Though the train trestle turned haul road did pass through there. Plans are in order to continue to remove the haul road and any non-native species.

The fen that is located in Inglenook is the last remaining fen in the state. A fen is a peat forming ecosystem, also known as a mire. This area along with the dunes is home to migratory birds that are listed as declining, the Western Snowy Plover. If you are a bird watcher, then this is the place to go during your stay at MacKerricher.

Lake Cleone:

MacKerricher Lake Cleone

Before the haul road was built to replace the train trestle, Lake Cleone was fed by the ocean, forming a tidal lagoon. Once the haul road was installed, Lake Cleone became a 30 acre fresh water lake. Today, you can go out on the lake in a non motorized vessel, like kayak or canoe.

The lake does have a 1.3-mile trail that can take you completely around it. And if you are licensed or under 16, you can fish for bass in Lake Cleone.

Let's Take a Hike

There are a few hikes in the MacKerricher State Park worth doing. Check out below the few I have listed.

Haul Road Hike:

Walk the old haul road; Glass Beach to MacKerricher

Haul Road

5.5 miles round trip. From Glass Beach to Laguna Point in MacKerricher this trail takes you along the original path that once hauled some of the largest redwood trees as they headed to Fort Bragg Mill. This road is washed out in a few places, but it is still navigable. 

Ka Kahleh Trail: 4.9 miles round trip; easy and paved.

Ka Kaleh Trail

From Glass Beach and south to nearly Noyo inlet. So technically, this one begins in MacKerricher. It is nearly 5 miles total and paved. This one is great for strollers!

MacKerricher Beach:

MacKerricher Beach Hike

The hike from MacKerricher will take you a bit under 8 miles round trip. Hiking the California coast through Inglenook Fen 10 Mile Dunes over to 10 Mile River. The trail isn't super well-marked and there is potential to damage one of the last remaining untouched dunes in California. It may be best to try staying along the beach for this hike. You may get to view the Snowy Plovers or seals.


Helpful Resources:

If you would like to view more information on MacKerricher, check out some of these resources.

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Van Damme State Park Guide https://californiastateparks.info/van-damme-state-park-guide/ https://californiastateparks.info/van-damme-state-park-guide/#respond Wed, 05 Jan 2022 03:24:25 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1770 The Van Damme State Park sits on the California coast just below the historic town of Mendocino in the town of Little River. In the 1,831 acres you can find Van Damme Beach with its gentle waves, a canyon of ferns called Fern Canyon and a Pygmy Forest. You can camp, kayak and hike within this gem of a state park. Named for Charles Van Damme who was born in the town of Little River in the year 1881. He left the property as a place for townsfolk to recreate. Though he passed away before he could see what became of

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The Van Damme State Park sits on the California coast just below the historic town of Mendocino in the town of Little River. In the 1,831 acres you can find Van Damme Beach with its gentle waves, a canyon of ferns called Fern Canyon and a Pygmy Forest. You can camp, kayak and hike within this gem of a state park.

Named for Charles Van Damme who was born in the town of Little River in the year 1881. He left the property as a place for townsfolk to recreate. Though he passed away before he could see what became of the land, it carries his namesake today.

Weather Forecast For Mendocino:

Quick Information:

 Address: 8125 US Highway 1
   Little River, CA 95456
* Phone: (707) 937-5804

* Elevation: 65 feet
* Established: 1934
* Size: 1,831+ acres

Campsite Fee:
$45 a day

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Pets:
Allowed on leash but never on trails

Showers:
Hot showers
($1 for 5 min.)

Potable Water:
Yes, many spigots around campground

Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
Yes

Van Damme State Park

Van Damme State Park Campground:

This state park offers a few different options in camping. There are three different camping areas, pretty much something for everyone. There are three different areas to camp in. The campground is open year round except for the Upper Loop Sites, they are closed during the winter season. 

During the summer time, this campground is pretty busy, so you will want to make reservations in advance. That can be done through reservecalifornia.com.

Van Damme State Park Campground Map

Campsites:

What Kind Of Camping Can I Do

Handicap Sites:

Though I believe that there are ADA sites, I do not recall which ones they are. But in the lower loop, many of the sites are paved. 

Campsite 6 Van Damme

Unique Sites:

Along the road to the right of the visitor's center, you will see some really beautiful campsites. Sites 14-30 all have their own unique set up. Some are small and wouldn't be able to accommodate much more than a small tent (sites 26-30 are for tents only). But they are within the lushness of the fern canyon. It's a bit cooler and damp back in there. 

Van Damme SP Hike Bike Camping
Van Damme SP environmental camping

There is also hike and bike in camping as well as primitive sites located way out back in Fern Canyon, or about 2 miles from the trailhead. Though as of right now, the environmental (primitive) sites are closed until further notice.

Van Damme campsites

Campground Features:

As with most of our beautiful state parks, this one offers the same amenities at the campsites. A picnic table, a food box and a fire pit. Surprisingly, during the fire season, the campgrounds on the coast still allowed their campers to have campfires. Which if you have ever been camping, you know how important it is to be able to have a campfire to cook on and for heating. Not to say that will always be the case, but it was during the camping season of 2021.

If you are using the group campsites, and you need to use a Campfire Center, then this is the place to do it. Their campfire center is incredibly stunning. Moss covered and nestled in the hillside. This campfire center is found very near the trailhead to Fern Canyon.

Van Damme State Park Campfire Center

Bathrooms/Showers:

In and around the campground you can find 3 different places to shower. They are all pay and will run $1 for  minutes. There are also 7 different restroom locations including the one located at the beach area. 

Van Damme State Park restroom campground
Van Damme SP campground restroom 2
Van Damme State Park restroom

Van Damme State Park Map

Van Damme State Park Map

Day Use Area:

Van Damme State Park offers a couple options for day use. The beach is one of the best and is free, but you can also day use at this state park and enjoy a hike through the lush fern canyon.

There is also another area that was more recently acquired by the State for inclusion in Van Damme State Park. It is the Spring Ranch Property, located just north of the beach on highway 1.

Van Damme Beach:

Van Damme State Park aerial view

Little River runs into the Pacific Ocean at Van Damme State Beach. It varies from season to season, but Little River can at times reach into the ocean. It's pretty cold in the winter time but incredibly refreshing in the summer. You may also spot many birds enjoying the crisp water as it travels into the ocean.

Van Damme State Park Little River 1

Van Damme Beach is by far one of, if not the easiest beach to access off of Highway 1. This makes it a pretty popular place, especially during the summer season, but even in the off season people still drop in for a nice photo opportunity.

Van Damme SP sand

There is a foot washing station and shower right at the entrance to the beach, and this sand is pretty sticky. So it makes for an easy way to clean your feet before putting your shoes back on.

This beach is very popular during abalone season and scuba diving in general. At any time you can see a dive buoy tethered away from shore. I have actually seen folks stop by for a quick swim. The beach, specially on the right side, is pretty gentle for a northern California coastal beach.

Van Damme SP shower

Kayaking Van Damme:

The cove at Van Damme Beach is a perfect opportunity to set out in a kayak. You can always bring your own and venture out to the sea cave, or you can go with a tour. Those trips run $80 per person and last for about an hour and a half. Check out Kayak Mendocino for more information. 

Van Damme SP kayaking route

Trails in Van Damme State Park:

This park offers hikes for everyone, though most of it is very shaded and can be muddy at times. But do not let that detour you, many of the hikes are easy and are stroller accessible.

Fern Canyon - 8 miles - Moderate

Fern Canyon Trail map

Though this trail is listed as a moderate level hike, but most folks said that it was only for one hill in. The entire trail for the 8 miles has an elevation gain of about 700 feet. There are multiple bridges to cross, and the river follows a good stretch of the trail. This trail is accessed through Van Damme State Park all the way to the back. To park in the park, it is $8 (which isn't much for what you get to experience)

Old Logging Road-Fern Canyon Loop - 4.4 miles - Moderate

Old Logging rd to Fern Canyon Loop map

Located off of Little River Airport Road, this hike starts you at the Pygmy Forest and takes you into the Fern Canyon.

Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail - .02 miles

Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail Map

Also located off of Little River Airport Road, the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail is an interpretive trail. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible and very easy. If you have school age children, this could be a great opportunity for them to do a little learning while on a short walk through the Pygmy Forest.

Spring Ranch - 4.2 miles

Van Damme SP Spring Ranch Trail

This hike, through a newer portion of Van Damme State Park, offers some great oceans views. To access the trail, park just past the Inn at Cobblers Walk on Peterson Lane. This is just north of Van Damme State Park and Beach. There can be coyotes in the area, so be sure to keep your kids close and your dog on a leash. If you are lucky you may get to see some seals on the beach below. 

Scuba Diving Van Damme:

Van Damme cove is a favorite for scuba divers as it is a more gentle area of the California coast. Easy in and easy out. Though there is no further abalone season until 2026, it is still a great way to spend a day.

A Little Nod to Charles Van Damme:

Without the forethought and generosity of Charles Van Damme, we would not have this stunning park to visit.

Van Damme 1929

Helpful Resources:

After visiting Van Damme State Park a number of times this year, I gathered quite a bit of info on my own research. But I will include a few links for further information.

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Jack London State Historic Park https://californiastateparks.info/jack-london-state-historic-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/jack-london-state-historic-park/#respond Thu, 16 Dec 2021 03:15:17 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1584 A true Renaissance Man. Jack London was not only a man of many interests, but he was also a man that pursued them with every ounce of his being. Many people will have known of Jack London through his novels such as Call of the Wild, The Sea Wolf and White Fang among his more popular writings. You probably read them in school, but it's when you revisit them as an adult is when you can really take in his writing. But what many do not know about Jack London was his passion for life and to live every minute of

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A true Renaissance Man. Jack London was not only a man of many interests, but he was also a man that pursued them with every ounce of his being. Many people will have known of Jack London through his novels such as Call of the Wild, The Sea Wolf and White Fang among his more popular writings. You probably read them in school, but it's when you revisit them as an adult is when you can really take in his writing.

But what many do not know about Jack London was his passion for life and to live every minute of it to the fullest. At Jack London State Historic Park, The Ranch of Good Intention or also known as Beauty Ranch, you can see some of what Jack was so passionate about. His ranch in Glen Ellen California is a tribute to his passions and his pursuit of a life well lived.

Weather Forecast For Glen Ellen, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 2400 London Ranch Road
   Glen Ellen, Ca 95442
* Phone: (707) 938-5216

* Park Hours: 9am to 5pm
* Established: 1959
* Size: 1565 acres

* Elevation: 612

Day Use Fee:
$10

Dogs:
On leash only historic areas

Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes

Jack Londons Dream

When Jack London purchased the seven first parcels that would be Beauty Ranch, he vowed to make better use of them than the men who had come before him. Ranch of Good Intentions or Beauty Ranch was the only place that Jack placed his roots down. He  came from modest roots, he had been a factory worker, seal hunter, a prospector. He was also a world traveler, a self-taught sailor, an author, a journalist, and an agriculturist. 

When you visit Jack London State Historic Park, you can get a good glimpse of what he envisioned for his land and for agriculture. This park, though it's not the largest of our state parks, it has a lot to see. There is so much California history here.

Jack London State Historic Park: 

Jack London State Historic Park Map

Jack London Cottage:

 Jack and Charmian lived in the cottage while the Wolf House was being built. The cottage was originally built in the 1860's and was purchased by the couple along with more land and with Kohler and Frohling Winery buildings. When the Wolf House was destroyed by fire in 1913 the couple expanded the cottage to accommodate them on a permanent basis. 

Jack London cottage 6
Jack and Charmian at the Cottage

The photo below is Jack London's office of sorts. Located inside the cottage, this is where Jack spent time writing, not just his stories, but he also spent time in here doing his farm managerial duties. 

Jack London library
Jack London Office Historical

Winery Ruins:

The winery ruins that you see today actually once consisted of a bunkhouse. This building was dated to the same time as the cottage and was also a part of the Kohler & Frohling winery.

This was basically a lodge that had small rustic rooms. Families would stay in them to enjoy all that Beauty Ranch had to offer. It was that way until destroyed by fire in the 1960s.

Kohler & Frohlings
Jack London winery ruins
Jack London winery bunkhouse

The winery ruins are now available to rent for events. They were setting up for a concert when we were there. The Valley of the Moon (now Jack London Park Partners) receive a portion of the fees, this goes into preserving the park. Since they took over the park in 2012 under the California State Park system, they have been in charge of raising funds to make this park what it is today.

Jack Londons Dream Home: Wolf House 1910-1913

Jack London Wolf House 2

This was to be Jack dream home. It would have 15,000 square feet with 26 rooms and 9 fire places. On August 22nd, 1913 there was a fire, the entire home was lost except for the stone walls. This broke the author, it was said that he never really got over the loss, though he and Charmian did move on and added onto the cottage.

Wolf House Jack London architectural drawing
Wolf House Ruins

House of Happy Walls Museum 1919

The House of Happy Walls was built for Charmian London and Eliza Shepard, Jacks half sister. Both women continued to maintain and grow the ranch. Plus their duties included the continued legacy of Jack London and his writings. Eliza passed away in 1939 while Charmian continued on until her death in 1955. The House of Happy Walls in now an interactive museum.

House of Happy Walls Jack London

The Death of Jack London and Grave Sites:

Jack London trail sign
Jack London Death No

In 1907 Jack London and Charmian set off on what was to be a 2-year sailing voyage. It would be one to take them around the world. Setting off from the San Francisco Bay, they headed to Hawaii, where they spent five months before heading out to the South Pacific. They spent nearly the whole two years traveling, living and enjoying life and new adventures.  

However, it wasn't all roses. Jack ended up with malaria, psoriasis, a fistula in his rectum, severe inflammation on his hands, and he and the crew ended up with a kind of flesh eating ulcer disease called Yaws. For this, he was treated using mercury chloride as antibiotics were not a thing at that time (1908). 

The mercury chloride use for his skin ulcers (yaws) would prove to be his demise. As the mercury would go straight to his blood stream from his open ulcers. From there it would settle in his kidneys.

Jack London Cottage 4
Jack London cottage 3

He would be sick from that time until his death November 22nd 1916 at the age of 40. Jack London died in the cottage in the closed in porch. His life, though short, had been lived to the fullest.

Jack Londons grave gate

Jack London had known from the beginning of his life on the ranch that he would be buried on the property. The same year London was born, 1876, 2 pioneer children were buried there on the land that would eventually become his Beauty Ranch. He felt a closeness to them and knew he would be buried near to them. His ashes are buried there under a large rock that was taken from the Wolf House.

Jack London grave ashes

The Many Ventures and Legacy of Jack London

During his life on Beauty Ranch, Jack London pursued many methods of agriculture as well as animal husbandry. From eucalyptus to cactus. From breeding pigs and cattle to breeding Shire Horses. 

Pig Palace:

Even though other farmers at the time couldn't exactly see the genius in Jacks piggery, it did not matter. This was an innovation in such a way that one care taker could manage all the pigs. Each had their own living space and the food was stored in the center. Because of the loss of Wolf House, Jack insisted that this building not have any wood included in it's building.

Pig Palace

Pig Palace

pig palace

Eucalyptus:

Jack London tried many new things on his ranch. Eucalyptus was one of them. Though it failed in what his goal was, the trees that you will see there today are a testimony to Jacks never ending quest for diversifying his ranch.

Eucalyptus Jack London


Jack London Eucalyptus


Stallion Barn:

This particular building was built in 1915 and it housed Jack and Charmians stallions. After Jacks passing, Charmain and Eliza continued all ranch operations. Charmian was a horse woman, she loved riding and continued to do so throughout her years.

Jack London Sherry Barn

I couldn't post all the buildings and things to see on the property as there are so many. Jack London lake and dam, Fern Lake, the orchard and many others. During the spring time this part is bright with wildflowers and deserves a good days worth of time to be able to explore everything there is to see. 

Helpful Resources:

Visiting the Jack London State Park was my main resource. I also spoke with people who worked there, as well as the historical library and newspapers. 


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Westport-Union Landing State Beach Guide https://californiastateparks.info/westport-union-landing-state-beach/ https://californiastateparks.info/westport-union-landing-state-beach/#respond Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:43:24 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1716 About 15 miles out of Fort Bragg, north on Highway 1 you will come across some of the most beautiful coastline of California. Pass through Westport, a town that used to employ about 400 people at it's height in 1900 but is now a very small and quiet historic coastal town. On up 2.5 miles to 3 miles of beach and 3 campgrounds that now make occupy what used to be Union Landing, a town that only consists of maybe a handful of original structures. If you aren't coming to camp, at least stay for the sunset. It is truly

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About 15 miles out of Fort Bragg, north on Highway 1 you will come across some of the most beautiful coastline of California. Pass through Westport, a town that used to employ about 400 people at it's height in 1900 but is now a very small and quiet historic coastal town. On up 2.5 miles to 3 miles of beach and 3 campgrounds that now make occupy what used to be Union Landing, a town that only consists of maybe a handful of original structures. If you aren't coming to camp, at least stay for the sunset. It is truly spectacular. 

Weather Forecast For Westport, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 25000 Hillshore Dr.
   Westport, CA 95488
* Phone: (707) 964-4406

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: ?
* Size: 3 miles of beach

* Elevation: Approx. 80 feet

Day Use Fee:
$10 per vehicle

Dogs:
Allowed on leash.

Potable Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes, pit

Camping:

Westport-Union Landing consists of 3 separate primitive campgrounds. You have the first one at the top, Howard Creek in the northernmost, Abalone Point southernmost and Westport Union Landing right in the middle.

There are a total of 86 campsites for you to chose from and these are on a first come, first served basis, so no reservation are available. All camping fees are $35 per night, even in the off season. And there are discounts for disabled folks as well as some senior discounts, but I wasn't sure on the particulars about that. 

Westport Union Landing Abalone Point Camping Info

All the campsites are very open and visible to everyone in the campground, and they are also a bit close together. But what it lacks in privacy, it more than makes up in the scenery. From December through February, you have a good chance of spotting migrating gray whales.

Plus, the off season has relatively very few folks camping. When we went at the end of November, there was maybe 1 campsite taken at the Westport location, 2 at the Howard Creek location and the Abalone Point is closed for winter season.

When we were there in July it was very busy with most sites taken, but on a first come, first served basis it's probably easier to find a spot there than down the coast closer to Fort Bragg and Mendocino. 

Facilities:

These are basic and primitive sites. There are spigots located, but I'm not sure of each location. So be sure to pack in enough for drinking and cooking. There are pit toilets at each campground, but these are super basic. Like the breeze will be coming in basic. There are no showers.

All campsites do have picnic tables and BBQ pits, but there are no food boxes available like most other State Park campgrounds. 

Westport Union Landing Abalone Point restroom

Dogs:

Dogs are allowed on leash at all times. And be sure to bring doggy cleanup baggies, so you can leave it clean for the next campers.

What Kind Of Camping Can I Do

Campgrounds:

Howard Creek, as the name implies, has Howard Creek running into the ocean at the location. This is the furthest north location and has a lookout point and picnic tables on the bluff overlooking where Howard Creek and the Pacific Ocean meet. If you want to get down to the ocean from here, then you will have to wade through Howard Creek. It's not deep, but it's definitely chilly. 

Howard Creek Campground

The beach at Howard Creek also shares the exact same location as the portion of beach for the Westport Union Landing campground location. The trails basically face each other.

Westport Union Landing State Beach Howard Creek

This would have been an awesome place to view the sites from. Unfortunately, when we were there, the handrail had fallen off. I'm unsure as to how long this has been like that for. There is a single stall pit toilet restroom at this location, and no showers or running water.

Westport Union Landing State Beach Howard Creek overlook closed

The view of the Westport Union Landing Beach and campground. You can just see Howard Creek in the lower portion of the photo. And across the way on the hill, that trail is the trail from the other campground. This beach was absolutely amazing. It was seriously our favorite location so far on the California coast. 

The beach was the beautiful black sand. And the creek would disappear under the sand and pop up elsewhere before heading into the ocean. The tide pool had loads of sea anemones, mussels, larger and smaller crabs and some rock fish.

In the off season, you won't find more than a handful of people, if that. We had the entire beach to ourselves. It was such a wonderful time.

Westport Union Landing State Beach Howard Creek overlook

Abalone Point is the first campground that you will come to if heading up from Fort Bragg. It does close in the off season, but there are plenty of camping spots at the other two locations.

Abalone Point
Westport Union Landing Abalone Point
Westport Union Landing Abalone Point campground

The road below used to take you to the day use area for Abalone Point beach access. But the road has apparently dropped off to the sand below it. So as of November 2021, there is no beach access from this location.

There is a State Parks road closure notice at the beginning of the road. However, I did see a few people parked there who had hiked down to the ocean. I'm not sure what the trail was like, though.

Westport Union Landing Abalone Point road washout

Westport Union Landing State Beach and Campground. This was the current day use parking for Abalone Point since there was no real beach access available. This is also the middle campground when heading from either direction.

Just like the other two sites, it only has a pit toilet, barbecue pits and picnic tables. I did see a camp host at this location, so I am not sure if there was also one at Howard Creek. They were not at their camper when we visited. 

Westport Union Landing State Beach

Here are the campsites at Westport Union Landing location. They look very much like Abalone Point but less grass overall. Still the same stunning views. In the right-hand photo, you can see the Howard Creek access point and just out of view is the really easy trail down to the sand.

Westport Union Landing State Beach campsites
Westport Union Landing State Beach trail to beach

What's Nearby?

Depending on your direction, you can get to Fort Bragg and Mendocino if you head down Highway 1. If you head north, then you will go through some redwoods before hitting Leggitt and Highway 101. There is a small store in Westport where you can grab something to drink and a bit of food.

Helpful Resources:

I got all of my information from my visit to Westport Union Landing. So no links will be provided for this one. 

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Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve https://californiastateparks.info/montgomery-woods-state-natural-reserve/ https://californiastateparks.info/montgomery-woods-state-natural-reserve/#respond Sun, 05 Dec 2021 01:28:18 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1669 Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a complete hidden gem that was established in 1945 for the purchase price of $69,000. This park sits on 2,743 acre park is located down the narrow, twisty and curvy Orr Rd just outside Ukiah. Or if you are coming from highway 1 in Mendocino then its about an hour drive. Either way, this park has about 80 acres of virgin first growth redwoods that should not be missed.  Weather Forecast For Ukiah, CA: Quick Information:* Address: 15825 Orr Springs Rd   Comptche, CA 95427* Phone: (707) 937-804* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset* Established: 1945* Size:

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Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is a complete hidden gem that was established in 1945 for the purchase price of $69,000. This park sits on 2,743 acre park is located down the narrow, twisty and curvy Orr Rd just outside Ukiah. Or if you are coming from highway 1 in Mendocino then its about an hour drive. Either way, this park has about 80 acres of virgin first growth redwoods that should not be missed. 

Weather Forecast For Ukiah, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 15825 Orr Springs Rd
   Comptche, CA 95427
* Phone: (707) 937-804

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1945
* Size: 2,743 Acres

* Elevation: Approx. 730 feet

Day Use Fee:
Free

Dogs:
Allowed on leash in parking lot only.

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes, pit

About Montgomery Woods:

Montgomery Woods SNR

The written history of the area is as old as the state of California, if not older. The land is named for Andrew and Elizabeth Montgomery. The property they owned consisted of 647 acres, though they didn't personally have much interest in the way of preserving the redwoods. From what is recalled from descendants of Mr. Montgomery, he sold most of his portion of the land in 1865 for a mere $500 and a "span of mules".  The first parcel of land given to the state parks was 9 acres from Robert Orr in 1944 as a memorial to his mother. Another portion of land was donated by E.A. Sinclair, though the records of exactly where and how much was given is lost to time. 

As you come down into the hill, you can feel a change of temperature. Above the forest, you see rolling green hills with stunning views. When we were there in November it was warm at about 70 degrees on the top of the hill at about 2500 feet in elevation.

But upon the descent into the redwood canyon, the misty fog appeared in the road. It was magical. The temperature dropped to a chilly 50 degrees and the road grew moss in places due to the constant dampness. This dampness causes the ferns to thrive, like something out of Jurassic Park.

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
Montgomery Woods 1

Montgomery Creek runs along Orr road and feeds Orr Hot Springs on your left (if you're coming from Ukiah). The hot springs have been in use by pioneers dating back to at least the mid 1800s due to the healing properties. Plus, who doesn't love a dip in naturally hot water out in nature. With a story from 1899 about a get together where one woman caught a 15 pound steel head.

Facilities at Montgomery Woods:

This state park is pretty basic when it comes to amenities. There is no running water, so be sure to bring your own. There is no cell service once you are down in the park. And if you are headed to Mendocino, you won't have cell service till you are almost to highway 1. There is one single stall pit toilet, which was ok. Cleaner than some other park restrooms but not the best.

Montgomery Woods restroom

Dogs:

As with many of our state parks, this one is no exception. No dogs are allowed in this nature preserve as to protect any flora and fauna. However, I did see people there with dogs on leash walking the trail.

What Can I Do At Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve?

Though the park isn't tiny, being it's over 2,700 acres, there is only 1 main trail inside the park and 1 other just outside the main area of the park. In order to preserve the old growth redwoods, this has to be the way. Redwoods are susceptible to major damage should the dirt around their base become compacted. In 1996 a tree was located within the park that was declared to be the tallest tree in the world. Given the name of Mendocino Tree, it measured 367.6 feet tall, or five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty.  

Montromery Woods trail bridge

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve Map:

MontgomeryWoods map

Trails:

Montgomery Woods park

Montgomery Grove Trail: There are only 2 trails for Montgomery Woods. The main trail and the most known is in the park. The Montgomery Grove Loop Tail is just under 2 miles. As it heads away from the road the trail can be a little steep but levels out, and you get to enjoy multiple redwood groves in the park with detailed signs.

Montgomery Grove Trail

Montgomery Woods North Side Trail: This trail below is lesser known and is a newer trail acquired by the Save-The-Redwoods-League. This trail is 1 mile in and out, ending at private property, so care needs to be taken to not trespass. Though a bit overgrown, it gives us another area to encounter some large first growth redwoods. 

Montgomery Woods North Side Trail

What's Nearby?

This park is located about 12 miles from Ukiah and about 17 miles from Fort Bragg. Though those 17 miles take an hour to drive. Orr's Hot Springs are still in use and are the only other attraction nearby.

Helpful Resources:

I found a majority of my research via historical newspapers and my visit there with my family. The information is hard to come by for some of these State Parks, I would like to keep some of their history alive.

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Robert Louis Stevenson State Park https://californiastateparks.info/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park/#respond Sun, 14 Nov 2021 01:45:13 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1597 From the time that Robert Louis Stevenson spent in Napa county and especially Calistoga, a lot has change and some has not. Mount Saint Helena still stands, and you can still follow in some of the footsteps of the famed Scottish author. Starting with just 200 acres in early 1944, this land was obtained to secure a piece of California history for all to visit.  Weather Forecast For Calistoga, CA: Quick Information:* Address: CA-29   Calistoga, CA 94515* Phone: 707-942-4575* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset* Established: 1944* Size: 5,272 Acres* Elevation: Approx. 2044 feet Day Use Fee:FREEDogs:NoPotable Water:NoToilets:NoRobert Louis Stevenson in Calistoga:After

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From the time that Robert Louis Stevenson spent in Napa county and especially Calistoga, a lot has change and some has not. Mount Saint Helena still stands, and you can still follow in some of the footsteps of the famed Scottish author. Starting with just 200 acres in early 1944, this land was obtained to secure a piece of California history for all to visit. 

Weather Forecast For Calistoga, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: CA-29
   Calistoga, CA 94515
* Phone: 707-942-4575

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1944
* Size: 5,272 Acres

* Elevation: Approx. 2044 feet

Day Use Fee:
FREE

Dogs:
No

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
No

Robert Louis Stevenson in Calistoga:

After spending time meeting and getting to know the locals, the couple made their way over to the Schramberg estate. Enjoying the wine cave and the many, many variety of wine offered by their friend Jacob Schram. You can see the California State Historical Marker #561 located at the Schramberg Winery.

As their funds began to wind down, Robert and his new wife Fanny relocated to an abandoned mining camp on the side of Mount Saint Helena called Silverado, per the recommendations of locals. At the time when he was there though the mine was no longer in operation but it hadn't been long before 1880 (when he and Fanny were there) there had been a town of roughly 1,000 people. It had a Main St., homes and businesses just like any other mining town.

At about 1 mile in on the trail, you will come across what is left of the ruins of the "cabin" where he and his bride set up camp. In the year 1911 the Club Women of Napa County erected a marker in the shape of a book in order to preserve the location. The basics were all they could get up there, so they made due with a cabin of sorts and a bed of straw. For the outside they created a place to relax out of mine tailings.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park memorial 1

What Can I Do At Robert Louis Stevenson State Park?

Mount Maint Helena is located in the Mayacama Mountain range which is in total 52 miles long. The total height of this mountain 4,342 above sea level, so there is occasionally snow during the winter months. Most of the trails in the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park are listed as moderate to hard in their difficulty. But if you have the ability to hike to the summit, the views are breathtaking.

There are multiple miles of trails within the state park, ranging from 3 miles to nearly 20. Nearly all trails are designated for foot traffic only but there is another trail designated as bike that begin outside the park boundaries. 

Keep in mind that this in an "unimproved" state park. As in there are no restrooms, no water on site and no trash service. Also, dogs are not allowed in this park.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park Map:

RLSSP map
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park 2

Oat Hill Mine Trail:

The trailhead is located on HWY 29 just past Silverado Tail and Lake street if you are heading North. It's approximately 14 miles out and back and has an elevation gain of 2,417 feet. It's rated as moderate but from the reviews many folks thought it was a moderate+.

Even though the State Park says no dogs, it appears that loads of folks do indeed bring their 4-legged friend along. Just be sure to pick up after your pet if you decide to bring them.

From this trail you can see what is left of a homestead that belonged to Karl Gustav Holm during the late 1800's. There is so much history in Napa and Lake Counties.

Oat Hill Mine Trail map


Mount Saint Helena Trail:

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

The trailhead for this hike is on the top of HWY 29 heading out of Calistoga, just past the switchbacks. The trail is 9.3 miles out and back, and most people said this one would be a moderate hike. After you get through the forest and the single track trail, it opens up to a fire road all the way to the summit. 

Mount Saint Helena Trail

Table Rock:

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park 3

The trailhead is located on the other side of HWY 29, across from the trailhead to Mt. St. Helena peak. It is 4.4 miles out and back and most considered this one a difficult trail, with little maintenance a little ways in. 

Table Rock Trail

Table Rock to Palisade to Oat Hill Mine Trail:

A distance of roughly 20 miles out and back, this trail has the notoriety of being a difficult trail to hike but totally worth the scenery. The trail head begins at the top of 29 just the same as the Table Rock Trail, but it continues onto the Palasades and down to Oat Hill Mine...then back if you are up to it.

A few folks noted that the trail can be a bit confusing, so be sure to upload a map of the hike through Alltrails before going. If you do the return hike, be prepared for an intense gain in elevation as you are going from the bottom of the mountain all the way back up to the top. Bring loads of water!

Table Rock and Palisades to Oat Hill Mine trails

Bay Area Ridge Trail/Robert Louis Stevenson/Lower Oat Hill Mine:

This trail begins at the bottom of the mountain in the same spot as the Oat Hill Mine trail. It is considered a difficult and technical trail for mountain bikes. It is about 8.6 miles and has an elevation gain of 1,925

Robert Louis Stevenson to Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail

Stevenson Memorial Trail:

The Stevens Memorial Trail is a short jaunt from the trail head at the parking lot on HWY 29 in the Robert Louis Stevenson SP. It's approximately 3 miles in total, and it takes you to the memorial that was dedicated in 1911 and on past the remains of the Silverado Mine. It is a high trafficked trail, and it's listed as moderate. 

Stevens Memorial Trail

What's Nearby?

This park lies on Mount Saint Helena, just above Calistoga, the town of St. Helena and its neighboring town of Napa. It is also in proximity to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which has a campground with cabins and yurts and the historic Bale Gristmill. There are plenty of Bed and Breakfast, Inns and Wineries that offer a great place to stay and just enjoy yourself after a nice day hike.

Helpful Resources:

Though we didn't hike Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, we have passed by it numerous times on our way over HWY 29. I learned a lot about it during my research, and I found it quite interesting in its history. Plus the photos I saw were stunning, it looks like a hike that is worth the view alone. 

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Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park https://californiastateparks.info/bale-grist-mill-state-historic-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/bale-grist-mill-state-historic-park/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2021 03:57:03 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1530 In the year 1846 Dr. Edward Turner Bale of London, England decided that his 17,000 acres of land needed a grist mill. So, in exchange for 600 acres of that land, he hired on Florentine Erwin Kellog to build it. The constructing of the mill took about a year and was completed in 1846. Though Dr. Bale died only 3 years later in 1849, the mill still carries his name to this day. Weather Forecast For Calistoga, CA: Quick Information:* Address: 3315 St. Helena Hwy   Calistoga, Ca 94515* Phone: (707)-942-4575* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset* Established: 1971* Size: 5 Acres Total*

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In the year 1846 Dr. Edward Turner Bale of London, England decided that his 17,000 acres of land needed a grist mill. So, in exchange for 600 acres of that land, he hired on Florentine Erwin Kellog to build it. The constructing of the mill took about a year and was completed in 1846. Though Dr. Bale died only 3 years later in 1849, the mill still carries his name to this day.

Weather Forecast For Calistoga, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 3315 St. Helena Hwy
   Calistoga, Ca 94515
* Phone: (707)-942-4575

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1971
* Size: 5 Acres Total

* Elevation: 334

Day Use Fee:
Free/$5 for the weekend tour

Dogs:
In day use area only

Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes

What is a Grist Mill?

A grist mill grinds grains into flour. Back in the mid to late 1800s and before Napa was known for being the wine region of America, it was the second-largest producer of wheat and grain for our state. Wheat, corn oats and barley were all ground into flour to make breads of some sort.

The grist mill was also, in many towns, the main place to gather, and it would be been considered the town square. A miller would grind the grains brought in by individuals or farms. They would then either sell them, use them or store them. 

In many cases a creek would have been dammed to create a pond or sort of water holding tank. This would then be controlled as to be able to turn a water wheel that would rotate to crush the grains. At the Bale Grist Mill there was a water pond known as Mill Pond, it is now dry, and you can see it when you take the hike from Bale Grist Mill  to Bothe-Napa Valley SP.

Back in the day, in order to break the wheat from the chaff they would lay down the harvest in a round pen. Then they would drive wild horses in, causing them into a circular frenzy, all the while crushing the wheat and breaking it loose from the straw plant.


Bale Grist Mill 3

A Brief History on Bale Grist Mill

After Dr. Bale passed away in 1849 the mill was passed onto his wife Maria. With mounting debt left by her husband, of the 17,000 acres granted to him by the governor of Mexico only 1,550 was left as Maria had to make good on many a debt incurred by her late husband. Maria sold the mill their eldest daughter and by 1860 she had sold the grist mill to Ralph Ellis. 

Mr. Ellis made upgrades not only to the mill, but to the buildings as well. He upgraded to a steam driven engine for use when the creek was low, and he added a hall to the mill warehouse. This became a sort of epicenter for local pioneers during its time. Used by the Good Templar and other ventures of entertainment. This was said to have been a place where the younger folk would meet, and they say that many a romance may have begun there.

After the property passed from Ellis, it had 2 additional owners, Captain W Sayward and then Mr. Lyman. Mr. Lyamn upgraded the mill with water powered turbine. The last time the mill was used was in 1879.

"Great praise is due to Mr. Lyman for his efforts to preserve the almost solitary relic of Napa Valley pioneer days. The old mill is silent now; its sound is forever hushed. For a third of a century, the wheel has not turned on its axis. The men who furnished the grist have nearly all passed over to the Great Beyond, and the old mill wheel is overgrown with ivy, and crumbling to decay, a mute but eloquent reminder of a historic bygone period, the likes of which the American continent will never witness again." This quote comes from 1907 from the son of Mr. Kellog.

late 1800s
1921 Bale Grist mill
1930 grist mill

After Mr.Lyman passed away, his widow donated the property and the mill to the Native Sons of Napa County on September 27th 1923. In 1941 the Native Sons deeded the land to the county. Then in the early 1970's the state acquired the mill with the hopes to restore it. In 1972 the site had become listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. By 1974 it had officially become a California State Park and restoration work began to take shape by the complete dismantling of the mill. By 1988 the Mill was grinding again. Over the next couple of decades, the state has painstakingly restored every part of the grist mill. And every year they still celebrate Milling Day with activities.

Napa Valley Register
Milling Day 2000

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park Map:

Bale Grist Mill Map


Bale Gristmill 4

What's there to do at Bale Grist Mill SHP?

This small but historically significant park hosts tours every Saturday and Sunday for a well worth it $5. If a private tour is your thing, one can be arranged with the Napa Outdoor District for $100, they are really friendly so give them a call. There is also the hike from the grist mill over to Bothe-Napa Valley SP, which is about 2 miles in total. This trail is not suitable for strollers.

Bale Gristmill day use area
bale gristmill

What's Nearby?

The Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park in basically a park within a park as it is located in the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park system. Nearby, you can go wine tasting or take a hike in the Robert Lewis Stevenson State Park. Take a drive over to the town of Bodega or visit the coast.

Helpful Resources:

My information came mostly from historical accounts in newspapers and a little from the California State Park website.


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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park https://californiastateparks.info/bothe-napa-valley-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/bothe-napa-valley-state-park/#respond Sat, 06 Nov 2021 16:25:00 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1409 Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located about 5 minutes north of St.Helena in the town of Calistoga. This park consists of nearly 2,000 acres and was purchased by the State of California in 1960 for the sum of $376,000. There is a lot of history on the grounds and surrounding Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. This land was the original site for the first built church in the Napa Valley, it was known as White Church and was dedicated November 13th 1853 by pastor Asa White. The church burned to the ground in the early 1900's, but the small cemetery is still

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Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located about 5 minutes north of St.Helena in the town of Calistoga. This park consists of nearly 2,000 acres and was purchased by the State of California in 1960 for the sum of $376,000.

There is a lot of history on the grounds and surrounding Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. This land was the original site for the first built church in the Napa Valley, it was known as White Church and was dedicated November 13th 1853 by pastor Asa White. The church burned to the ground in the early 1900's, but the small cemetery is still there. And there had been a time when the State of California parks and recreation had plans to rebuild the church for historical purposes, but I'm not sure if that is still a thing.

The land was also owned by the Hitchcock family and then inherited by their daughter Lillie Hitchcock Coit. The inheritance and the sale of the property to the Bothes was the funding for the Coit Tower in San Francisco. Money left to the city for beautification from Lillie known as "Firebelle Lil".

Weather Forecast For Calistoga, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 3801 St. Helena Hwy
   Calistoga, Ca 94515
* Phone: (707)-942-4575

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1960
* Size: 2000 Acres Total

* Elevation: 334

Day Use Fee:
$8

Dogs:
On leash in day use, campground only

Potable Water:
Yes

Toilets:
Yes, at various locations

Day Use Area:

The day use area at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is pay only access. As it is with many of our state parks, but with this one, you cannot do a drive through without paying the day use fee of $8 at the time of this post. 

The day use area of the park is really huge. It has loads of picnic tables as well as individual BBQ pits. Those may or may not be open depending on when you visit and the possibility for fire danger.

Bothe Napa Day Use Area

This California State Park is one of two in the state park system that has a swimming pool. This pool dates back to the early to mid 20th century, when the property was known as Paradise Park.

The pool is open for a short time from Memorial Day through to Labor Day. For anyone with disabilities, this pool also give you access to a pool lift for ease of pool entry and exit. 

There are also restrooms and showers available right across the parking lot from the pool. Which is also right next to the campfire center.


Bothe Napa Swimming Pool

Bathrooms:

There are 2 bathroom areas located inside the campground. Both are in very good condition and both area ADA compliant. That includes the showers as well. 

Restrooms and showers are single person and are not shared with anyone else, you can enjoy a bit more privacy here. Which for us is great because we bring our kids everywhere. The ADA stalls for showering are really huge.

Bothe-Napa Valley restroom

Dogs:

As with all or most California State Parks, dogs are allowed in the campground and in the day use area, but they are not allowed on the trails.

Water:

There is drinking water available at the restrooms as well as at spigots throughout the campground and park. Also at the restrooms, there are outdoor sinks with great water pressure.

What Can I Do At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park?

With this State park being so close to not only the wineries of Napa and St. Helena but to the Pacific Ocean, there are a great many varieties of things to do. But for this portion we will look at what is in the park itself. 

This park has about 10 miles of trails, with a few of them taking you along historical routes. There are also trails for which you can bring your horses on as well as mountain bikes. During the summer months after a nice hike you can use the historical swimming pool to cool down in as it can get very warm, into the upper 90s to low 100's.

There are 45 tent and RV sites, 1 group site (which was closed at the time of writing this), 10 yurts and 3 cabins.  There are no hookups at this campground.

Napa Valley State Park Self Registration Fees
Self Registration Napa Valley State Park

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Map:

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Map

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Yurts:

This is the only state park to offer yurts. We stayed in the one below. It was an excellent alternative to setting up a tent. There are 10 yurts in total to chose from. In the first loop of the state park is where you will find the larger of the yurts. These can accommodate 6 people. These are numbers 22, 24 and 26. They come with a queen size bed and 3 cots. The other yurts are available in the second area of the park and can only hold 4 people as they are quite a bit smaller.

This one we stayed in would have been handicapped accessible, as it didn't have any stairs leading to it. However, it was a bit uphill getting to it, but no big deal at all. It was pretty hot when we went, so it was necessary to open up the windows, and it can get pretty hot in the yurt during the daytime. We spent our days exploring, so it wasn't an issue for us.

Bothe-Napa Yurts
Yurt Camping
Bothe-Napa yurt #22

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Cabins:

Another really cool alternative to tent or even RV camping is the cabins. There are 3 cabins, and they are located in the second loop of the campground. These are fully furnished, aside from bringing your own linens and cooking supplies.

Bothe Napa Cabins
Bothe Napa Cabins Interior

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Campsites:

The campground is divided up into two loops. The first loop is more of a chaparral, madrone and manzanita in the landscape. The second loop is a bit more hilly and has some redwoods and sequoias. The campsites are really spaced apart well enough that you get a feeling of privacy. They all have fire pits, pantry storage and picnic tables.

When we were there, there was a ban on fires. We were allowed to have our propane BBQ as well as a propane fire ring pit. So that was great for us, as a lot of campgrounds don't allow any sort of heat or flames when they ban fires.

Bothe Napa Disabled Camping Site #42
Bothe-Napa Camp Site Large

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Walk-in Campsites:

The walk-in sites were very nice and off the main campground loop. They were pretty large and a couple of them could accommodate a very large tent.

Walk In Campsites

Bothe-Napa Valley SP Trails:

There are 10 trails in total within the park. Most are offshoots from main trails, giving you options on creating lengths and loops. I have included maps for the trails that are used more frequently.

Redwood Trail

is 3.0 miles out and back with a 419ft elevation gain.

Redwood Trail

Coyote Peak

4.7 miles and its considered a more difficult trail as it has about a 1000 ft elevation gain. 

Coyote Peak Trail Map


South Fork and Spring Fork:

These trails both connect to Coyote Peak via the Upper Ritchey Canyon Trail. 

South Fork and Spring Trail Loops


Ritchey Canyon and Coyote Peak:

This trail is approximately 6 miles. The upper Ritchey Canyon trail leads to the Traverso homestead dating to the 1880s. There is a State Park marker at this site but sadly it has been stolen. From what I could find, Traverso Biago died of starvation in 1890 as he, his wife and remaining family of 4 lived in a "shake shack" in what was known then as Hitchcock Canyon.  

Ritchey Canyon and Coyote Peak
to the Traverso Homestead

This map shows the option to head outot the Traverso Homestead site. In total the mileage is a little over 7 miles.

Pioneer Cemetery/History Loop

This very easy loop trail takes you to the Pioneer Cemetery where once stood the White Church built by Asa White. Headstones still stand, but the church has been lost to time. I didn't include a map as it's a very easily identified loop.

Bothenapa History Trail Cemetery Loop
White Cemetery Pioneers

History Trail to Bale Gristmill State Park:

2.3 mile (loop) but really it's out and back. We took this trail and although it was said to be an easy hike, it literally started straight up hill and didn't end for a while. It leveled out for a very short time before climbing again.

The landscape was beautiful, even with the fire scarred trees. There was an area where it started to descend and there must have been a few hundred of large dragonflies zooming in and out, that made it magical. 

Trail to Bale Gristmill
Bale Gristmill History Trail


Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Visitor Center

This historical building was built in the 1850's by George Tucker. You will see many of the Tuckers buried in the Pioneer Cemetery. When we were there in September 2021 it was unfortunately closed. But I have been told that it will reopen to the public again. I hope that when we go back we will be able to see the inside of this piece of California history.

Bothe-Napa Valley Visitor Center
Bothe-Napa visitors center

What's Nearby?

This state park is in the heart of the Napa Valley. You can even catch a shuttle bus from the park to the city of St Helena for dinner and a stroll through town. Within a 45-minute drive, you can be at the Pacific Ocean on the Russian River. Jack London State Park is also about 45 scenic minutes from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. If you're up for something on the wild side, you can have an animal encounter at Safari West, about 25-minute drive.

Helpful Resources:

I gathered the information for this article from a couple of different sources, as well as visiting it with my family. The Bothe Napa Valley State Park is managed by Napa County Regional Park, they have been a great resource, and I was able to find some valuable information from them. They do a noteworthy job of taking care of this historical park.


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Jug Handle State Reserve Overview https://californiastateparks.info/jug-handle-state-reserve/ https://californiastateparks.info/jug-handle-state-reserve/#respond Wed, 29 Sep 2021 22:27:00 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1349 Jug Handle State Reserve was added to the California State Park's extensive list of park properties in 1976. This particular location is composed of 776 acres and offers a unique look into the historical ecology and geology of the California coastline. It is located about 5 miles north of Mendocino in the village of Caspar. With hiking, coastal access and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Jug Handle State Reserve is not only an enjoyable spot to spot, but it is also educational. Weather Forecast For Mendocino, CA: Quick Information:* Address: HWY 1   Caspar, Ca 95420* Phone: (707) 937-5804* Park Hours:

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Jug Handle State Reserve was added to the California State Park's extensive list of park properties in 1976. This particular location is composed of 776 acres and offers a unique look into the historical ecology and geology of the California coastline.

It is located about 5 miles north of Mendocino in the village of Caspar. With hiking, coastal access and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Jug Handle State Reserve is not only an enjoyable spot to spot, but it is also educational.

Weather Forecast For Mendocino, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: HWY 1
   Caspar, Ca 95420
* Phone: (707) 937-5804

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1976
* Size: 776

* Elevation: Approx. 41 Feet

Day Use Fee:
FREE

Dogs:
Allowed on leash

*see below

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes, portable

Day Use Area:

Jug Handle Reserve

All the Jug Handle State Reserve is a day use area only, there is no camping at this park. But even though there is no camping, there is plenty to see here. The highlight of the park is the 2.5 miles (one way) Ecological Staircase Trail. The park is open for visitors from sun up till sun down.

Vehicles and Bathroom: 

Jug Handle parking lot

The parking lot located right off of Highway 1 in the town of Caspar. This parking lot does tend to get fairly full, so I would recommend coming earlier in the day. It is a free to use park. Located in the parking lot is the portable toilet, it is handicapped accessible and when we went it was very clean.

Dogs:

There are dogs allowed in the park on a leash, down to the beach and on the coastal trails. Dogs however are not allowed on the Ecological Staircase Trail. Per the state parks site, basically dogs are allowed on the trail to the west of HWY 1 and not on the trail that goes under HWY 1 to the east and along the Jug Handle Creek.

What Can I Do At Jug Handle State Natural Reserve?

Though it's not a large park, you can spend an easy 30 minutes here to half a day hiking or at the beach. Walk to the seashore bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean or hike into the reserve along the Ecological Staircase. You will see forests that do not exist anywhere else in the world.

Jug Handle ecological staircase sign
jughandle sp

Trails:

Jug Handle ecological sign

There are a couple of different trails located at this park, but they are not very well-marked. The photo below shows the main trail sign, but beyond that with meandering off shoots it's not always clear which path to take. If you take the path towards the Pygmy Forest with the Ecological Staircase, that one is only slightly marked better. Once you reach the head of the stairs, it's easy after that.

Headlands Loop Trail:

jug handle trail to coast

The trail does become pretty visible, but there are some side shoots and I was unsure as to where these went to. There are no signs beyond the main trail sign. I did take the stroller, but it was quite narrow. If I had known, I would have brought the baby carrier.

Beach or Stairs:

jug handle trails

This clearly worn trail can either take you on a steep ascent to the beach or on the main trail to the ecological staircase. Heading to the right or (east) will take you through this dark tunnel and towards the highway 1. The trail goes through the dark overgrowth of trees and heads under highway 1. It's a bit narrow trail and I wouldn't recommend taking a stroller on it.

Jug Handle beach

Before you get to the highway under crossing, there is a trail that leads down to the beach. I would recommend this one if you have kids. Though it's not the easiest to get kids down, it's better in my opinion than the first beach trail. The beach here is great for kids as it's not busy, so you may have the whole place to yourself or just a few other people.

Jughandle trail 2

Jug Handle Creek, seen below the Highway 1 bridge. This is the creek that runs into the Pacific Ocean at the beach.

Jughandle ecological staircase

Top of the Ecological Staircase, this is the beginning of the ascent into a beautifully preserved nature trail. The stairs are steep, so I don't recommend trying to take smaller children, though it was done by our 4 and 6-year-olds. This trail in total if you take the entire length there and out will be a bit over 5 miles. Its shaded most of the time and its flat once you get down the stairs. 

Jug Handle nature trail


Ecological landmarks #1-#6

In 1998 the State Parks made a printable PDF as a self-guided nature trail experience. The #1-7 of the interpretive information is for the Headlands Loop. #8-40 are for the Ecological Staircase Trail. If you are looking to learn more about the trail and what you are observing, then I recommend that you print this up before heading out. Its also a great resource for school age kids learning about the flora and fauna in the Jug Handle Reserve. Some plants or trees that you will see only exist here and nowhere else in the world.

Jug Handle nature sign

What's Nearby?

This park is in proximity to many of the northern coasts state parks. Within the Mendocino coast you will find parks with the redwood of the Navarro River Redwoods Staet Park just south to the wind swept beaches of MacKerricher State Park about 20 minutes north up highway 1. Stop in at Mendocino or head up to Fort Bragg. The Noyo Harbor has some delightful eateries there.

Helpful Resources:

COMING SOON

  • Link 1
  • Link 2
  • Link 3
  • Link 4
  • Link 5


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Point Cabrillo Light Station Guide https://californiastateparks.info/point-cabrillo-light-station/ https://californiastateparks.info/point-cabrillo-light-station/#respond Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:43:19 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1250 Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is just a skip up the beautiful California Highway 1 only 4 miles from the town of Mendocino. The lighthouse itself and all the other historical structures are on just shy of 300 gorgeous state park acres. This State Park came into being later than most other historical areas, starting in 1991-1992. Before that, many years were spent by many people trying to save this Preserve and Historical Light Station from developers. Basically, what you see today was saved by many volunteers and organizations local to the Mendocino area. It wasn't until 2002 when the

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Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is just a skip up the beautiful California Highway 1 only 4 miles from the town of Mendocino. The lighthouse itself and all the other historical structures are on just shy of 300 gorgeous state park acres.

This State Park came into being later than most other historical areas, starting in 1991-1992. Before that, many years were spent by many people trying to save this Preserve and Historical Light Station from developers. Basically, what you see today was saved by many volunteers and organizations local to the Mendocino area.

It wasn't until 2002 when the State of California Department of Parks took over responsibility of the park. This is also the same year when rehabilitation began on the 3 light keepers houses, as well as 3 additional outbuildings.  A few of them can even be rented as vacation rentals for that ultimate unique experience! 

Weather Forecast For Fort Bragg, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 13800 Point Cabrillo Drive
   Mendocino, Ca 95460
* Phone: (707) 279-2267

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1991-1992
* Size: 296.5 Acres

* Elevation: Approx. 57 feet

Day Use Fee:
FREE

Dogs:
Allowed on leash

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes, flushing

Day Use Areas (Upper & Lower):

There are two main day-use areas at The Point Cabrillo light station, one is located in the upper parking lot where most people will park and contains the visitor center and bathroom area. There are large trees up here to provide nice shade with a few picnic tables sprinkle throughout.

There's also another day use area that has multiple picnic tables down by the light house area, which gives a great view of the coast and the ocean, the lighthouse and the Nature Preserve area.

This is a much better day use area than the upper parking lot area, and there are also bathrooms located fairly close by behind the first assistant light keeper's house.

Point Cabrillo Light Station Map

Trails:

There are 2 ways down to the light station. When facing the ocean, you can walk the paved path down to the left of the parking lot. This path is paved all the way down and is approximately 1/2 mile each way. There is a bit of a hill on the way back up, but its a really enjoyable walk.

Cabrillo Light Station Trails

If you go to the right side of the parking lot there is an "unimproved" trail, but it is used a lot so no worries that you are heading out on an unbeaten path. It is approximately 3/4 mile. Both trails are stroller accessible with a jogging stroller for the unimproved trail.

Vehicles:

All vehicles will be parking in the day use area in the upper lot. But if you carry a disabled placard, then you have the option to drive all the way down to the light station. There are 4 or so spots available in the lower lot across from the East Lightkeepers house which is also the vintage era museum.

Bathrooms:

In the upper lot at the Visitor's Center, there are 2 restrooms available. Once you make it down to the lighthouse area, you will find that right behind the Museum, there is another restroom available. This photo is the Visitor's Center with the restrooms which are located at the upper parking lot.

The restroom down by the light station was once the detached garage for the First Assistant's Home, also built in 1909. A lot of work went into converting this once dilapidated garage into 2 handicapped accessible restrooms.

Kearn Farmhouse-Visitors Center

Dogs:

The Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is unique in the fact that dogs on leash are allowed in the park. Keep in mind that they are allowed on trails and not in the historical structures, except for the Second Assistant Light Keeper's Home, which is a pet friendly vacation rental.

Water:

I did not notice any drinking fountains or areas that sold water, so if you are planning a trip to the lighthouse, I recommend bringing your own water as it is quite a long walk and a slight incline on the way back. The town of Mendocino is close by, and you could grab water there or head up to Fort Bragg, which is a little further but a lot more shopping options are available.

What's There To See At Point Cabrillo Lighthouse?

This State Park was such a surprising and enjoyable place to visit. There is a lot to see in the preserved history of the light station and the buildings but also in the nature preserve surrounding the entire area. 

Cabrillo Light Station Buildings

The Early Days of Point Cabrillo:

The area of Point Cabrillo sits just on the north end of the town of Caspar and a few miles even further north of the town of Mendocino. Named Point Cabrillo for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who was said to be one of the first explorers of the California coast.

The area had always been seen as a potential site for a light station going back to 1873, but it was a contender with the area of Caspar as another potential place for the very much needed station. 

April 11 1908 Point Cabrillo

After the earthquake of 1906 that hit the Bay Area, the final approval for the light station was approved on June 20th 1906. Once the approval came, the land was purchased from local rancher David Gordon for a sum of $3,195 which today would be roughly $90,000.

The original land amount that was purchased was only 30 acres. Construction began on the light station, the three light keepers homes and a barn (the barn no longer stands and was used as a fire exercise building by the local fire department due to its state of deterioration).

Historical Buildings:

There are a number of historic buildings still standing on this property, though I am not exactly sure of how many. It seems that about 10 of the 15 of the buildings had been built in the early 1900s.

The Light Station:

Point Cabrillo Light Station

The shining gem of the property is the light station. The building itself took about 1 year to build and was completed in 1909. During that same time, the "Third Order Fresnel" lens was built out of Birmingham, England and traveled around the "horn" to its current location in Mendocino. Prior to the invention of the Fresnel lamp, lighthouses used reflector lamps which were far less powerful. The total weight of the lens is 6,800 lbs and from its location at 81 feet above the Pacific Ocean, it can be seen 14 miles away!

The Point Cabrillo Light Station is not to be confused with a "Lighthouse", as a lighthouse actually houses the Light keeper. Point Cabrillo Light Station actually used to house huge oil engines and compressors that ran the fog signal. It was actually known as the Fog Signal Building in its early stages of life.

Fresnel Lens: The Fresnel Lens was invented by French physicist Augustin Jean-Fresnel in the 1820's. In the beginning there were 6 sizes with the First Order which can measure 12 feet high by 6 feet in diameter which can reach 18 miles away.

Electricity came to the area in 1935 and at that point the oil ran engine for the fog signal was replaced by one that was electric. Today, the light station no longer houses the fog signal, as it was replaced by "whistle buoys" in and around the area.

The light station was in use and monitored by Light Keepers from 1908 till 1963. At that time, the Air Force honor guard took over duty. It was that way until 1972 when the Fresnel lens was no longer in need and was decommissioned. It was covered up and left to sit, and was even abandoned for some time before the Coast Guard began using the houses for staff. 

After nearly 20 years, the Coastal Commission began negotiations to take over the Light Station in order to preserve its historical significance. The light station had seen better days and was in need of some major restoration to bring it back to its former glory.

By 1996, work began on Blacksmith (Smithy) and the Oil house. By 1998 the Fresnel lens and Lantern Room began their restoration, followed by the actual light station in 2000. Other buildings (including the light keeper's homes) were completed 2014.

The Head Lightkeeper's Home:

Head Light Keepers house

This beautiful 1909 Head Light Keepers House was lovingly restored in 2006. It is a 2-story home with 4 bedrooms, with each bedroom having its own private bathroom. When this home was restored, it was refurnished with circa 1909 furnishings, yet it still has all the modern amenities.

The first person to stay in this home would have been the Head Light keeper, Wilhelm Baumgartner who was the first Head Light Keeper in charge of Point Cabrillo. This home is available for rent as a vacation rental, for those of you out there that want a really unique experience.

The First Assistant Lightkeeper's Home and Museum:

1st Assistant Light Keepers Home-Museum

This home was the First Assistant Light Keepers home and was restored to the 1935 era, as that was when electricity was introduced. This home is now a period piece museum with some very interesting historical displays. 

The Second Assistant Lightkeepers Home:

2nd Assistant Light Keepers Home

Also circa 1909, the second assistant light keeper's home was restored in 2014 and is to its original time period. This home is 2-stories tall and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is also available as a vacation rental.

West and East Cottage:

East and West Cottage rentals

Both of these structures were restored and transformed into bungalows that are available for rent. They were previously used as storage sheds and workshops for the Head Light Keeper and the Second Assistant Light Keeper. Both units have 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

Smithy (Blacksmith Shop):

Smithy
Marine Science (Smithy)

This original building has been transformed from a blacksmith building into the Marine Science Exhibit and Aquarium. In there, you will see a very happy tank full of sea critters, plus a board with an up-to-date list of recently spotted animals from the area, which includes whales, deer, birds and more.

Kearn Farmhouse/Visitors Center:

Kearn Farmhouse-Visitors Center

The visitor's center is located at the entrance to the park and used to be the site of the Kearn Family Farm, which was sadly burned down by arsonists in 2002. However, it has been rebuilt to look like it once did, except for the added restroom facilities on the left side of the building.

What's Nearby?

There is a lot of amenities nearby due to the fact that you have Mendocino on one side and further up Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg provides all the modern amenities like groceries, restaurants, hotels, etc. while Mendocino is a smaller town but has a lot of the same conveniences just not as many options.

Helpful Resources:

There we're a ton of helpful websites out there that I used to gather my information for this article and I listed 4 of the best websites where I gathered the majority of my information from in case any of you out there want to do further research or just get a little more information on Point Cabrillo light station for yourself.

Insert Image


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The Leland Stanford Mansion Guide https://californiastateparks.info/leland-stanford-mansion/ https://californiastateparks.info/leland-stanford-mansion/#respond Mon, 19 Jul 2021 03:22:38 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1133 The Leland Stanford Mansion was finished being built in 1857 but wasn't occupied by the Stanfords until 1861 when he was the 8th governor of California. Purchased for $8,000 at that time, it would now be equivalent to $259,465.06 or a mere fraction of its value. Originally the home was 2 stories but as the one of the "Big Four" railroad tycoons, Leland and his wife Jane gave the home a new 1st floor and an additional 4th floor. The home was one of the first 3 homes in the Sacramento area to have running water indoors. This stunning home is a

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The Leland Stanford Mansion was finished being built in 1857 but wasn't occupied by the Stanfords until 1861 when he was the 8th governor of California. Purchased for $8,000 at that time, it would now be equivalent to $259,465.06 or a mere fraction of its value.

Originally the home was 2 stories but as the one of the "Big Four" railroad tycoons, Leland and his wife Jane gave the home a new 1st floor and an additional 4th floor. The home was one of the first 3 homes in the Sacramento area to have running water indoors.

This stunning home is a massive 19,000 square feet and has been restored to its golden days. At a cost of $20,000,000 in 2005 the renovation was completed with the use of photographs from 1871, when the home was documented for its extravagance.

Weather Forecast For Sacramento, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 800 "N"  Street
   Sacramento, Ca 95814
* Phone: (916) 324-0575

* Park Hours: 10AM to 5PM
* Established: 1978
* Size: 19,000 Square Feet

* Elevation: Approx. 21 feet

Day Use Fee:
Free

Dogs:
Not Allowed, except service dogs

Drinking Water:
Is available

Toilets:
Yes, flushing

Hours:
10AM to 5PM

Quick, But Important Info:

I wanted to go over some boring but essential information that goes along with any State Park and these are things like parking, bathroom facilities, rules regarding pets and whether you can have food and drink on the premises.

Parking:

Though there is no parking lot for this museum, there is parking along 8th street and N street.

You can park on either side of N street as it is a one way street. These are metered parking spots with a 2-hour max time for each parking session that can be credited with quarters or the ParkMobile app. The cost is just under $4 for that 2-hour time period, if you use the app. 

Bathrooms:

There are 2 restrooms available, but neither of these are available while on your tour. One restroom is to the right and around the corner from the entrance to the visitor center.

The other is located in the rose garden area, at the front of the mansion. The image outlines where the two restrooms are located.

Leland Stanford Mansion Restroom Locations

Dogs:

There are no dogs allowed on the grounds or in the mansion itself. The only exception to this rule is if it is a certified service dog.

Food & Water:

No food or drink are allowed inside the mansion. I did see a few people taking their lunch break in the garden area, though, where the atmosphere is nice, and the surrounding area is quite peaceful. Since you are at downtown, there are plenty of places around that you can grab something to eat or drink quite easily.

Leland Stanford Mansion Map:

Leland Stanford Mansion Map

What's There To See At The Leland Stanford Mansion?

Stanford Mansion 1872
Stanford home left side

This California State Park is a hidden gem right in the heart of Sacramento. Until we went to the California State Railroad Museum, I didn't know that Leland Stanford existed nor his mansion. With about 75,000 visitors a year, it isn't usually busy with the exceptions of the weekends. 

When you drive up to the home on N Street you will see just how impressive the architecture is of this 1856 stately home. When it was originally built for Mr. Sheldon Fogus who sold the home to the Stanfords in 1861 the same year that Leland was elected to the position of Governor of California. 

The mansion is a mix of architectural styles, with its beginnings as a 2-story brick house. It originally had four rooms separated by a hallway on each floor also known as a four-over-four. Once the major renovation began in 1871 the styles of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire architecture were integrated.

No Photography Allowed:

As there is no photography allowed, the only real way to see the splendor of the mansion is by visiting it. The 3 photos below are courtesy of lesperancedesign.com they are top-notch at what they do and are responsible for the interior design. You can view their entire photo gallery on their website. I may be purchasing some cool pics from the archive, so this will be updated, but you will still need to talk about the no pic rule.

lesperancedesign
lesperancedesign
lesperancedesign
Using Historic Photos As A Way To Renovate:

Without these historic photos of the Stanford Mansion, none of this would have been possible. Leland had the home documented by photographer Eadweard Muybridge in April 1872. These photographs are the only way this task was accomplished. The photos below are credited to the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.

stanford mansion ballroom

Ballroom: 

The ballroom was used for entertaining and still is to this day! The mansion has been used by all the governors of California, even for more recent occasions. On our tour of the house, our tour guide stated that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger used the mansion often and knew how to throw a party, which was done regularly. 

billards room stanford

Billiards Room:

Back in a time before the game of pool, billiards has been around since the 15th century and began as an outdoor game. Mrs. Jane Stanford would often have ladies over for a game of billiards. In the photo above you see Leland Stanford Jr, Jane Stanford and her sister.

Stanford Mansion Grand Entrance

Entryway:

After coming up the double grand staircase, you would have entered in though these massive doors. This would have originally been the first floor, but Leland had the house raised, making the first floor the second. The river used to flood, and most homes would be filled with water and sediment and mud.

Stanford Mansion Parlor 2nd floor

Receiving Parlor:

The room to awe your guests with, and it does the job. When you enter this room you will be in awe of the details of this room. As the home had been transformed during its days as an orphanage, it was again transformed back when lesperancedesign took the photographs taken for Leland and transformed this once orphanage back to its original grandeur.

Leland and Jane Stanford

Leland and Jane Stanford wedding photo

Amasa Leland Stanford was born in March the 9th of 1824 in Watervliet, New York to Josiah and Elizabeth Phillips Stanford. He was 1 of 8 children and raised on farms in and around the Albany, New York area. He attended public school then was homeschooled for 3 more years. After basic schooling he studied law at Cazenovia Seminary, whereupon completion he apprenticed for 3 years before becoming a lawyer.

In September 1850 he married Jane Elizabeth Lathrop, who was also from the Albany area. After an unfortunate event and the loss of his law practice and law library to a fire, he left for California in the year 1852, following 5 of his brothers out here. Jane stayed in New York to take care of her father and once he passed away in 1855, he came back to New York to get Jane and they moved the following year to Sacramento.

Here he dabbled in small business ventures until he found a niche worth investing into, what would become the Transcontinental Railroad. Leland Stanford was elected the president of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1861 and that same year he was also elected as the 8th governor of California as a Republican. During his time as governor he managed to cut the state's debt in half, and he advocated for the conservation of forests.

Governor Leland Stanford


In May of 1868 he joined again with some investors of the Central Pacific Railroad to form the Pacific Union Express Company. This company merged in 1870 with Wells Fargo and Leland sat as director for many years. Also that same year at the age of 44 became a father when Jane gave birth to the one and only child Leland Dewitt Stanford. He was the joy of their life and when he passed away at the age of 15 they were devastated, the Stanfords created Stanford University in his honor. 

He wore many hats in his lifetime and dabbled in many business ventures, many times was most always either president or board chair of any company that he was a part of. From railroads, vineyards, mining, racehorses, banking, schools and charity.  Leland Stanford passed away of heart failure at home in Palo Alto, California, on June 21, 1893.

What's Nearby?

Since the tour of the mansion will usually only take 1-2 hours, you will probably want to check out some other cool places in the area. Old Sacramento State Historic Park is just a 10-minute walk down the road, with buildings dating back to the late 1840s. Gift shops and restaurants fill these historic buildings. Also in the Old Town Sac area is the California State Railroad Museum, which is a not to be missed state park highlighting the history of the locomotive. This is one if not the best locomotive museum in all the United States.

If you head 4 minutes walk in the opposite direction of Old Sacramento, you will find the California State Capitol Museum as well as California State Capitol Park and gardens. By car, you can be at Sutters Fort State Historic Park in 7 minutes and learn about California history dating back to when California still belonged to Mexico and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. There is so much history in the Sacramento area that it may take more than one day trip to visit, but its time well spent. 

Helpful Resources:

Here is a short list of some of the resources I used to gather the information for this article, that mean we came from the state parks website and a lot of the historical information we gathered came from the Library of Congress' archives.


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California State Railroad Museum https://californiastateparks.info/california-state-railroad-museum/ https://californiastateparks.info/california-state-railroad-museum/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2021 03:22:20 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=1051 The California State Railroad Museum was opened in 1981 but began much earlier in 1937. At that time, it was decided that our history of the locomotive must be preserved. During the beginning, there were 30 locomotives and cars donated to the preservation. The first portion of the Railroad Museum opened in 1976 and was the reproduction of the Central Pacific Railroad Station. In 1981 the museum you see now opened, followed by excursions on the steam powered Sacramento Southern Railroad in 1984. In 1992 the State of California and the Railroad Museum acquired Railtown 1987 State Historic Park located in

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The California State Railroad Museum was opened in 1981 but began much earlier in 1937. At that time, it was decided that our history of the locomotive must be preserved. During the beginning, there were 30 locomotives and cars donated to the preservation.

The first portion of the Railroad Museum opened in 1976 and was the reproduction of the Central Pacific Railroad Station. In 1981 the museum you see now opened, followed by excursions on the steam powered Sacramento Southern Railroad in 1984. In 1992 the State of California and the Railroad Museum acquired Railtown 1987 State Historic Park located in Jamestown to add to the further preservation of historic locomotives.

Weather Forecast For Sacramento, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 111 I St.
   Sacramento, California, 95814
* Phone: (916)445-7387

* Park Hours: 10AM to 5PM
* Established: 1981
* Size: 100,000+ Square Feet

* Elevation: Approx. 32 feet

Museum Fee:
$12 per adult
$6 (6-17)
Free: 5 and under

Coach Train Car:
$15 per adult
$8 (6-17)
Free: 5 and under

Open Air Train Car:
$15 per adult
$8 (6-17)
Free: 5 and under

First Class Train Car:
$25 per adult
$18 (6-17)
Free: 5 and under

Parking Fee:
Street: $3.85 (2hrs)
Garage: $13 (all day) or $3 per hour

Hours:
10am to 5pm

Dogs:
Certified Service Dogs

Toilets:
Yes, Flushing

The Useful, But Boring Info:

Before we get into the awesome museum pictures and what's actually inside, we should mention some of the basics like parking, bathrooms and all of the other important information that is part of the journey.

Parking: 

There is metered parking available in Old Sacramento along the store fronts. You can either pay with cash or use the ParkMobile App. This method allows you to conveniently pay and sends a reminder when your time is about to expire.

You may also find 2 all day parking garages. They are located at both ends of Old Town Sacramento, one is directly across from the Train Museum.

parking garage

Bathrooms:

Once inside the Railroad Museum you will find that bathrooms are easily located, accessible and clean. There are 2 available on the first level. 1 on level two where the theater is and 1 on level 3.

You can also find other public restrooms available throughout Sacramento State Historic Park like this one in the image that still had the historic era themed decorations throughout.

train station bathroom

NOTE: There is one bathroom located in the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot, that I highly recommend not to use! When we went in, there were people using it to wash themselves and their laundry.

Dogs:

Dogs are not allowed inside the museum unless they are certified service dogs. If this is the case, then they may accompany you throughout the museum with the exception of going inside any railcars and exhibits. 

Food & Water:

As per most museums, there is no food or drink allowed while inside the museum area. But outside the museum, there is a plethora of places to quench your thirst and to fill your belly with tasty food, within short walking distance too.

What's There To See?

Once you enter the museum, you will see the immense size of this place. You will see the "First" locomotive that was purchased by the Central Pacific Railroad. Golden Era passenger cars and a train depot complete with a cat on the roof. Further in, there will be cold storage trains and mail transporters. 

Upstairs there is a theater that plays a movie on the history of the locomotive, and up on the 3rd floor is where you will find a plethora of "Toy" trains. I wouldn't consider them toys, but more of miniatures or small replicas.

There are elevators that you can use for each section if you don't want to or cannot take the stairs. We used them with our stroller instead of lugging it up.

Railroad Museum Map:

California State Railroad Museum Map

The Museum's Sections:

The museum is designed to take you through the history of the locomotive. From the locomotive beginnings of the Transcontinental Railroad, the first train, steam driven to diesel trains, passenger trains and trains that  carry commodities. The museum walks you through the history of the railroad and trains and is a well-thought-out layout overall. 

The Transcontinental Railroad:

no 1 transcontinental

Spanning a whopping 1,912 the Transcontinental Railroad took 6 years to complete. Uniting the West and the East via one train track. This part in our nations history is unparalleled, making commerce and travel not just easier but truly allowing our nation to flourish and grow. From it's beginnings many peoples lives were dedicated to making it a reality.

transcontinental 1867

Elevation Profile of the RR in 1867

Chinese and Irish immigrants, Native Indians and Americans all worked to make this dream a reality. It wasn't all pretty, and many men sacrificed everything in the building of our nation. By completing the TCRR, it opened the door to moving agriculture from the west coast to the east coast and moving products from east to west.

It also moved people further out west because they could access more of America, much easier and within a fraction of the time it took to travel by horse.

Colfax 1880 locomotive 13

Working & Living On A RR:

working the train station

Not only did the locomotive engineers run the trains, but in many cases it was a family affair, with husbands and wives running the train outposts that dotted the transcontinental railroad's path. 

It was a 24/7 shift, which meant that many of the train depots had housing built right into them so that families that worked there didn't have to commute to work.

Passenger Trains:

train ride
transcontinental grand opening

As soon as the "last spike" was set, people were traveling from coast to coast. By the 1940s, many trains had luxury areas where folks with money could ride. On a busy train, the chefs could serve up to 300 meals in a single day with just a tiny kitchen area that had less than capable appliances, compared to modern day appliances.

The Sacramento Railroad Museum features a few of these trains where you can view some of the amazing details that went into these trains during the Golden Era.

Historic Trains:

Empire #13

This Railroad Museum is stunning, not in just how they display these trains, but the trains themselves. Some dating back to the mid to late 1800s, these locomotives are an amazing display of craftsmanship. The sheer size of many of them will blow your mind, and to be able to stand next to them is exhilarating.

4294
Gov Stanford
3rd level train


Train Models:

smugglers cove model

On the 3rd floor of this massive museum (over 100,000 square feet) you will find model trains. Ranging from very small to massive, and all in varying degrees of intricacy and difficulty.

The picture above shows one of these model towns that were on display, and if you didn't know better, you would think it was a picture of a real town.

Other Cool Stuff Outside The Museum:

The RR museum was incredible to visit and see all of the trains, memorabilia and other staging areas, but there is more to see outside that still maintains the look and feel of the historic train depots. Here are some of the highlights...

Catch an Excursion with the Southern Pacific Railroad

SP excursion train

If you have about an hour of time on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday then I highly recommend that you catch the Southern Pacific Railroad excursion train. You can reserve your tickets online and pick them up at will call. It was a super fun experience and the entire family enjoyed our trip down the Sacramento River. 

Historical Train Station

central pacific train station

Located down the boardwalk to the left of Railroad Museum is where you will find historical buildings. This one houses the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and is where you will get your excursion tickets for riding the train.

Trains Not On Display

train storage

Located behind the Central Pacific passenger building, you will find the locomotives that are currently stored. I assume that these are stored here when not on display inside the museum, but I am not sure. 

What's Nearby?

There is a ton of things nearby because the CA train museum is in old town Sacramento, which is right in downtown. There are tons of restaurants withing walking distance, "tourist shops" and everything in between

Helpful Resources:

There were many resources for the CA Railroad Museum and I listed some of the most helpful down below, just in case you wanted to check them out for yourself.

California State Railroad Museum Map

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South Yuba River State Park Resource Guide https://californiastateparks.info/south-yuba-river-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/south-yuba-river-state-park/#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:38:04 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=884 The South Yuba River State Park is comprised of 7 different locations along the Southern portion of the Yuba River. It encompasses 11,000 acres in total with 2,000 of those acres being managed by California State Parks. The options for recreation are diverse within this park. Rafting, swimming, hiking, bird and nature observation and gold panning. The only thing that isn't included in this is a campground. There are not any within this park system.   Weather Forecast For Nevada City, CA: Quick Information:* Address: 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd               Penn Valley, Ca 95946* Phone: (530)432-2546* Park

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The South Yuba River State Park is comprised of 7 different locations along the Southern portion of the Yuba River. It encompasses 11,000 acres in total with 2,000 of those acres being managed by California State Parks.

The options for recreation are diverse within this park. Rafting, swimming, hiking, bird and nature observation and gold panning. The only thing that isn't included in this is a campground. There are not any within this park system.  

Weather Forecast For Nevada City, CA:


Quick Information:


* Address: 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd               Penn Valley, Ca 95946
* Phone: (530)432-2546

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1997
* Size: 11000 Acres

* Elevation: Approx. 1,350 feet

Day Use Fee:
$10 per vehicle

Dogs:
Allowed on leash in parking lot only.

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes, flush, pit and portable

South Yuba River State Park Area:

The South Yuba River State Park is comprised of 7 different locations along the Southern portion of the Yuba River. It encompasses 11,000 acres in total with 2,000 of those acres being managed by California State Parks.

State Park Maps:

South Yuba River State Park Map

South Yuba River State Park Map (Eastern Side)

South Yuba River State Park Map 2

South Yuba River State Park Map (Western Side)

South Yuba River State Park Map Full

South Yuba River State Park Map (Full)

Bridgeport:

The Bridgeport area of the South Yuba State Park is a great place for families to enjoy. It has a few nice and easy trails, beautiful beaches with amazing swimming areas and well-preserved and documented history.

Hwy. 49 Crossing:

One of, and if not possibly the most popular destination for swimming in the South Yuba River State Park designation.

This area is known for swimming!

Edwards Crossing:

Edwards Crossing is a great place to go swimming and has a couple of trails that you can hike as well.

Most of the people that come to Edwards Crossing will usually come down there to swim on the South Yuba River and some people even choose to camp here, on the 4 1/2 mile stretch between Edwards Crossing and Purdon Crossing, which does allow camping.

Purdons Crossing:

Purdons Crossing is a lot like Edwards Crossing, where you have the river to swim in but only has one main trail and that trail is actually the trail that leads to Edwards Crossing.

A lot of people that come to Purdons Crossing will either visit to go swimming at the river or camp in that same four and a half mile stretch, along the South Yuba River.

Missouri Bar:

Missouri Bar is probably one of the least favorite areas when we talked about the South Yuba River State Park because there is really only hiking trails around the area and a lot of the trails are very difficult for most people to do because they are steep, narrow, not very well maintained and have a lot of other challenging aspects to them like massive amounts of poison oak, gnats, mosquitoes Etc.

Bridgeport:

Bridgeport is probably the most visited and popular area in the South Yuba River State Park that people visit because of the covered bridge, all of the other historical buildings in the area and because the river access is very easy and convenient for most people, even if you have young children.

 The river in this area is wider and more slow flowing in the summer months, making it an ideal place to go swimming with the family.

Bridgeport Visitors Area Map

Here is an area where you can include any pictures of the area if you want to include, a map would work well for the specific area and not the same app that we already saw for the entire state park area.

You can use this section if you need more space for what you were talking about, otherwise you can delete this and somehow make the above paragraph you wrote work with your image or images.

Historical Aspects:

Bridgeport has many historical aspects to the area, mainly from the time frame of around the 1860s to the 1930s, and has many of the structures that were around in those days still standing on their own or with the help of a little bit of rehabilitation.

The Covered Bridge:

SYR Bridge with construction

The bridge is truly one of a kind as it is the longest spanning covered bridge in the world. Built in mid 1861 the Bridgeport Bridge was originally a toll bridge for commodities carried to mines as far a Nevada. Toll prices ranged from $.05 cents to $6. At that time the $1 would be worth at least $30 in todays time. 

Over the years the bridge has seen damage from major rain storms which rose the Yuba River to bridge deck to neglect and nearly being condemned. Thanks to places like the Nevada County Historical Society among others, this bridge was saved for us to enjoy today.

At the time of this writing the Bridge has been closed to the public since 2011 as it was deemed unsafe. We are hoping that this year after the extensive restoration 10 years later that it will be open again.

The Barn:

SYR Barn

The barn you see today was built right about the same time as the covered bridge, right about 1861. Its was used as a lay over of sorts. Teamsters and their animals could stay over before carrying on, getting food, water and rest. 

The barn is situated perfectly so that the teams of horse, mule or ox would not need to turn around. The barn is lined up just so that it faces the bridge entrance perfectly which would make it simple for the teams to pull through after their resting and filling up.

Gas Station:

SYR Kneebone gas station

During the time when the Kneebones owned and operated "Kneebone's Bridgeport Pleasure Resort" they had the gas station installed. This happened around 1927 and ran all the way till about 1944. You could also rent cabins and enjoy the dance pavilion and dining hall. They were located about 1/4 mile up river near the swimming hole, down from the Buttermilk Bend Trail.

Right behind the gas station you will see the store. This supplied guests and passing motorists with with groceries including ice cream, beer and food. To the left of the store and gas station you can see the door to the cold storage room. They stored ice in there along with the perishables.

The resort was run till some time in the 1930's when hydraulic mining started up again which turned the rivers and waterways brown and silty. The resort went out of business but the gas station remained open until the 1940's.The gas station is fully refurbished with many thanks to the South Yuba River Park Association.

Kneebone Cemetery:

SYR Kneebone Cemetery

The Kneebone Cemetery is the family cemetery for the first settlers of the Bridgeport area. With burials ranging from 1853 to 1991 there are only  9 plots with 11 burials.

Visitor Center:

Bridgeport Visitors Center

The Bridgeport Visitors Center was built in 1997 as a place to give visitors an overview of the historical grounds they were spending time on. There you can find books, maps and fascinating information. This place is generally run by volunteers who have a love for this historic park.

During the summer, volunteer docents hold gold panning demonstrations, flower walks and other enjoyable group activities.

visitors center inside

Vehicles:

Bridgeport has excellent options for parking on both sides of the park. In the main area of the park, (covered bridge area) there is parking right near the covered bridge and barn. Parking here is $10 for the day. Across the river, on the opposite side of the main day use area, is additional parking which is also $10. This lot has a state park booth of sorts where you can pay your fee and ask any questions about the park.

There is free parking in smaller areas alongside the road, but note that it can be a pretty busy road and there is really not a lot of parking options, especially when the park is busy.

Parking lot

Bathrooms:

There are three different bathroom locations at Bridgeport and these are located at the parking and fee area, where the Buttermilk Bend Trail starts, behind the visitor's center and at Kneebone Beach.

The bathroom at the visitor's center is equipped with flushing toilets and are preferred by most people who visit. The parking area (Buttermilk Bend Trail entrance) has a pit toilet and Kneebone Beach Trail has portable toilets that are brought in for the summer months only.

Bridgepot Toilet

Dogs:

Dogs are allowed at most areas within the South Yuba River State Park area as a whole, with a few exceptions that really affect the Bridgeport area. Dogs are not allowed on the "family beach" area or 200 feet down stream of that area.

To sum that up, no dogs are allowed at the beach area that is right by the covered bridge or 200 feet down stream, but are allowed everywhere else. It didn't say anything about a leash on the state park website, but I would bring one, just in case.

Trails:

There are five main trails in the Bridgeport area of the SYRSP and 4 out of the 5 are relatively easy for most people of all fitness levels. The defiance loop trail is the hardest trail by-far and is a more strenuous trail for more serious hikers.

Bridgeport Visitors Area Map

Buttermilk Bend Trail:

The Buttermilk Bend Trail is a really easy 2.4 mile trail out and back. Located out of the farther parking lot, it's great for families too and its pretty stroller friendly with plenty of turn outs so people can pass you. There are a couple of uphill areas but they are really minimal.

This trail offers amazing views of the Yuba River. If you are sans kids or you have kids who can rock scramble, then this trail have some offshoots that can get you down to some nice swimming spots that aren't crowded.

During the early spring time there is an abundance of wildflowers and butterflies along this trail with plenty of benches along the way to take in the view. This is also a dog friendly trail as long as dogs are kept on leash and of course, you pick up after them.

Kneebone Beach Trail:

Kneebone BeachTrailhead

The Kneebone Beach Trail is the access trail down to one of the more popular swimming holes at Bridgeport. It is located on the south side of Pleasant Valley Road adjacent to the parking lot at the covered bridge and it runs paralelle to Pleasant Valley Road. This was originally where the Kneebones Bridgeport Pleasure Resort cabins were located. The trail is approximately 0.3 miles long, just a short jaunt.

Cemetery Loop Trail:

Kneebone beach trail

The Cemetery Loop Trail begins at the Kneebone's Gas Station on the now historical Virginia Turnpike, heading towards the cemetery. The loop then turns and heads towards the river and basically taking you to family beach and back out to the visitors center. It's a very easy hike as we did it with 3 little kids, its about .6 miles.

The Virginia Turnpike: The Virginia Turnpike (where the trail begins) was at one point used by 100 plus wagons a day, many of them on their way to Nevada.

The rock walls alongside of this road that you will travel on to get to the cemetery were built to keep wagons and the like contained and headed towards the Bridgeport Toll Bridge.

SYR Virginia Turnpike Rd

Visitor's Center Loop:

The Visitors Center Loop is pretty much the same as the Cemetery Loop except its shorter and takes an inner circle. It begins and ends at the Visitors Center with a walk through the Virginia Turnpike. This short trail is 0.2 miles.

Point Defiance Loop Trail:

Point Defiance Loop Trail

This loop trail is approximately 2.9 miles and is considered a moderate hike due to the switchbacks. Most people recommend starting with the switchbacks instead of ending the trail with them.

This may not be the best trail for small children if you plan on making the loop. If you want to take an easy hike then it is recommended to hike from Bridgeport along the river to Lake Englebright and back the same way you came. It can be a bit narrow in places but its an overall really nice trail.

The trail is accessed on the far side of the covered bridge (opposite of the parking lot near the barn). This trail takes you down to where the South Fork of the Yuba and the Middle Fork meet at Lake Englebright.

Hwy 49 Crossing:

SYR 49

The old Highway 49 bridge at Hoyt's trailhead was built in 1921. It was closed to vehicle traffic in 1994 when the new bridge was built. You can now park at the bridge entrance if you get there early enough.

This is the most popular destination for the Yuba River, as its proximity to the Independence Trail and Hoyt's Crossing Trail. This bridge is a great place to come especially during the rainy season. You can watch the high water running fast and often times you can hear boulders being moved in the raging water. 

Hwy 49 Crossing

River:

The River area located at the highway 49 Crossing portion of the South Yuba River State Park is probably the best area to go swimming in the South Yuba River because of the ample amount of parking, compared to the other areas and has many great riverfront spots that have small beaches, not too far from where you park. 

Trails:

There are two main trails located near the highway 49 Crossing portion of the South Yuba River State Park and these are the Independence Trail and the Hoyt Trail.

The Independence Trail is a much larger trail and splits off in two different directions, whereas the Hoyt Trail is a shorter trail that leads you three quarters of a mile upstream of the main swimming beach, where most people swim but be aware that this area is known for its "clothing optional" crowd and is what you will typically find here.

Independence Trail:

Independence Trail

Once a flume that carried water for Hydraulic mining, upon completion the Independence trail was the first of its kind being hailed as the first in the nation for handicapped accessible wilderness trail. There are 2 directions to this trail, East and West.

The West side of the trail is amazing and has been one of my favorite places to walk for decades. This trail walks along the restored flumes and over Rush Creek. There is a handicapped accessible ramp leading down to a nice view of the waterfalls and pool of Rush Creek. Beyond this though the trail hasn't been maintained so it is no longer wheelchair accessible. By foot though you can still take it all the way to Jones Bar Rd and down to the river.

The East side is also a nice trail with some great views. I have seen clusters of salamanders mating in the waters along side the trail, so there is wildlife to be seen.

Sadly though the Independence Trail sustained major damage in the summer of 2020 during the Jones Bar Fire. It is unknown if and when this trail will reopen.

Hoyt's Trail:

Hoyt Trail SYR
Hoyt's Trail

This short trail is .75 miles long and runs along the left side of the South Yuba River Old Hwy 49 bridge. You will see the stairs leading up to the trail. Its a heavily used trail and dogs are allowed on leash. If you don't want to make it to the nude beach there are off-shoot trails down to over swimming areas. Not necessailty "beaches" but places that you can swim from. 

Edwards Crossing:

Edwards Crossing has some historical significance as far as the bridge is concerned and a little ways up stream you can find Illinois Bar, which used to be the site of a ferry crossing before the bridge was built.

There is really nothing else here besides swimming areas along the river and a couple of trails that are moderately difficult, due to the fact that they run along the river, in line with the terrain of the surrounding area.

The Bridge:

SYR Edw

Named for a Mr. William Edwards, this bridge dates back to 1904. Although this bridge didn't exist during the time of Edwards it is named after him as he was the last owner of this piece of land. He was originally ferried folks across the river at the now lost Illinois Crossing which was located upstream.

River:

The South Yuba River runs under Edwards Crossing and here you can find many different swimming holes, where the water slows down quite a bit and it actually gets quite deep in a few areas. 

You can hike up the South Yuba River a little ways and that's where you will find Illinois Bar Crossing, where a ferry would carry people and their commodities across before there was ever a bridge constructed in the area.

Trails:

There are two different trails in the area, and they both run along the South Yuba River. Both trails are moderate hikes due to the steep terrain and the large rocks in the area, so it is not really kid friendly, especially if you have younger children with you.

Edwards Crossing To Purdons Crossing:

Edwards Crossing To Purdons Crossing Trail

The main trail at Edwards Crossing is the Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing Trail, which like the name states, connects the two areas, via a trail that runs along the South Yuba River. This is a pretty long trail, coming in at around four and a half miles one way, and is a moderately difficult trail because of the terrain.

Spring Creek Trail:

Spring Creek Trail
The Spring Creek Trail is on the other side of the bridge and is a much shorter Trail them the Edwards to Purdon Crossing Trail, consisting of roughly a half mile walk one way and takes you to a small waterfall that you can stop at and have a nice lunch. This is also a moderately difficult trail like the other trail, due to the terrain.

Purdons Crossing:

Purdons Crossing parking

Purdons Crossing is another area that has historical significance, as far as the bridge goes, along with the area itself as well. There's only one main trail at Purdons Crossing about the river area and swimming holes that are here are very nice and you're really the main reason people come down here.

You can camp along the river in between Purdons Crossing and Edwards Crossing, along that four and a half mile stretch, which is what a lot of people do and makes for a unique experience.

The Bridge:

Purdons Crossing Bridge

With a total length of 191.9 feet long and 13.1 feet wide the Purdon Crossing Bridge is dated back to 1889 and is said to have been built my the Cotton Brothers. This bridge is the only of still in use as an original Pratt half through truss. The Pratt truss was invented in 1844. The Purdon Bridge is listed as Historic Place per the National Register of Historical Places.

River:

Most people that come down to Purdons Crossing to swim or camp along the river will usually travel Upstream in most cases, which is where the Edwards to Purdons trail is located.

Heading upstream is also where that 4 and 1/2 mile stretch of the river is between Edwards Crossing and Purdons Crossing that you can camp along, so it makes sense that most people head in that direction when they come down to the river.

Trails:

There's only one trail at Purdons Crossing that is used and that takes you to Edwards Crossing. It runs along the river, along the southern side. It is a clearly marked trail, for the most part, and moderately to heavily travelled.

Purdons Crossing To Edwards Crossing:

Edwards Crossing To Purdons Crossing Trail

This is the same trail I already talked about in the above section I wrote about (Edwards Crossing) and is roughly 4.5 miles long, one way. It takes most people a couple of hours to walk the entire trail, one way.

Missouri Bar:

There is some conflicting information on the Missouri Bar Trail. It seems to be under the care of the Tahoe National Forest so there isn't any information on the State Park website and little information on the internet.

It seems that the trailhead is located at the South Yuba River Campground which is a BLM campground. This is located across Edwards Crossing bridge and about .4 mile up the hill on the dirt road. There you will see the campground sign.

From my research this trail is used a lot by mountain bicycalists.

missouri bar trail

Helpful Resources:

There we're quite a few resources I found along the way while doing research on the South Yuba River State Park and I listed some of the most helpful ones below, for those of you out there that may want to take a look at those resources too.

I also posted the maps I found and made below all in one area, so you can scan through them easily, instead of having to go back and read through the post in order to find the specific map you want to look at.

South Yuba River State Park Map
South Yuba River State Park Map 2
Bridgeport Visitors Area Map
Hwy 49 Crossing


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Malakoff Diggins State Park Guide https://californiastateparks.info/malakoff-diggins-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/malakoff-diggins-state-park/#respond Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:33:49 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=524 The area known as Malakoff Diggins is actually nestled within the town that used to be known as North Bloomfield. North Bloomfield is no longer a town but instead, is all encompassed in what is known today as Nevada City. North Bloomfield was the site of one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in the nation. Washing away acres and acres of hillside in the search for gold. Malakoff Diggins was the largest hydraulic mining operation in the world. The park is in total 3,000 acres and contains some wonderfully preserved historical architectural areas as well as trails and a campground. The

The post Malakoff Diggins State Park Guide first appeared on California State Parks.

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The area known as Malakoff Diggins is actually nestled within the town that used to be known as North Bloomfield. North Bloomfield is no longer a town but instead, is all encompassed in what is known today as Nevada City.

North Bloomfield was the site of one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in the nation. Washing away acres and acres of hillside in the search for gold.

Malakoff Diggins was the largest hydraulic mining operation in the world. The park is in total 3,000 acres and contains some wonderfully preserved historical architectural areas as well as trails and a campground. The park was added to the California State Park system in 1965.

* Address: 23579 North Bloomfield Road Nevada City, Ca 95959
* Phone: (530) 265-2740

* Reservations: : 800-444-7275
* Elevation: 3317 Feet
* Established: 1965
* Size: 3143 acres

Day Use Fee:
$10 per vehicle
$5 in off season

Season:
Year Round

Park Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset

Dogs:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times

Park Map:

Malakoff Diggins SP Map
SP Map 2

Historical Town:

Town of North Bloom late 1800's

Historical North Bloomfield

During the height of activity, the town had an estimated 1,500 residents and boasted over 200 buildings. There were 2 livery stables which kept the carriage horses for hire. At least 8 saloons, one of which you can see still the foundation for.

There were 2 dry goods stores which sold things like tobacco, sugar, flour, coffee and also textiles, ready-to-wear clothing. Basically nothing that contained liquid. A few breweries, boot makers and butchers. 2 churches and the school, plus a multitude of other buildings and businesses that made up the town of North Bloomfield.

The General Store and Post Office:

McKillicans store
McKillicans inside 2
McKillicans inside 1

McKillican and Mobley dry goods store and general merchandise. This fascinating store which was built in 1956 holds relics of the past from a wedding gown, shoes, fabric by the yard, saddle supplies and soaps. 

They also supplied kerosene for lamps, ammunition, hardware, mining supplies, stationery, kitchen utensils, paint, some medications, eggs, oranges and bakery goods such as cookies, chocolate éclairs, fig bars, gingersnaps, etc. Canned meat, cured meats, deviled ham and dried foods.

Not only did they supply the town with goods, but they served as the local post office and also as the local gold exchange and a drop-off. There was a security guard who would sleep there overnight.

On the days that the park allows people into see it, I highly recommend that you visit it. It will take you back in time.

Blacksmith:

glasson blacksmith

On the same side of the street as McKillicans is Glassons Blacksmithing. He would have made horseshoes as well as parts for the water monitors used in the mining operations.

Between the two buildings used to stand Edward's Hotel, O'Conners (residence) and Biven's Saloon. To the left of this building you would have seen Weise Brewery and the Berk Hotel plus a few homes mixed in.

Carter House:

Carter House

Heading up the same side of the street but towards the central part of town stands the Carter House. This building is the oldest structure in town, this place was a hotel in the early 1850s.

You can still walk up on the front porch and peer into the windows. It's not in the best of shape but for over 170 years old, it's holding up well.

The Skidmore House:

Skidmores home2
Skidmores office 2
Skidmores sitting room

Next home in the same direction is the home of Mr.Skidmore. It's incredibly well-preserved and is completely furnished. It also contains a full walk-out basement. 

Mr. Rush Skidmore was a well-to-do businessman with many ventures in the town. He and his wife Mary bore 5 children in that house. Mr. Skidmore died at his home on August 2, 1911

You will see the basement remains of the saloon that was owned by Rush Skidmore across the street from the McKillican and Mobley General Store. On that same lot as the house used to stand a hotel, now long forgotten. 

Knotwell's Drugstore:

drug store outside
Knotwells Drugstore

Knotwell's Drugstore is located across from the Carter house. This place is pretty amazing to see. Originally owned and operated by Adrian A Smith, he purchased the lot in 1874 which at that time it had a small home on the property. He converted the home into a drug store but he also sold things like perfume, soap, cigars and fancy plates.

Just like the King's Saloon, this building is not an original but a replica of the original. The original was torn down as it was inhabitable and the new one was constructed in the early 70s.

The King's Saloon:

Jack Kings Saloon 2
Kings saloon inside

The King's Saloon also known as Jack Kings Saloon is located right next to Knotwells Drugstore. This particular building was originally built in 1860 and at that time it was an express office. When Jack acquired it, he remodeled it into a saloon. This was some time in the early to mid 1870's. Jack's saloon was one of many saloons in the North Bloomfield town.

The building where the "current" King's Saloon is, is in fact not the original building but one that was reconstructed in 1974 with the help of photographs and the local E. Clampus Vitus, Chapter 10 of NevadaCity

Sadly, it too is in disrepair. If you walk around back, you will see the back stairs falling off. 

St. Columncille’s Catholic Church:

St. Columncille’s Catholic Church

The church was not originally here but actually located in the township of Birchville which was about 15 miles from North Bloomfield. The town of Birchville no longer exists. This structure which was built in 1865 was used by the Bridgport Union Guard, which was an armory where they recruited and trained men for the Civil War. This lasted until after the Civil War.

Eventually becoming St. Columncilles Catholic Church in 1869 when it was purchased by Father Dalton. It was actively used as a church until the 1955 then it was left to time and decay. Saved from demolition in 1969, when it was moved to its current location in 1971 as a gift to the State of California from Mr.Bart Pinaglia out of North San Juan.

North Bloomfield School:

schoolhouse2
schoolhouse
schoolhouse outhouse

Originally the North Bloomfield Schoolhouse was built in 1857 but was not at this location, instead you would have found it near the day use picnic area. The schoolhouse that you see today was built around 1874 and was sourced through the townspeople for a cost of $3,700. It was completely furnished and had a library. Classes were given to children from Kindergarten all the way to 8th grade by 2 teachers.

Currently the schoolhouse is boarded up and unfortunately vandals have been inside. It appears that there is some rehabilitation work going on. I will add an update once I get further information.

There's Even More To See:

The 5 places I mentioned above are not all to see. There are numerous other buildings still standing and in excellent state of historical preservation as well as other relics that are on their last leg before turning to dust.

Kallenburgers Barbershop, Ostrums Livery Stable, the Cummins Hall that has been converted into the main office and museum for the Malakoff Park Station and others. 

NB1860s
Ostrum's livery stable
China Garden 2
Blain-Davidson home2
malakoff home 2

Blair Lake:

Blair Lake

History Of The Lake:

The beginnings of Blair lake wasn't exactly what you see here today. Originally the lake started out its mining life as a hydraulic mine and then a holding pond for water used in hydraulic mining. As it stands today, it is a great feature to the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.

Activites On The Water:

Over the years there has been an annual kids fishing derby, where young anglers can try their hand at catching rainbow trout, bluegill and bass. If you want to spend an afternoon on the lake you can swim, kayak or raft out on it, maybe after having lunch at one of the picnic tables.

Safety Stuff:

Note, the water is tested annually for mercy to make sure it is safe. Also, last time we went up there we encountered a bear swimming in it. So just be aware that there is wildlife in the area.

Chute Hill Campground:

Chute Hill campground has a total of 30 tent sites and 1 large group camping area overall. It is located in Malakoff Diggins State Park and is really a campground that nobody really knows about but is a beautiful area with a lot of historical significance.

Campsite Fee:
$35 per night

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Dogs:
Allowed in
certain areas

Season:
Year Round

# Of Sites:
30 Total
1 Group Site
3 Cabins

Showers:
No Showers

Water:
Yes, many spigots
around campground

Toilets:
4 bathrooms
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
No

WiFi:
No WiFi Available

Cell Service:
Little To None

People Per Site:
8 Maximum

Check Out/In Times:
12:00pm/2:00pm

Campground Map:

Chute Hill Campground Map

Campsites:

All of the 30 campsites are mainly geared towards tent camping, but smaller RVs and camp trailers are welcome to stay here as well. The State Park's website states that trailers 18' and under are permitted, as well as campers and RVs that are under 24' in length.

There are a range of sites, some small and suitable for smaller tents and groups of people, while other sites are much larger and can accommodate larger tents with other accessories.

RV Sites:

It is not clear which sites are marked for RVs and which ones are for tent campers, but I do know that I did see some very different sizes when it came to parking pad sizes and campsite sizes.

If you go to reservecalifornia.com and look at the specs for each site, there is information on the parking pad size that will help you make a decision on what sites will better suit your needs.

Tent Sites:

All of the campsites are suitable for tent camping, but there were differences in the size of the sites, which would affect what size tent you can erect and how many tents you can put up too.

Some sites like sites 1, 3, 20, 21 and 23 were large and could easily accommodate larger tent setups with additional accessories, like a quick shade canopy, so be aware of this.

Handicap Sites:

There were no sites that were clearly marked as ADA approved and I am not sure if they just were not marked or if there weren't any available. I will update this post if I find out any more information or if someone chimes in and clarifies.

Unique Sites:

There were a few different unique sites in the Chute Hill Campground and I wanted to lay those out for those of you out there that may have never been here before and wanted to get one of the better sites.

Diggins Overlook Sites:

Sites 24, 25 and 27 have the best views of the Diggins Overlook point that you can make out through the trees. This is where you can see the cliffs that were washed away from hydraulic mining, with the different layers of the soil exposed.

As you can see from the image below, the trees do hinder the view quite a bit, but you can still get a good angle, if you walk closer and experience that one-of-a-kind view.

Diggins Overlook View

Group Camping Site:

The group camping site (area) is large and private with its own area set apart from the rest of the campground, in fact, it has its own gate and loop. This is a larger area that has its own bathroom, parking lot and tons of picnic tables, tent areas and bbqs.

This is ideal for larger groups and can accommodate up to 40 campers (9 minimum) and 10 vehicles. The rates per night are set at $165 for this area and can be made on reservecalifornia.com.

Group Site Area

Sites 24, 25 and 26:

Sites 24, 25 and 26 are unique in the sense that they have their own separate little loop in the campground and are set apart from all of the other campsites in the area. They are smaller sites, geared mainly towards tent camping, but are much more private and have a partial view of the Diggins Overlook view.

Sites 24 25 and 26

Most Private Sites:

Sites 1, 2, 3, 8, 23, 24, 29 and 30: The listed sites are the most private sites we found in the campground and are probably the most popular because of that reason. These were set apart from other sites and had the most privacy, compared to the other sites.

Private Sites

More Private Sites (Site 1 Shown)

Campsite Features:

The campsite features include all of the basics like a large picnic table, fire rings and bear boxes. These are present at every site and are nice  to have at your disposal when camping.

Picnic Table

Picnic Tables

There are large picnic tables located at each campsite and several at the group site. These are just the standard picnic tables that can seat up to eight people and sometimes even 10, in a pinch.

From what I could tell, these were movable and not bolted or chained into the ground, so you can rearrange and move the table where you want to set up the picnic table.

Fire Rings

Fire Rings

The fire rings I saw we're basically the standard fire rings that you see it almost every state park campground, the metal ones with the optional cooking grate that can be attached or detached.

These fire rings were a little bit taller though then some of the other ones I usually see, by about 12 inch or so, making them around 2 ft. tall in total.

Bear Box

Bear Proof Storage Lockers

There are a lot of bears around the Malakoff Diggins area, so naturally you will have to store your food when you stay in the campground nearby.

Bear boxes are provided for each site and you are required to store all of your food and toiletries in these boxes to avoid any encounters that you might have with bears that are surely in the area.

Water Spigots

Water Spigots

I typically will not write about water spigots in the campgrounds, but I only came across three spigots in the entire campground, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

The three different water spigot locations seem to be somewhere near the bathroom locations, making it somewhat available to most sites.

Bathrooms/Showers:

There are only three bathrooms in the entire campground plus one extra bathroom located in the group camping site, but it's not available to the other campsites, like the other three bathrooms are.

Each bathroom it's just a small building, like image shows, and there are two separate bathrooms in each building with flush toilets and sinks that have running water.

On our visit, the bathrooms were very clean and had all the amenities of home, including paper towels and hand soap, which most people like when camping.

Bathroom

Vehicles:

Vehicles are the same here as they are for every other state park, where you're allowed one vehicle per camp site that is included in the $35 a night fee and additional vehicles will be charged $8 for each additional vehicle.

Most of the parking pads are pretty large and can accommodate additional vehicles, but some sites do not have such large areas, so you will have to check the reservecalifornia.com website or call the park to verify the parking areas size. 

Day Use Area:

There is no specified day use area in the campground at self or in the historical area of the town, but there is a picnic area located in the historical town of North Bloomfield that has picnic tables, barbecue areas and bathrooms nearby, so it is the closest thing to a day use area that you will probably see.

The picture I posted shows this area, even though it's not very good, it is a very large area with many picnic tables and BBQ grills.

It is a nice area to sit down to have lunch with lots of shade and is located just behind the blacksmith building and there is even a trail from the campground that you can walk down to get to the day use area itself.

The Day Use Area

Cabins:

Malakoff Diggins Cabins

There are three different cabins you can rent out for a unique experience, going back in time a bit. These cabins are good for up to five people and they do not have any electricity and are equipped with bunk beds and a wood-burning stove to keep you warm. These can be reserved for $45 per night.

There are no bathrooms in these cabins either, you will have to use the bathrooms that are located nearby, in the day use area. These bathrooms do have flushing toilets and a sink.

Trails:

There are a few trails that you can take throughout the park. They meander in and around, so you can get a good feel for the area.

Keep in mind that there are bears up there and loads of poison oak to watchout for!

1. Blair Trail:

The loop around the lake starts at the parking lot, which is located just above the main street in town. This part of the loop if you are just looking for a little jaunt is approximately a little under half a mile (.5mile).

Optionally, if you are looking for a bit of a longer trail that includes the lake then you can start at the trailhead located in the campground right next to the campfire center. This trail is approximately 1.28 miles from the starting point to the loop around the lake.

Blair Trail

2. Rim Trail:

The Rim Trail runs from just after you enter the park and goes the length all the way over to humbug creek above Blair lake. It is 3.2 miles one way. It does get super hot up there during summer, so be sure to wear a hat and bring water for drinking. If you bring your dog, be sure to not let them swim in the diggings water, wait till you get over to Blair lake or Humbug Creek.

Rim Trail

4. Diggins Loop:

Though the trail is not well-marked, it is very easy to find your way through the area. Enter the trail on the North Bloomfield Grantieville Rd. It is near the old barn and the collapsed home.

Diggins Loop Trail

4. Church Trail:

If you are looking to walk to the church and schoolhouse from the main historical area, then this is the trail you are looking for. The Church Trail is a little under .25 miles (one way) and takes you up near the cemetery and out to St. Columncille's Church and the North Bloomfield School.

The trailhead is just to the left of the day use BBQ, go past then and across the bridge. There you will see the trailhead sign.

As an option to this trail, then once you get to the cemetery you can hang a right and this is the "Slaughterhouse Trail". This trail takes you up to the campground. This section is approximately .61 miles, one way.

Church Trail

Helpful Resources:

In my research I came across many different resources, some better than others, and I wanted to list them here for you so you can check them out for yourself. These include the CA State Parks page, the brochure and the maps I found.

Malakoff Diggins SP Map
SP Map 2
Chute Hill Campground Map
North Bloomfield map circa 1900 with updates1

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Navarro River Redwoods State Park Guide https://californiastateparks.info/navarro-river-redwoods-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/navarro-river-redwoods-state-park/#respond Sat, 05 Jun 2021 21:15:25 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=459 The Navarro River Redwoods State Park winds along HWY 128 between Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Along the drive, you will enjoy a meandering highway through some of the most beautiful and lush scenery you can imagine. Redwoods, ferns and the Navarro River will escort you along the way. The Navarro River Redwoods State Park is an area that encompasses 660 acres, so there are two different campgrounds in the area, tons of hiking trails and great fishing in the Navarro River.Image: parks.ca.govTwo Different Campgrounds:Within the 660 acres of this state park lies 2 separate campgrounds. Both are completely unique, not just

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The Navarro River Redwoods State Park winds along HWY 128 between Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Along the drive, you will enjoy a meandering highway through some of the most beautiful and lush scenery you can imagine. Redwoods, ferns and the Navarro River will escort you along the way.

The Navarro River Redwoods State Park is an area that encompasses 660 acres, so there are two different campgrounds in the area, tons of hiking trails and great fishing in the Navarro River.

Two Different Campgrounds:

Within the 660 acres of this state park lies 2 separate campgrounds. Both are completely unique, not just in themselves but to each other. One campground in located in the thick of the redwoods alongside the Navarro River and the other one is nestled against the coastal cliffs within 600 feet of the Pacific Ocean.

The much larger campground is the Paul Dimmick campground, which is in the redwoods and more of a forest setting, and the other is the Navarro Beach Campground, located on the coast, where the Navarro River meets the ocean.

* Address: Highway 128 Albion, CA 95410
* Phone: (707) 937-5804

* Elevation: 145 feet
* Established: 1987
* Size: 660 Acres

Paul Dimmick Campground:

The Paul Dimmick was closed for many years, which most people weren't aware of and after 7 long years, the Paul Dimmick Campground is finally reopened for the 2021 summer season.

This campground is located on Highway 128, six miles east of the junction with State Highway 1 near Fort Bragg, California. If you are coming from Yreka then this campground is located 14.9 miles west from the town of Philo (Hendy Woods State Park).

Please note that this is a first-come first-serve campground, so no reservations are available, and you will have to drive through to see if any sites are available. 

Campsite Fee:
$35 a day

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Pets:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times

Showers:
No Showers

Water:
Many spigots around campground

Toilets:
Pit Toilets Only

Campground Map:

Paul Dimmick Campground Map 2

Campsites:

The Paul Dimmick campground offers 27 sites listed as both RV, camper and tent accessible. However, I contacted the Mendocino State Park office and I was told that all sites are "tent only". 

The roads through the campground are very narrow and larger motor homes in camp trailers might have trouble navigating their way through the Campground.

I have witnessed people camp here with smaller Class C RVs and even small camp trailers, but it was a tight fit and backing in to your site did take a little bit of time and skill to accomplish.

Tent Sites:

Like I mentioned before, all of the sites in the campground are really tent sites because the roadway in the campground is so narrow and there are some sharp turns.

In almost every state park, where camping is possible, tents are almost always allowed for nearly every site, camp trailers and RV's are usually the problem when it comes to length and width of the parking pad and the site itself. If you head up to the Redwoods in Crescent City, the sites up there have been measured. So check on the State Parks page for those particular campgrounds. 

Handicap Sites:

Paul Dimmick DIsabled Camping

According to the California State Parks website, there are two ADA accessible sites here, which are site number 6 and site 23. I didn't see any real distinguishing characteristics that would make these sites different from other sites, except for maybe a larger parking pad area.

 If I do find out more information on why these two specific sites are ADA compliant, then I will update this page as soon as I have that information.

UPDATE: The handicapped accessible sites are leveled out as well as the tent area. They also looked a bit larger than the other sites but I didn't measure them.

Unique Sites:

Paul Dimmick large site

Campsites 1 through 5 and 25 are located right next to the North Fork Navarro River, so you get a nice view of the river itself and are probably some of the better spots in the campground.

Paul Dimmick River Site

River View Site for a small tent

Sites 15 through 18 are actually walk in sites, so there is no parking for your vehicle and these are intended for, you guessed it, people that walk into the campground and want to camp.

Paul Dimmick Walk in Sites

Walk-in sites are very overgrown at the time of this update.

Campsite Features:

This is a pretty bare-bones campground, but it does have some expected features and amenities you would see at nearly all state park campgrounds, which was basically a picnic table, a fire pit and a storage cabinet.

There are wildlife in the area, like raccoons, that have a tendency to get into your food, so you will want to still store your food in a secure area.

Picnic Table

Picnic Tables Paul Dimmick
These are movable so if you want to rearrange a little bit, you have the ability to do so.

Fire Pit

Fire Pit
These are just your standard fire rings, that are made out of metal and keep the fire contained within a small area.

Bathrooms/Showers:

There are only bathrooms at this campground and no showers are available, so you will have to make arrangements if you plan on staying a few days.

The toilets here are the non-flushing type, which means that they are just big pits dug into the ground with a toilet seat on, and they get pumped every once in a while when they get full.

Not the best options as far as toilets go, but it is definitely better than nothing.

Paul Dimmick Restroom
There are a total of three bathrooms spread out throughout the campground, so you won't have to walk that far to access them. The site's farthest from the bathrooms are sites one through four and the walk-in sites (15-18).

Vehicles:

The camping fees per night do include one vehicle, and as I mentioned at the top of this post any extra Vehicles will cost an additional $8.

Some parking spots can accommodate two smaller vehicles, especially if you are tent camping but if you have a smaller camp trailer that your towing with your vehicle, you will more than likely be maxed out on space if you have an additional vehicle with you so you will have to park in the day use area.

Day Use Area:

There are two different day use areas in the campground, one is located across the road from campsite number 5 and is a smaller day-use area that is mainly just for parking and the main day use area is located between sites 25 and 26 and is positioned right along the Navarro River.

If you want to just stop by and use the day use area and not camp for the night, you will have to pay a fee of $10 in the self-registration box at the entrance.

Paul Dimmick day use

Navarro Beach Campground:

The Navarro Beach Campground is located at the headwaters of the Navarro River. A truly primitive campground with an amazing location. This is a dry campground (no water) so be sure to come prepared. All sites are open to the world with the exception of sites 1 and 2 which have bushes for a bit of privacy. 

The state park does offer a beach wheelchair upon request. This is available for use at the California State Park beaches in the Mendocino coast area.

Call (707) 937-9177 at least 7 days in advance if you want to reserve one for yourself or someone you know.

Campground Map:

Navarro Beach Campground Map

Campsite Fee:
$35 a day

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Day Use Fee:
Free

Pets:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times

Showers:
No Showers

Water:
No Water

Toilets:
Pit Toilets

Dump Station:
No

Navarro Beach Campground Map Closeup

Campsites:

All the campsites are basic, providing a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill attachment. These are no frills sites, but they make up for that in the stunning views of the ocean. There are 10 sites per the state park information, but we counted 11 on our visit.

Navarro Beach Campsites

RV Sites:

There is enough room for smaller class C motor homes and small camp trailers in most of these sites, 3-11, as they are roughly the same length and width.

For example, a 4-door Toyota Tacoma truck pulling a smaller R-Pod camp trailer is about the maximum length that these sites can accommodate.

Site 1 can accommodate a longer setup and site 2 is much smaller than any other of the sites and probably would not be large enough for an RV or trailer.

Tent Sites:

All the campsites at Navarro Beach Campground will accommodate tent camping but keep in mind there are size limitations, due to the campsites themselves being very small.

You can probably still fit a decent size tent, as most of the site's parking areas are 10 to 14 feet wide by 38-40 feet long.

Smaller tents would obviously work but if you have a larger family size tent, it would eat up a lot of your camp area.

Handicap Sites:

There were no sites at the campground indicated that they were ADA accessible or compliant and I found this to be true when I visited myself, as all the sites were sandy and no asphalt or concrete was present.

Unique Sites:

There are not really any unique sites here because they are really all the same layout except for the first two sites, which provide a little different experience. I have witnessed many times a large school bus conversion vehicle parked at site 1, due to the angle at which it can park, making for a nice windbreak as well.

Site 2 is a bit smaller than sites 3 through 11 and is cut out into the bushes a little and if you park your car across the front, you can make a nice windbreaker as well.

Campsite Features:

Like I stated earlier, these are very primitive sites that have little in the way of amenities and features, but they still have the basics you need which, in this case, is a large picnic table and a fire ring.

Picnic Table & Fire Pit

All of the tables and fire rings are laid out pretty much the same way for sites 3 through 11 and are identical, with no variations in design.

The tables are made from concrete, so they are very heavy and nearly impossible to move. I'm not sure if the fire pits have a grate attached for cooking, like I see other campgrounds.

Picnic Table and Fire Pit

Bathrooms & Showers:

There are only bathrooms at this small campground and no showers are present, which is surprising given that the ocean is so close.

The bathrooms themselves consist of one single building at the end of the parking lot, with non flushing toilets. These are basically pit toilets, where a hole is dug into the ground and they are pumped and cleaned on a semi-regular basis.

Navarro Beach Campground Bathroom

Vehicles:

When you pay the camping fee, one vehicle is included in that fee and if you have a small enough vehicle and trailer setup you will actually fit into your parking area in your campsite. I'm not sure about extra vehicles, regarding additional fees or where you would even park those vehicles but when I find out I will update this article.

Day Use Area:

The day use area at Navarro Beach is massive and consists of a lot of sandy areas, a ton of driftwood and approximately half a mile of shoreline. This is where most of the pictures you see online are taken and is a very beautiful place where the Navarro River and the Pacific Ocean meet.

Navarro Beach Day Use Area

There is no fee to use the day use area here and there are tons of parking spaces available, the parking area runs along the opposite side of where the campsites are. The shoreline of the ocean is approximately 600 feet away from where you park and you can explore the beach or head up the shores of the Navarro River.

Trails:

The trail system in the Navarro River Redwood State Park is a very friendly system of trails. Although there aren't any crazy long trails, the ones that are there are worth the stop, even if it's just for a little while.

Trail 1: Navarro Fire Access Trail

Navarro Fire Access Trail is a 4.7 out and back trail along the fire access road. Its wide and mostly flat, which makes it accessible for people of all levels to enjoy a stroll through the redwoods.

It has an elevation gain of about 337 feet for the entire length of the trail. It is stroller accessible, so this is a place that the kids can enjoy too.

Navarro Fire Access Road Trail

Directions:

Staring Out At Paul Dimmick:

If you are coming from the Paul Dimmick side of HWY 128 then you will locate the trail approximately 4.3 miles or 6 minutes away. When leaving the campground, take a left like heading towards the ocean. You will see the fire access gate on your right. See the map below.

PD to NFAT

Staring Out At Navarro Beach:

If your journey is starting out at the ocean or even Navarro Beach Campground, then you will need to head East, and it will take you approximately 8 minutes (5.5 miles) to arrive at the trailhead, which would then be on the left-hand side of highway 128.

Navarro River Fire Access Trail location map

The photo below shows what you will be looking for as there are no trail markers.


Trail 2: Mustard Gulch Trail

Mustard Gulch Trail is a short jaunt down an old logging road with just 2 miles out and back. This trail is easy and wide, so taking a stroller shouldn't be an issue. 

Mustard Gulch Trail map
Mustard-Gulch-Trailhead Image

Mustard Gulch Trailhead

Directions:

Staring Out At Paul Dimmick:

Mustard Gulch trailhead is really close to the Paul Dimmick campground, in fact it is only point seven miles away which would take you roughly one minute to get there by car.

You could walk there, if you wanted to, and it would take you approximately 13 minutes, according to google maps.

Mustard Gulch from PDC

Staring Out At Navarro Beach:

If your starting point is at Navarro Beach, then the trailhead is roughly 8.1 miles away.

You'd want to head on highway 1 for a short distance and then merge east on to highway 128 and you will see the trailhead on your left-hand side.

MG from NBC

Trail 3: Dimmick Memorial Grove

This little stroll takes you on a paved loop directly through and around the Paul Dimmick Campground. Its only 0.6 miles but all of it in the redwoods and on the river. Easy jaunt and good for families with kids. You can park in the day use area of Paul Dimmick Campground to access it.

Dimmick Campground and Grove
Dimmick Memorial Grove Loop

Trail 4: Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail

This easily accessible trail is a 1.5 mile loop on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's appropriate for the whole family, having a wide path and is a relatively easy hike. During the spring you will find wildflowers abloom and if you are lucky, you may spot seals down below among the surf or on the sand.

Navarro Point Preserve tm

Getting there: 

The trail is on the ocean side of highway 1. You will travel down a well marked driveway to a small parking lot.

Navpoint from Navarrobeach

Historic Town of Navarro:

The history of Navarro River and the surrounding areas begins in the mid 1840's, around the time of the gold rush in the Sierra Nevada. Settlements had been made along the Navarro River and local estuaries to accommodate timber and the tradesmen who worked and lived near the mill in the 1860's.

These mills loaded their lumber onto schooners that were built locally for the growing lumber industry. A couple of the buildings that are still standing today at Navarro Beach are thankfully preserved to share this part of California history.

Natural and unnatural Disasters In The Area:

The financial "crash" of 1893 closed the second Navarro mill.  Because of this, the owner was no longer able to pay his 250 employees. Many people who had set up home in the area left at that time.

When the 1906 earthquake hit San Francisco, it was not the only town to feel destruction. Apparently the earthquake was felt all along the coast. The Navarro Inn By The Sea felt some major damage.

Great Quake 1906 Mendo

In 1907 there was a great flood of the Navarro River during which the old wooden bridge that spanned the Navarro River was completely wiped out.

1913 what was left of the town of Navarro was burnt to the ground on a windy night. Sparks ignited and nearly everything was lost to history.

Navarro 13 Apr 1913

Then in 1921 the home of Captain Fletcher (Builder of the Navarro By The Sea Hotel) was burnt, with nothing left but memories. It is believed that since it was left open to fishermen and travelers that someone may have let the fire get too hot and that was all it took to destroy the wood timbered structure.

The Inn By The Ocean:

In 1865 the now historical Inn was built by Captain Fletcher. This building was to serve as a lay-over for men awaiting their loads of lumber on schooners. Originally it was said to have at least 12 small rooms located on the second floor of the home.

Captain Fletchers Inn

The Inn stayed in the family for many years. Always purchased for a mere $10 as was tradition.

Eventually the Inn was purchased and changed hands over the next century. Always maintaining itself as an Inn and a place for people to get away. Eventually a bar and restaurant were added. It was a popular place during its heyday.

Capitan Fletchers Inn 2
Capitan Fletchers Inn 3
Capitan Fletchers Inn 4

As time passed, the Inn was not up-kept. The cottages that had been built were demolished in the 1960s. It's said that it was still a popular place to stop in the 1970s, but issues with keeping help at the bar ended up causing the Inn to be boarded up and abandoned.

In 1990 the Inn was purchased with the hopes of reopening it to the public, unfortunately there were too many issues. It was sold to the State of California Department of Parks and recreation for $300,000 in 1996. The building had sat for so long that it was greatly in disrepair. But people took notice and through donations and with the help of "Save America's Treasures" program funds have been secured to restore the Inn to its former glory. 

As of the writing of this, the Inn though currently closed to the public is being renovated. You can peer inside to see what's happening.

Other Buildings:

There are a few other buildings still standing on the property. The home to the left of the Inn was the "Company House" or rather it was originally occupied by the lumber mill manager. This home has also been standing since about 1865.

Navarro River Mill

Helpful Resources:

I have listed the different resources I found along the way when writing this article on the Navarro River Redwoods State Park and even though there aren't many links, I'm sure they'll still be helpful to most people, but the maps will definitely be a huge help!

Navarro River Redwoods State Park Map

Navarro River Redwoods State Park Map

Paul Dimmick Campground Map 2

Paul Dimmick Campground Map

Navarro Beach Campground Map Closeup

Navarro Beach Campground Map Closeup

Navarro Beach Campground Map

Navarro Beach Campground Map

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Wrights Beach Campground Resource Guide https://californiastateparks.info/wrights-beach-campground/ https://californiastateparks.info/wrights-beach-campground/#respond Wed, 02 Jun 2021 01:15:52 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=297 Wright Beach Campground is a small campground in the Sonoma Coast State Park that has 27 developed sites with 10 of the sites directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's not a whole lot to do here, outside the beach area itself but is still a blast with amazing sights and sounds. I put together this resource guide for Wrights Beach that touches on nearly everything you need to know when planning a trip here. * Address: 7095 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923* Phone: (707) 875-3483* Reservations: 800-444-7275* Elevation: 30 feet* Established: 1951* Size: 21 Miles Of Coastline Campsite Fee:$35-$45 a dayAdd.

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Wright Beach Campground is a small campground in the Sonoma Coast State Park that has 27 developed sites with 10 of the sites directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's not a whole lot to do here, outside the beach area itself but is still a blast with amazing sights and sounds.

I put together this resource guide for Wrights Beach that touches on nearly everything you need to know when planning a trip here.

* Address: 7095 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
* Phone: (707) 875-3483

* Reservations: 800-444-7275
* Elevation: 30 feet
* Established: 1951
* Size: 21 Miles Of Coastline

What Kind Of Camping Can I Do 2

Campsite Fee:
$35-$45 a day

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Dogs:
Allowed in
certain areas

Season:
Year Round

# Of Sites:
27

Showers:
No Showers

Potable Water:
No, Use Bodega
Dunes

Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
No

WiFi:
No WiFi Available

Cell Service:
Little To None

People Per Site:
8 Maximum

Check Out/In Times:
12:00pm/2:00pm

Campground:

Wrights Beach Campground consists of 27 sites, sites 1-10 being the closest proximity to the beach and sites 21-27 offering the most privacy. There are 2 sets of restrooms with hot water, but there are no showers on the premises. 

There is potable water on site with many "community spigots" located in many areas of the campsites. There is a camp host onsite, and you are able to purchase firewood bundles from them for $8 a bundle. 

Campground Map:

Wrights Beach Campground Map 2

Campsites:

Of the 27 sites, sites 1-10 are considered "Premium" sites and cost $45 per night. These sites all have direct ocean access. All the rest of the locations are $35 per night.

Sites 11-18 are located in the same loop as 1-10 but are not directly on the beach. Sites 19-27 are located in the adjacent loop, and although they are not on the beach they are all pretty private with shrubbery dividing the campsites.

Wrights Beach Site 9

Beach Front Sites 1-10 (Site 09 In Photo)

Wrights Beach Site 16

Non Direct Beach Access Sites 11-18 (Site 16 In Photo)

Wrights Beach Site 23

More Private Sites 19-27 (Site 23 In Photo)

RV Sites:

Many of the pads at Wrights Beach can accommodate an RV of up to 31 feet but nearly all spaces were back in spots.

To verify measurement accuracy figures, you can contact the park or look up the info on reservecalifornia.com. 

Tent Sites:

All sites can accommodate a tent and many are large enough for a couple of tents on the pad, plus a vehicle.

Some sites are completely paved though so driving stakes into the ground will not be possible. 

Handicap Sites:

There are 3 sites that are designated as ADA approved. They are site numbers 2, 26 and 27. I honestly couldn't find anything differentiating these specific campsites from the others. As all the sites have pavement pads, my guess is their proximity to the restrooms.

Overflow Sites:

The overflow sites for this campground are located before and after the guard entry gate and are on a first come first served basis. There is no tent camping allowed in the overflow area. Self-contained units and trailers are allowed. The overflow area does have fire pits, bbq capabilities and picnic tables available. 

Overflow Camping Area WB

Unique Sites:

In their own right, many of the sites at this campground are unique. The sites at 1-10 all are directly on the beach. Wrights beach has amazing sunsets that can be viewed directly from your chair while sitting next to your campfire.

Sites 20-25, although not directly on the beach, are a very short walk to the beach. These sites offer some excellent privacy as there are no spaces directly across from them. Plus with the bushes in between you can get some get windbreak when the wind picks up.

Campsite Features:

Wrights Beach Campground has the basic amenities that you would expect from any campground, with just the basics included, for the most part. All campsites have a large fire pit, picnic table and a dry food storage cabinet.

There are no hook-ups or dump stations for your RV at Wrights Beach, so be aware of that before planning your trip and prepare accordingly. On a side note, most people stop by Bodega Dunes for certain RV necessities, as it is set up to be a more RV accommodating campground.

Picnic Table

Picnic tables wrightsbeach

These picnic tables are standard to most State Parks locations.

They are good size and can accommodate at least 6 to 8 people. Some can also be moved to adjust to your camp set-up.

Fire Pit

Firepit WB

The fire pits at Wrights Beach are deep and come with a cooking grate, which can be removed.

The camp host does sell bundles of firewood if you do not bring enough for your stay.

Dry Storage

Dry Storage

The dry storage cabinets in each site are roughly five and a half feet tall with 3-4 shelves.

These have doors on them but are not lockable, so do not store valuables in them.

Dogs:

Dogs are allowed at Wrights Beach Campground but like the other state parks they aren't really allowed in many of the areas around the campsite area. If you do bring your dog, they must be on a leash at all times and that leash cannot be longer than 6 feet and length. They also require that the dog be attended at all times, so this means you can't leave your dog alone in your campsite while you go out.

They are not allowed on the beach or on any of the trails surrounding the area, so really it is not the best idea to take your dog with you on the trip, especially if you want to explore.

Bathrooms/Showers:

There are 2 bathroom location, one is right between both loops and the other is located at the end of site 20. There are no showers here but you can use the showers 5.5 miles away at Bodega Dunes. These take tokens which can be purchased at the park ranger station. 

You can get to Bodega Dunes by following the map or the directions below:

  • Turn Right onto HWY 1, heading south towards Bodega Bay.
  • In about 5 miles you will see the sign for Bodega Dunes Campground on your right-hand side.
Wrights Beach to Bodega Dunes Map

Tokens can be purchased for the showers at the kiosk/park ranger station or camp host. They are $1 for every 5 minutes of shower time. These tokens are good throughout the State Park system, so if you do not use them all then you can save them for another trip.

Vehicles:

One vehicle is included with your purchase of an overnight stay as well as a trailer if you are towing. Any additional vehicles may stay for an additional $8. Senior citizens get a slightly discounted rate of $7.

It is important to note that any additional Vehicles will have to be parked in the day use area, as the parking availability in the campground is limited. The day use area is not too far from the campground itself, but your car will be out of view.

Wrights Beach Shoreline:

With the Sonoma Coast State Park system stretching 21 miles in total, Wrights Beach being the longest shoreline in all of the Sonoma Coast State Park system. This beach stretches approximately .6 of a mile from end to end and is a fantastic walk to take when visiting.

Wrights Beach Distance Map

A few details about the sand:

The sand at Wrights Beach is not what you would call sandy. It's consistency is more like very tiny pebbles. It can be hard to walk in as it does not hold shape, instead it just sinks in with every step.

Walking the 1.2 mile (end to end starting at the campground) would give you a good workout, if that's something you are looking for, but bring shoes just in case.

Wrights Beach Sand

Treacherous Waters:

The beaches in the Sonoma Coast state park systems are all very dangerous if you get too close. They all have an incredibly strong undertow, rip currents and with the shifting "sands" you have a beach that is constantly moving.

These waters are not for swimming and are really more for just fishing and looking at.

danger-treacherous-water WB

Day Use Area:

Wrights Beach does offer a day use area that is pretty large, compared to some other state parks. The day use area at Wrights Beach is a fee use park, which means it costs $8 per car ($7 for seniors). 

The day use area does have picnic tables and plenty of space to fly a kite or toss a ball around. 

There are no bathrooms available in day use, so you will need to access the bathrooms in the campground. There are no dogs or fires allowed on the beach, now you can use the provided fire rings for fires but no open fires on the beach.

WB Day Use Area

Weather of Bodega Bay and the Surrounding Areas:

The weather in Bodega Bay and Wrights Beach is typical of a norther coastal area. Generally cool to cold at night and the days can be foggy in the morning with the sun breaking through by midday. We were there in March and the highs were in the low 70s.

Bodega Bay Temperature graph
Bodega Bay Rain graph

Nearby Amenities:

Bodega Bay: The town of Bodega Bay is only 12 minutes or 6.3 miles away. What is lacks in amenities, it makes up for in fresh fish and crab. You can visit the wharf area where the boats bring in fresh catches of the day. This town has one gas station and they do not offer propane.

There is 1 laundromat if you need to wash your clothing. There is also one smaller grocery store when heading into town on the left, if you blink you may miss it. They have about a dozen restaurants, with many featuring the local fish and shellfish.

Sebastapol & Santa Rosa: Sebastapol offers propane, fuel and grocery stores. It is located 34 minutes away or 21.9 miles. But if you need more than just the basics or you want more options then head to Santa Rosa. It's only an additional 12 minutes and 7.5 miles further. They have a Trader Joes, multiple Safeway stores and a Food Maxx. 

Bodega (Historic): Although it does not have what I would call amenities, it does make up for it in local history. They do have a coffee shop and a couple of eateries but what brings in visitors is the Potter Schoolhouse circa 1856 and the Saint Teresa of Avela Church circa 1859. This town is the site of the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds.

Trails:

There weren't many trails at Wrights Beach that you could hike on, in fact there was only one trail within the vicinity, but it does start from the campground itself and there are three main stops along the way at different beaches, if you choose to walk the entire stretch.

Overall, this is a fairly easy walk and is a clearly marked trail that spans roughly 4.7 miles one way, if you were to walk the entire trail.

The Kortum Trail:

The Kortum Trail begins or ends at Wrights Beach Campground, depending on which way you start, but the beginning point is located toward the end of the loop of near campsites 20-25, adjacent to the bathroom. The trail is in total (approximately) 9.4 miles long (there and back) with multiple stopping points along the way. 

Kortum Trail Map

First Beach:

Once you leave the campground and head north, the next stop is approximately 1.8 miles to Shell Beach. Shell Beach and the parking lot for the Kortum Trail has vault toilets.

Kortum Trail Head to Shell Beach

Second Beach:

The next stop is Blind Beach, and it is approximately another 1.8 miles or an additional 35 minutes down the trail. There are other restrooms located at Blind Beach, so another stopping point to take a bathroom break.

Kortum Trail Shell Beach to Blind Beach

Third Beach:

The final leg is onward to Goat Rock Beach, this is about an additional 1.1 miles down the trail from Blind Beach. On days when the sea is rough, you will not be able to access Goat Rock State Park by vehicle, due to the nature of the parking lot area itself, but you are still allowed to walk in if you choose to do so.

They close the parking lot in certain circumstances because the ocean is on both sides of the parking area. You can still access it by foot, but you must exercise caution. The ocean can swipe you away in a heartbeat.

Kortum Trail Blind Beach to Goat Rock Beach

All of the reviews on this trail stated that this is an easy to medium trail and fairly well trafficked. It can be pretty windy on the bluffs overlooking the beaches, so just bear that in mind.

Fishing:

Coming Soon!

Helpful Resources:

I wasn't able to find many good resources on Wrights Beach or the campground there, the only real resource I found was from the California State Parks website, that I linked to below and from our own experience by visiting the beach ourselves.
Wrights Beach Campground Map 2
Another Map

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Anderson Marsh State Historical Park, What’s Here? https://californiastateparks.info/anderson-marsh-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/anderson-marsh-state-park/#respond Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:32:45 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=306 Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a nice little stop when traveling that you can visit and see a mix of many very interesting points of interest. This is a massive area what takes up more than 1,000 acres in total and has a historic ranch property on it, including historic buildings that are in great shape still, which you can actually tour! Other things you'll find at Anderson Marsh are different shorter trails that take you along the Nature Preserve area mainly, but there are other trails that go off into the wooded portion of the property that make for

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Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a nice little stop when traveling that you can visit and see a mix of many very interesting points of interest. This is a massive area what takes up more than 1,000 acres in total and has a historic ranch property on it, including historic buildings that are in great shape still, which you can actually tour!


Other things you'll find at Anderson Marsh are different shorter trails that take you along the Nature Preserve area mainly, but there are other trails that go off into the wooded portion of the property that make for a little bit longer hike, if that's what you're looking for.

* Address: 8400 CA-53
   Lower Lake, CA 95457
* Phone: (707) 279-2267

* Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
* Established: 1982
* Size: 1,065 Acres

* Elevation: Approx. 1,350 feet

Day Use Fee:
$4 per vehicle

Dogs:
Allowed on leash in parking lot only.

Potable Water:
No

Toilets:
Yes, portable

Day Use Area:

The day use area at the park is really just the parking lot and is the first thing you will see when driving in to Anderson Marsh, along with some of the historical buildings, a few picnic tables and portable toilets.

Will have to pay a day-use fee of around $4 to park if you plan on visiting the park for any amount of time. When we went, it was a self registration system where you put the money into the envelope and leave the other part of the envelope that you tear off on the — of your vehicle.

There were Park Rangers that came into the park and verified that people paid the day use fee, so be sure to submit the payment or have your state park annual pass displayed.

This parking lot is the only place that dogs are allowed out and able to roam around, but they are not allowed on any of the trails around the area because it is a natural reserve.


You will also find the portable toilets in this area, I think there were three or four when we went, if I can remember correctly and they were pretty decent inside.

Parking Lot

Vehicles:

The self registration fee of $4 is for one vehicle, so if you have more vehicles in that you will have to pay an additional $4 per vehicle. I could not find any information this stated how many people maximum per vehicle we're allowed but if I do I will update this page with the new information as soon as possible.

Dogs:

Dogs are welcome in the parking lot area only and you're not allowed on any of the trails in the park due to the park being a natural preserve. If your dog is in the parking lot, they also require that you have a leash that is no longer than 6 feet in length on your dog at all times and the dog must be attended at all times.

To sum things up, dogs are allowed in certain areas, but it's probably not a good idea to bring your dog, even though people have left reviews online stating that they did bring their dogs on the trails, so I know it does happen but like many other state parks, it isn't really a dog friendly place.

Dogs are not really allowed in the main portion of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, but they are allowed in the northern part of the park, on the shores of Clear Lake (Old Highway 53).

What Can I Do At Anderson Marsh?

Anderson Marsh is a very large area but to be quite honest there's not a whole lot to do outside hiking and visiting the historic buildings that are on the grounds. Regardless, it is a beautiful place that has different scenery to view, depending on the season with lots of wildlife and plenty of trails.

What Can I Do In Anderson Marsh

Anderson Marsh SP Map:

Map Of Anderson Marsh SHP
Closeup Map

The Old Ranch:

A big part of Anderson Marsh State Park is the ranch area, which is where all of the historical buildings are found. This is where the majority of the pictures will be taken by most people and located right by the parking lot, making it conveniently located and all of the paths are pretty wide and level, so you can take a stroller or the kids with you, if you want to.

Historical Buildings:

As I mentioned before, there are several historical buildings on site and some have more significance than others but all the buildings (I thought) were really neat to look at, and I love history anyways, so it really is a two-in-one for me.

The Main House:

The main Ranch House on the property is probably the main attraction of that little area and has a very cool wrap around porch and even an old washing machine on the back portion of the house that I believe still works and is used in demonstrations for tours.

The Ranch House

The Barns:

There are two barns on the property, when we went and one of them was all locked up, but the other barn was open and we could walk through and get a close-up view of the hand milled lumber from the 1800s.

Between the two barns was the Corral, which is another building that was used on the ranch for the animals.

The Outhouse:

There was also an outhouse on the grounds that is blocked off from entering inside, but still cool to look at and takes you back to how people used to go to the bathroom, and it was not as convenient as what we have nowadays.

The Stalls:

Like I mentioned earlier, there were also the Stalls in between the two barns or the corral, as the signs refer to it, which is yet another old building that was essential to the ranch's livelihood.

Trails:

When you look at the map for Anderson Marsh and study the trails, you can see that there are no real loops to the trails and one trail usually just turns into another trail, making it somewhat confusing, especially if you're out there with no map whatsoever!

I wanted to go over a few of the trails in Anderson Marsh, so you have a better understanding of how long they are, what routes they take and what other trails they turn into, so you have a much better understanding about how to navigate the trails.

The Ridge Trail:

The Ridge Trail is a nice, fairly flat trail that is approximately one mile in length (one way) and starts and stops off of the Anderson Flats Trail. If you started off in the day-use parking lot of the park, you would head West along the cattle fence.

It is possible to access the Ridge Trail from two separate points on the Anderson Flats Trail. If you started in the day-use parking lot and headed west along the fence line, you would come to a fork in the trail, in which case you would head South.

The other way to access the Ridge Trail from the Anderson Flats Trail would be to stay on the Anderson Flats Trail at the first fork, and at the second Fork stay right, and then at the third Fork stay left, and you would eventually make a hard left onto the Ridge Trail.

Ridge Trail

Cache Creek Nature Trail:

The Cache Creek Nature Trail is one of the prettiest Trail in Anderson Marsh State Park and is approximately 1.1 miles in length and the starting point is right from the parking area, also where all of the historical buildings are located.

You could also access the Cache Creek Nature Trail by heading west from the parking area and walking along the cattle fence on Anderson Flats Trail and you will eventually turn off on to the Cache Creek Trail, if you choose to go that way.

This trail has a very nice wooden boardwalk that runs along a short section of the trail, taking you along Cache Creek itself and then ends up taking you through some of the marsh areas, so you get to see a lot of the area's Natural Resources by taking this trail.

Cache Creek Nature Trail

Anderson Flats Trail:

The Anderson Flats Trail is really the main trail that connects all of the other trails in the park. It starts off at the parking area and has West along the cattle fence and then veers Slightly North and from that point you have the options of cutting off on to any of the other trails in the park.

The Anderson Flats Trail is approximately .8 miles in length, so just under a mile one way and is fairly level and is also a stroller accessible if you have a jogging stroller that uses larger air filled tires.

Anderson Flats Trail

The Marsh Trail:

The Marsh Trail is one of the shortest trails in the park, having a range of only half a mile, but provides one of the best views of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park that you can't get from any other Trail.

In order to access the Marsh Trail, you will have to come in on either the Cache Creek Nature Trail, the Anderson Flats Trail or the McVicar Trail, which ultimately you will have to add additional mileage to your journey in order to get there.

Marsh Trail

The McVicar Trail:

The McVicar Trail is the longest trail in the park, by far, stretching three and a half miles from start to finish, so if you are going to walk this trail, you will have to make your way back, making the walk more than 7 miles in total!

You can access the McVicar Trail from the Anderson Flats Trail or the Ridge Trail and if you do decide to walk this trail and go all the way to the end, you will be rewarded by having a view of Clear Lake.

McVicar Trail

Helpful Resources:

I wasn't able to find a ton of links online about Anderson Marsh State Historical Park, but the few I did find were very helpful in my research. I tried to compile all the data I found through various sources, including some of the resources I have listed below and put them all on this one page, in an easier to scan and read format.
Map Of Anderson Marsh SHP


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Grover Hot Springs State Park Resource Guide https://californiastateparks.info/grover-hot-springs-state-park/ https://californiastateparks.info/grover-hot-springs-state-park/#respond Sat, 29 May 2021 01:00:11 +0000 http://californiastateparks.info/?p=8 Grover Hot Springs State Park is a pretty cool place to visit, located along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers many things for the Avid outdoor enthusiast. You can find a nice campground here with spots for smaller RVs and lots of tent sites, along with a Hot Springs pool where you can go relax. Also they have tons of miles of trails in the park and nearby. Just outside the Grover Hot Springs State Park is a little town call Markleeville California, which is very small but quaint and has a couple of different restaurants,

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Grover Hot Springs State Park is a pretty cool place to visit, located along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers many things for the Avid outdoor enthusiast. You can find a nice campground here with spots for smaller RVs and lots of tent sites, along with a Hot Springs pool where you can go relax. Also they have tons of miles of trails in the park and nearby.

Just outside the Grover Hot Springs State Park is a little town call Markleeville California, which is very small but quaint and has a couple of different restaurants, a general store and other nice little shops that are fun to visit and check out.

* Address: 3415 Hot Springs Rd,
   Markleeville, CA 96120

* Elevation: 5,900 feet
* Established: 1959
* Size: 553 Acres
* Phone: (530) 694-2248

* Reservations: (530) 694-2248

* Pool: (530) 694-2249

What Kind Of Camping Can I Do

Campsite Fee:
$35 a day

Hot Springs Fee:
$10 adults
$5 (17 & under)

Add. Vehicle Fee:
$8 per vehicle

Pets:
Allowed on leash &
attended at all times

Showers:
Hot showers
($1 for 5 min.)

Potable Water:
Yes, many spigots around campground

Toilets:
Yes, flush toilets

Dump Station:
No

WiFi:
Not Available

Cell Service:
In Some Areas
1-3 bars

Roads:
Paved Throughout
Campground

What's Sold:
Firewood: $8
Ice: $4 (5 lbs.)

Campground:

The campground itself has a total of 76 sites, which are mixed between RV sites and tent sites. It is geared more towards tent camping, but you can also bring a small camp trailer, as they have just enough room to fit more compact setups.

There are two different loops in this Campground and the first loop contains sites 1 through 36, while the second loop holds the remaining sites 37 through 76, which you can see on the map below.

Campground Map:

Modified Grover-Hot-Springs-State-Park Campground Map

Campsites:

Most of the campsites at Grover Hot Springs State Park are pretty spacious, and you could fit several tents and pop-up shelters easily in most of the sites, due to the wide open area of each individual site. This is true for sites that are located on the outer perimeter of the road and is also true for some sites that are located within the inner circle areas as well.

On a side note though, not all sites are large enough to accommodate multiple tents and other shelters, so keep that in mind before booking your site and be sure you do your research to get a site that has plenty of room for all of your camp equipment.

RV Sites:

The RV sites in the park were marked by these yellow markers on the campsite post, as indicated in the image, and have a smaller asphalt pad for you to park your trailer or RV on.

A good majority of the asphalt pads ran perpendicular to the actual campsite, making for a more "T" shaped camp layout.

RV Site Indicator

One thing I did notice about the RV accessible sites was that the parking layout seem to be switched around from other campgrounds I have visited and could have been better thought out.

Most trailers and RV's have their door located on the passenger side of your vehicle and a lot of the pads seem to be set up for the doors being on the opposite side (driver's side), which usually required you walking out your camper, around your camper in order to access your campsite.

I really just wanted to point this out as it was not really a dealbreaker, just something I noticed when walking around.

RV & Trailer Pad

Example RV Site (Site 70)

Tent Sites:

There were a ton of really cool tent sites in the campground varied in size from really huge to smaller and a couple of sites that were in between the two.

Sites that were dedicated to tent camping only had a dark brown placard with a small white tent icon in the middle of it.

Tent Site Indicator
Tent Site Example

Example Tent Site (Site 66)

There were some instances where some of the campsites were closer to your parking area, like the image above shows with site number 66. These might be desirable for some people out there and I wanted to point out that there are some sites within the campground that are laid out like this.

Tent Site Example 2

Example Tent Site (Site 54)

I also noticed that most of the tent sites had the campground area (where the fire pit, bear box and picnic table were located) a little ways away from where you would park your vehicle. The above image is a good example of the distance between where you park your vehicle and the actual campsites are located, which is seen here on site 54.

Handicap Sites:

There were only two specific sites that were dedicated to accommodate disabled people and these were sites 25 and 26.

The parking area was a little bit larger than the others, both lengthwise and width wise and the picnic table and fire pit were also paved, making for a seamless transition to your campsite from your parking spot.

Disabled Site Indicator
Disabled Site Example

Example Disabled Site (Site 26)

Unique Sites:

There were a lot of unique sites in the campground that had cool elements integrated either within the site itself or another natural aspect nearby that made it stand out from the other sites.

Large Boulders: Some sites had very large boulders integrated throughout the area that made for nice privacy barriers on one or more sides of your site and these were just really cool to look at and made the site itself look way more interesting and have a lot more character.

Here is a picture of site 58 that had some of the largest rocks around, and it provided a nice buffer on that side from a lot of other campsites.

Site With Large Boulders

Creek Side Spots: There were four different sites that were located right by the creek and on our trip, the creek was running quite fast, and you could hear it very well from those four sites, but you can also hear it from nearby sites that were further up.

The four closest sites to the creek were sites 73, 74, 75 and 76, but you could hear the creek from sites 67 to 76, which were the ones that were located on the lower loop of the campground.

Creekside Sites

The soil in the campground is a coarse sand type of texture and is a little messy when going in and out of your tent or camper, so be prepared for that.

Having a broom on hand will help you keep things a lot cleaner.

Sandy Soil In Camp

Campsite Features:

A lot of the features that you would find at other campsites were also available here at Grover Hot Springs State Park like a picnic table, a fire pit and a dry storage pantry area where you usually keep your food. Since there are a lot of bears around they actually provide an additional bear locker that is used to store all of your food in, day and night.

Picnic Table

Picnic Table
The picnic tables were nothing special here, the average camping picnic table that you see at nearly every campground nowadays, and they are pretty large, having a seating capacity of around 8 to 10 people.

Fire Pit

Fire Pit
Right alongside the picnic table you have a standard fire ring that is made entirely of metal and really helps on windy days. There was a grate that you could use to cook food on too, which we used and was convenient.


I do want to note that not all sites had this fire ring, some sites actually used rocks as their fire pit, and it looked like they used an additional metal grate that was placed on top, so you can cook on it if you wanted to.

Bear Box

Bear Box Food Storage
Like I mentioned earlier, this state park uses bear boxes that are essentially bear-proof metal containers that you have to store all of your food in, by law.


These are quite large and we were able to fit our two 70 quart ice chests inside it, along with five of our soft cooler bags and a few other dry food bags, and we still had plenty of room for more storage.

Dry Storage

Extra Storage Cabinet

The dry storage area was really just a small wooden structure that had about four to five shelves on it and stood roughly five and a half feet tall off the ground and I assume these were used for storing your food before the bear proof boxes were installed.


Most people use these for storing their wood or other random items like lanterns, flashlights, etc. instead.

Hookups:

There were no RV hookups whatsoever in the park, so this is really a dry campground, as far as that goes. The only hookups I saw were for the camp hosts, which aren't available anytime of the year for the general public. This also includes dumping stations for gray water or waste water, so be prepared to dispose of these some other way.

Bathrooms/Showers:

There were a total of six bathrooms and two showers in the whole campground that were spread out. The upper loop (sites 1-36) had one shower/bathroom combination building and one bathroom building with no showers.

The lower loop, consisting of sites 37-76 had two restroom only buildings and one shared shower/bathroom building. The bathroom buildings are spread out a little bit, which makes walking to the bathroom more convenient and less of a trek for most of the campsites.

All of the shower and bathroom buildings were pretty outdated, meaning the tile, paint, mirrors, toilets and fixtures we're at least 20 years old and have definitely seen better days.


I attached an image of the shower and restroom building that was in the lower loop close to camp site 51, so you can get an idea of what they look like inside.

Shower Tokens: If you want to take a shower you will have to go to the kiosk at the front of the park and exchange your money for shower tokens, which is the only type of currency that he showers accept. You will get approximately five minutes of hot water for every dollar you put in + $1 is equivalent to one token or five minutes of hot water.

Shower Notes: On a side note, the showers do take a little bit of time to heat up, so you will lose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes of your valuable shower time waiting for the water to warm up. It wasn't that big of a deal, I just thought I would throw that out there.

I think it's also fair to mention that the water pressure was pretty decent and the water coming out of the shower was actually really hot and I had to turn it down a little bit, even though it was 39 degrees outside.

The shower stalls were divided up into two different areas, one area was strictly for the shower head, where the water came out and this room is separated by a divider and the other room had a bench where you could put your clothes, soap and other toiletry items, without getting them wet.

What Luxuries Are In The Bathrooms: The bathrooms were pretty basic, but when you go in there you will see many mirrors, flushable toilets and there were even power outlets where you can plug in a hair dryer or a shaver of some sort, if you needed to.

A good tip for using the shower rooms at the campground would be to bring a terry cloth robe and an extra pair of flip-flops specifically for showering.

The bathrooms are very cold and having a robe to put on right after would eliminate the amount of time that you are cold after you get out of the shower.

The extra flip-flops will come in handy, so you can keep all of your other shoes dry and prevent dirt and mud from sticking to the bottom of your shoes.

Vehicles:

The $35 a night covers your camping fees and one vehicle, so long as your vehicle fits on the paved portion of your campsite.

You are not allowed to park anywhere else, per the CA state park vehicle code.

If you do have an extra vehicle, you will have to pay an additional $8, and you will have to park it in the overflow parking lot, which is located quite far from the second loop (sites 37-76).

You are not allowed to park in other campsites, even if they are not being occupied.

Overflow Parking Lot Location

Dogs:

Dogs are allowed everywhere in the park except in the pool complex area. There are three additional rules that are enforced as well and these really boil down to: your dog must be on a leash at all times, your leash cannot be longer than 6 feet is the background this is what will be and you can never leave your dog unattended.

Keep in mind that these are just the rules of the park you will also have to pick up after your dog, which is not specifically stated on the website, but it is something that everybody should have the common decency to do anyways.

Day Use Area:

The day use area is located right after you enter the Gate of the park, on the right and is a large area that is not represented correctly on the map but actually consists of about a dozen or so very large spots with picnic tables, fire pits, water access, bear boxes and just about everything else that the campsites had.

Day Use Area Map

There is also a bathroom located here. We have Verizon Wireless cell service and when we stayed here this was the only spot we got decent cell coverage and was able to access the internet. There is no Wi-fi around, no public Wi-Fi anyways that you can connect to.

The day use area is really great and has nearly all the amenities that the campground has and the creek actually runs right by it, so you can go down and check out the water while you're there.

Day Use Area

Hot Springs:

Pool Area

Image courtesy of visitgroverhotsprings.org

The hot springs itself is definitely the main attraction when it comes to this state park and (for a small fee), you are allowed up to one and a half hours inside the hot pool, up to a maximum of two times per day.

The Hot Springs area is actually a more modern pool type of environment, with poured concrete and set up like an in-ground pool would be, complete with handrails, seating around the edges, etc.

Reservations: In order to enjoy the hot springs, you will have to make a reservation online via ReserveCalifornia.com. On the homepage of the website, look towards the top of the page and click on "Activities". Fill out all of the required information, make a payment and you will get an email confirmation with your reserved time slot and day.

If you do not have reservations, you could always go down to the kiosk (park entrance) and see if they have any availabilities for that day or another day you would like to go. Sometimes people cancel their reservations which means there would be an opening at the last minute that you could possibly fill.

The Pools: There are two different pools in the Hot Springs area, one hot, mineral pool and the other pool is a cooler swimming pool that you can jump in if you get too hot. There are changing rooms and a bathroom located in the pool facilities, along with storage cubes to hold your towels, shoes and whatever else you brought.

A Few Pictures From Grover Hot Springs:

Nearby Supplies:

Camp Kiosk: The kiosk at the campground only sells firewood bundles ($8) and bags of ice ($4), so you will have to venture outside the park in order to get any other supplies you need.

Markleeville: If you travel to the small town of Markleeville, roughly four miles away, you will find gasoline from the only gas station in town, a handful of restaurants and a general store. 

Remember, the gas will be priced much higher than you would normally find, from our experience it was about a dollar twenty higher per gallon than what we found in Gardnerville.

Gardnerville: For all of your other supplies like getting your propane tanks filled or other camping gear, nearby Gardnerville is probably your best bet, as they have many stores to choose from like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's and just about everything else in between.

Gardnerville was only a 28-minute drive from the Park, and it was actually a beautiful drive, with the road running along the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Another great tip for those of you that are planning on camping for multiple days on end, if you find that you are running low on clean clothing, you can always make a stop at the laundromat and wash all of your clothes for under $10!

Making Reservations:

If you want to make reservations for the Grover Hot Springs State Park campground, then you will have to go online to reservecalifornia.com, in order to make your reservations. It can be a bit confusing using the online website to make the reservations, especially if you never have used the website before, so I wanted to make a short tutorial on how to go about doing it.

Step 1: The first step is to fill out the information on the website and this includes the place name, your arrival date and how many days you plan on staying. The image below chose Grover Hot Springs as the destination and I have the arrival date and how many days we want to stay also chosen.

Reserve CA Website Insert Details

One thing I do want to mention is that when you are inserting the Park's name, you will want to select the suggested drop-down name (red arrow) instead of just typing it out because for some reason, if you just type out the name, select your date and how many days you're staying and search it will not acknowledge your request.

Step 2: After you enter all the required information for Grover Hot Springs State Park, you will get to a page that looks like the image below. Grover Hot Springs Campground is actually broken up into two sections on Reserve California's website; one section for campsites 1-36 and the other section is for campsites 37-76, which I outlined in the red box.

Just to the right of that you can see that it is further divided into "campsites" and "tent campsites". The "campsites" are for RVs and Tents and the "tent campsites" are only for tent camping.

And even further to the right of that section you will see four red boxes that have the words "check availability" inside them and this is where you want to click in order to see what sites are available and what days are available for those specific sites.

Campground Divided Into Two Sections

Step 3: When you click the check availability button on the previous step, you will come to a screen that looks like the image below. On the left side, the sites with the dates and their availability is shown and on the right is a map of the actual Campground where the campsites are located.


Pointing our attention back to the left-hand column, we can see that there are a lot of red boxes with white x's in the middle of them and these are not available but we also see some green boxes that the red arrow is pointing to and these sites are available on these specific days. All you need to do is click on the green box to reserve your campsite for that day or days.

Checking Availability

Step 4: 

After you click on the green box, like I explained in the previous step, you will then be shown a pop-up box to confirm your reservation and in the lower right-hand corner of this pop-up box you will see a small button with "reserve unit" inside it. Click on that box to confirm your reservation.


You will then have to create an account, if you don't already have one or login to your existing account in order to complete the reservation, and you will have to prepay for the site using your debit or credit card.
Make Your Reservation

Trails:

There are a ton of trails in Grover Springs State Park and surrounding the park itself and is probably the main attraction, next to the hot springs for most people. Everyone from beginner hikers to even hardcore hikers in fine something here, especially when you take into account the different seasons and weather.

I tried to stay as accurate as possible when it came to marking the trails, with their approximate distances but remember that trails that are not clearly marked and other elements such as down trees and overgrowth can change the marked routes, which would also change the distance.

Trails Inside The Park: 

Most people that visit Grover Hot Springs State Park will probably end up using the trails within the park itself, rather than venturing outside the park, due to the convenience and proximity to the campsite. There are a couple of really cool trails that you can walk, ranging in length and there is even a newer ADA approved trail.

Burnside Lake Trail:

The Burnside Lake Trail starts in the extra vehicle parking lot area of the campground and is fairly level and wide at the beginning, for the first couple of miles and then gets pretty steep and narrow after that.

This trail does split off, so look at a map ahead of time to get a general idea of where to go. On a side note, If you take the northern route then this Trail is a harder one for most people, so be prepared for that.

The first split heads southwest and is a shorter, easier hike, while the second split takes you northwest and towards the third split where you can continue further north or split off to the Charity Valley Trail, which heads southwest.

If you start in the back parking lot by the pool area, take the hot springs cut-off Trail and then head West on the Burnside Lake Trail, you can expect roughly an eight-mile hike to Burnside Lake. If you start from the extra vehicle parking lot inside the park, add about a mile to that, making it more like a 9-mile hike.

Burnside Lake Trail

Charity Valley Trail:

The Charity Valley Trail can be accessed inside the park via the extra vehicle parking lot and your starting point would be on the Burnside Lake Trail that eventually turns into the charity Valley Trail, or you can take the Hot Springs Cut-Off Trail and head West from there on the Burnside Lake Trail.

If you look at the map below you can see that the Charity Valley Trail actually splits off from the Burnside Lake Trail and heads South. The map is only a small portion of the trail, as it goes all the way to Blue Lakes Road.

A lot of people like to start at Blue Lakes Road and make their way over to Grover Springs, as it is a little easier of a hike than starting at Grover Springs and making your way to Blue Lakes Road.

If you start your journey in Grover Springs State Park, then the trail is approximately 7 miles to Charity Valley.

Charity Valley Trail 2

Sawmill Creek Trail:

The Sawmill Creek Trail starts at the back parking lot behind the hot springs pool area and shoots off to the left.

The trail is marked at the beginning and is approximately 1.9 miles (one way). The trail is narrower and moderately challenging, dogs are allowed.

Sawmill Creek Trail Sign
Sawmill Creek Trail

Hot Springs Trail:

The Hot Springs Trail is just a shorter trail that bypasses the road and has access points at the concrete vehicle bridge (between the main entrance gate and the extra vehicle parking lot) and the road that leads to the hot spring pool area.

It is a nice, short trail that makes walking to the hot spring pool area quicker and is a nice alternative to walking on the paved roads in the park.

Hot Springs Trail

Hot Springs Cutoff Trail:

The Hot Springs Cut-off Trail is really just a shorter .3 mile long trail that connects the back parking lot of the Hot Springs pool area to the Burnside Lake Trail.

This is an ADA approved Trail which is wide and relatively flat, made of compacted gravel and it connects to the extra vehicle parking lot of the campground, if you turn right at the "T" (.3 miles in).

Grover Hot Springs Cutoff Trail
Hot Springs Cutoff Trail

Grover's Falls Hike: The Grover Falls hike is a really nice hike for families and is even stroller-friendly if you have a jogging stroller with larger air filled tires. Typically you would start out in the extra vehicle parking lot and head West, down the Burnside Lake Trail.

From there you would go about a mile before the trail splits off, and you'll want to stay left, heading more south and avoiding the much longer and steeper Northern Burnside Lake Trail.

If you start at the extra vehicle parking lot inside the state park, you can expect roughly a 1.5 mile walk one way, for a total of about three miles round trip on a fairly easy, flat and wide path.

Grover Falls Hike

Trails Outside The Park: 

Coming Soon!

Cabins:

I noticed that a lot of people were looking for cabin rentals in Grover Springs State Park and after doing a bit of research, I could not find any cabin rentals inside the park itself.

I was able to find rentals outside the area and if you really wanted to, you could pay the day use fee, book a reservation for the hot springs and go that route, so you could do the cabin rental and still experience the hot springs.

Fishing, Kayaking & Boating:

Coming Soon!

Helpful Resources:

This section will include all the helpful resources that I found along the way about Grover Hot Springs State Park and I wanted to pass these resources along to you because I'm sure they will be helpful to some people out there.

Modified Grover-Hot-Springs-State-Park Campground Map
Grover Hot Springs Map 5
Grover Hot Springs Map 2
Grover Hot Springs Map 4
Grover Hot Springs Map 3

The post Grover Hot Springs State Park Resource Guide first appeared on California State Parks.

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