NORTHERN CALIFORNIA | FAMILY TRAVEL
Redwood: The land of the big trees
In Northern California, Redwood National and State Parks stand tall.
These magnificent parks mark the far northern quarter of California's map with green splotches near its coastline.
Redwood is one of America's least-visited national parks but not for its lack of beauty; it has that hands down, what with 2,000-year-old redwoods, 40% of California's seabirds, an overlook where the wild Klamath River merges with the vast Pacific and all the other glory that an old-growth forest has to offer.
Its protected lands are jointly managed by the National Park Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation and include Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek redwoods state parks.
Age appropriate
The parks' Junior Ranger program is aimed at kids 7 to 12 years old, though it's open to those younger and older.
Through it, children get to examine the parks up close, including their prairies and tide pools. They earn a patch for hiking, picking up litter or attending a ranger-led program.
Too much fun
Glimpse a migrating gray whale -- and a host of other sea animals -- from the Klamath River Overlook.
Best adventure
Tall Trees Grove is exactly what it sounds like; one tree here once grew almost 370 feet tall (its crown fell off due to harsh conditions caused by logging). This magical place, where looking up could make you feel like falling over in awe, is the park's main sight to see.
Its 600-year-old beauties could turn anyone into a tree hugger. A permit is required to see the grove; get it for free at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
Keep 'em happy / No museums, Dad!
In an old-fashioned town called Eureka (on Humboldt Bay south of Redwood National Park and north of Humboldt Redwoods State Park) is a unique business called Blue Ox Millworks.
Its staff offers tours and workshops so that families can watch -- and sometimes participate -- as experts craft architectural replacement parts, using historical tools, for the local Victorian homes.
Timing is everything
To see the migrating gray whales, come in December, January, March or April. To see native wildflowers in bloom, come in May for rhododendrons, June and July for azaleas. Weather-wise, summer is mild and foggy, whereas winter is cool and rainy.
Avoid the crowds
In the park's southern section is the descending Dolason Prairie Trail, a rarely accessed (comparatively speaking) walkway that's 2 1/2 miles round-trip to a sheep barn and 6 miles to Tall Trees Grove (see above). The hike is moderately difficult, but you're unlikely to pass many other souls along the way.
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