Patrick's Point State Park

During early March I hiked a spit of rocky land that juts westward into the Pacific Ocean--the California State Park called Patrick's Point. I initially parked at the southern end of the park at a spot called Palmer's Point. I then hiked northward along the Rim Trail, taking side trails to investigate Rocky Point, Patrick's Point, Wedding Rock, and Mussel Rocks. Each point gave unique views of the dramatic coastline, both from below at the shore and up high on top of cliffs. I then followed the Rim Trail to Agate Beach and scoured the shore for gem stones. No gems, at least none that I could identify, were found. I then hiked two miles back to my truck along a forested park road.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Rhododendron Loop Trail

I've hiked this loop multiple times during the past two years, but finally, as of early March 2019, photographed some of the magnificent scenes observed along the journey. This trail once again proves, in my opinion, that Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is the best place to experience the grandeur of the redwood forests found in northwest California. The Rhododendron Loop takes about 3 hours to complete. I started northward from the "Big Tree" Parking Lot...and yes, there is a very big tree to gaze upon (see picture below). The trail then weaves through slightly smaller, but still big, trees for another mile or two, then ascends up the slope of a ridge, eventually reaching Cal Barrel Road, which I took on the westward descent back down to Foothill Trail. I then headed north on Foothill Trial back to the parking lot. Click here for a Prairie Creek State Park brochure.

Humboldt County Coast

The arrival of March heralds the rapid onset of spring-like-weather in northwest California. I took advantage of an early March spring-like-day, and hiked south along the Humboldt Coast from Centerville Beach, then ascended the bluffs and cliffs towering above Fleener Creek, and then north back to Centerville Beach via Centerville Road. A couple of pictures from this beautiful day featuring one of the finest beaches in America are posted below.