Day 8: The Redwood Forest

We loved the Andiron Inn & Cabins so much, it was hard to leave! When we got up in the morning, the inn keepers, Madeline and Scott, had prepared a “toast bar” in the office complete with different typed of bread (the sourdough was to die for) and various local jams and butter. The apple butter was actually made by the folks at the Andiron! We had a great opportunity to sit and chat with Scott and Madeline about the rest of our trip and about their plans for the cabins. We will definitely have to go back there in a few years to see how things have progressed. We were really lucky to have stumbled upon them, and so far it has been one of our favorite overnight stops.

On our way out of town, we stopped in Mendocino to pick up a few camping essentials. Any Murder She Wrote fans will recognize this town this is where the popular show as filmed. I got a chance to use my new lens to focus in on the statue on top of the church. Pretty cool.

After that, we started the two hour, really windy road up to the Humboldt National Forest where we had reserved our campsite. The drive was gorgeous and the views of the coast were breathtaking as always.

As we wove along the Avenue of Giants (a 31-mile stretch of road through the largest and oldest trees), we couldn’t help but fall into one of the ‘tourist traps’ of the area: The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree. To be honest, it was kind of fun, and I am really glad we took the time to stop. It was actually a really neat experience, and it totally gives you an idea of just how massively huge these trees really are.

From there we headed to the Hidden Springs campground. I can’t remember who it was that recommended this spot to us, but I wish I could because I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The campground was just amazing, not only for its locale, but also for the great stuff there was to do there (and there was a running water bathroom + showers!). 

Eel river was located just a short ¼ mile away, complete with a beach and really great water for swimming and skipping rocks. We have a bit of a hilarious story from this part of the day where Jason and I disagreed on which way we should go. I said right, he said left. He was, of course, correct, and I found myself having to cross the river – in my clothes- to get where Jason was on the beach. Luckily, the water was absolutely divine and it felt refreshing to swim across. Once we were reunited, we laid out together on the beach before we headed back to camp.

The hike to and from the river was unbelievable, and every corner we turned revealed a new tree that just blew our minds.

I don't know why, but I have ALWAYS wanted to do this...

Look at Jason in comparison to the size of this tree trunk...

Looking up...

Back at camp (and dry!) we decided to take a little walk before starting a fire and having dinner. We found some pretty incredible things along the way, including one enormous stump that dwarfed both of us. We also found the campfire center, where rangers from the park hold gatherings each night to teach about the wildlife of the park. The presentation the night we stayed was about the nocturnal animals of the forest. It was another great feature of this camp site.

The campfire center

Finally back at camp again, it got COLD, and it got cold FAST! We started a fire and made up some hot dogs and s’mores. Shortly after, we turned in for the night and fell asleep listening to the sound of the old trees creaking in the wind.

S'mores with Ghiradelli chocolate. We are the 1%.