Redwoods National Park

[Davyjones]

Hi gang! My wife and I will be going to Redwoods National Park in October and were wondering if anyone here has been there and, if so, if you have any suggestions on hotels to stay at. We have been looking at hotels in Eureka, CA, but we'd like to be closer to the Park if possible.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!! Thanks a lot, Mouseketeers!!!!

[NJGIRL]

I have never been there...yet. Its on my list.

[Fangorn]

My In-Laws lived in Crescent City, CA for 35 years - up until they came to live with us 2 years ago. I've spent a fair bit of time in the area. While the natural wonder is incredible to see, imho, there is absolutely nothing else of any redeeming value to the area. Economically, the area is the poorest area in California - your tourist dollars will be welcomed.

The thing about Redwood Nat'l Park is that it isn't just one contiguous place. It's actually a series of several State Parks and Federal Lands that generally hug the far north coast of California. As you drive north on US101 from Eureka, you'll go in and out of the "Park" many times. Most of the Park is quite a bit north of Eureka. You'd probably be happier up in the Klamath area. Klamath is a small town as is every town on the North Coast. Eureka, in Humboldt county is the exception, but even Crescent City - the Del Norte county seat - has fewer than 10,000 people.

Outside of Eureka, you're not going to find much in the way of hotel chains - other than franchised motels like Super 8. You will find a few Best Westerns around, but there's a lot of inconsistency between them. There are a number of B&Bs in the area. Depending on you price range, you might look into the Requa Inn in Klamath. It's an historic hotel with lots of charm and a great dining room.

If you do get up to the far northern end of the Park - US 199 north of Crescent City - you'll be going through the area where the filmed the Moon of Endor scenes for Return of the Jedi.

Be aware that in October, on the northern California coast, the chance of rain is pretty much 100% for some part of your trip

It is beautiful place to visit. Just make sure you have your hooded rain parka and good hiking boots. You'll want both.

Steve

[Davyjones]

My In-Laws lived in Crescent City, CA for 35 years - up until they came to live with us 2 years ago. I've spent a fair bit of time in the area. While the natural wonder is incredible to see, imho, there is absolutely nothing else of any redeeming value to the area. Economically, the area is the poorest area in California - your tourist dollars will be welcomed.

The thing about Redwood Nat'l Park is that it isn't just one contiguous place. It's actually a series of several State Parks and Federal Lands that generally hug the far north coast of California. As you drive north on US101 from Eureka, you'll go in and out of the "Park" many times. Most of the Park is quite a bit north of Eureka. You'd probably be happier up in the Klamath area. Klamath is a small town as is every town on the North Coast. Eureka, in Humboldt county is the exception, but even Crescent City - the Del Norte county seat - has fewer than 10,000 people.

Outside of Eureka, you're not going to find much in the way of hotel chains - other than franchised motels like Super 8. You will find a few Best Westerns around, but there's a lot of inconsistency between them. There are a number of B&Bs in the area. Depending on you price range, you might look into the Requa Inn in Klamath. It's an historic hotel with lots of charm and a great dining room.

If you do get up to the far northern end of the Park - US 199 north of Crescent City - you'll be going through the area where the filmed the Moon of Endor scenes for Return of the Jedi.

Be aware that in October, on the northern California coast, the chance of rain is pretty much 100% for some part of your trip

It is beautiful place to visit. Just make sure you have your hooded rain parka and good hiking boots. You'll want both.

Steve

Thanks Steve!! I appreciate all the info!! We've also been looking in the Arcata/McKinleyville area too. We are expecting to deal with some rain while there, so rain jackets and hiking boots are already on the list! We might look into some B&Bs around the park. I definitely got more research to do!

Thanks again!!

[elorac]

Have you considered visiting Muir Woods National Monument in the Bay Area? While smaller in scale in terms of acreage, it's a beautiful hike among the giant, old-growth redwoods. If memory serves, some trails take you past waterfalls and up Mt. Tamalpais overlooking the Pacific coast. The plus side being the close proximity to San Francisco and the Bay Area with an abundance of lodging as well as the opportunity for many side trips.

[AZ Disney]

Have you considered visiting Muir Woods National Monument in the Bay Area? While smaller in scale in terms of acreage, it's a beautiful hike among the giant, old-growth redwoods. If memory serves, some trails take you past waterfalls and up Mt. Tamalpais overlooking the Pacific coast. The plus side being the close proximity to San Francisco and the Bay Area with an abundance of lodging as well as the opportunity for many side trips.

This is such good advice. My concern is that you will be very disappointed in Eureka and surrounding area. Muir Woods and the surrounding area could be a trip of a lifetime.I lived in the Bay Area for 30 years and miss it so much!

[snowflakegirl]

Have you considered visiting Muir Woods National Monument in the Bay Area? While smaller in scale in terms of acreage, it's a beautiful hike among the giant, old-growth redwoods. If memory serves, some trails take you past waterfalls and up Mt. Tamalpais overlooking the Pacific coast. The plus side being the close proximity to San Francisco and the Bay Area with an abundance of lodging as well as the opportunity for many side trips.

Muir Woods is one of my all time ever favorite places ( the whole Bay area is, really). And I would definitely recommend a visit at some point. That said, DH and I are also planning a trip out to Redwood National Park at some point. Just not for a few years since we had a new addition to the family in June and we want to wait til he's ready for some hiking.