Into the Heart of the Redwoods
Our adventure begins as we gather at our meeting point, full of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. We’ll travel north and as the landscape transforms from city to forest, we arrive at the enchanting Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where the ancient trees rise like sentinels guarding the secrets of the forest. At the visitor center, we’ll immerse ourselves in the history and natural beauty of this remarkable area before setting out on the Drury-Chaney Trail. This gentle hike will guide us through a tranquil grove of towering redwoods, their enormous trunks rising like pillars in a vast, silent hall.
As the sun begins to dip, we’ll arrive at the charming Eureka Inn, a historic gem nestled in the heart of the city. After settling in, we’ll gather for a warm welcome dinner, sharing stories and laughter as we prepare for the days of adventure to come. Lunch and dinner included
Hiking: 2.2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/-300’; Van Transfers: 5 hours
A Day of Coastlines and Culture
We start the day with breakfast at a local favorite café in the seaside town of Trinidad, where the cool coastal breeze greets us with the promise of exploration. From here, we journey into the rich cultural history of the region with a visit to Su Meg Village, a beautifully recreated replica of a Yurok settlement. Here, we gain a sense of the land’s deeper history, learning about the traditions and resilience of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with these forests for generations.
Agate Beach beckons as our next invigorating stop, where the roar of the Pacific sets the tone for a stroll along the pebbled coast, a picnic lunch, and a search for ocean polished treasure. After lunch, we move from sea to forest with a hike to Trillium Falls, an intimate waterfall nestled among the towering trees and lush greenery of Redwood National Park. The day winds down at the cozy Requa Inn, a charming riverside retreat. Here, we’ll enjoy a peaceful dinner and conversation as we anticipate tomorrows’ adventure. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-4 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/-1,050’; Van Transfers: 2 hours
Into the Canyon of Ferns
After breakfast at the inn, we venture into one of the trip’s most breathtaking landscapes—Fern Canyon. This enchanting gorge, with its towering walls draped in vibrant green ferns, feels like a hidden world untouched by time. We follow the winding creek through this lush, narrow canyon before continuing along the James Irvine Trail, where the redwoods stand tall in quiet majesty.
A full day on trail allows us to completely appreciate the cathedral created by these enigmatic sentinels offering ample time to explore these stunning surroundings, each step bringing us deeper into the soul of this ancient forest. We return to the Requa Inn and dinner, where the day's adventures come alive in our conversations, with the scent of the redwoods still fresh in our minds. All meals included.
Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/-1,265’; Van Transfers: 1.75 hours
Through Groves of Giants
Today begins with a return to the James Irvine Trail to explore its upper reaches, a quieter stretch where the only sounds are the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird. Afterward, we explore the Prairie Creek Visitor's Center, gaining a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that have thrived here for millennia, and where we may find ourselves in view of the powerful and regal elk that call this home and a wonderful picnic lunch
After lunch, an easy meander through the hallowed Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a trail named for the former First Lady, who championed the preservation of these ancient forests, where towering redwoods rise from the mist and the air is filled with a sense of reverence. Walking among these ancient trees, you can’t help but feel humbled by their age and grandeur.
As the day draws to a close, we head back to Eureka, where a celebratory dinner awaits, marking the culmination of our time in this incredible landscape. We raise our glasses, toasting not only the breathtaking beauty of the redwoods, but the unforgettable moments and bonds we've forged, forever woven into the heart of this journey. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.5-6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/-1,700’; Van Transfers: 1.5 hours
A Farewell to the Redwoods
On our final morning brings us back to Humbolt where we hike the Rockefeller Loop, a fitting farewell to the redwoods that have watched over us throughout our journey. Walking beneath their immense canopy, we take in one last deep breath of the forest air, savoring these final moments in the embrace of the ancient trees.
After one last satisfying lunch together, we begin our journey back to Oakland, the redwoods lingering in our memories, their towering presence a reminder of the beauty and strength of the natural world. As we say our goodbyes, we take with us not just photographs and stories, but the feeling of having been part of something timeless, something truly extraordinary. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 3-4 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/-200’; Van Transfers: 5 hours