Redwoods State Parks
In late September, we took a photo trip to the Southern Oregon Coast. To fill in the time between sunrise and sunsets, we explored some trails in Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. I am planning a trip back in late May, when the rhododendrons are blooming. While it rained on us several times, we did see the sun come out for a few hikes. We had rain gear for us and the cameras when it was raining.
Jedediah Smith State Park
We explored several trails in Jedadiah Smith Redwoods State Park. We were looking for Rhododendrons, but there are only a few places in Jed Smith. It was still an amazing place for a hike, towering redwoods, lots of greenery even in September and not very many people. We explored different trails in this park over three different days, between sunrise and sunsets along the Southern Oregon Coast.
The sun came out and the clouds disappeared
This trail had not a single person along the section we walked, wonderful solitude.
Sunburst Morning; Stout Grove
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
We spent one morning walking a longer trail in this park. It was cloudy with occasional drizzle, which made it easier to take images without harsh lighting.
The fog started rolling in and stayed for a little while
Usually there is not much fall color in the redwoods, but we did stumble upon some maple that had turned color
More fog rolling in among the redwoods
I am looking forward to capturing some spring rhododendron blooms, if the weather, fog and blooms cooperate.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
After a long hike in the Del Norte Redwoods we traveled south to Prairie Creek.
From the National Parks website; “Dinosaurs sought primeval-like refuge in the narrow, fern-covered walls of Fern Canyon in Steven Spielberg’s The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In Star Wars: Episode IV—Return of Jedi, ancient coast redwoods helped transport moviegoers to a galaxy far, far away—the world’s tallest trees materialized George Lucas’ vision of the planet Endor, the forested home of the furry Ewoks.”
This image gives you an idea of the size of the trees. The redwoods make this SUV look small.
Fern Canyon; To get there drive down the graveled Gold Bluffs Beach Road to the beach, then north crossing a stream, which was about 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) deep. Park at the trail head and take a short hike up the canyon. There were several planks laid across the stream t aid in crossing it as you walked up the canyon, but it would not take much water to wash them downstream.
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