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A Long Weekend Among Giants: Redwoods, Coastlines & Crater Lake Part II

Day 2: Groves, Elk & the Trees of Mystery

We started early at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a peaceful, elevated loop that winds through ancient redwoods and open forest glades. There’s something spiritual about walking here—maybe it’s the morning mist, the filtered light, or the quiet solitude.





Next, we explored Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and were lucky enough to spot a herd of Roosevelt elk grazing near the trailhead—an unforgettable sight. We hiked to Big Tree, another enormous and famous redwood, then took the long way back with a scenic drive along Newton B. Drury Parkway. Every turn offers postcard views, and we stopped often just to breathe it all in.
















In the afternoon, we made a fun stop at Trees of Mystery near Klamath. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but also unexpectedly charming. We took the SkyTrail gondola ride for amazing treetop views and walked the trails filled with quirky tree formations and local logging history along the Canopy Trail. It was a lighthearted way to wrap up a big day of forest exploration.












 
 
Visiting Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park was like stepping into a primeval forest—dense, towering, and absolutely awe-inspiring. One of the highlights was hiking the Grove of Titans Trail, a beautifully maintained path that winds through some of the largest and oldest redwoods on earth. The elevated boardwalk keeps the forest floor protected while giving you a front-row view of these massive trees, some hidden in plain sight. It’s a quiet, reverent place where you can truly feel the scale and majesty of the redwoods, and walking among these silent giants was one of the most humbling and unforgettable moments of the trip. 
 




Day 3: Brookings & the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Crescent City was the perfect coastal stop—rugged, peaceful, and full of small-town charm. With dramatic cliffs, wide beaches, and the ever-present sound of crashing waves, it felt like classic Northern California in all the best ways. We walked along the rocky shoreline, and watched the waves roll in from the Crescent Beach. Seals bobbed offshore, seabirds circled overhead, and the salty air was refreshing after days in the forest. Whether it was grabbing fish and chips by the harbor or just watching the fog roll over the Pacific, Crescent City gave us a quiet, beautiful pause along our journey. 


On day three, we headed north along the coast to Brookings, Oregon, to explore the jaw-dropping Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. This stretch of the Oregon Coast Highway (101) is packed with dramatic viewpoints, hidden beaches, and rugged cliffs.

We stopped at all the highlights: Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Whaleshead Beach. Each stop was different—some with easy access, others requiring short hikes—but every one was worth it. The wild, craggy coastline here is unlike anywhere else and totally mesmerizing.







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