Expert: Ernest Tufft - 1/22/2012

Question
Hi
I'm from Southern California and thought it would be time to explore the northern part of our great state with the family.  Where would you recommend staying to explore the Redwood National Park.  Should we stay in Eureka, Fortuna, Crescent city, it hard to see which is the closest to the Redwoods.  Also, do you have any info re: where to stay near Lassen National Park and which is the best city in the north east to experience the history of gold mining.  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Good question, and unfortunately my advice may be dated.  Crescent City is too far north, Eureka is a gritty working town.  I would do some car camping, which can be very pleasant in summer.  The Redwoods are serene and cathedral like in quietness, and a great safe place for kids to play.  Tents and other gear can be bought for the price of a night's hotel room at any sports store or even Walmart.  Google the National/State Park website for more details about which campgrounds are available.  There are even primitive camping for backpackers, which is what my dad did with the family when I was a kid.  Kids can carry some of their own gear, although parents or older kids will probably expect to carry extra weight for little ones.  So, for this type of camping, try to keep things as simple and lightweight as possible and it can be done by any healthy family.  This isn't an extreme mountaineering type area like might be found in the Sierras.

Lassen Park is quite far from Redwoods, and over some really long and winding roads through the Trinity Alps.  Cities to check out in this region include Dunsmuir.  I need more specifics on what you have planned, so please ask more questions...Hope this helps..