Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Northern Californians are hush hush about this grove of second growth redwoods, situated along a crystal blue river, just steps to the Pacific Ocean. You will likely keep quiet about this park too after hiking the solitary trails, spotting deer and belted kingfishers and then bedding down under the redwoods at the Paul M. Demmick campground (alternatively, you can also camp closer to the beach, but bring your winter gear, it gets chilly). Located in the Anderson Valley, between Highway 101 and the Mendocino Coast, this eleven-mile collection of redwoods never fails to draw oohs and ahhs from motorists, hikers and outdoorsy folks. Anglers ...

Northern Californians are hush hush about this grove of second growth redwoods, situated along a crystal blue river, just steps to the Pacific Ocean. You will likely keep quiet about this park too after hiking the solitary trails, spotting deer and belted kingfishers and then bedding down under the redwoods at the Paul M. Demmick campground (alternatively, you can also camp closer to the beach, but bring your winter gear, it gets chilly). Located in the Anderson Valley, between Highway 101 and the Mendocino Coast, this eleven-mile collection of redwoods never fails to draw oohs and ahhs from motorists, hikers and outdoorsy folks. Anglers fill the trails in winter when the steelhead are biting. Kayakers also trek here after the rains. In summer, Bay Area campers and coastal inhabitants populate the Navarro River's cold swimming holes.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.