Our Redwood Adventure Begins at Orick, CA
An Intro to Redwood National and State Parks
The first thing we did after a good night’s sleep was drive to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, CA, the southernmost visitor center in the park. The drive itself was spectacular; US 101 runs through the heart of Redwood National and State Park with views of old-growth redwood forests inland and stunning scenery on the coastal side.
Orick, A Town in Transition
On the other hand, the former logging town of Orick presented a less-than-inviting first impression for visitors. Due to economic decline, many commercial buildings were vacant or boarded up. Fortunately, an effort led by the Yurok Tribe, in partnership with NPS the State Parks, is underway to revitalize Orick as an inviting gateway for visitors to Redwood National and State Parks.
Guidance and Insights at the Visitor Center
As always, the park rangers at the Redwood National and State Parks Visitor Center provided us with terrific information and advice about the various trails and scenic drives in the Redwood area. We watched educational films about the redwoods and the park, and viewed exhibits on Yurok culture, art, history, and the ecology of the redwood.
Our First Steps in Redwood National Park
With our brochures and maps, we were ready to venture out and explore the Redwood National and State Parks. Our first hike in the park, however, was not through tall trees, but along the Pacific Ocean. The only tall trees we saw were the wooden carcasses washed ashore.