Earthquake Trail

Point Reyes National Seashore

CA

July 2014

 

 

We were disappointed to only have a half day at the end of our trip to spend exploring Point Reyes National Seashore. It ended up working out OK because it was blazing hot. Even though we were there in the morning, the temperature reading in our car said it was 105 degrees outside. The kids enjoyed the displays and movie at the visitor center. With limited time and the heat to consider, we hiked the short (.6 mile) fully accessible Earthquake Trail. Nothing too exciting about the required short, paved trail next to the visitor center. We look forward to returning to this oceanside park to spend a couple of days hiking the unpaved trails deep into the wilderness.

 



TRAILS

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Confusion Hill

Leggett, CA

 

July 2014

 

 

 

 

We stopped at the roadside attraction, Confusion Hill to ride the mountain train. It was disappointing to learn that the entire attraction was not at all accessible, including the gift store. The girls could hear the train in the distance and were excited to be there. The only way to ride the train was to ascend steep, narrow and twisting steps up a hillside. We were determined to figure out a way to make it work...

 

(More pictures, plus videos and a detailed trip report)

 



Rockefeller Loop Trail

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

CA

 

July 2014

 

 

The Rockefeller Loop Trail in Humboldt Redwoods State Park was accessible, short and beautiful beyond words. We had the entire trail to ourselves. Laurel insisted on pushing Kellisa the entire length of the trail which allowed me to play full time photographer while watching my girls enjoy themselves in another magical forest.

 

(More Rockefeller Loop Trail Pictures)

 



                                     

                                     

Prairie Creek Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

CA

 

July 2014

 

 

 

Yes, another accessible trail through a redwood forest. This time we found the trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to be a little steep and narrow, leading me to believe we may have made a wrong turn somewhere. It's hard to tell because trails crisscrossed and the trail signs were confusing. None the less, we had a nice hike.

 

(More Prairie Creek Trail Pictures)

Trees of Mystery

 Klamath, CA 

July 2014

 

It's funny how we hiked many trails through the redwoods and most of the time we were the only ones hiking, then we stop at the Trees of Mystery, a roadside attraction in Klamath, CA., and the trails are crowded. The main reason for stopping was to ride a gondola through and above soaring redwoods. The gondola started about half way up a mountainside. The park was very accessible, they offered rides in a golf cart type vehicle for the disabled to the start of the gondola. We opted to hike the wide, steep trial to the gondola. The gondola ride was also accessible. Kellisa's Hippocampe barely fit even after I took off the push bar. A regular wheelchair would fit easily. Once on the summit, boardwalks led to some amazing views. Trees of Mystery was a bit crowded, but well worth the stop and highly recommended for anyone who uses a wheelchair.

GONDOLAS, LIFTS, & TRAMS

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Redwood Access Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

CA

 

July 2014

 

Who knew 1981 was the International Year of the Disabled? Not me. The only thing that I'm aware of that came from that year is a .5 mile fully accessible trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This is just a guess, but I would bet this was one of the first accessible trails through a natural area in the United States.

 

The trail was beautiful and very easy to navigate. I would think most wheelchair users could complete this trail with little or no help. When looking online or on the park map, this trail is usually designated as a nature trail and not by the Redwood Access Trail name.

 

The trail started next to the visitor center and only had one disabled parking spot. Even on a weekday morning, the entire parking lot was packed and people were finding alternate places to leave their cars. We were fortunate to find a regular spot and made it work, but it would be nice if they would add a few more disabled parking spots.

***Especially considering the amount of "older" people that use disabled spots. ***

 

(More Redwoods Access Trail Pictures)




Roosevelt Elk

Northern California Coast

 

July 2014

 

 

 

 

In addition to seeing a few Roosevelt Elk on our way to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, we were fortunate to spot a few herds in Elk Prairie and Elk Meadows. Laurel really enjoyed looking for and spotting the elk. Surprisingly, Kellisa wasn't too excited.

 

 

(More Roosevelt Elk Pictures)