GO ON A WATER, WINE & REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
SEE THE TOP 10 SPOTS TO VISIT IN THE NORTH OF ORDINARY REGION
Road trip to the farthest corner of Northern California in California’s “North of Ordinary” region.
1. PADDLE CLEAR LAKE’S WATER TRAILS & CAST FOR LARGEMOUTH BASS IN LAKE COUNTY
Rent a kayak, canoe or a standup paddleboard and get out on the largest natural lake in California. Clear Lake’s water trails provide ample opportunity for some of the best bird watching, boating and paddle sports in the state. While there, cast your line for largemouth bass. With more fish per square acre than any other lake in the country, Clear Lake is ranked as one of the top lakes in America for landing trophy-sized bass.
Kayaking on Clear Lake in Lake County, California
2. HIKE A DORMANT VOLCANO IN LAKE COUNTY
Grab your trekking poles and hike up over 4,300 feet to Mt. Konocti for soaring views of Clear Lake. Part of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field, Mt. Konocti is the second highest peak surrounded by 1,500 acres of dormant volcanic cones. The 5-mile hike follows a steady grade and will reward you with spectacular views of four mountain peaks.
Take in the soaring views from the top of Mt. Konocti in Lake County, California
3. PLAY IN THE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARKS OF DEL NORTE COUNTY
Hike to see the tallest redwood trees in the world, drive through a living redwood tree, or even ride in one. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers more than 16 hiking trails through old-growth forests. Stop for a swim, raft or float on the Smith River – one of the cleanest rivers in the world. In Klamath, paddle a canoe carved from a fallen redwood tree on the Klamath River or go for a wild jet boat ride. Stop at Trees of Mystery’s thrilling Redwood Canopy Tour. Meander 5 more miles south after you buzz through the Klamath Tour-Thru redwood tree to visit Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and this park’s amazing attractions like Big Tree and Fern Canyon.
Go forest bathing in the middle of an ancient redwood grove in Del Norte County, California
4. 10 BEACHES & AN OASIS OF OCEAN FUN IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Whether you prefer strolls on the sand or surfing the waves, Del Norte County has plenty of oceanfront fun to explore. Go whale watching and crabbing from Crescent City by boat. Pedal the 6-mile Crescent City Harbor Trail to see some of the historic attractions here – Tsunami walking tour, Battery Pt. Lighthouse, Brother Jonathan shipwreck site and Pt. Saint George lighthouse trails. Trot near the Tolowa Dunes State Park and beaches on horseback then head to the mouth of the Smith River where it meets the Pacific for sensational sunsets.
SUP along the super clear Smith River in Del Norte County, California
5. SEE SPRING BLOOMS AT BOTANICAL GARDENS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Revel in 47 acres of blooms and botanical bliss along the Pacific Ocean at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. For the full experience, consider a guided tour to discover diverse plant life with a trained garden steward, or try one of their nature journaling classes. Grab a bite at Rhody’s Cafe featuring house-made fare and seasonal treats.
Explore 47 acres of botanical gardens in Fort Bragg, California
6. A ZIN LOVER’S WINE TRAIL IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Sip signature Zinfandel blends along the Coro Mendocino wine trail at 8 tranquil tasting rooms. Every Coro is a signature blend, individually crafted from 100% Mendocino County grapes in accordance with the Coro Mendocino Wine Production Protocol. These wines have been judged worthy by a series of independent blind tastings and certified by CONSORTIUM MENDOCINO to carry the Coro Mendocino mark and label.
Every Coro wine is a signature blend, individually crafted from 100% Mendocino County grapes
7. TOUR TWO LIGHTHOUSES ON THE LOST COAST IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
History buffs and explorers will want to put these two lighthouses on their list. Both are open to the public and free to explore. Punta Gorda is a remote lighthouse in the King Range National Conservation Area near Petrolia, California. Hike along a 3.5-mile sandy beach at Punta Gorda before heading to Shelter Cove’s Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. Moved to Shelter Cove in 1998, this 43-foot tower lighthouse was originally built on a cliff, 422 feet above sea level, on Cape Mendocino, the westernmost point in California in 1868. Today, all that remains is the tower’s foundation which is still spectacular to see. Go beachcombing and see an abundance of marine life while tidepooling in Mal Coombs Park.
8. OYSTER FESTIVAL IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Over 70% of the oysters consumed in California are from Humboldt Bay! Fresh seafood is celebrated and enjoyed year-round, but seafood festivals are just more fun! Save the date for the annual Oyster Festival in Arcata every June. Oyster lovers will sample the fresh bivalves prepared in a variety of ways as well as other seafood specialties.
Save the date for the annual Oyster Festival in Arcata, California
9. SIP ALONG A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE TRAIL WITH OVER 140 WINERIES
North of Ordinary California’s wine tasting scene in Lake County, Mendocino County and Humboldt County is flowing with unique tasting rooms and attractions – think petting zoos, dog-friendly tasting rooms, and bicycle trails – as well as breathtaking vineyards with ocean and lake vistas for zealous oenophiles.
Discover 140+ Wineries Along the North of Ordinary Wine Trail in Northern California.
10. LOLLYGAG ALONG A HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE LOOP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Cruise the Northern California Lighthouse Loop from Mendocino County to Humboldt County to Del Norte County – on the edge of the Oregon/California border – for a scenic drive to seven of the Pacific Ocean’s shiniest beacons: Point Arena, Point Cabrillo, Punta Gorda, Cape Mendocino, Trinidad Head, Battery Point, and Point St. George Reef.
