DISCOVER THE QUIRKIEST SIGHTS AND ROAD TRIP ATTRACTIONS ON THE STRANGE THINGS TRAIL AROUND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ‘NORTH OF ORDINARY’ REGION!
A BEAUTIFUL DRIVE FULL OF ANYTHING-BUT-ORDINARY STOPS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
1. WANDER BACK IN TIME ON A TSUNAMI WALKING TOUR, A GHOST TOUR, OR VISIT A SECRET BUNKER IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Cruise along the coast to a little-known WWII bunker called Radar Station B-71. Disguised to look like a farmhouse and barn, the radar defense bunker was built after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Stroll the grounds and see if you can find remnants of the station like machine gun pits. Then, amble through downtown Crescent City on the Tsunami self-guided walking tour. Look for high water marks and murals along the way that tell the tale of the 21-foot wave that crashed over the city in 1964 and the resilience of the city to rebuild. If seeking out restless souls are your thing, try a haunted ghost tour in Crescent City with an experienced paranormal investigator. He provides all the ghost-hunting gadgets for an entertaining — and chilling — tour of historic attractions and haunted houses throughout downtown Crescent City.
A WWII B12 Radar Station in Disguise in Del Norte County, California
WHERE TO STAY IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Tucked off Redwood Highway 101 in Crescent City, California, the Curly Redwood Lodge is an off-beat, retro motel that’s straight out of a mid-century dream. Built in 1957 from a single massive curly redwood tree—harvested by a local Klamath resident Tom Wyllie in 1952—this roadside motel is a true one-of-a-kind roadtrip gem. Inside and out, you’ll find rich redwood details and vintage vibes galore. The rooms are packed with mint condition mid-century modern furniture that looks like it had time-traveled from the ’50s without a scratch—thanks to the loving care of the owners and staff. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a nostalgic stay in a classic Americana roadside motel.
WHERE TO EAT IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Make a stop to the nearby local fave Log Cabin Diner. The cozy, rustic vibes and friendly staff are as welcoming as the menu of classic diner fare. Sink your teeth into a crisp and gooey grilled cheese or burger. They serve up a mean breakfast as well including giant golden pancakes. Make sure you ask for a little bread to feed the emus outside.
2. POP CULTURE ODDITIES, HISTORIC HAUNTS, AND AN EERIE SOAK AWAIT YOU IN LAKE COUNTY
Explore crumbling history along a seven-mile trail to the summit of Mt. Konocti, a dormant volcano. Stroll past ancient oaks, a shabby cabin where a widow lived out her solo homestead days, and the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into the peak fifty years ago. Visit Clarke’s Collectibles and Lunch Box Museum to ogle more than 900 lunch boxes, plus bizarre salt & pepper shakers, Precious Moments figurines, and animatronic carnival characters. The Lunch Box Museum is free and open to the public, just call ahead to schedule your visit. Move from the odd to the mysterious with a visit to Harbin Hot Springs resort. Wander through ethereal gardens, past the labyrinth to choose a mineral pool with a temperature that suits your fancy. With no light pollution in Lake County, a night visit to the springs is a must for optimal eerie beauty. Or completely unwind in the water with a Watsu water massage.
Hike Mt. Konocti in Lake County, California. This Ancient Volcano Has Many Mysterious Legends.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COUNTY
Rest your head and find your own personal bliss at the Twin Pine Hotel & Casino. Enjoy live music in the lounge, play the slots, or explore delicious wine at the gift shop’s daily wine tasting. The Manzanita Restaurant hosts a decadent Sunday Brunch featuring fancy-yet-economic $3 Mimosas.
WHERE TO EAT IN LAKE COUNTY
Complete your quest for the mysterious with a hidden gem roadside stop. Danny’s Roadside Kitchen is a simple shack serving up barbeque delights, diner burgers, and southern picnic sides. Hunker down in outdoor-only seating and let the aromas of perfectly smoked meat tease your taste buds. Find your rib bliss or tackle a pile of garlic fries. Danny’s food has developed a cult following, so get there early as menu items can run out.
3. GET KITSCHY WITH LEGENDARY BIGFOOT SUNDRIES AND THE WORLD’S WHACKIEST RACE IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
When is a tree more than a tree? When it is carved into a Bigfoot or Santa Claus, or made into a house? All these oddities can be found in Southern Humboldt! Just north of Richardson Grove State Park is the Legend of Bigfoot Gift Shop and just south is One-Log House. Wander around the ultimate roadside gift shop overflowing with fantastical hand carved statues and chairs, locally made jewelry, and unique tchotchkes for the Bigfoot Believers. After the perfect photo opp with Bigfoot, time your trip with the annual Kinetic Grand Championship race in Arcata, California. A “triathlon for the art world” event by nature, this 50-mile, three-day race over land, sand, and water, combines art, engineering, endurance and pageantry every Memorial Day weekend.
Watch this AMAZING Race. Or Enter to Be a Kinetic Racer in Humboldt County, California.
WHERE TO STAY IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Retreat back into Old California at the Benbow Inn nestled by the Eel River. Surround yourself in historic elegance with plenty of dining options that include a robust wine list and scenic views. Explore the nearby Avenue of the Giants on a complimentary bike from the inn. Want to sleep a little closer to the lush landscapes? Camp at the Benbow KOA and enjoy some fantastic amenities like a pool and golf course.
WHERE TO EAT IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Satisfy your post-adventure hunger with a fresh and comforting local pizza or calzone from Avenue Cafe. If the Italian mood doesn’t strike, the menu also offers sandwiches and salads. Enjoy generous portions, friendly staff, local draft beers, and a tranquil patio. Avenue Cafe has a cozy charm and uses homemade ingredients so every bite brings on the bliss. A great stop to fuel up for the strange things yet to come!
4. BE A REDWOODS ROADSIDE ICON IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Cruise into one of the most quirky-yet-iconic American family vacation photos. The Chandelier Drive Through Tree is an almost century old tradition. Drive through a seven-foot-wide opening through a 2,000-year-old redwood. Go for a quick forest romp on one of the trails sprinkled throughout the 200-acre redwood grove. Better yet, plan to picnic in a meadow with a nearby pond. Just south of the Humboldt County line in the little town of Piercy in Mendocino County, California, pop by the World Famous Tree House and step into the belly of an ancient redwood tree that once housed a tiny lunch spot and a bar. The Fraternal Monarch tree has re-opened again to welcome visitors. The history of the place and the kitschy gift shop is worth a stop!
The World Famous Tree House in Mendocino County, California As it Looked Years Ago
WHERE TO STAY IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Escape to Big Bend Lodge for a river retreat in a well-equipped cottage. Cottages include kitchens and private access to the Eel River so you can truly stay and play. Spend the day floating the river and snuggle up to the communal campfire in the evening. Splash the day away around the swimming hole and beach area.
WHERE TO EAT IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
A peculiar combination of restaurant and general store awaits you along the 101 in Leggett. The Peg House was built in the 1950s using a unique Swedish peg and hole system and not a single nail was used. Soak up true roadside vibes with the outside-only seating and fresh-but-comforting menu options. Gobble up some BBQ’ed oysters or their famous “mookies” (think cookie meets muffin top). The Peg House’s burgers and blackberry sundaes are unforgettably delicious, too.
