#arcata blm

[valhikes]

Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch

California Coastal National Monument. The easiest way to visit the expansive National Monument when around Eureka.

California Coastal National Monument, California

After wandering the lower lands of Ocean Ranch, I moved a short way to wander the short (half mile) loop around Lighthouse Ranch. This was the location of the second lighthouse marking Humboldt Bay and there's not much left of it now. But there are views and benches to enjoy them from.

[valhikes]

Ma-le'l Dunes, south and north, for the wallflowers

Ma-le'l Dunes. Rolling sands, some with flowering plants, some largely empty, some covered in forest, all to explore. And there's rare wallf

Ma-le'l Dunes, California

From beach to forest, it's all sand dunes of various types. Wandering the wetlands and the wildflowers all found among these moving, undulating sands. Ma-le'l Dunes are part of a National Natural Landmark.

[valhikes]

Fetid Adderstongue on the South Fork Elk River

Headwaters Forest Reserve. Hiking the whole trail, 5 miles to a patch of old growth forest and 1/2 mile loop, with lots of fetid adderstongu

Headwaters Forest Reserve, California

Last "ThickTrunkThursday", I headed out to the closest patch of old growth redwoods. It does take a 5 mile hike to get there, much of it along the river and a bit lined with striking fetid adderstongue flowers.

[valhikes]

Hikshari' to the Old Growth with an electric magnifier

Headwaters Forest Reserve. Another hike to the old growth, this time carrying a little magnifier to see the tiny among the giants.

Another climb along the river to visit with the old growth stand at the top. There's more old growth out there, beyond the end of the trail, but this is the bit they'll let the public visit. While among the giants, I checked out the small.