Senior News March, 2002 Vol. 21. No.  3

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Working animals:Nevada has a job at Adult Day Health

Briefs

Opinion:Medicare reimbursement threatened

Rediscovering Northern California State Parks

Traveling smart: A few tricks to make the journey flow smoother

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Rediscovering Northern California State Parks
by Ralph Nelson

State Parks are an integral part of Northern California, so much so that residents may neglect what these parks have to offer. Also tucked away are gems of which people may not be aware.

Several loops from Humboldt County combine the diversity of designated scenic byways with California's historic heritage.

Eastern loop in Shasta County

Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park flows over a 129-foot cliff and is considered one of the world's most beautiful. On the way across on Hwy. 299, tour the Weaverville Joss House and Old Shasta State Historical Parks.

The loop begins as you turn north on Interstate 5, picturesque all the way, passing Castle Crags State Park. Turn east on Highway 89 through McCloud to Burney Falls just below Mt. Shasta. Bring your fly casting rod. You are now in the vicinity of Hat Creek. A quarter mile north of the junction of 89 and 44 is the Subway Cave. Take your flashlight and jacket for an easy walk in this 1,300 feet lava tube cave. Turning west on Highway 44 brings you to Lassen National Park, a renowned destination in itself. Then continue west on 44 back to Redding.

South to Sonoma County

In another direction consider Fort Ross State Historical Park in Sonoma County situated 12 miles north of Jenner on Coast Highway 1. This is a faithful replica of Russia's southernmost outpost established in 1812. It portrays a fascinating period of coastal history. On your way there, explore the numerous state beaches you'll see driving south from Fort Bragg along the Mendocino Coast. To get there take Hwy. 1 from 101 at Leggett. Returning, detour into the wine country or swing back up Highway 128 through quaint Boonville.

Humboldt County
Check out the parks in our own locale.

* Consider having a picnic at Grizzly Creek Redwood State Park located on State Highway 36 south of Fortuna with proximity to the Van Duzen River.
* Do you know about the Stagecoach Azalea Reserve above Big Lagoon with views overlooking the ocean and Patricks Point? Just before the road widens north of the lagoon, take Kane Road to the right off Hwy. 101.
* In Patrick's Point State Park, have you experienced Sumeg, the Yurok Indian Village?
* In Eureka many miss the Fort Humboldt State Historic Park located across the highway from the Bayshore Mall. It hosts an annual logging competition and offers a continuing exhibit of logging history as well as the old fort that protected miners' interests during the gold rush.

Whether you have an afternoon, a day or several days there are Northern California State Parks waiting to be explored. For additional information about the many opportunities stop by any State Park information desk or the California Welcome Center off the Giuntoli Lane exit in north Arcata.

Ralph Nelson of Eureka is a member of Silver Quills Writers. His e-mail is ralphnel @aol.com.