Do you love to travel? Is the coming spring sunshine filling you with the desire to get out and get active? Traveling is the spice of life, and many people work simply to support their footloose habit. Whether you like to ritz it up in beautiful hotels or rough it out in mother nature, summer is the ideal time for travel.
For those who love the outdoors, camping is one of the best ways to get away in the warmer months. With the basic cost of food, gas and a campsite, you can find yourself escaping from everyday stressors in no time. One of the greatest parts of being a parent is giving your kids new experiences, including camping. Included here are a few of the best camping destinations on the West Coast.
Del Norte, California
Near Klamath, California, lies the Del Norte beach and campground area surrounded by beautiful coastal redwood forests. The towering redwoods are the primary attraction, but additionally, this campground is home to alders, streams and creeks. Beach access is down at Wilson Bay, but False Klamath Cove is also a great option with a sandy beach and tide pools.
For those wishing to hike or bike into this campsite, be aware of a significant elevation change from Highway 101 to the site. These sites are primarily open in summer months, with reservations possible.
Van Damme, California
Van Damme State Park is located near Mendocino, California and is a beautiful launching point for exploring the redwood forests. The hiking trails near this camping area are desired by many, and you will likely need reservations to get a spot. For backpacking campers, setting up camp along the Fern Canyon Trail will give you advantageous views of the Little River.
With over ten miles of hiking trails, the Little River Canyon is a beautiful landscape of old growth redwood and dense ferns. For those interested in ocean excursions, crossing the road from the park entrance will place you in a stunning, but small, bay perfect for launching ocean kayaks.
Goldfield, California
For the true trail busters among you, head for Goldfield in Hayfork, California. Load up your backpacks and take the trail to the south along Boulder Creek leading to Boulder Lake. This pristine area is located just inside the Trinity Alps Wilderness which is one of the largest wilderness areas in California. Goldfield makes a perfect home base for backpackers, with great launching points for further hikes.
Nehalem Falls, Oregon
Travel through the Tillamook National Forest is scenic, to say the least. The campground of Nehalem is located a short two-minute walk from Nehalem Falls, one of the best waterfall views on the west coast. Following a half-mile loop trail along Nehalem Falls will take you to a great pool for both swimming and fishing.
