Looking for an ideal three day visit to the Redwood National Park, the pristine northern California coast, and the mighty Klamath River? Our family had a magical three days at Requa while hosting dear guests.
Here was our itinerary:
Day One: The Yurok People and their Klamath River
Breakfast at the Historic Requa Inn.
We enjoyed The Requa Inn's glorious farm to fork breakfast, overlooking the Klamath River. We loved the gorgeous flowers from our farmer and chef friends at Seabreeze Farms. Our hotcakes included organic strawberries picked that morning, less than one mile from the inn. Organic coffee, freshly baked toast, and organic eggs with local cheese. Great fuel for a beautiful day.
First stop:
The beach at Requa- where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. We followed an ancient trail through our grandma's property- ask the front desk for directions. A section of the trail requires using a rope that's been tied to a tree to assist some steep terrain, but the adventure was well worth it as we were greeted by spectacular views of the pounding ocean surf, bald eagles, bobbing sea lions, and many fisherpeople working hard to catch one of the famous fish of the Klamath River! If you want to experience epic Klamath River fishing, we highly recommend Blue Creek fish guides. This is where our family has lived since the beginning of time and we are grateful to still call it home.
Second Stop:
Yurok Redwood Dug Out Canoe Tour.
We made reservations for a 2-hour ride in a Yurok traditional canoe, carved by hand from a redwood log, in the same style Yurok people have for thousands of years.
Riding in a redwood canoe with a Yurok Tribal guide is one of most peaceful ways to enjoy the Klamath River, and the most wonderful ways to learn about the Yurok Tribe's people, history and traditional ecological knowledge.
As members of the Yurok Tribal Nation (Native American people), it is hard to describe how wonderfully healing and inspiring it feels to have our family take a ride on our sacred Klamath River in an ancient and precious mode of transportation. We know you'll love the peaceful, restorative trip, too.
Yurok Visitor's Center and Demonstration Village, Klamath, CA
The canoe tour meant we got to stop at the Yurok Tribe's Visitor's Center. This was a great place to fill our water bottles, use their clean restrooms and do some shopping for gifts by local artisans. We got to share the stories of traditional Yurok houses and current day ceremonial sites, while walking the flat, easy walk through the demonstration village across from the Yurok Visitor's Center.
Third Stop:
Lunch Picnic at Klamath River Overlook at the top of Requa Hill- Redwood National park.
After grabbing lunch at Woodland Villa cafe (called A Good Place to Eat, just a few miles north of Requa Road on Hwy 101), We drove less than one mile up Requa hill from the Historic Requa Inn, to one of the most breathtaking views on the west coast. We got a bird's eye view of the mouth of the Klamath River. We took the half mile walk down to the observation deck for an even closer look. We could have taken the ~4 mile hike from Requa Overlook to Hidden Beach, but the day was getting late and we had reservations for a special treat- dinner at the Requa Inn!
Day Two: The Redwood Forest
Breakfast at the Historic Requa Inn.
We enjoyed The Requa Inn's glorious farm to fork breakfast, overlooking the Klamath River. One of us went for the Biscuits, Gravy and a ham steak. One of us enjoyed housemade gluten-free granola, organic granola and two farm fresh eggs. It was all delicious.
First Stop: Grove of the Titans, Jedidiah State Park, Howland Hill Road
We drove 19 miles north on hwy 101 to Howland Hill road. There aren't great signs to the Redwood trails, so be sure to get a map from the inn's front desk.
There are three main hiking trails on Howland Hill Road, and they are all wonderful examples of premier old growth Redwood forest. We highly recommend all.
Boyscout Trail: a 3 mile hike in to a waterfall (and another 3 miles out).
Stout Grove: a half mile, mostly flat and nearly all paved hike- great for limited mobility and strollers.
The newest trail is Grove of the Titans, which takes you to the heart of truly one of the world's most marvelous forests, and got us up close to some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet. It is hard to describe how it feels to touch a giant redwood more than 1,000 years old, but it is a marvelously humbling and healing feeling we hope everyone gets to experience at least once in their lifetime. We especially appreciate the use of Tolowa Dee-Ni Nation language and story incorporated throughout the experience.
Second stop: Smith River Swimming
Swimming on the Smith River. It was a perfect summertime day, so when we emerged from our hike on Howland Hill Road, we stopped for a quick swim on the Smith River. There are many favorite spots to jump in this pristine, undammed river, but a few favorites are the boat launch at the north part of Howland Hill, or at Jedidiah State Park campground. If you need the temperature a few degrees warmer for swimming, drive north on hwy 199 a few more miles and pull off at any of the swimming spots marked with signs near Gasquet. We also highly recommend our friends at Redwood Rides . Redwood Rides can hook you up with kayaks, rafting, biking and other tours.
Third Stop: Dinner at the Requa Inn
We drove back to Requa in time for a glass of wine and a local beer on the front porch of the Requa Inn, overlooking the Klamath River, before another delicious and healthy farm to fork dinner at the Inn. (Dinners are seasonal and limited days and seating. Call ahead to secure your spot.)
Day Three: Fern Canyon and Trillium Falls
Breakfast at the Historic Requa Inn.
We enjoyed The Requa Inn's glorious farm to fork breakfast, overlooking the Klamath River. One of us had organic steel cut oats with organic milk, brown sugar, nuts and raisins and another had hotcakes with housemade lemon syrup and thick-cut bacon.
First Stop: Big Tree
After picking up sack lunches from Woodland Villa market, we drove south on hwy 101 to Newton B Drewry Scenic Parkway. We stopped at Big Tree to listen to Yurok language stories at the interpretation signs, and then crossed the road to the Elk Prairie Visitor's Center . There we bought a few gifts and learned more about the majestic Redwood forest.
Second Stop: Trillium Falls Trail
Trillium Falls Hike has always been a family favorite. It is a 3 mile loop and includes a waterfall and all of the Redwood forest's greatest hits. We always feel like this is where fairies would live.
Third Stop: Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. This hike now requires a permit. (Instructions here.) Parts of the film Jurassic Park were filmed here. Fern Canyon is a beautiful and sacred place we highly recommend. A few pro tips: 1.) There is a drive to reach the beach and your car will most likely need to drive through a little creek. 2.) There is a creek running though the canyon most of the year. There are often footbridges in the summer, but hiking in waterproof shoes is delightful.
Last Stop: The Historic Requa Inn
Very grateful to rest at the Historic Requa Inn for a drink on the front porch, a soak in hot tub, or to sleep in my soft bed. We were lucky enough to stay at the Requa House just up the hill from the Inn, and have an ocean view from our hot tub. Our friends bought a Historic Requa Inn mug (hand thrown by a local artist) and a hoodie (we're partnering with Known Supply for ethical swag). We're grateful to live in this most beautiful place and happy to share it with our friends and guests.
Tell us about your three perfect days at The Historic Requa Inn!
