North Coast of California: Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Giant redwoods are found in scattered locations along much of the northern California coastline, but the largest trees and the most extensive forests are in the far north, starting just beyond Humboldt Lagoons State Park. US 101 moves inland at the mouth of Redwood Creek, and the next vehicular access to the shoreline is along the unpaved Davison Road, at the south edge of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This leads to Gold Bluffs Beach, a typically unspoilt, windswept stretch of sands, with added interest provided by huge pieces of driftwood, and (often) a resident herd of elk. The road runs along the beach for a few miles, ending at the trailhead for Fern Canyon, an enchanting, sheer-walled ravine.

Location: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park