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Wonder and Wellness in the Redwoods
Destination: Redwood National and State Parks, CA
| Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Tidepooling, Forest Bathing
The Redwood National and State Parks are a unique collection of parks connecting a string of beaches, forests, rivers, and meadows along the Northern California coast. This wild and sparsely populated corner of our country holds a treasure trove of experiences for nature-lovers, including fern-filled canyons, starfish-studded tidepools, miles of beachcombing, and awe-inspiring redwoods. Our itinerary will focus on wellness through being present, experiencing a sense of wonder, and forming deep connections to nature and this mystical ancient ecosystem. We will be inspired by the redwoods as we put down roots, stretch our limbs on hikes and paddles, soak up new experiences, and bask in the peace and quiet of stately forests.
Maximum group size: 10
Highlights
- Absorbing the quiet magic of ancient Redwood groves
- Charming single rooms and farm to table dining at the Historic Requa Inn
- Paddling a redwood canoe through time with members of the Yurok tribe
- Hiking a variety of wondrous trails with flowers, falls, and fern-filled canyons
- Wildlife viewing from tiny crabs, to vibrant sea stars, to migrating whales
Departures and Prices
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Inclusions
- 2 experienced AGC guides
- All activities on the itinerary, including hiking, sea kayaking, forest bathing, tidepooling, and Redwood Canoe tour
- Custom AGC Redwoods Mindfulness Guide
- All meals from Sunday dinner through breakfast the next Friday
- Five nights lodging in single occupancy rooms with private bathrooms
- Transportation during the trip including round trip transfer from the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is appropriate for any active woman who regularly walks for exercise and wants a vacation that mixes being active in the outdoors with nature appreciation and reflection. No particular experience is needed but please note that almost all the hiking involves ups and downs. Our longest hike is 7.5 miles on day 2. Some hikes involve rocks and stairs and will require some balance. Sea kayaking is appropriate for beginners and will be in cold water. The trip is rated 2. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be walking regularly, including hills or stairs, at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
On this adventurous and restorative nature-based vacation, we'll combine moderate hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and beachcombing. While we'll have 5-7 hours of activity each day, this trip is designed for participants to slow down, look closely, breathe deeply, and soak in the solitude and magnificence of the Redwoods.
We'll spend five nights at the Historic Requa Inn on the Klamath River in the heart of the collective of Redwoods parks. All rooms are comfortable, charming, and have en suite bathrooms. The Inn is known for its delicious farm to table dining.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Please plan to arrive at the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV) by 3:15PM for a 3:45PM group shuttle. We will meet you there and after brief introductions, we'll be on our way to the Historic Requa Inn, our home base for the trip. Located about 50 miles North of Arcata where the Klamath River meets the Pacific, the Inn is perfectly located for our trip in the heart of a collective of co-managed National and State Redwood parks including Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Su-Meg State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. All are within a 40-minute radius of the Inn. We’ll head straight up the famous HWY 101, and arrive at the Inn in time to settle in before dinner and get to know our group. The Inn has been a part of the Requa landscape since 1914, and has beautiful single rooms, delicious farm-to-table dining, and Klamath river views. (D)
DAY 2
We’ll begin our week in Redwood’s National and State Parks immersing ourselves amongst the park’s namesakes - the trees! We’ll enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast at the inn before heading out for a full day of hiking trails hushed by pine needle carpets and dwarfed by giant Redwoods. We’ll drive South into the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, where we will stop by the visitor’s center before setting out on the Clintonia Loop Trail, a 7.5 mile hike. Our trail offers a sampler of the area’s finest flora, fauna, and fungi including old growth Redwoods, Sitka Spruce, Wildflowers, Ferns, Banana Slugs, and mushrooms galore. In addition to learning and exercising, today we will also practice being fully present in this glorious ecosystem. Along the way we’ll incorporate the art of forest bathing through guided activities that challenge us to look closer, breathe deeper, and notice more about our surroundings. After 3-4 hours of hiking through a veritable fairyland, we’ll head back to the vans. On our way to the inn we’ll make one more short stop at the Big Tree Wayside Trail, a 200 yard path leading to a 1,500 year old giant Redwood measuring more that 290 feet tall with a 75 foot circumference. We’ll return to our home away from home in Requa for dinner. Mileage: 8 miles (B,L,D)
DAY 3
Did you know that a sense of awe and wonder has been scientifically proven to benefit our physical and emotional well-being by getting us out of our own heads and more integrated into our communities and world? This morning we’ll meet for an early breakfast, and then head south to the seaside city of Trinidad. We’ll split into two smaller groups for the morning, each with a different ocean-faring activity on the horizon designed for maximum wonderment! One group will depart on a beginner friendly sea-kayak tour of Trinidad Bay. From the cockpits of our boats, we’ll search for wildlife including sea & shore birds, sea lions, otters, porpoises, and seals. At this time of year thousands of gray whales migrate with their calves from Baja to Alaska, and if conditions are right, we’ll hope to view pods of whales from our kayaks - a true peak experience. While one group paddles the bay, the other group will spend a meditative morning exploring the seashore by land at Sue-Meg State Park (described in detail on day 5 of the itinerary). After our small-group excursions, we’ll meet back up for lunch and exchange stories of our morning. We’ll aim to spend some time with the redwoods on every day of this trip, and after lunch we’ll explore the Trillium Falls Trail. Redwood National and State Parks are a nominated quiet area with Quiet Parks International, and we will nurture our nervous systems with some rare moments of true peace and quiet on our hikes this week. This moderate loop hike should take us about 1.5 hours to complete as we traipse through the trillium, marvel at old growth groves, and visit the falls. After a full day of exploration, we’ll be ready to return to hot showers and a hearty meal at the Inn. Mileage: 3-5 miles hiking depending on your group. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
Today we’ll dig deep into this magical place like the roots of the mighty redwoods. We’ll start where it began…with the Yurok people. Since well before non-native exploration of California began, the Yurok tribe have had a village at “RekWoi”, about 1 mile up-river from modern day Requa – making this area one of the longest inhabited places in California. The Yurok tribe is woven into this landscape like the baskets they are known for, and the Klamath River and the redwood trees have historically been the lifeline of their people. We’ll begin our trip by learning about the history of the area with members of the Yurok tribe as we explore the Klamath River on a guided redwood canoe tour. We’ll learn about the Yurok way of life, their history, and their traditions including redwood boat building. Following our time with the Yurok we’ll set out with newfound knowledge of the area and drive a short way to the Fern Canyon trailhead for lunch. Speaking of magical places, Fern Canyon just might be the most beautiful little hike in the pacific northwest. A level one-mile trail follows Home Creek through the forest into the canyon proper. We’ll roll-up our pant-legs and follow the shallow creek through a lush canyon wall-papered with ferns. If we catch this hike on a sunny day the walls will sparkle like emeralds. When we’ve had our fill of adventure we’ll head back to the Inn for down time and dinner. Mileage: 2 miles. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
On this penultimate day of our trip, we’ll switch activities in Trinidad. If you kayaked on day 3, today you’ll spend the morning treasure hunting in Sue-Meg State Park, and vice versa. Formerly known as Patrick’s Point State Park, this coastal gem offers our group a menu of marine-style meditations! We’ll plan our time in Sue-Meg based on the tides. When the tide is lowest, we’ll carefully make our way down a short, steep, and rocky trail to visit Palmer's Point, where a hidden world of first-rate tidepools are revealed. We’ll carefully explore these marine microcosms full of urchins, starfish, anemones, and more, making sure to keep them (and ourselves!) safe and undisturbed. If time permits, we will also hike the .5-mile Agate Beach trail, our second treasure hunting site of the morning, where we’ll beachcomb for agates, semi-precious volcanic stones polished by the tides. We’ll photograph our jewels, and then scatter them for others to discover. After reconvening for lunch, we’ll continue North. Our final stop for the trip will be the cathedral of trees that make up the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. One of the most magnificent examples of old growth Redwoods in the world, this grove was dedicated in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, in honor of Lady Bird and her work protecting public lands. We’ll explore the gentle 1.5 mile loop walk, and then hold a closing circle as golden afternoon light filters through the canopy onto our group. After some reflection and celebration, we’ll head back to a final dinner at the inn, and one last peaceful evening on the shores of the Klamath. Mileage: 1.5-3 depending on group. (B,L,D)
DAY 6
Awake refreshed by another great night’s sleep and the crisp pacific northwest air drifting through your window. Our time in the Redwoods has come to a close, and we send you on your way transformed from a week of connection, wonder, and adventure. We’ll have you back to the airport by 10:30AM, in time for flights out after 12:30PM. (B)
4.8
(15 reviews)
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1
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Marie B.
0 months ago
The genuine souls within each of the women I shared this trip with.
Kathleen F.
1 month ago
Hiking the Redwoods and exploring the sea/beach. Haley and Claire were a very special team. Very special. Both did a great job leading our group. Haley did a great job of immersing us into the wellness and wonder part of the Redwoods. Settling us into the theme of the trip. The forest bathing (loved), hiking for 20-30 minutes without talking (loved), stopping to see the awe around us, end of day reflections on what the day looked/felt like, Claire's art lessons, the hiking pace set by Haley and Claire to reflect enjoying the wonder of the redwoods --so a 2 rating is perfect--(sometimes hikers move too fast and may miss the flora and fauna details) but still getting in hike. The food! Claire and Haley did a great job of communicating with INN staff to meet the needs of the group in terms of food. And that was a success!
Tina D.
1 month ago
Kimberly L.
1 month ago
This was my first adventure with AGC. The area is absolutely beautiful and filled with wonder!
Meg O.
1 month ago
Everything! The guides were outstanding, the inn and its location were idyllic, the inn's staff were friendly, fun and professional, and the redwoods were amazing!
Beth M.
1 month ago
As always, the camaraderie among women adventurers made this a memorable trip but the Redwoods stole the show. The sea kayaking and redwood canoeing were excellent too. Highly recommend this trip for its variety, beauty, and of course, the company.
Brenda S.
1 month ago
The amount of time spent in the redwoods was my biggest highlight The accommodations were extra special.
Barbara F.
1 month ago
The sea kayaking, the inn, the other participants.
Janet S.
1 month ago
The women who participated in the trip.
Eve B.
1 month ago
There must have been a reason I forgot my watch. Yes, it was on the check list. Lest I forget, I was on vacation and time to slow things down. What made the trip special to me was the entire package! 1) Guides Claire and Haley, both outstanding women who love what they do and clearly enjoy sharing their passion of nature, art, history, culture, and wellness. 2) The Requa Inn, an historic inn at the bank of the Klamath River, every room unique and cozy; bear sighting from the front windows every morning and evening. 3) The staff at Requa: Cass, Collette, Nick, and Dua, hands down the best staff I have ever encountered in my travels. Welcoming, spirited, gifted in the kitchen, and beyond. 4) The ten women travelers - from far and wide - all looking to enjoy wellness and delight in the redwoods. 5) The Redwoods, for without their stately being, this trip would not have been possible. 7) Forest bathing and walking silently amongst the redwoods; ambling in Fern Canyon with petit falls and discovering a gnome plant. 6) Happy-hour in the garden with paints, wine, cheese, good conversation, and lots of laughter. 7) Yoga/meditation before breakfast while listening to the softly flowing river and birdsong. 8) Discovering sea stars and anemone while tide pooling. 9) Listening to the birds while hiking, and with an app, learning the names of those birds by their calls. 10) Celebrating my 60th birthday in grand style!
Gerrilyn B.
1 month ago
I don’t answer this question because I believe it is misleading to base a review on one leading question that can only elicit a positive response.
Sheila J.
1 month ago
Shared time with my cousin who joined me on the trip; being within the amazing redwoods; enjoying the community of women; and enjoying Requa Inn rooms and staff.
Erin L.
1 month ago
Everything was fabulous on this trip, but if I had to choose one thing it would be the guides' sharing their talents in mindfulness practice and watercolor techniques. This trip was so great that I would have stayed for the second section the following week if there had been a spot!
Jeanne W.
1 month ago
1. The places we hiked were beautiful! 2. Our guides, Haley and Claire were absolutely awesome in every way! 3. The other attendees -we all got along and they were so much fun!
Mary H.
1 month ago
The Redwoods are an invaluable world asset and site of deep interest. For the trip to delve into the various elements- history, science, ecological, and the human based historical relevance, gave us a beginning glimpse into these facets. Our guides, the group dynamic, and the work done by the inside staff at AGC to support our knowledge, and wonder and wellness, with tools, made for an exceptional experience.
- Where do we eat?
All dinners and some breakfasts will be at the Requa Inn, which offers family style farm-to-table dining based off of what is growing at the time of our visit! You will be able to order breakfast off their menu, and some dinners will be at their restaurant, while a few will be catered for our group by their chef. Two breakfasts will be prepared by your guides so that we can get an early start. Before you leave in the morning the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
What is provided for equipment for the kayaking day?
Our kayak outfitter will provide the kayaks and paddles, wetsuit and paddle jacket, booties, and PFD with whistle.
Can you describe the kayaking day?
Our guides will provide basic safety information and instruction on land and in Trinidad Bay harbor before exploring the coast south 2.5 miles towards Little River and then back again. The launch and landing site is a unique protected location.
What are the trails like?
Hikes in the Redwoods are at very low elevation and tend to have little elevation gain. They can however be muddy in spots and/or rooty. When we hike at Sue-Meg State Park, the trails are short, but there are some steep sections and staircases. Your AGC guide will support you in navigating these sections slowly and safely as needed.
What is forest bathing?
In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” For our purposes, this means spending some time on one of our hikes being intentionally present and using our senses to absorb the environment we are in, in a deeper and more intentional way. We might, for example, spend part of a hike walking silently and listening to the sounds of the forest. No bathing required!
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