Benjamin CanevariExplorer

Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn for Sardine Lakes off of Highway 49. And when I say just passed it, I mean JUST PASSED IT. We missed ...

The name of the campground, Northshore Campground, speaks for itself. It's located on the northern side of Lake Britton, across the water from the main state park camping area. This is nice for us as it's easier to get a spot, and it's much quieter. Campground Reservations It's a PG&E campground, so we were able to take the dogs with us and let them hang out and swim with us. It's an easy...

It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Be sure to check the forecast when heading out to Stillwater Cove. If it's sunny a few miles inland, fog may still be on the coast, making it quite a bit cooler. Make sure you pack extra layers just in case.  This is a great spot for just hanging out, taking in the view, and strolling the beach, especia...

Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach.  The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by being greeted by little Cricket.  Great place to relax and read a book, walk along the shoreline, or...

The main boulder is right there on the water. You literally have to watch out for the waves coming up on the shore otherwise they might wipe out your camp. But it's an awesome spot with even more awesome routes. There's also a traverse along the back wall if you're looking for something a little bit more mellow. And apparently there is another bouldering spot around the bend. Note that it can g...

You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, easy free solos, and some small top roping. This spot has a little bit of everything, even a beautif...

Go into the museum and gift shop first and have a look around at all the cool stuff they have from the lighthouse. Once you're done checking everything out in there, go make your way up the spiral staircase to the tippy top. You can stop just before the peak and go for a walk on the landing that goes around the outside of the lighthouse (very windy). This is extra fun if you're not a fan of hei...

Big River is a 40 mile or so river in the heart of Mendocino and its first 8 miles form the largest undeveloped estuary remaining in California. It is home to some amazing wildlife from seals to jellyfish to the endangered California Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. If you are lucky you may spot a sea otter or the endangered California Golden Beaver. The best places to put in a...

Arrive an hour or so before sunset and have plenty of time to explore a ton of different things. Walk along the beach, we had it to ourselves mind you. Not another footprint in the sand. Stroll around the boardwalks out to the point. Walk down to the tide pools, and stayed for one of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen! The park is right off of Highway 1 just north of Fort Bragg. Drive...