It’s very rare that we can get meaningful hikes directly from our campground, and even rarer that they are one of the most highly-rated features of the park we are visiting. Yesterday, we were setting out to do just that. We were thwarted.
The plan was to cross the street, hike through the state park campground to this wonderful footbridge that would take us across the Smith River almost directly to the infamous Stout Memorial Grove Trail. We were so excited. All told, we expected it to be about a 3 mile hike.
Well, as we approached the area we learned that the footbridge is a “summer only” feature, and it had been removed for the season earlier this week. We made the most of our wonderful hike, as Rick mentioned, but then our goal last night was to figure out how we could spend today maximizing our opportunity to see the highlights of the northern end of the park. After all, we enjoy travelling in the shoulder season for the lower crowds, but we do sometimes face missing out on some of the seasonal conveniences.
We also learned that this is one of those places that Livvy just isn’t conducive for seeing the sights. There was no way for us to get close to this grove in Livvy. That is, unless, we made a really long hike of it.
So that is what we did. What could have been a less than 3 mile adventure became a 9 mile trek with 600 feet of elevation. And we didn’t have to drive at all. What a great day!
Knowing that was our plan, we got a good night’s sleep, gave the dog some sleepy treats and were out the door before 9am.
Our travel was in segments, beginning with the state park trail and campground that we had enjoyed yesterday. It’s flat and was a good start/end to our journey.
Next we did have to travel a bit on the main road, about a half mile. We needed to get from the campground to across the Smith River bridge.
You may be thinking that we can see plenty of beautiful redwoods right from the road, so why did we feel the need to make a long hike to see more? Well, then you haven’t been reading this blog long enough to know that we love a good adventure with a hiking destination!
After crossing the river via the bridge, we connected with a fun 2.1 mile trail that would take us back to the Stout Memorial Grove area. It was fantastic! We did see a few other hikers, but largely had the adventure to ourselves. This is the segment where nearly all of the elevation changes took place, and there were roots/rocks to navigate over throughout.
Redwoods are giant trees, but their root system is shallow; they are normally only 6-12 feet deep. These roots spread wide, up to 60-100 feet! So we often experience incredible root systems across the trail to step around and/or over. We really had to pay attention on every step. I was intentional to wear a hat and my regular glasses (vs sunglasses) since it is easier to judge my steps this way. We also appreciate the extra support from our hiking boots to keep our ankles injury free.
This trail had it all, and often felt like a jungle because there was lush and varying vegetation surrounding us. Yes, I was clanging my bell just in case there was any wildlife around. The only thing we saw besides some chipmunks was a beautiful little snail. (By the end, I felt as slow as a snail)
One other thing of note along this part of the trail. Please skip this paragraph if you don’t want potty talk. But it was time for a pee break. Men have it easy, for obvious reasons. We ladies have always had more of a struggle in this department. Well, of course there are some amazing inventions to help. This is my second time using my recently purchased “Tinkle Belle” and it worked beautifully! It comes in a cute little zippered pouch that I keep in my backpack for long hikes. It allows ladies to pee more gracefully, with less exposure and mess, and I love it. Rick likes to call it my “pee-miss”, and that description should suffice. However, here is a link for those who may be curious to learn more.
Just before we got to the grove, we had a small water crossing across a stream that ran into the river. It felt a little daunting. We were just too far in for me to chicken out… and so on we went.
Just FYI, we did have a brief moment yesterday when we found out that the footbridge was out where we thought about crossing the river anyhow. It didn’t look that deep and we were watching a guy who appeared to be doing it. I don’t know if he was 5’5″ like me, or 6′ like Rick, but he started out shin deep. He took a break on a rock, looking as if he was coaxing his partner to join him. But then, he tumbled off the rock and was well over waist deep! He was a trooper, still holding his backpack over his head. But his partner didn’t join and our thoughts of crossing the river were definitely dashed. We definitely made the right call! (and don’t worry Mom, I’m sure we really wouldn’t have done something so dangerous. I’m a big chicken, after all ?)
As we arrived at our destination, the Stout Memorial Grove, it was definitely worth it. There is a short .5 mile loop around 44 acres of some of the tallest redwoods we have seen. Of course, being a popular destination, there were lots of people, too. These commoners drove up a (narrow, winding, gravel) road to a parking lot and walked a mere half mile on a paved trail to get there. But we were happy to share it with them. We met a Browns fan from Canton (advertising her pain with her sweatshirt) and saw a lovely couple taking wedding photos right in the grove. We did our best to stay out of their pics, as did the other tourists.
It is difficult to capture redwoods in pictures, or describe their majesty, but this video is our attempt to share it.
We enjoyed our long hike back, knowing that the trip back usually feels easier since you know what to expect. Except I will say that the water crossing was tougher on the way back. Rick was a great help, as always.
We are pretty tired out, and spent the afternoon getting some chores done and resting before we get on the road again tomorrow. We opted out of the nap this time, investing in a good night’s sleep later. This evening we are enjoying some TNF (Thursday night football for you non-NFL fans; we love the Bills). We feel that we have a good plan laid out for enjoying the rest of this beautiful area!
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