
Giant Redwoods and Bill Cypher
Giant Redwoods and Bill Cypher
Winter Road Trip Adventures: Days 2 and 3 in Northern California
The Winter Road Trip 2023 adventure continues as I dive into the second and third days of my trip through the California Coast. After a restful night in Crescent City, California, I woke up on to a stunning sunrise next to the harbor. The vibrant colors painted across the sky were a perfect start to the day, setting the tone for the adventures that lay ahead.
Exploring the Coastal Redwoods
After soaking in the beauty of the sunrise, I packed up and headed into the majestic Northern California coastal redwoods. There’s something truly magical about these towering giants, and I was eager to explore the California Redwoods State/National Park.
As I wandered through the park, I was in awe of the sheer size and beauty of the trees. Some of them are over a thousand years old, and standing beneath their massive canopies made me feel incredibly small. I took my time, snapping photos and enjoying the tranquility of the forest. Along the way, I spotted some wildlife, including deer and various bird species, which added to the enchanting atmosphere.
After a day filled with exploration, I made my way to a campground in Eureka, California, where I set up for the night. The campground was cozy, and I enjoyed a peaceful evening under the stars, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
A morning of more redwoods and fun
I woke up early Christmas morning, eager to continue my journey. I hit the road and headed on a self-guided tour of Eureka before being enveloped back into the redwoods, this time along the famous Avenue of the Giants.
This was my first time to the famous Northern California roadway. The drive through this scenic route is nothing short of breathtaking, with towering trees lining the road and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Stops along the route included the information center near Redcrest, Founders Grove, Immortal Tree, Eternal Tree House, Frankln K. Lane Grove, The Living Chimney Tree, among others.
After a magical morning among the giants, I made my way to check off an item from my Bucket List, a stop at Confusion Hill to see Bill Cipher.
My first time in the area and I couldn’t resist checking out the Bill Cipher statue from the animated show *Gravity Falls*. As a fan of the series, it was a fun and quirky detour that added a bit of whimsy to my trip. The area is known for its optical illusions and unique attractions, making it a great spot for a quick break.
Onward to the Lost Coast
After my stop at Confusion Hill, I continued my journey toward CA-1 at Leggett, making my way to the Lost Coast. The drive along this stretch of highway is stunning, with dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. I took my time, stopping at various viewpoints to soak in the beauty of the rugged coastline. Take note, the route through the mountains from Legett to the coast is very twisty and might make passengers a bit queezy.
Stops along the way included Westport and Glass Beach.
As the sun began to set, I parked up in the quaint New England style town of Mendocino for the night. This charming coastal town is known for its picturesque scenery and vibrant arts community. I settled in for the evening, excited to explore more of what Mendocino has to offer in the days to come.
Final Thoughts
Days 2 and 3 of my winter road trip were filled with awe-inspiring sights, from the majestic redwoods to the quirky attractions along the way. Each moment spent in nature reminded me of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, especially during the winter months.
As I look forward to more adventures along the California coast, I can’t wait to see what the next leg of my journey has in store. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy travels to all!

Full-time nomad and adventurer, serial entrepreneur, photographer, and writer.