The Pacific Ocean and it's tantalizing promise of sitting on a beach and watching the sun sink into it's timeless body, meant a six-hour drive from our Chico area home. Reaching our destination of Casper Beach RV Park, was well worth the whines and pestering from my children. While touring the nearby towns of Fort Bragg and Mendocino five years ago, we came upon the town of Casper and it's beach.
Casper Beach is directly across the quiet RV park and has public access, though I have yet to see this well-kept secret jewel of the California coastline crowded. The park has 32 RV sites with full hook-ups, in addition to the 37 tent sites located in the private back loop. This is a dog-friendly park and it seems the tails were always wagging, anxious to make new friends and rendevous old kinships. There is a definite family atmosphere, the owners willing to help you with your rig or set up your tent. We are still tent people and we managed to set up our Taj Mahal on a beautiful site directly next to the small creek that winds through the camp-ground. The tent sites are all on a well-manicured lawn, with group sites available upon request. My children were delighted after the long drive to wade in the creek, filled with crayfish, minnows, salamanders and water beetles. A hot shower is a short walk near the playground. Two quarters will get you ten minutes of steamy warmth. The playground looks more like an English tea garden, with native plants and Shasta Daisy's bordering the lawn. Adjacent to the playground is the dog run, complete with a "poop path."
On our annual four-day weekend trip to Casper Beach a few years ago, I came down with Bronchitis. The owners offered one of six, single-wide trailers for us and we happily paid the extra $35 a night to continue our vacation and keep me out of the hospital. Reservations are recommended for the RV and tent sites, but required for the stationary trailers. I recommend during Abalone season (April 1-June 30), making reservations for any camp site. This park is unique in that it includes a large cleaning station for fisherman and Abalone divers. The cleaning station is set far away from the camp sites and across from the showers. If you happen to forget shampoo, dog chow or even diapers, the grocery store is also the reservation desk.
The park and campground are located at 14441 Point Cabrillo Drive, Mendocino, CA
707-964-3306.
Casper Beach is a pristine sandy beach located just south of Fort Bragg and north of Mendocino.As a parent, I appreciate the beaches ample visibility and small tide pools for inexperienced swimmers and young children. A great place to kayak, and wade in the chilly waters of the California coast. The small town of Casper boasts of a population of 317, founded in 1857 by Siegfred Casper. It's a fun place to poke around and still holds many original structures.
A five minute drive south on Highway one will take you to the historical town of Mendocino, offering many touring and outdoor sports activities. Mendocino is known for its rolling coastline and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must see. The gardens were founded in 1961 by Ernest and Betty Schoefer, local flower lovers. Flowers aren't the only wonder offered in daily tours: Cactus, coastal shrubs and succulents are also a delight to the eyes. For more information, call 707-964-4352.
Just three miles south of Mendocino, is the famous Point Cabrillo Light House and beach. The one-hundred year old working lighthouse still accommodate visitors in cabins and offers a walking tour and museum. The tour takes about an hour and half. Along the trail are native California wild flowers and plants in addition to the occasional Tule Elk and nesting sea birds. You may even be able to spot Otters along the shallow kelp beds. For information on tours you can visit their web site at: www. Pointcabrillo.org or call 707-937-0816.
Continuing south on Highway one, the Navarro River Redwoods State Park is a fantastic place to picnic and kayak on the Navarro River though the "Tunnel of Redwoods to the Sea." The campground and picnic area are primitive, but we enjoyed great views and glimpses of deer, kingfisher and California Salamanders.
Traveling north past Casper Beach on Highway one, we came upon the Noyo river. A kayak tour up-river takes you through the seal harbor where many females give birth. You can stop along the way for some fresh fish and chips and walks along the piers. Blue Herons and Pelicans are constant beggars, so guard your fish fries. The Noyo river is a working pier. Many commercial and private fisherman can be seen doing daily chores and unloading their catch.
Continuing North on Highway one we headed to Mackerricher State Park and campground. The beach makes an awesome photo opportunity, but not a safe for kids. The beach is narrow with sneaker waves, undertows and rip-tides. The path above and along the beach is safe and gives spectacular views of the California wild coastline. Across from Mackerricher is the Ricochet Ranch Horse Stables. For $45, an hour and half tour on horseback along the beach is breathtaking. For more information, call the owner, Lari Shea at 1-888-873-5777. Just few miles north on Highway one, and you are in another historical town, Fort Bragg.
You can't visit Fort Bragg without paying homage to Glass Beach. Located at the end of Elm Street, Fort Bragg, CA it is open all year, weather permitting. Though the history is sad, once starting out as a public dump since 1949, the North Coast Quality Control forbid public dumping in 1967. The ebb and flow of tides and time turned the eyesore into a fantastic collection of broken glass. Now a public collection of rainbow hues, the beach offers visitors ample gatherings of their tastes. The variations of tide pools give future generations hope that there is life after destruction. My children enjoyed touching sea urchins and star fish. An occasional hermit crab tickled it's way across our palms.
Known world wide is the famous Skunk Train. Since 1885, the colorful train takes passengers from Fort Bragg to Willits, California. Tours include riding in the cab, a family BBQ in the redwoods and weddings. In addition, the tour also includes a restaurant and gift shop. We settled on the regular four-hour tour, enjoying the trek over the Noyo river, giant redwoods and stops in Northspur for lunch and picnicking.
As our four-day weekend wound down,we sat on the shores of Casper beach, relishing our s'mores while watching the sun sink into the great, wide open. I knew my family would agree, that even though the drive was long, it was well worth it.
|