JUNE 24-30 OR: SEPT. 23-29, 2007

THE BEST OF CALIFORNIA’S REDWOOD COAST

From Redwood State and National Parks to the rough and rugged beaches on the Pacific Coast, this rural region of California is timeless. Hike through cathedrals of ancient redwoods, hillside prairies and coastal dunes. Sample foods native to the redwood coast, explore the diverse coastal ecology, and travel into the past to this region known for timber and fishing. Be embraced by the small town culture and meet local people who will welcome you to their home, the California Redwood Coast!

This active outdoor program is for the physically fit and involves walking/hiking up to five miles a day over uneven ground. This program is predominately a field excursion program with four field trips each week.

REGISTRATION will be available at elderhostel.org

   JULY 29-AUG. 4 OR: OCT. 7-13, 2007

Behind the Redwood Curtain: The Quirky Human & Natural History That Shaped the Redwood Coast

Stroll through cathedrals of redwood trees and along the crashing ocean beaches of the Redwood Coast while learning about the natural history and redwood forest biology. Discover the history of our pioneering spirit that has shaped the region with a strong and vibrant native american presence and a history of logging and commercial fishing. Tour the city of Arcata and find out why Arcata is able to develop emerging international niche markets and discover the projects that have brought Humboldt State University international acclaim. Experience the modern small-town culture and bring a palate ready to sample our local foods from small manufacturers to diners and eateries. Share the best we have to offer in our home, the California Redwood Coast! Note: We will stroll at a leisurely pace on level paths in the redwoods a maximum of one mile per day.

REGISTRATION will be available at elderhostel.org

See photos!
Exploring the Best of California's Redwood Coast Slide Show
Photos by Roberta Gleiter

   APRIL 15-21, 2007

Spring Migration Birding on the Redwood Coast of California

See some of the most spectacular areas of Northern California’s redwood coast on daily field trips while you search for resident and migrant birds. Starting the week off, we hope to spot the endangered spotted owl and other forest birds. Then in Orick, arrive in the early morning darkness to search out the marbled murrelet. Arcata will bring you to the world renowned marsh project, alive with shorebirds, sparrows, waterfowl and riparian habitat. Visit the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge and the south end of Humboldt Bay. Finish the week with a trip to the rocky coast of Trinidad and spot shorebirds from the scenic cliffs. Casual beginners and experienced birders alike will enjoy this program. Grab your binoculars and field guides and dress in layers for birding in our cool coastal habitats. Everyone should be prepared to walk up to two miles each day through uneven terrain.

See more photos of Spotted Owls in
PHOTOS from "Spring Migration Birding on the Redwood Coast of California"

    MARCH 27-APRIL 2 , 2007

REDWOOD COAST JAZZ FESTIVAL

Enjoy big music and tall trees at this insider’s look at the Redwood Coast Jazz Festival. This small-town event, now in its 17th year, gathers world-class musical performers for you to enjoy, from traditional Dixieland to the newer sounds of zydeco and the latin beat! Hear from some of the locals who are both musicians and event organizers, and have made this event a success. An emeritus music professor will make the story of the origins of jazz fun and interesting while local dance performers will kick up their heels in the Lindy-Hop for you. And of course the journey wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt into a redwood forest while spring is beginning to shine. The one-mile stroll will rejuvenate your soul.

Program includes All-Event Pass for the 3-day festival as well as tickets to the “Taste of Main Street,” a chance to enjoy local products while strolling the Old Town area of Eureka.

Redwood Coast Jazz Festival Website

HIKING HUMBOLDT’S FINEST FROM FERN CANYON TO THE GIANT REDWOODS

Three thrilling treks in the state and national parks begin with a ramble through Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s remarkable Rockefeller Forest and the largest remaining stand of old-growth coast redwoods on earth. Redwood National Park’s Bald Hills is next for hillside prairies and oak woodlands. Finally, lush Fern Canyon and views of the blue Pacific. This program is for the physically fit. Be prepared to hike five to seven miles per day with up to a 500-foot elevation change. This program is for the physically fit. Be prepared to hike five to seven miles per day with up to a 500-foot elevation change.

BUTTERFAT PALACES & A VICTORIAN VILLAGE

Head south to Victorian Ferndale. Learn about the people and architecture of this National Register Historic District, which encompasses the town and many significant farms in the Eel River Valley. Six-block walking tour, tour two Victorian mansions.
[Ferndale's Gingerbread Mansion at left]

HILLSIDE PRAIRIE COASTAL DUNES & A WILDFLOWER PARADISE:
HIKING THE BEST OF THE NORTH COAST

The real flavor of the north coast lies in exploring the back country! Hike Redwood National Park’s Bald Hills for the hillside prairies and oak woodlands, explore the coastal dunes near Table Bluff and the mouth of the Eel River, and explore the wildflower paradise on Horse Mountain. This program is for the physically fit. Be prepared to hike three to seven miles per day with up to a 500-foot elevation change.

A TASTE OF HUMBOLDT

World famous cheeses and the bounty of the Pacific make the kitchens and restaurants of Humboldt sizzle. Best kept secrets are served up – bring an adventurous appetite, and discover how culture and food collide in delicious ways.

SHIFTING SANDS: THE ECOLOGY & PRESERVATION OF THE HUMBOLDT DUNES

Wind, sand and tides shape this rare and fragile system. Learn how dunes are formed and how specialized native plants are integral to the shifting landscape. Have first hand experience with restoration. Substantial walking in sand and over steep inclines 3-5 miles.

TIMBER BEASTS & TALL TREES

Humboldt County is the sawmilling center of California and major source of redwood lumber. Explore the history of this industry from the early 1850s. Learn about the development of technology, world markets, and the controversies over environmental impact