North to Alaska - Redwoods National & State Parks

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North to Alaska - Redwoods National & State Parks

In Orick, we stopped briefly at the Redwoods National & State Parks Visitor Center Headquarters to get acquainted with the park and its facilities. The national park and three California state parks have joint responsibility for protection of the redwood forests in this area. In 1980, UNESCO designated the parks as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Our national parks pass gets us into all the parks including the three associated state parks for free and also allows us reduced camping fees (50% off).

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Over the Sierras

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Over the Sierras

We were off without much ado heading over the Sierras. California welcomed us with cloud-shrouded mountains, rain, and regular gas at $5/gallon. But when we saw all the California poppies in bloom, all was forgiven.

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Days 1 & 2 - Valley of Fire

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Days 1 & 2 - Valley of Fire

It was hot and dry with a scorching southerly wind whipping up dust and pollen. We wanted an easy first day and settled on our favorite state park, Valley of Fire, ~60 miles northeast of Las Vegas. We avoided the interstate and took the scenic route through Lake Las Vegas and along Northshore Road.

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