Derek (@ProtonDecay) is organizing a trailer camping trip to Northern California, and he has graciously extended an invite to the Overland EastBay crew! Join for the full trip or just a part of it. If you love the NorCal redwoods and camping by the water, this is a fantastic opportunity.
Just a quick note on the upcoming May 3 – May 12 Redwoods trip.
Usal Road opened a couple days back. Still closed at mile 6.26 on the other side of the campground. https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/residents/public-safety/road-closures
This is primarily a trailer-friendly trip, but all are welcome.
Note: As we get closer to the date, we may organize a convoy just for the weekend. Let's discuss this at our Monthly Meetup in April.
📍 More Info and to Sign-up
- Contact / RSVP: Please contact Derek for details and to let him know you're interested.
- Overland Bound Profile: @ProtonDecay
Trip Logistics
Dates
Sunday, May 3 – Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Feel free to join for all or part of the trip!
Tentative Schedule
| Date In | Date Out | Nights | Destination | Est Miles | Possible Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-May-26 | 4-May-26 | 1 | Westport-Union | 240 | Maybe Mendocino Magic, et al |
| 4-May-26 | 7-May-26 | 3 | Klamath River | 200 | May 6 reso for Tall Trees, maybe 5th for Fern Canyon - waders |
| 7-May-26 | 10-May-26 | 3 | North Fork Smith River | 60 | Lots |
| 10-May-26 | 11-May-26 | 1 | Westport-Union | 240 | |
| 11-May-26 | 12-May-26 | 1 | Home | 240 |
Locations
The trip was originally planned for Usal Beach and the Klamath River. Due to Usal Road closure, we are adjusting.
Usal Beach Campground (Update)
Opened a couple days back. Still closed at mile 6.26 on the other side of the campground.
https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/residents/public-safety/road-closures
We may fallback to Westport-Union or find a spot to camp about halfway to Klamath.
Location: Usal Beach Campground
Coordinates: 39°49'54.2"N 123°50'55.1"W (39.831722, -123.848639)
Get DirectionsKlamath River
The Klamath area really is special, with lots to see and hike. We might spend 4 days there instead of the currently slated 3, but we can adjust on the fly.
Highlights:
One of the highlights Janet and I have yet to take in is the Tall Trees Grove, outside of Orick. More Info.
- Reservations are required.
- Moderate to strenuous 5 mile hike (800ft elevation drop/gain).
- We have a reservation for Wednesday, May 6.
The other “gem” hike is Fern Canyon.
- Reservations not required for our dates.
- The creek is the trail (expect to get wet, bring waders/water shoes).
- Tentatively slated for Tuesday, May 5.
Other activities:
- Newton B Drury Redwood Scenic Parkway hikes (lots)
- Klamath overlook
- Ladybird Johnson Grove
- Grove of Titans
- North Fork of the Smith
- Secret WWII military installation
- Blue Creek Ah Pah
- Sue-meg State Park
Note: We will likely meet up at these coordinates and caravan into the actual campsite, which we will scout out that day. If you arrive late, please contact Derek (@ProtonDecay) to coordinate your "pick-up".
Expected Weather
Current Weather
Expected Trip Weather
Trip Expectations
- Style: Trailer Camping / Convoy
- Pace: Relaxed, enjoying the Redwoods and coast.
- Convoy: Potential weekend convoy from East Bay (TBD).
Gallery
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