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 is still closed with no estimate date for re-opening. We’ll re-arrange things if it opens before our trip, but for now I’m proceeding on the assumption that we’ll have to forego that beach this year.
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)
Usal Road is still closed with no estimate date for re-opening. We’ll re-arrange things if it opens before our trip, but for now we are assuming we’ll have to forego that beach this year.
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).
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