California Redwoods Birding Trail

Del Norte Coun ty, California 151. Smith River Mouth From Hwy 101 at OR/CA border, drive nter the realm of the California Redwoods Birding Trail after crossing the state line, a landscape containing 419 5 mi S to Mouth of Smith River Rd, Erecorded species of birds and characterized by majestic redwood groves and coastal lagoons. The major town is turn R, and go 0.5 mi to parking lot. Crescent City, with the Birding Trail extending through the redwoods south to the Klamath River, and east a short The Wild and Scenic Smith River, its distance along the Smith River. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce on Front Street for a more comprehensive 43-site free-flowing waters among the clean- California Redwoods Birding Trail map and guide. Highlights include Lake Tolowa and Lake Earl near Crescent City; est in the lower 48 states, supports together they comprise the largest coastal lagoon south of Alaska. Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge is the third large runs of wild salmon. The estu- largest seabird colony in the Lower 48 states, with 11 species of nesting seabirds. Special birds to watch for are Aleutian ary and mouth are habitat for a variety Cackling Geese in the verdant fields of the Smith River bottoms and the Northern Spotted Owl in the redwood forests. of year-round resident and migrant Perhaps the most exciting and unusual site of the entire birding trail is eight nautical miles to the west of Crescent City birds including Common and Pacific on Saint George Reef—a pelagic site and home to the Saint George Reef Lighthouse. A visit by boat will delight you Loon, Brown Pelican, Western Grebe, with views of Black-footed Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, and Rhinoceros auklet. Double-crested Cormorant, and West- ern and Glaucous-winged Gull. The estuary is the best spot in the county to see Snowy Egret, Black-crowned 199 Night Heron and Great Blue Heron. r e v k Watch for harbor seal basking in the 151 i ree Rd R C ki h op sun or a local family of river otter. it Kn 172 m S

k EFGH

153 r

Pala Rd Sponsor: Crescent City-Del Norte

h t

r 173

152 o N County Chamber of Commerce iver Moseley Rd S R m ith i m t S h ork 152. Alexandre F R dle Lower Lake Rd id i Gasquet M v EcoDairy Farm Lake Earl Dr 197 e r From Hwy 101 at OR/CA border, drive 10.5 mi S, cross the Smith River, turn 199 R on Lake Earl Dr, then first R on Bai- Jedediah 169 Smith ley, first L on Mosley, turn R at T on Redwoods Crescent State Park Lower Lake Rd, drive 1 mi to turnout City d l R 168 by red building on R to view pond. Hil land How 170 S Best birded by car, the pond and 167 o u S th verdant fields of this beautiful Eco- o u F o th r k Dairy is a must-see because of the F R o d rk concentrations of waterfowl and Sm ith shorebirds and the possibility of R iv e rarities. The pond’s water is lowest in r fall and highest winter-spring when

Del Norte Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Redwoods yellowlegs, dowitchers and sandpip- State Park ers congregate and Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawk and Peregrine 171 Falcon appear. Rarities have included Eurasian Wigeon, Tundra Swan, and 164 Emperor Goose. Common birds are Bald Eagle, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Aleutian Cack- ling Goose. A small herd of American 165 Bison roam the fields. 166 lam FGK K a th Riv Sponsor: Alexandre EcoDairy er Farms

40 153. Pala Road and 154. Lake Tolowa Estuary d

R Moseley Rd e From Hwy 101 at the OR/CA border, k Smith River Bend a L drive 10.5 mi S, cross the Smith Riv- r e

From Hwy 101 at the OR/CA border, RdBailey

er, turn R on Lake Earl Dr, then first o drive 10.5 mi S, cross the Smith River, Kellogg Rd L turn R on Lake Earl Dr, then first R on R on Bailey, first L on Mosley, turn L Bailey, first L on Mosley, turn R at T on at T on Lower Lake Rd and turn R

on Kellogg Rd. Go 0.8 mi to L on Lower Lake Rd Lower Lake Rd and drive through the Tell Blvd Smith River bottoms until road ends Tell Blvd in the failed Pacific Shores at Tedsen Dairy. Turn L onto Pala Rd subdivision. Go 0.4 mi to 3rd inter- (graveled) to end at a locked gate and section, turn R 0.2 mi to T and turn Lake Earl Dr parking area. L. Bear left at 0.1 and 0.6 mi from The Smith River bottomlands during T and continue straight for 2.4 mi to spring migration offer the spectacle end and park. Lake Tolowa of thousands of Aleutian Cackling Lake Tolowa and Lake Earl comprise the West’s largest coastal lagoon 154 Lake Goose, an Endangered Species Act Earl success story, grazing in the fields. south of Alaska and form the heart Look in trees bordering the pasture- of 11,000 acres of protected land. lands for roosting Great Egret and This is a designated California Im- 155 Great Blue Heron and an occasional portant Bird Area with 300 bird spe- 163 156 cies recorded. On the straightaway Lakeview Dr Bald Eagle. Through the gate to the St George Reef first dune is a good area for White- before the lagoon, look for Northern 8 nautical tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, Ameri- Shrike and American Pipit in winter miles west can Pipit, Horned Lark, and Lapland and Vesper and Savannah Sparrow in summer. Northern Harrier, Short- Longspur. North of the parking area, Lake Earl Dr take the trail towards the river and eared Owl, Horned Lark, and Lap- land Longspur are also seen in this walk the banks to see Common Gold- r D t eneye, Common Merganser, Tundra area. Walk south either via the beach s e 157 r or along the lagoon to Lake Tolowa c Parkway Dr Swan, and gulls in winter. Black- h t

r crowned Night-heron often roost on mouth. See American and Pacific o N the opposite shore. A colony of Bank Golden-Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, West Washington Blvd Wilson’s Snipe, Western Sandpiper, Swallow and all seven species of Pebble Beach Dr swallows including Purple Martin oc- Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, and cur in summer. Western Snowy Plover. Rarities have 158 included Mountain Plover, Upland 159 KFG Sandpiper, Elegant Tern, and Snow Elk Valley Rd Pebble Beach Dr 9th St Sponsor: Alexandre EcoDairy Bunting. A St Farms Front St 161 AEFGH CRESCENT CITY Sponsor: Tolowa Dunes 160 162 Stewards

BIRDING TIP om PHY.c A

R Winter storms with G sustained westerly winds g PHOTO r E e b n TUR can push seabirds close to NA r e e Cro l d ll

ee shore, but be sure to r a h is Mi o rrySt dress appropriately for : L inclement weather. PHOTO BY: Te PHOTO BY: PHOTO BY PHOTO BY: Ric PHOTO BY: Black Oystercatcher Dark-eyed Junco Wilson'sWarbler

4141 157. Point St. George ing ground. See spectacular fly-offs From Hwy 101 S in Crescent City, at dawn. View the Rock upclose by take Washington Blvd exit W. From charter, see St. George Reef (Pelagic Hwy 101 N take Parkway Dr exit, site) description. turn W on Washington Blvd to Pebble Beach Dr, follow curve to R and park ACEFGHK in any turnout on L, or drive 1.1 mi Sponsor: Aleutian Goose Festival to parking lot. Look northwest to see the St. George Reef Lighthouse built after the wreck of the steamer (Brother Johnathan) in 1865. Find Black-legged Kittiwake, Marbled Murrelet, Rock Sandpiper, Sanderling, Surfbird, Tufted Puffin, Rhinoceros Auklet, Aleutian Cackling Goose, Northern Harrier, Western Meadowlark, American Pipit, Cliff Swallow, Lapland Longspur, and

Savannah Sparrow, rarely a Black- n o

footed Albatross. At winter’s dusk, ns u r

e look for a Short-eared Owl in the n M ll

grasslands to the east of the park- Do

is Mi ing lot. o AEFG Sponsor: Elk Valley Rancheria PHOTO BY: Allen's Hummingbird PHOTO BY: L PHOTO BY: Bald Eagle 158. Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge 155. Lake Earl Coastal 156. Lake Earl Coastal From Hwy 101 S in Crescent City, 159. Pebble Beach Drive take Washington Blvd exit W. From From Hwy 101 in Crescent City, go Lagoon Trail Lagoon Boat Launch W on 9th St to Pebble Beach Dr, turn From Hwy 101 at the OR/CA border, From Hwy 101 at the OR/CA border, Hwy 101 N, take Parkway Dr exit, turn W on Washington Blvd and pro- L or R for birding and coastal access drive 10.5 mi S, cross the Smith Riv- drive 10.5 mi S, cross the Smith Riv- (Brother Jonathan Overlook to L, most er, turn R on Lake Earl Dr, and follow er, turn R on Lake Earl Dr and follow ceed to coast turning S or NW to access pullouts. of Pebble Beach Dr to R). S 4.6 mi to parking lot on R. 5.5 mi S. Turn R on Lakeview Dr and Best birded by car and with a spot- A 1-mile loop trail traverses coastal go 0.8 mi to boat launch. Castle Rock, part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, is the sec- ting scope, Pebble Beach Drive sitka spruce/grand fir forest, where Alive with waterfowl from fall-spring, boasts beautiful beaches, abundant views of Lake Earl and Brush and fluctuating water level ensures ond largest seabird colony in Califor- nia and third largest in the Lower 48 tidepools and superb viewing of Jordan Creek estuaries may reveal ever-changing bird variety, includ- shorebirds including Rock Sandpiper, flocks of waterfowl or shorebirds in ing Virginia Rail, Sora, Common states. Spotting scopes are strongly recommended to view this large Willet, Wandering Tattler, Whimbrel, migration, with Bald Eagle and Per- Snipe, Black Phoebe, Marsh Wren, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, egrine Falcon interspersed. In the Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged offshore island from the pullout or hike to bluff top. Eleven seabird and Surfbird. Watch for Bar-tailed marshes see Northern Harrier, Great Blackbird, Peregrine Falcon, and Godwit at Marhoffer Creek. During Egret, Green Heron, Common Yellow- Red-shouldered Hawk. Band-tailed species breed here: 80,000+ Com- mon Murre, Leach’s Storm-Petrel, spring and fall migration, watch and throat, and Marsh Wren. Find Ameri- Pigeon frequent nearby spruce trees. listen for all species of swallows, also can Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora in Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Cassin’s Auklet, Brandt’s Cormorant, Western Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Pe- sparrows, pipits, blackbirds, crows winter. When lagoon level recedes, Gadwall, Virginia Rail, American Coot, and ravens. Scope offshore rocks and mudflats support large numbers of Marsh Wren, and an isolated colony lagic Cormorant, Rhinoceros Auklet, Fork-tailed Storm-petrel, Black Oys- surf for Brown Pelican, Brandt’s and shorebirds, mostly sandpipers and of Western Grebe breed at the la- Pelagic Cormorant, Black Scoter, and Long and Short-billed Dowitcher. goon. tercatcher, and Tufted Puffin. May to July is the best time to experience Common Murre. At Brother Jonathan AEFGH CEFGHK breeding activity. In late-March Overlook S of 9th Street watch gray Sponsor: Flight Feathers Wild Sponsor: Lake Earl Audubon annual Aleutian Goose Festival: A whales in winter. Bird Rescue Branch/Redwood Region Celebration of Wildness in Cres- CEFGK Audubon Society cent City coincides with thousands Sponsor: Elk Valley Rancheria of Aleutian Cackling Geese using Castle Rock as primary spring stag-

42 160. Battery Point ate an excellent spot for Western, and Rhinoceros Auklet in the late beach at Wilson Creek, turn R into Lighthouse Glaucous-winged, Mew, California, fall. Spring to fall, Marbled and An- Trail parking lot. From Hwy 101 in Crescent City, turn Heermann’s and Herring Gull. This cient Murrelet are often seen. Watch Easy access to the Pacific Ocean on W on Front St to A St, turn L and go location is seasonal for Caspian Tern, gray whale migration in winter. From a hiking trail through coastal willow 2 blocks to Battery Point parking lot. and best local spot for Elegant Tern. Citizens Dock Road see harbor seal and brush to an incredible view of a The lighthouse is accessible only at Also good for Black-crowned Night- and California sea lion. Surf Scoter, large seastack, False Klamath Rock, low tide. Heron, Western Grebe, Osprey, Great Harlequin Duck, Black and Ruddy which is home to the fourth largest Spectacular location with views of Egret, Red Phalarope, Whimbrel and Turnstone, Surfbird, Willet, Whimbrel, seabird breeding colony on the Cali- the harbor, rocky coastline, and Pa- Sanderling. Walk the trail upstream Brown Pelican, and Double-crested fornia coast. More than 25,000 Com- cific Ocean from the longest con- for rarities including Least Tern. Cormorant are common among the mon Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, and tinually occupied lighthouse on the Walking distance to North Coast Ma- docks. Good for Brandt’s and Pe- Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant nest West Coast (seasonal tours). Good rine Mammal Center, Redwood Na- lagic Cormorant, Greater and Lesser on the rock. Surfbird, Brown Pelican, for Heermann’s Gull, Brown Pelican, tional Park Headquarters, Shoreline Scaup, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Black Oystercatcher, and Black Turn- Osprey, Caspian Tern, Black Oys- RV Park, Ocean World and Cultural Merganser. Occasional Long-tailed stone are common in surf and tidal tercatcher, Wandering Tattler, Black Center, where Chamber of Com- Duck, Osprey, Merlin, and Peregrine areas. Turnstone, and Surfbird. Rarely, spot merce Visitor Center stocks Alan D. Falcon. Gulls commonly include Barron’s A Birdfinding Guide to Del Western, Glaucous-winged, Heer- ACEFGH a Rock Sandpiper. Fish or crab with- Sponsor: Trees of Mystery out a license or bird on nearby ADA- Norte County. mann’s in June or July, Mew, Califor- e f

nia, Herring, or Ringed-bill in winter, i accessible B Street Pier. l

ABCEFGHK d and occasional Thayer’s or Glaucous. l Sponsor: City of Crescent City CEFGK Terns are usually Caspian, but may &Wi Sponsor: Del Norte County include Elegant. h Fis Historical Society 162. Crescent City Harbor S From Hwy 101 in S Crescent City, ACEFGK 161. Elk Creek Mouth turn W into the harbor on Anchor Way Sponsor: Aleutian Goose Festival or Citizens Dock Rd, and proceed to From Hwy 101 and Front St in Cres- Ledig/U ave cent City, go 0.3 mi W on Front St, parking. 163. St. George Reef D turn S on Stamps Way into Beachfront At Anchor Way, the sandy expanse (Pelagic Site) of South Beach is favored by resting Six to 11 Nautical mi WNW of Cres- Park, and go 0.15 mi to Howe Dr. Elk PHOTO BY: Creek is to L approx 100 yards, next Sanderling and Whimbrel. From the cent City Harbor. The St. George Reef Pigeon Guillemot to paved bike/ped trail. top of Whaler’s Island spot Common Lighthouse is at the NW edge of the Estuary and expansive tidal flats cre- Loon, Western Grebe, Surf Scoter, reef, at approximately 41° 50’ 13” N, 124° 22’ 30” W. 165. Klamath River Overlook From Hwy 101 & Front St in Cres- This is a pelagic (open ocean) area cent City, drive S 17.7 mi, turn W on providing a doubly unique experi- Requa Rd, and follow uphill 2.3 mi to ence: rarely seen open-ocean spe- Klamath River Overlook. cies and close-up of the St. George One of the north coast’s most spec- Reef Lighthouse, completed in 1892. tacular views is from 600 feet above Best visited spring to fall to see Black the river mouth. Footed Albatross, shearwaters, auk- Scope Bald Eagle, Osprey, American lets, jaegers, and Ancient and Mar- Kestrel, Common and Pacific Loon, bled Murrelet. Guided trips available Red-necked and Western Grebe, Surf during the Aleutian Goose Festival Scoter, and Black-legged Kittiwake. (late March/early April, www.aleutian- Common Murre and Pigeon Guillemot goosefestival.org) and through the are seen in breeding season. Hillside Siskiyou Field Institute (www.thesfi. below overlook is alive in spring with org.) Charters may also be available Allen’s Hummingbird, Wrentit, and Or- at the Crescent City Harbor. ange-crowned Warbler. May to June H watch for migrating Black Swift among Sponsor: Bicoastal Media Vaux’s Swift and swallows. A steep

r trail near the parking lot entrance e

ll 164. Lagoon Creek Coastal winds far down the bluff to a viewing

is Mi Trail and False Klamath Cove platform, best place to spot seals, sea o From Hwy 101 & Front St in Crescent lions, and whales. The ancestral ter- City, drive S 14 mi through Del Norte ritory of the Yurok people (People of Redwoods State Park. Past the ocean the Salmon) extends from the mouth PHOTO BY: L PHOTO BY: Cedar Waxwing

43 40 miles upriver. They are the largest 167. Howland Hill Road California tribe with continuous oc- From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City, cupancy of their aboriginal lands and take Hwy 199 E 4.5 mi to Hiouchi, still maintain sovereign rights to fish continue 1.5 mi to South Fork/How- in traditional ways for salmon. land Hill Rd, turn R and cross two ACEFGK bridges. After 2nd bridge, bear R and Sponsor: Trees of Mystery bird along 10-mi dirt road connecting Hiouchi and Crescent City. 166. Klamath River Mouth This is an old wagon road that twists From Hwy 101 & Front St in Crescent through the heart of old-growth red- City, drive S 21 mi, cross Klamath wood forest and provides access to River, turn R past end of bridge on Mill Creek and several hiking trails. Watch for American Dipper, Common Klamath Beach Rd, 0.3 mi to Stop een sign, turn L, and use turnouts on right Merganser or Osprey from the bridge Gr n to view river area. At 3.2 mi, park over Mill Creek. Look and listen for o tiny Winter Wren and Swainson’s on R shoulder before gated road at R BY: Yurok Ceremonial Dancing Grounds, or Varied Thrush along the densely hoto walk through Dancing Grounds to wooded roadside. You may see or P beach trail, or at 3.5 mi, view mouth hear Marbled Murrelet, Barred Owl, Ospreys from overlook on R. Pileated Woodpecker, Vaux’s Swift, Along the lower river, almost any Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Fly- duck is possible, especially in win- catcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch. A short side Spotted Sandpiper, Band-tailed Pi- ter including Wood Duck, Mallard, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. trail leads from the grove to the banks geon, Common Raven, and Warbling Green-winged Teal, Common Mer- ACEFGK of the Smith River and the mouth of Vireo. In spring, catch an early morn- ganser, Bufflehead, and Greater Sponsor: Elk Valley Rancheria Mill Creek. Survey the river corridor ing glimpse of Marbled Murrelet along Scaup. Watch river bars or treeline for Common Merganser, Harlequin the river corridor as they fly above the for Bald Eagle and Osprey. Estu- Duck, American Dipper, Belted-King- treetops to and from the ocean. ary attracts large flocks of Western fisher, and Osprey. and Glaucous-winged Gull, Double- ABCDEFGH crested Cormorants, often hundreds ACEFGK Sponsor: Redwood National and of Brown Pelican and Heermann’s Sponsor: Redwood National and State Parks State Parks Gull interspersed with Caspian and 170. South Fork Road Elegant Tern. Common Raven rest on r

e 169. Jedediah Smith From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City, the beach or driftwood. On the ocean ll take Hwy 199 E 4.5 mi to Hiouchi, side is a haulout for harbor seals Redwoods State Park is Mi continue 1.5 mi to South Fork/How- o Campground and California sea lion. Watch for land Hill Rd, turn R and cross two Common, Pacific, and Red-throated N of Crescent City on Hwy 101, take Hwy 199 E 4 mi to Jedediah Smith bridges. After second bridge, bear left Loon, Western Grebe, Surf Scoter, on South Fork Rd.

PHOTO BY: L PHOTO BY: Redwood State Park Campground, and Black-legged Kittiwake in win- On the next 14 miles, view and access ter. Scope for Marbled and Ancient Black Phoebe entrance on R. Beautiful campground among tow- the Smith River, and pass through Murrelet. River otters glide and feed creekside riparian areas and varying along the edge. 168. Stout Grove, Jedediah ering redwoods nestled in a curve Smith Redwoods State Park of the Wild and Scenic Smith River. forest types for good birding, espe- ABEFGK From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City, Possible sightings throughout the cially during warmer months. Look Sponsor: Green Diamond take Hwy 199 E 4.5 mi to Hiouchi, campground and day-use area in- for Band-tailed Pigeon, Olive-sided Resource Company continue 1.5 mi to South Fork/How- clude Vaux’s Swift, Hairy and Pile- Flycatcher, Western Wood Pewee, land Hill Rd, turn R and cross two ated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Violet-green bridges. After 2nd bridge, bear R Olive-sided and Pacific-slope Fly- Swallow, Steller’s Jay, Chestnut- om backed Chickadee, American Dipper

s.c onto Howland Hill Rd, and drive 2.4 catcher, Western Wood-pewee, Gray mi to the grove. Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, (at bridges) Golden-crowned Kinglet,

photo and Cassin’s, Hutton’s and Warbling

e A ½-mile loop trail is an easy walk in Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Gold- Vireo. In winter, see breeding Purple

tur a majestic grove of ancient redwoods, en-crowned Kinglet, Hutton’s Vireo,

na among the first areas protected Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s, Hermit, Finch, Red Crossbill, and Pine Siskin. th i by Save-the-Redwoods League in and Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tana-

Sm K California. Forest species include ger, Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, and Sponsor: Flockfinders (Alan D. Marbled Murrelet, Swainson’s and Pine Siskin. Along the river look for Barron) BY: Kevin BY: Varied Thrush, Winter Wren, and Common Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Red-breasted Nuthatch

44 171. Gasquet-Orleans (GO) Road From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City, take Hwy 199 E 4.5 mi to Hiouchi, continue 1.5 mi to South Fork/How- land Hill Rd, turn R, and cross two g bridges. After second bridge, bear left r e b on South Fork Rd and continue 14 n

mi to turnoff for GO Rd and a hard Cro d

R across river bridge. Follow until the r a road ends at trailhead for Siskiyou h Wilderness. Road subject to winter closure. Ric BY:

The GO Rd was planned for log- hoto P ging access and a paved road from Golden-crowned Sparrow

Del Norte County to the tiny town of een Gr

Orleans on the Klamath River. Con- n

o tanoak dominated forest. Watch for miles to the Young’s Valley/Sanger struction was halted to protect sacred Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Cassin’s and Lake trail marker. Drive R 1.5 mi to sites for the Karuk, Hoopa, and Yurok R BY: Hutton’s Vireo, and Black-throated Young’s Valley Trail or L 0.5 mi to tribes. Make frequent stops for best hoto Gray and Hermit Warbler during the Sanger Lake. birding, including Northern Pygmy- P Double-crested Cormorant breeding season. Northern Pygmy- The high country has serpentine soils owl, Common Nighthawk, Hairy and owl are in the area and often attract that host a unique variety of endemic Pileated Woodpecker, Bushtit, and the harsh calls of Bushtit, Wrentit, plants and trees, which support spe- Red-breasted Nuthatch. Ruffed and 172. Knopki Creek Road Nashville, and MacGillivray’s War- cies of birds that are otherwise rare Blue Grouse, Mountain Quail, Flam- From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City, bler, and Spotted Towhee. Good high to the region. Old-growth cedars and mulated Owl, Saw-whet Owl, White- take Hwy 199 E to the town of Gas- country candidates are Mountain fir host Brown Creeper, Mountain headed Woodpecker, Hammond’s quet. From the small white Smith Quail and Ruffed Grouse. The alder- Chickadee, Cassin’s Finch, and Dark- and Dusky Flycatcher, Cassin’s Vireo, River NRA visitor center on L, con- and maple-lined creeks and riparian eyed Junco. Watch for Red-breasted and Hermit Warbler breed along this tinue 15.4 mi to graveled Knopki areas attract swallowtail and sisters Sapsucker and White-headed Wood- route. This area has easiest and best Creek Rd (18N07), turn R. Bird along butterflies in the hottest weather. pecker. Rarities include Northern places to see the Siskiyou/Klamath this ascending road for 13.4 miles Goshawk and Golden Eagle. Wild- endemic weeping Brewer’s spruce, a to the Young’s Valley/Sanger Lake KL flowers and hummingbirds abound in relict species from the last ice age. trail marker. Road subject to winter Sponsor: Flockfinders (Alan D. late summer in Young’s Valley, one of AKL closure. Barron) the jewels of the Siskiyou Wilderness. Sponsor: California Wilderness A scenic route into the Smith River Many wonderful backpacking routes Coalition National Recreation Area to view high begin at this trailhead. Tiny Sanger elevation birds, the first few miles Lake attracts thirsty wildlife on warm climb through a Douglas-fir and days. ABKL r

e Sponsor: California Wilderness ll Coalition is Mi o BY: L BY: hoto P Savannah Sparrow g

r 173. Young’s Valley e b

n and Sanger Lake r e Cro From Hwy 101 N of Crescent City ll d

r take Hwy 199 E to the town of Gas- a h is Mi

quet. From the small white Smith o River NRA visitor center on L continue BY: L BY: BY: Ric BY: 15.4 mi to the graveled Knopki Creek hoto hoto

Rd (18N07) and turn R, drive 13.4 P P Bonaparte's Gull Black-throated Gray Warbler 45 Del Norte County is one of the most exciting and scenic places to visit in search of birds on the West Coast, or in the entire United States. This tiny county in the northwest corner of California has recorded more species of birds (419 as of 2006) than eighteen entire

states and nine Canadian territories and provinces. PHOTO BY ROY IRVING The rugged natural beauty of the California Redwoods Birding Tr ail is unrivaled. This is a place where ancient redwoods thrive, rivers run free, and wild salmon still spawn. Here, rare bird, plant, and fish species rebound rather than disappear.

GLOBAL NATURAL TREASURES California's most northwest county contains over fifty miles of pristine coastline and tens of thousands of acres of public lands. Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge protects the second largest seabird colony in the state. The Lake Earl Coastal Lagoon is the West Coast's largest estuarine lagoon outside of Alaska, and provides a major migratory stopover during peak times along the Pacific Flyway. PHOTO COURTESY OF Redwood National and State Parks protect the world's tallest trees and include 75 miles of trails for exploration. The Smith River National Recreation Area offers outstanding American Dipper recreation and showcases the Smith River, the nation's longest wild and scenic river. The PARKS & STATE REDWOOD NATIONAL adjacent Six Rivers National Forest contains unmatched geologic complexity and an Pat Grady immense plant diversity of global significance, as well as the rugged and pristine Siskiyou 707.464.5942 Wilderness. The Klamath River borders the southern entrance to the county and is, along CALIFORNIAwith the Smith River, renowned for its world-classREDWOODS steelhead and salmon fishing. BIRDING TRAIL

Brookings OREGON CRESCENT CITY PHOTO BY ROY IRVING CALIFORNIA The county's largest town, Crescent City, with its outlying ranch and farmlands, enjoys a quiet and casual atmosphere while offering comfortable lodging accommodations. Steeped in Del Norte Western Grebe Crescent County City history and Native American culture, it hosts several museums, two lighthouses, and a variety 707.482.2251 of restaurants and recreational activities for every type of visitor and pocketbook, from

www.treesofmystery.net YLOR golfing to beachcombing. The growing and working harbor of Crescent City, where whale watching, fishing, and pelagic tours can be chartered, is also home to an established commercial fishing fleet that 707.464.7483 707.464.4680 PHOTO BY CLAY TA PHOTO BY CLAY OPTIK SWAROVSKI BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY OF provides seafood for California markets, and seasonally sells fresh Dungeness crab or www.crescentcity.org www.elk-valley.com F. L. HISER, JR. albacore right off the docks. DESIGN BY GRADY GRAPHICS GRADYGRAPHICS@ CHARTER.NET 46 Aleutian Cackling Goose 707.487.1000 www.ecodairyfarms.com Del Norte County is one of the most exciting and scenic places to visit in search of birds on the West Coast, or in the entire United States. This tiny county in the northwest corner of California has recorded more species of birds (419 as of 2006) than eighteen entire states and nine Canadian territories and provinces. PHOTO BY ROY IRVING The rugged natural beauty of the California Redwoods Birding Tr ail is unrivaled. This is a place where ancient redwoods thrive, rivers run free, and wild salmon still spawn. Here, rare bird, plant, and fish species rebound rather than disappear.