Backpacking in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

In late April, I wandered up in to the coastal mountains in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for an overnight backpacking trip.  The trip began in an old growth redwood forest and climbed up out of it to grassy meadows covered in wild flowers.  I climbed over 3,000 feet to a campsite just below Grasshopper Peak (3,379 feet), the highest peak in the park.  A lonely fire tower sat at the summit.  From this 360 degree vantage point, I watched an amazing sun set to the west and moon rise to the east.  There were purple mountains as far as the eye could see in every direction.  The following day, I ate a leisurely breakfast at the summit while watching the ocean fog deep in the valleys below.  I then continued around a long loop back through old growth forest to my car. 

Hiking up through the old growth forest

Tiny lupine literally covered through meadows in places on Hansen Ridge

A beautiful old growth madrone tree

Looking SE from the summit of Grasshopper Peak

Looking SW from the summit of Grasshopper Peak - that's King Peak in the distance

Moonrise!

Fire tower on top of Grasshopper Peak in early morning light

Fog way in the valley below

Morning view back toward King Peak