Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
an enduring curiosity and the most elaborate of the old-fashioned stops that line the route
north. The Gravity House challenges queasy visitors to keep their balance while standing
at a 40-degree angle (a rad photo op). Kids and fans of kitsch go nuts for the playhouse
quality of the space and the narrow-gauge train rides are exciting for toddlers.
For basic supplies, a burger and some good Americana visit
Price's Peg House
(
707-925-6444; 69501 Hwy 101;
8am-9pm)
north of Leggett on Hwy 101.
Richardson Grove State Park
Fifteen miles to the north of Leggett, and bisected by the Eel River, serene
Richardson
Many trees are over 1000 years old and 300ft tall, but there aren't many hiking trails. In
winter, there's good fishing for silver and king salmon. For the last few years, CalTrans
has been considering widening the road through Richardson Grove, which has sparked an
intense protest.
The
visitor center
( 707-247-3318; 9am-2pm)
sells books inside a 1930s lodge,
which often has a fire going during cool weather. The park is primarily a
campground
(
reservations 800-444-7275;
www.reserveamerica.com
;
tent & RV sites $35)
with three separate
areas with hot showers; some remain open year-round. Summer-only Oak Flat on the east
side of the river is shady and has a sandy beach.
Benbow Lake
On the Eel River, 2 miles south of Garberville, the 1200-acre
Benbow Lake State
Recreation Area
( summer 707-923-3238, winter 707-923-3318; per car $8)
exists when a
seasonal dam forms the 26-acre Benbow Lake, mid-June to mid-September. In mid-
August, avoid swimming in the lake or river until two weeks after the
Reggae on the
River
festival, when 25,000 people use the river as a bathtub. The water is cleanest in
early summer. You can avoid the day use fee by parking near the bridge and walking down
to the river. According to a ranger, you can float from here all the way through the red-
wood groves along the Avenue of the Giants.
Sleeping
