7-day Eco Green Tour of Northern California

North Coast & Shasta Cascade Regions The tradition of Going Green is nothing new in Northern California. In fact, the lifestyle and heritage of living in harmony with nature goes back to the first area explorers and is now the very heartbeat of residents and visitors alike. From the oldest living Redwood trees on planet Earth, to hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline to parks and the world’s leading research centers for sustainability, Northern California sets the tone for green, and for fun adventure. Experience the green, ecology and outdoor adventure of Northern California with a7-day tour that encompasses five areas: DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is pretty darn green, and is a great place to start your eco-voyage of Northern California. Notice the amazing architecture and realize that most of the wood used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire came from Northern California! Get ready for your trip north. Overnight in San Francisco

DAY 2: MENDOCINO COUNTY

From Sonoma County, we’ll continue north on US 101 towards Mendocino County. Just past Cloverdale we’ll stop at the world-renowned Solar Living Institute Hopland, where the greatest minds in solar-power are hard at work studying and sharing energy tips. In fact, the interactive learning center offers classes, workshops and the Real Goods store provides your chance to pick up a solar powered generator for just about anything. You can even gas up your biodiesel car here.

From Hopland, we will head over to the Mendocino Coast, where (depending on the season) you can behold the wonder of whales. California Grays, Humpbacks and Orcas can be seen migrating north along the Mendocino Coast from March through April, and then returning south from late September through December. Four weekend festivals are dedicated to whales in March and April in Fort Bragg, Mendocino Village, Little River and Gualala.

Visit the Only Coastal Botanical Gardens on the Continent. Discover 47 acres of beauty and serenity while strolling in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens by the sea. An easy half-mile walk takes you from well-tended gardens, through a fern-filled canyon, to spectacular vistas at the ocean’s edge. A must for bird-watchers and picnickers alike!

Your Mendocino County green tour also includes a visit to the drive-through tree, historical lighthouses, a rare animal sanctuary and optional activities like sea cave kayaking, beach horseback rides or some well-deserved relaxation at one of the many eco-spas.

Overnight in Mendocino County DAY 3: HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Just north of Mendocino County lies Humboldt County, known globally as the home of the world’s tallest redwood tree. This world champion tree is more than 379 feet tall, almost six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Redwood National Park, and nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park, are home to virtually all of the twenty tallest trees in the world! Many are more than 2,000 years old. Your expert guide will share more on how Humboldt County preserves this area and how locals live the greenest way possible.

No stop to Humboldt County would be complete without a visit to the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the perfect location to see more than 300 species of birds, animals and hundreds of indigenous plants. Humboldt State University Marine Laboratory offers amazing explorations of local ocean and beach ecosystems.

Overnight in Humboldt County DAYS 4 & 5: SHASTA CASCADE REGION

Begin your day by driving up into Redding on Hwy 299 from Eureka.

Stop by Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on your way in to town where you can enjoy a number of environmentally friendly activities such as free kayaking or hiking to one of the many beautiful falls in the area. Continue on to Redding.

Be sure to stop by Turtle Bay Exploration Park for a peek at local wildlife as well as local Native American History. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out their Segway tours as an environmentally friendly way to see the area as you ride around in style. While you are there, marvel at the beauty of Redding’s Sundial Bridge, the largest Sundial in the world and take a relaxing stroll down the famous Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. Overnight in Redding Your second day in the Shasta Cascade Region includes a drive to Mt. Shasta where you will find numerous places to hike and swim including beautiful Siskiyou Lake. Take the time drive along Everitt Memorial Highway to capture breathtaking views of majestic Mount Shasta, 14,179 feet, the second highest peak in the Cascades. From Mt. Shasta take highway 89 toward McCloud. This will tie you into one of California’s only All American Roads: the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Enjoy the beauty of this scenic drive as you make your way down to one of the regions most prized attractions: McArthur-Burney Falls State Park. It is an easy hike out the beautiful falls that President Roosevelt even called the “eighth wonder of the world.” And it is well worth the stop. Overnight in Redding

DAYS 6: SAN FRANCISCO

Return to San Francisco with a whole new appreciation for some of the great adventure and green news happing to the north! Visit the gorgeous new Science Center right in Golden Gate Park, ride one of the new cutting edge all-electric bicycles or visit one of the hundreds of eco-centric shops and restaurants.

Overnight in San Francisco

DAYS 7: Depart San Francisco Karen Whitaker Scott Schneider Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association North Coast Tourism Council 1699 Hwy. 273 120 S. Franklin Street Anderson, CA 96007 Fort Bragg, CA 95437 530-365-7504 / fax 530-365-1258 707-964-9010 / 866-836-7557 www.shastacascade.org www.northcoastca.com Email: karen@shastacascade.org Email: info@ northcoastca.com