Forest Field, 1 mi to ocean

There are all levels of hiking: wilderness on our farm, beach hikes 1 mile away, protected forest in Ferndale's Russ Park 4 miles away, all types of hiking in the state and national redwood forests. North forests 90 minutes away; southern forests, 25 minutes away. All levels of hikes, some by ocean, some by river, all stunningly beautiful and restorative. Then there are marshes and refuges and botannical gardens and protected small forests (Loleta, Eureka, Arcata). Sunsets at a funky and awesome beach or bridge to nowhere at dusk to watch birds and wildlife feed. Weather is mild to cool to surprisingly cold; we are a true northern Marine climate with some climate change aspects (warmer/colder/rising sea).

NOT in the ocean. In the summer in the Eel River, in the southern redwood groves only. The ocean is Big Nature: fierce and primitive.

Whale-watching in season (May-ish and November-ish; check the internet). On our property: everything if you are still enough. Deer and rabbits no matter what you do.

Wild, cold, filled with driftwood and beautiful rocks. Miles of space with very few other visitors. Bonfires are permitted (we offer a prepared wienie roast/'smores as an extra; the meat is all beef, fyi). You can take firewood and starters from your campsite; there will be drift on the beach to keep it going.

We have tens of thousands of evergreens that include a few (young) redwoods. The stunning ancient redwood forests are 90 minutes (north) and 25 minutes (south) of our site.

A creek runs through the property. It comes from runoff on the hills on our property. It is the excess water that does not go into our springbox and eventually our water tanks. The creek water is great for wading and playing, and not recommended to drink, only because it is used by wild animals who may not be potty-trained. Just a guess.

The most outstanding wetlands to explore are in Arcata and Manila, about 35 miles north of us. A day on the remarkably reclaimed Arcata Marsh along the wetland marshes of Humboldt Bay would be a wonderful plan. A closer option is the Humboldt Wildlife Refuge in Loleta (10 miles northwest). Again, smart people, beautiful design, amazing save of overgrazed land, coming into a rewarding maturity. Everything in Humboldt is low-key, quiet, sparsely peopled, and modest. Ratchet-down and think Simple, Clean, Natural, Wild, and Delicately Balanced. (Humans are not in control here; whether everyone accepts it or not, we are reminded daily that we are tolerated stewards.)

In the dry season, most vehicles can be driven across the field from the Base Camp to the other campsites. Once the rains come, vehicles have to stay on the gravel (1 allowed at Base Camp at this point) or in the main area around our house. (In that case, gear has to be packed in, and for The Grove, that's maybe 1/3 of a mile? )