Melanie S.
@ocparkbuilder.bsky.social
Geographer. Environmentalist. 30x30 Activist. Chronic Illness. National Park Lover. Weekend Camper. Cat Mom.
A12: #ParkChat Book Club is about to start Defending our Wildlife Heritage: The Life & Times of a Special Agent (by Terry Grosz). The book focuses on defending America's biodiversity by a wildlife conservation officer. Our first meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
November 13, 2025 at 3:02 AM
A12: #ParkChat Book Club is about to start Defending our Wildlife Heritage: The Life & Times of a Special Agent (by Terry Grosz). The book focuses on defending America's biodiversity by a wildlife conservation officer. Our first meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
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November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
This Park is situated off the 101 freeway and has several campgrounds--we were in Agate Campground for a night. This park is one square mile in size, which is 640 acres. After a 1928 bond act passed, purchases for this SP began in 1929.
5/6
5/6
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
This Park is situated off the 101 freeway and has several campgrounds--we were in Agate Campground for a night. This park is one square mile in size, which is 640 acres. After a 1928 bond act passed, purchases for this SP began in 1929.
5/6
5/6
the road. We piled in and drove quickly back up the coast and saw the most impressive harem of females and a bull.
The next morning we met two of my work friends (Sandra and Josefina) for lunch at a park in Arcata, then off to the airport for Jakey and my mom to head home.
4/6
The next morning we met two of my work friends (Sandra and Josefina) for lunch at a park in Arcata, then off to the airport for Jakey and my mom to head home.
4/6
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
the road. We piled in and drove quickly back up the coast and saw the most impressive harem of females and a bull.
The next morning we met two of my work friends (Sandra and Josefina) for lunch at a park in Arcata, then off to the airport for Jakey and my mom to head home.
4/6
The next morning we met two of my work friends (Sandra and Josefina) for lunch at a park in Arcata, then off to the airport for Jakey and my mom to head home.
4/6
rather than later. Sure enough, fog rolled in making everything damp.
After hearing of our goal to see Roosevelt elk and having not yet checked that off, the SP Ranger came back after a visit to Humboldt Lagoon SP with news. An entire herd of females and one male was in a meadow 7 miles up
3/6
After hearing of our goal to see Roosevelt elk and having not yet checked that off, the SP Ranger came back after a visit to Humboldt Lagoon SP with news. An entire herd of females and one male was in a meadow 7 miles up
3/6
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
rather than later. Sure enough, fog rolled in making everything damp.
After hearing of our goal to see Roosevelt elk and having not yet checked that off, the SP Ranger came back after a visit to Humboldt Lagoon SP with news. An entire herd of females and one male was in a meadow 7 miles up
3/6
After hearing of our goal to see Roosevelt elk and having not yet checked that off, the SP Ranger came back after a visit to Humboldt Lagoon SP with news. An entire herd of females and one male was in a meadow 7 miles up
3/6
This coastal park was full of beautiful ocean views & redwoods--the smallest we saw. We drove to Trinidad for lunch on the beach.
Another hike along the coast & wandering around the redwoods during beautiful weather ensued. Rain was forecasted for later making our dry-hike needed earlier
2/6
Another hike along the coast & wandering around the redwoods during beautiful weather ensued. Rain was forecasted for later making our dry-hike needed earlier
2/6
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
This coastal park was full of beautiful ocean views & redwoods--the smallest we saw. We drove to Trinidad for lunch on the beach.
Another hike along the coast & wandering around the redwoods during beautiful weather ensued. Rain was forecasted for later making our dry-hike needed earlier
2/6
Another hike along the coast & wandering around the redwoods during beautiful weather ensued. Rain was forecasted for later making our dry-hike needed earlier
2/6
Day 7 & 8 - Thur., Oct. 2 - Fri., Oct. 3, 2025
📍Trinidad, CA
📍Sue-meg SP, CA
We left Prairie Creek Redwoods SP and headed down the coast to the recently renamed Patrick's Point SP. Now called Sue-Meg SP honoring the Yurok Tribe's generations of history on this land.
1/6
📍Trinidad, CA
📍Sue-meg SP, CA
We left Prairie Creek Redwoods SP and headed down the coast to the recently renamed Patrick's Point SP. Now called Sue-Meg SP honoring the Yurok Tribe's generations of history on this land.
1/6
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Day 7 & 8 - Thur., Oct. 2 - Fri., Oct. 3, 2025
📍Trinidad, CA
📍Sue-meg SP, CA
We left Prairie Creek Redwoods SP and headed down the coast to the recently renamed Patrick's Point SP. Now called Sue-Meg SP honoring the Yurok Tribe's generations of history on this land.
1/6
📍Trinidad, CA
📍Sue-meg SP, CA
We left Prairie Creek Redwoods SP and headed down the coast to the recently renamed Patrick's Point SP. Now called Sue-Meg SP honoring the Yurok Tribe's generations of history on this land.
1/6
A12.1: #ParkChat Book Club is reading Confluence by
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, & adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, & adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
November 6, 2025 at 3:01 AM
A12.1: #ParkChat Book Club is reading Confluence by
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, & adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, & adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
This is easily one of my favorite Northern California redwood parks. It includes 14,000 acres, and was declared a state park in 1923.
6/6
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
6/6
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This is easily one of my favorite Northern California redwood parks. It includes 14,000 acres, and was declared a state park in 1923.
6/6
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
6/6
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
We also drove a 4x4 road called Cal Barrel Road, which took you into the heart of the redwoods. It was incredibly serene.
The park is situated off the 101 freeway and has two campgrounds--we were in Elk Prairie for two nights.
5/6
The park is situated off the 101 freeway and has two campgrounds--we were in Elk Prairie for two nights.
5/6
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
We also drove a 4x4 road called Cal Barrel Road, which took you into the heart of the redwoods. It was incredibly serene.
The park is situated off the 101 freeway and has two campgrounds--we were in Elk Prairie for two nights.
5/6
The park is situated off the 101 freeway and has two campgrounds--we were in Elk Prairie for two nights.
5/6
It was such a lovely and magical location that we changed our reservation and stayed another night.
We were there at the shoulder season and all the bridges were pulled up over the creeks, so any stream crossing meant wading through the very cold (like take your breath away cold) water.
4/6
We were there at the shoulder season and all the bridges were pulled up over the creeks, so any stream crossing meant wading through the very cold (like take your breath away cold) water.
4/6
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
It was such a lovely and magical location that we changed our reservation and stayed another night.
We were there at the shoulder season and all the bridges were pulled up over the creeks, so any stream crossing meant wading through the very cold (like take your breath away cold) water.
4/6
We were there at the shoulder season and all the bridges were pulled up over the creeks, so any stream crossing meant wading through the very cold (like take your breath away cold) water.
4/6
The weather was pretty good (scattered showers) for this park and my mom saw an epic double rainbow while Jakey and I hiked.
We saw a lot of evidence of bear, elk, and deer scat on the ground, but they never came near our campsite (that we were aware of).
3/6
We saw a lot of evidence of bear, elk, and deer scat on the ground, but they never came near our campsite (that we were aware of).
3/6
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The weather was pretty good (scattered showers) for this park and my mom saw an epic double rainbow while Jakey and I hiked.
We saw a lot of evidence of bear, elk, and deer scat on the ground, but they never came near our campsite (that we were aware of).
3/6
We saw a lot of evidence of bear, elk, and deer scat on the ground, but they never came near our campsite (that we were aware of).
3/6
Then, we entered the next destination and (as I suspected) my mom and Jacob's socks were blown off with Prairie Creek Redwoods SP.
We switched campsites so that the rutting Roosevelt elk could be seen in the meadow--though that never happened.
2/6
We switched campsites so that the rutting Roosevelt elk could be seen in the meadow--though that never happened.
2/6
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Then, we entered the next destination and (as I suspected) my mom and Jacob's socks were blown off with Prairie Creek Redwoods SP.
We switched campsites so that the rutting Roosevelt elk could be seen in the meadow--though that never happened.
2/6
We switched campsites so that the rutting Roosevelt elk could be seen in the meadow--though that never happened.
2/6
Day 5, 6 & 7 - Tues., Sept 30. - Thur., Oct. 2, 2025
📍Orick, CA
📍Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA
We left Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP and headed down to coast. We drove an offroad coastal loop near the Klamath River with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
1/6
📍Orick, CA
📍Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA
We left Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP and headed down to coast. We drove an offroad coastal loop near the Klamath River with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
1/6
November 1, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Day 5, 6 & 7 - Tues., Sept 30. - Thur., Oct. 2, 2025
📍Orick, CA
📍Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA
We left Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP and headed down to coast. We drove an offroad coastal loop near the Klamath River with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
1/6
📍Orick, CA
📍Prairie Creek Redwoods SP, CA
We left Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP and headed down to coast. We drove an offroad coastal loop near the Klamath River with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
1/6
A12. #ParkChat Book Club is reading Confluence by
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, and adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, and adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
October 30, 2025 at 2:04 AM
A12. #ParkChat Book Club is reading Confluence by
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, and adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
@zakpodmore.bsky.social. The book is more than just a story of the Colorado River and its tributaries. It touches on Indigenous stories, family, water rights, and adventures. Our second meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 18th at 5 PM Pacific. DM me for deets.
This is a beautiful Northern California destination. It includes 10,000 acres, with its first purchase being in 1929.
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#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
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#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
This is a beautiful Northern California destination. It includes 10,000 acres, with its first purchase being in 1929.
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#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
/end
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
from August & September 2023, which burned 92,000 acres. It was started by lightning, so what should be part of the natural fire regime since humans tend to start 95% of CA's fires.
The park is nestled in a beautiful valley of redwoods and is near to Highway 199.
6/7
The park is nestled in a beautiful valley of redwoods and is near to Highway 199.
6/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
from August & September 2023, which burned 92,000 acres. It was started by lightning, so what should be part of the natural fire regime since humans tend to start 95% of CA's fires.
The park is nestled in a beautiful valley of redwoods and is near to Highway 199.
6/7
The park is nestled in a beautiful valley of redwoods and is near to Highway 199.
6/7
The Smith River was beautiful but definitely at the end of the season. As we drove in, along Highway 199 there was a huge burn scar on the slopes. It was sad to see such devastation. It was the Smith River Complex Fire
5/7
5/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
The Smith River was beautiful but definitely at the end of the season. As we drove in, along Highway 199 there was a huge burn scar on the slopes. It was sad to see such devastation. It was the Smith River Complex Fire
5/7
5/7
The bride and good held a short, but sweet ceremony as we strolled by the crowd in the constant rain. This was the first place we saw a banana slug, with leopard patches. We called it a leopard banana slug, but it was actually a Pacific Banana Slug.
4/7
4/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
The bride and good held a short, but sweet ceremony as we strolled by the crowd in the constant rain. This was the first place we saw a banana slug, with leopard patches. We called it a leopard banana slug, but it was actually a Pacific Banana Slug.
4/7
4/7
our raincoats and hiked the trails anyway. We drove Howland Hill Rd. and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
At Stout Memorial Grove, bridesmaids and groomsmen were racing to a redwood staging area from the parking lot. Apparently there was a weeding going on in the redwoods.
3/7
At Stout Memorial Grove, bridesmaids and groomsmen were racing to a redwood staging area from the parking lot. Apparently there was a weeding going on in the redwoods.
3/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
our raincoats and hiked the trails anyway. We drove Howland Hill Rd. and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
At Stout Memorial Grove, bridesmaids and groomsmen were racing to a redwood staging area from the parking lot. Apparently there was a weeding going on in the redwoods.
3/7
At Stout Memorial Grove, bridesmaids and groomsmen were racing to a redwood staging area from the parking lot. Apparently there was a weeding going on in the redwoods.
3/7
Jacob had not yet seen the tallest of the tall redwoods and my mom simply wanted to view the big trees again.
The first day was the last day with good weather. It rained the majority of the time that we were camping. So, we did s'mores the first night with a campfire and then threw on
2/7
The first day was the last day with good weather. It rained the majority of the time that we were camping. So, we did s'mores the first night with a campfire and then threw on
2/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Jacob had not yet seen the tallest of the tall redwoods and my mom simply wanted to view the big trees again.
The first day was the last day with good weather. It rained the majority of the time that we were camping. So, we did s'mores the first night with a campfire and then threw on
2/7
The first day was the last day with good weather. It rained the majority of the time that we were camping. So, we did s'mores the first night with a campfire and then threw on
2/7
Day 3, 4 & 5 - Sn, Sept. 28 - Tues., Sept. 30, 2025
📍Crescent City, CA
📍Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, CA
After leaving Valley of the Rogue SP, I picked up some "extra" travelers--my mom and nephew. They few into Medford, OR and joined me for a portion of the trip.
1/7
📍Crescent City, CA
📍Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, CA
After leaving Valley of the Rogue SP, I picked up some "extra" travelers--my mom and nephew. They few into Medford, OR and joined me for a portion of the trip.
1/7
October 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Day 3, 4 & 5 - Sn, Sept. 28 - Tues., Sept. 30, 2025
📍Crescent City, CA
📍Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, CA
After leaving Valley of the Rogue SP, I picked up some "extra" travelers--my mom and nephew. They few into Medford, OR and joined me for a portion of the trip.
1/7
📍Crescent City, CA
📍Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP, CA
After leaving Valley of the Rogue SP, I picked up some "extra" travelers--my mom and nephew. They few into Medford, OR and joined me for a portion of the trip.
1/7
Since I had a lot of time to regroup on Saturday and no driving, I did some grocery shopping, a hike, and took a well deserved nap. /END
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
October 23, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Since I had a lot of time to regroup on Saturday and no driving, I did some grocery shopping, a hike, and took a well deserved nap. /END
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
#Camp #Camping #CampLikeAGirl #RoadTrip #Washington #Oregon #California #FallRoadTrip #Autumn #Redwoods #OregonCoast #OlympicPeninsula #ParkChat
The Park is located just off Highway 5 and if you are in the right spot the Rogue River cancels out the freeway noise. The park is 265 acres and purchases began in 1959.
4/
4/
October 23, 2025 at 2:10 AM
The Park is located just off Highway 5 and if you are in the right spot the Rogue River cancels out the freeway noise. The park is 265 acres and purchases began in 1959.
4/
4/
I've stayed at Valley of the Rogue SP before and it was during a heat wave and left a HOT impression. 🥵 This time it was cool, but there was a fire looming in the coast range of OR that ended up dumping smoke into the valley. Ick! 3/
October 23, 2025 at 2:10 AM
I've stayed at Valley of the Rogue SP before and it was during a heat wave and left a HOT impression. 🥵 This time it was cool, but there was a fire looming in the coast range of OR that ended up dumping smoke into the valley. Ick! 3/