Redwood National Park

The day began with us rolling out of Ukiah and finishing our grand Redwood quest — if you haven’t read that tale yet, go ahead and start there.

Klamath Tour Tree

Once we finish the enchanted circuit of Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and rejoin 101 North, we cross the mighty Klamath River. Immediately after, a humble sign beckons: Klamath Tour Tree. Well, who are we to deny destiny? We hand over our $5 tribute and with the regal dignity of hobbits piloting a borrowed Honda SUV, Jeremy eases my mom’s vehicle through the tree while I record the feat with pride. A tight squeeze, but we emerge victorious — and with bragging rights.

Klamath

By this point, our stomachs were politely reminding us that adventure runs best on fuel. We stop in Klamath — yes, the town named after the river, creativity at its finest — and stumble into a little bar for lunch. It feels like walking straight into small-town Wisconsin, drama included.

Two locals are embroiled in a Shakespearean tragedy: she insists they shared a magical night, he… does not recall. Meanwhile, the bartender doubles as both server and enthusiastic participant in his own cocktail-inspired journey. Between slurred syllables, he gives us advice — something about a scenic road, a brown gate, driving by “the Indian stuff", and finding the river’s mouth. His directions sound like a side quest written by someone halfway into fourth breakfast ale.

Klamath River

After lunch, we head to Requa Road, which turns into Patrick J. Murphy Memorial Drive, leading us to the Klamath River Overlook. And there it is — the river merging into the ocean, sweet and saltwater meeting like two old kingdoms finally shaking hands. Our first river mouth sighting, and it does feel a bit legendary.

Scenic Drive

Back down we go, joining 101 again and humoring the bartender’s quest marker. We find scenic turn-offs, but none of the mystical “landmarks.” Perhaps he was pranking us. Or perhaps the gate only appears to the truly chosen (or those with more substances in their belly).

End of the Day

We cruise south, passing elk grazing outside Elk Meadow Cabins like majestic woodland nobles. Eventually, we land in Eureka and book a room at the Comfort Inn. It's… fine. A place to lay one’s head and dream of better pillows. We’ll upgrade next time.

Once refreshed, we head to Jack’s Seafood — and fate laughs gently at us. The couple seated behind Jeremy? The same adventurers we chatted with at the Corkscrew Tree earlier in the day in Redwood National Park.

We toast to coincidence, adventure, and the beautiful absurdity of travel — where ancient trees, river mouths, enchanted elk meadows, and small-town tavern soap operas all share the same day.