Route Editor
Route Scout
Watch Carnivorous Plants in Action by blueberry1222  The interesting Darlingtonia Trail is very short but very fascinating. It's just off Hwy 199 and a worthy little pit stop when driving from Crescent City to Medford. The loop trail takes the visitor to a viewing platform that overlooks the swampy bog that is the home of the California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica). This bog is pretty devoid of the necessary ingredients that allows other plants to survive the normal way via their root system, and the glut of pitcher plants growing in this bog is astounding. The trail is also interesting in the fact that there remains an open 'test' mine shaft which harks back to the old-timey days when prospectors dug little mole holes all over California looking for the shiny gold stuff. If visiting at springtime, the air is infused with the lovely scent of wild azaleas, which reminded me of March in Phoenix when all the citrus is in bloom. Also worth checking out is the Smith River, across the street. There are two campgrounds nearby which you can park at and take a little picnic break. The Smith River is notable in the fact that it is California's last undamed and undiverted river. It is wild and beautiful. The only real unfortunate thing is the fact that the highway is built right next to the river and the traffic noise is inescapable. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
