Anyone been there?
Planning some trips in Southern Oregon and Northern California for the summer and we've never been to Wildlife Safari so I was wondering if anyone has been there and have suggestions on a good campground somewhat in the area or tips on the attraction itself? We'll be towing a 22' trailer.
Also any input on the Redwoods and coastal areas would be welcome, favorite places, etc...
Being from Myrtle Creek, which is about 13 miles from Wildlife Safari, I have naturally been there a few times.
It is one of those things that is definately better if you are a kid, but, I did go there this past summer just to see how reality coincides with my visions of childhood. It actually compared pretty well. It is like a zoo, but without all of the tiny cages and such. You basically pay for the car loop, which allows you to enter and drive around the park. You will go through the various continents on your drive, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and etc, and end up seeing species that fit into the various categories. The overall feel of the park is enhanced (especially in the African section) by the fact that the Umpqua valley has a much drier climate than the Willamette Valley. It is an area that is full of rolling hills, a ton of grass, oak stands, madrone stands, and random pockets of pine and doug fir. During the African section, the more arid environment, along with the fields of grass and stands of gnarled trees, really gives it an air of reality. If you go, you can also park and walk through the "Village", which has a lot of information, and acts as a more traditional zoo with exhibits mainly featuring smaller and friendlier animals.
On your second thought, I can't think of too many "great" places to camp in the very very immediate vicinity. It is along the I-5 corridor, and, while compared to the Portland area, it is relatively "unsettled", it is still fairly populated and blighted by people stuff. If you want to take an extra 45 minutes to an hour to get to a truly amazing camping area, head east from Roseburg (right next to Winston and Wildlife Safari) on highway 138. It follows the north Umpqua river up into the cascades. The drive itself is absolutely gorgeous and there are some very scenic camping spots as well as various trails that lead to seldom seen waterfalls and such. If you want more info on this....feel free to pm me. I have a looooot of knowledge on the subject.
As far as the redwoods go, given the fact that I grew up within about an hour or so's drive, I have been there quite a few times as well. One amazing spot to check out is a small marshy area along highway 199 in California that has a few short trails through it. What you will find along the trails are little bogs that are full of Darlingtonia, which are a very beautiful and ornate carnivorous plant that reach about 2 or 3 feet tall. It is amazing to see a bog full of them in real life. Leaves quite the impression. Good camping spots in that vicinity rest in Jedediah Smith state park, which features some of the best redwoods.
Hope you have fun, if you do indeed head out.
prunetang
