7-day Eco Green Tour of Northern California North Coast & Shasta Cascade Regions The tradition of Going Green is nothing new in Northern California. In fact, the lifestyle and heritage of living in harmony with nature goes back to the first area explorers and is now the very heartbeat of residents and visitors alike. From the oldest living Redwood trees on planet Earth, to hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline to parks and the world’s leading research centers for sustainability, Northern California sets the tone for green, and for fun adventure. Experience the green, ecology and outdoor adventure of Northern California with a7-day tour that encompasses five areas: DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco is pretty darn green, and is a great place to start your eco-voyage of Northern California. Notice the amazing architecture and realize that most of the wood used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire came from Northern California! Get ready for your trip north. Overnight in San Francisco DAY 2: MENDOCINO COUNTY From Sonoma County, we’ll continue north on US 101 towards Mendocino County. Just past Cloverdale we’ll stop at the world-renowned Solar Living Institute Hopland, where the greatest minds in solar-power are hard at work studying and sharing energy tips. In fact, the interactive learning center offers classes, workshops and the Real Goods store provides your chance to pick up a solar powered generator for just about anything. You can even gas up your biodiesel car here. From Hopland, we will head over to the Mendocino Coast, where (depending on the season) you can behold the wonder of whales. California Grays, Humpbacks and Orcas can be seen migrating north along the Mendocino Coast from March through April, and then returning south from late September through December. Four weekend festivals are dedicated to whales in March and April in Fort Bragg, Mendocino Village, Little River and Gualala. Visit the Only Coastal Botanical Gardens on the Continent. Discover 47 acres of beauty and serenity while strolling in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens by the sea. An easy halfmile walk takes you from well-tended gardens, through a fern-filled canyon, to spectacular vistas at the ocean’s edge. A must for bird-watchers and picnickers alike! Your Mendocino County green tour also includes a visit to the drive-through tree, historical lighthouses, a rare animal sanctuary and optional activities like sea cave kayaking, beach horseback rides or some well-deserved relaxation at one of the many eco-spas. Overnight in Mendocino County DAY 3:
HUMBOLDT COUNTY Just north of Mendocino County lies Humboldt County, known globally as the home of the world’s tallest redwood tree. This world champion tree is more than 379 feet tall, almost six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Redwood National Park, and nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park, are home to virtually all of the twenty tallest trees in the world! Many are more than 2,000 years old. Your expert guide will share more on how Humboldt County preserves this area and how locals live the greenest way possible.