Northern California trip recommendations

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by eatabagofbooger, Jun 9, 2015.

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  1. eatabagofbooger

    eatabagofbooger Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2009 Oregon

    My folks are coming to visit next week and we're planning to do a big road trip. After hitting up Crater Lake, we're going to drive to Trinidad (we'll probably take 101 from Crescent City on south). After that we're either going to drive down 101/1 to North Bay or cut over to Chico (for obvious reasons). From there, we're going to book it back up I-5 on our way home. If anyone has any recommendations along these routes, I'd be grateful to hear them. Of course, we are mostly looking for beer recommendations (breweries, beer bars, and bottleshops for bringing back bottles that don't make it up to OR). I'd also be happy to get suggestions for good eats and detours/scenic routes. We don't have a ton of time, but we can certainly take some small detours for anything worthwhile.

    Also, apologies if this question has already been covered elsewhere, but considering the specificity of our route, I wasn't even sure what to search for in the forum.
     
    #1 eatabagofbooger, Jun 9, 2015
  2. AptosBeerDrinker

    AptosBeerDrinker Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2011 California

    In Humboldt I would rec Redwood Curtain in Arcata.
     
    #2 AptosBeerDrinker, Jun 10, 2015
  3. porkinator

    porkinator Initiate (0) Aug 26, 2009 California

    Make sure to drive through the redwoods. Beatiful out there. I was at Crater Lake for the first time in a decade 6 months ago, still looks amazing! Where in the North Bay are you going?
     
    #3 porkinator, Jun 10, 2015
  4. Jaap

    Jaap Initiate (0) Sep 21, 2012 Washington

    I second the Redwood Curtain recommendation. Good stuff!

    And if Prairie Creek Redwoods isn't too far out of your way it's a great redwood park with access to the beach.
     
    #4 Jaap, Jun 10, 2015
  5. eatabagofbooger

    eatabagofbooger Initiate (0) Mar 27, 2009 Oregon

    Thanks for the tips, guys! It looks like Redwood Curtain is now on our list.

    We definitely plan to drive through the redwoods and do some hiking; that's the impetus for the trip! I'm not sure where in North Bay we'd wind up. I used to live in the Bay Area (SF and Berkeley), but that was well before I was into beer. I was thinking North Bay in general for a few reasons. First, the drive down 101/1 is amazing. Second, there's tons of beautiful areas around there (Sonoma, Marin Headlands, etc). Third, for a short trip, I think we'd like to avoid driving around the city, so just north of there seems like a good turnaround point. Naturally we'll make a stop at Russian River if we're in the neighbourhood, but I don't know much else about the beer scene (though I suspect it's thriving).
     
    #5 eatabagofbooger, Jun 10, 2015
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  6. Jaap

    Jaap Initiate (0) Sep 21, 2012 Washington

    I would also suggest the Rare Barrel in Berkley if you can make it there without too much hassle. The beers are really good. Also Lagunitas is really close to RR, and has a pretty nice beer garden.
     
    #6 Jaap, Jun 10, 2015
  7. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California

    Woodfour is a quick drive off of the 101 in Sebastopol. They are making some very good beer. Sours, lagers and all.
     
    #7 theconductor, Jun 11, 2015
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  8. chcfan

    chcfan Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2008 California

    I would throw out Mill Valley Beer Works for good beer and really good food if you end up around there after 5:30 pm when they open and you'd probably want a reservation. Really underrated spot.
     
    #8 chcfan, Jun 12, 2015
  9. chcfan

    chcfan Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2008 California

    Happy to read this. I went about two years ago and the location was great, but I wasn't too jazzed about the three house beers we tried. Will give it another go soon.
     
    #9 chcfan, Jun 12, 2015
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  10. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California

    I didn't get out to them until they had been up and running for a while. I've since talked to many people that share your same sediments about them early on. They are brewing some very solid beers right now.
     
    #10 theconductor, Jun 12, 2015
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  11. jakecattleco

    jakecattleco Grand Pooh-Bah (3,749) Sep 3, 2008 California
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Fall River tasting room in Redding on your way back. And Yaks in Dunsmuir for great grub and craft.
     
    #11 jakecattleco, Jun 13, 2015
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  12. walterfredo

    walterfredo Savant (1,032) Nov 22, 2011 California
    Trader

    In humboldt county I would also recommend Mad River Brewing in Blue Lake and The Local (beer bar) in Eureka. Agree that Redwood Curtain is worth a visit.
     
    #12 walterfredo, Jun 15, 2015
  13. rmdownward

    rmdownward Zealot (648) Feb 10, 2007 California

    Six Rivers in McKinleyville, Lost Coast in Eureka. I tried to go to Humbolt Regeneration Brewery, also in McKinleyville, but they were closed that day preparing for a beer fest. Eel River in Fortuna.
     
    #13 rmdownward, Jun 15, 2015
  14. walterfredo

    walterfredo Savant (1,032) Nov 22, 2011 California
    Trader

    one man's opinion, but Six Rivers is not worth a visit IMO, unless you're simply trying to hit them all.
     
    #14 walterfredo, Jun 15, 2015
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  15. danscott

    danscott Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2006 California

    More than just one man has that same opinion about 6Rivers.

    I always stop in Dunsmuir for lunch at the brewery. Great food, good beer and I love the owners.

    Dunsmuir is surprisingly quite a foodie town, several great spots to eat for such a tiny place.
     
    #15 danscott, Jun 15, 2015
  16. danscott

    danscott Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2006 California

    Oh, and if you're going to Crater Lake you're likely driving through the shithole town of Klamath Falls. They have a small pizza and brewery spot called Mia and Pia's. Very quirky place but one of the best spots in town to eat and their beer is pretty good. Full bar, too.
     
    #16 danscott, Jun 15, 2015
  17. rmdownward

    rmdownward Zealot (648) Feb 10, 2007 California

    The Creamery in Klamath Falls is nice as well. Agrees on Mia & Pia's. Usually stop in Dunsmuir on the way or back from my mom's. Gotta have some cheesy beer bread! Good BBQ as well.
     
    #17 rmdownward, Jun 15, 2015
  18. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California


    Currently Dunsmuir Brewery Works is all guest taps. They are waiting on some new equipment...
     
    #18 theconductor, Jun 16, 2015
  19. danscott

    danscott Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2006 California

    Again?! Jeeze.
     
    #19 danscott, Jun 16, 2015
  20. theconductor

    theconductor Zealot (739) Nov 4, 2008 California


    The good news is that they have Fall River on tap:wink:
     
    #20 theconductor, Jun 16, 2015
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