Today my friend Sara and I checked out a new to me series of trails adjacent to the Victorian themed city of Ferndale, CA. Russ Park is a beautiful 110 acre site that is rebounding from the clear-cutting done in the late 19th century that stripped the site of most of its timber resources. A few old growth redwoods remain amongst the spruce and fir forest now standing on site. The location also contains a pond that features one of the most impressive clusters of skunk cabbage I’ve ever seen. A future must do, is an early spring hike when the skunk cabbage will be in bloom.
One of the cool logistical things about Russ Park is the great trail signage. All forks in the trails are well marked with “you are here” metal maps so way finding is super easy. There is a small parking lot with a port-a potty. The trails are well maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers who work in partnership with the city. The local community obviously takes great pride in maintaining the site and it’s resources.
While standing near the pond and the skunk cabbage patch we observed some beautiful Gray Jays feasting on seeds. I tried to capture an image with my cell phone; another day where I wished I had a telephoto lens. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #russpark #humboldtcounty #humboldt
Trails 
Woodpecker evidence 
Foxglove 
Wild ginger 
Top of the ridge 
View from the top 
Maiden hair fern 
Pond 
Gray Jay in skunk cabbage 
Perspectives From My Trail 