by Betsy M » Tue Nov 09, 2021 10:29 pm
Not sure about Barlow but I've definitely seen hammocks at Sykes. There are 3 main camps there:
1. across the river and upstream from where the trail crosses the river - lots of sites along this stretch
2. downstream from where the trail crosses the river, on the left, up a little hill; also a second site at this location even further up the hill, among some (large) redwoods
3. downstream from where the trail crosses the river, on the left, at a bend in the river, on a flat above the river. This is a double site, with a fire ring and grill at each site
The main upstream site has trees you could use for hanging your hammock. Near the most downstream part of the site.
There are some other sites downstream on the right side of the river, but I'm not so familiar with those and can't vouch for any trees for hammocks.
You might be able to find a suitable spot at Barlow but this is where most of the trees are large redwoods. Possibly you could find a spot on the left, as you drop down to the river. Not in the main flat area, but the section right alongside the river.
The camps don't seem to be getting super full so my guess is you should be able to find a tent site without too much trouble. Though the chances of rain in the next week seem to be almost zero so you probably don't even need a tent.
Redwood is a great camp, and I don't consider the 2.2 miles to be that steep. But it shouldn't be necessary to hike all that way, just to camp.
Poison oak right now is just stems with no leaves. Still capable of causing a rash but not as easy to identify. Watch closely and don't brush up against it! You should be able to hike in without touching any.
Happy hiking!
Not sure about Barlow but I've definitely seen hammocks at Sykes. There are 3 main camps there:
1. across the river and upstream from where the trail crosses the river - lots of sites along this stretch
2. downstream from where the trail crosses the river, on the left, up a little hill; also a second site at this location even further up the hill, among some (large) redwoods
3. downstream from where the trail crosses the river, on the left, at a bend in the river, on a flat above the river. This is a double site, with a fire ring and grill at each site
The main upstream site has trees you could use for hanging your hammock. Near the most downstream part of the site.
There are some other sites downstream on the right side of the river, but I'm not so familiar with those and can't vouch for any trees for hammocks.
You might be able to find a suitable spot at Barlow but this is where most of the trees are large redwoods. Possibly you could find a spot on the left, as you drop down to the river. Not in the main flat area, but the section right alongside the river.
The camps don't seem to be getting super full so my guess is you should be able to find a tent site without too much trouble. Though the chances of rain in the next week seem to be almost zero so you probably don't even need a tent.
Redwood is a great camp, and I don't consider the 2.2 miles to be that steep. But it shouldn't be necessary to hike all that way, just to camp.
Poison oak right now is just stems with no leaves. Still capable of causing a rash but not as easy to identify. Watch closely and don't brush up against it! You should be able to hike in without touching any.
Happy hiking!