Favourite Places: A Cabin in the Redwoods

Continuing my series of accommodation faves with a nostalgic, movie-worthy Californian cabin-stay.

There’s a lot to love about the Redwood-lined coastal road from Oregon into Northern California. But top of my list has to be Emerald Forest, a woodland cabin and RV park with its own magical retro video arcade hidden amongst the trees.

A drive through the misty redwoods will already have you feeling like you’ve been transported into a film, specifically the E.T. flying bicycle scene, which was shot in the area. But the nostalgic 80s movie vibes certainly don’t stop there if you book at stay at Emerald Forest.

OUR CABIN

Retro wooden cabins with an aesthetic right out of Yogi Bear sit in a small circular clearing, with discreet RV parking spots scattered throughout the trees.

Inside our cabin had the simple charm of an old school motel, but with much more room and wood panelling.

But it’s what’s outside of the cabin that had everyone excited. A world of amazing contrasts. Each cabin door opens out into the incredible woodland, but hidden within it was something even more awe-inspiring. A separate cabin bearing the sign “Video Arcade”.

Inside it’s just as captivating as it seems - whether you are old enough to have actually played games like Pac Man or the Terminator 2 pinball IRL before or not. There’s also a club house and a little shop, and back at the cabin a TV you can see from the bunk beds, another major highlight.

Never leaving the site and just spending the day forest bathing and video gaming is massively tempting, but Emerald Forest is situated close to the cute coastal town of Trinidad and a short drive away from the awe-inspiring Avenue of the Giants.

TRINIDAD BAY

While California more commonly conjures up a vision of the sun-drenched cities of LA and San Francisco, for me this charming stretch of road shaded by ancient trees and luscious green coastline is the state’s secret wonderland.

Favourite Things: The Best Places to Eat & Visit near Emerald Forest