blue lotus adventures

DETAILS Directions: From Kuchel Visitor Center, take route 101 north to Bald Hills Road.  Turn right and follow for 16.8 miles.  Parking is on the right. Equipment: Sturdy hiking shoes camera food/snacks water sun protection Hike Info: Most of this trail is a double track dirt road.  Esy to follow and great views.

Step Back in time and visit this old ranch in the prairie lands of Redwood National Park.  Explore a well preserved barn and bunkhouses along with other surprises in a beautiful setting.

 

 

Lyons Ranch Trail is really a dirt road that is gated off from Bald Hills Road. The trail head parking can fit about 6 cars but seldom do people venture out this way. The walk to the ranch is 2 miles in. It is an easy walk all the way across prairie land and few sections of wooded areas. About a half mile up the road splits. There is no trail marker at this point. The well used road on the left is the way to Lyons Ranch. The less worn road to the right climbs a hill and continues. I walked up this a little way but turned back. Would love to explore this another day.

 

 

At the end of the Lyons Ranch Trail/road, is a well preserved turn of the century (19th century) barn. Fortunately the park service keeps this barn unlocked so you are free to enter and explore a little. Everything here is an artifact so please leave it as you find it. Do not take anything. The barn has two levels with several entrances. I was surprised at how well the doors work and the main barn door slides open. This is a credit to the workmanship during that era.  The Lyons family house once stood in this area but no longer exists. The barn was used for sheering sheep and repairs of the farm during everyday life. This is a great slice of history that should be missed.  I had the place all to myself! It was a great experience. I felt I was back in the time of when this ranch was active.

 

 

If you continue walking past the Lyons Ranch Barn you will see to small shacks built closely together. These are the ranch bunkhouses and kitchen where the ranch hands would sleep. The buildings are in excellent shape although they do show their age. The park service has left these buildings unlocked for you to explore. There are artifacts in the building. Please leave everything as you find it. One shack has bed springs and a table while the other seemed to be more of a kitchen with a sink present.

 

 

Behind the Lyons Ranch Barn is a trail cut through the tall grass leading down hill. It is about a 5 minute walk when you get to the end and a small family cemetery with a single grave stone. The plot measures about 17 feet by 16 feet and is enclosed by a wire fence. On the grave stone is carved “Julius Lyons 1878-1895.” Julius was the last born of John Lyons, who built the farm. I found that Julius was the second son John Lyons that died. I could not find any other information.  Looking at the area and where this plot sits, it must have been a great view of the valley below over 100 years ago.

 

 

During my hike out, I came across a bear cub on the side of the trail.  The cub ran quickly off into the brush.  Minutes later I saw the mother on a hill.  Fortunately I left when I did because the cub I scared off was no more than 20 feet from me on one side of the road and the mother was on a hill on the other side of the road about 200 meters away!  When I first see a bear in the wilderness, for me at least, it is a wonder and joy to observe. If at a distance of course. I hung around to take a few pictures, maybe 30 seconds before the mother spotted me and ran down the hill in my direction!  If you encounter a bear, make lots of noise and waive you arms to appear bigger.  Never run, at least that’s what the park service recommends.  I walked quickly from the area! The 1.5 miles back to the car I kept looking over my shoulder, not that I can outrun a bear but wouldn’t you want to know if it was coming?