Passing family’s tradition on to his sons

For the last few years, I’ve been carving out a chunk of men-only time for the guys and me. We hop in the car, Dad and his two sons, the latter of whom each year are a little taller, a little ganglier and always in need of a haircut. Off we go, getting reacquainted to the accompaniment of diner food and ridiculous jokes.

This year, I wanted to take them to a place my dad took me and my three brothers when we were kids: Patrick’s Point. My dad’s name is Patrick and, knowing him, I’m sure he told us it was named after him.

So we headed north with our camping gear squeezed in the back, ready to shake off Southern California for a few days. Our destination: a sliver of serenity in the coastal redwoods about 25 miles north of Eureka.

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

From Interstate 5, we headed west when we got to Redding on California 299, toward the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Man-made Whiskeytown Lake, a haven for water-sport fans, is an impressive sight with its coves spread about like fingers in a royal blue glove.

In McKinleyville, we drove north on California 101 for 15 miles before arriving at Patrick’s Point. Set beneath a canopy of spruce, alders, fir and pine, the campground offers the best of the forest and the coast.

As soon as our feet hit the ground, we ambled over to check out the scenery from our perch. The campground is on a densely forested headland with views of the ocean from the trails that separate the campers from the cliffs. From our site, we could hear the rhythmic pounding of the surf below, which provided a wonderful audio backdrop for our two-day stay.

Now it was time to set up camp. Our spot was spacious and flat, and though the campground was nearly at capacity, we felt secluded. It’s a proud moment for a father when his sons are old enough to do all the heavy lifting and erect the tent with little guidance from their old man.

After a 13-hour drive -- two of those spent at the side of the road with a flat tire -- we decided to treat ourselves to pizza in McKinleyville before turning in for the night.

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CLOSER TO NATURE

The next day, we checked out Rim Trail, which had views of Wedding Rock, Palmer’s Point and Patrick’s Point, rising out of the Pacific like monsters wearing jagged crowns. With the swirling scent of sea salt and pine surrounding us, we felt at least one giant step closer to nature.

South of the park lies a pair of interesting beaches worth checking out. Moonstone Beach, about a 15-minute drive, is an entertaining spot to hit the sand. With its large, rounded sea stacks and ever-present mist, it was easy to see that it was aptly named.

While local surfers zigzagged through the chilly waters off Houda Point, we did some cave exploring as the tide began to work its way up the beach. Inside one cave was a collection of flowers and candles -- perhaps a memorial or a lovers’ cocoon? Either way, it was cool and creepy at the same time.

Then it was on to Trinidad State Beach, where softer sand and an assortment of wildflowers provided an almost tropical feel.

Back at the camp, it was time for a dinner of hot dogs, baked beans and bad puns. My dad would’ve been so proud.

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tim.hubbard@latimes.com

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Setting up camp

THE BASICS

The park is open year-round, but many sites are closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Individual sites can be reserved for $20 a night (other fees and taxes not included) using www.reserveamerica.com. The park has a visitors center, three family campgrounds, two group camps, a camp for hikers and bicyclists and three group picnic areas. We stayed in the heavily shaded Abalone camp portion of the park, which was just a short walk to the cliffs. Arrangements can also be made to host weddings on the premises. There are restrooms, some of which contain coin-operated showers. Spigots with potable water are spread throughout the campground, and there is a dumping station for RVs. Dogs are not allowed on the park’s trails or on the beach. There is also a re-created Yurok village -- Sumeg -- that contains, among other things, a dance house, a sweat house and a redwood canoe and is used to help local Yuroks educate their children about the tribe’s culture. Next to the village is an example of a Native American garden containing plants used in making food, baskets and medicine.

DRIVE TIME

Making the trek up U.S. 101 is probably the most scenic way to Patrick’s Point, but those pressed for time can take Interstate 5 north to Redding, then head west on California 299. Pick up the 101 north just north of Arcata and drive 15 miles to the park. All told, it’s about a 10-hour drive from L.A.

TO LEARN MORE

Patrick’s Point State Park, (707) 677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417. To reserve a campsite, www.reserveamerica.com.

On travel.latimes.com

For reviews of campsites and information on outdoor activities, go to latimes.com/outdoors.