Read. Write. Listen. Create.

Jack London State Historic Park is nestled in the Sonoma Valley in the city of Glen Ellen. It “is a memorial to writer and adventurer Jack London, who made his home at the site from 1905 until his death in 1916” (jacklondonpark.com).

I happened to see the park on a travel show I was watching and I was happy to find out that it had paved paths. After stopping to get lunch at The Mill in Jack London Village, we ate at a picnic table at the park and then we were off to the trail. Even though the path is paved, it is bumpy concrete and does include a few inclines, but my Quantum Stretto was able to handle it. Get ready to be jostled about in your wheelchair, but the trail isn’t too far; just a mile trip there and back to the parking lot. Below, is a photo of the trail.

“Jack London wrote so often about wolves and dogs…so, when Jack started building his dream house in 1911, it was only fitting that it would become known as the ‘Wolf House’” (jacklondonpark.com). But sadly Jack and his wife Charmian never moved in because a fire began on the night of August 22, 1913. Only the stone walls were left in the morning. The house had twenty-six rooms and nine fireplaces.

You can walk around the entire remains of the house, but one part had tree roots sticking out so I was only able to circle around about 3/4 of the house. There are also stairs where you can check out the second story and see more of the fireplaces and hollowed out areas. Here is a picture my dad took from the second story of what would’ve been the reflection pool. The photo below that is a map of the second story of the house and the reflection pool before the house burned.

After Jack passed away, his wife, Charmian, lived on the ranch. “The House of Happy Walls Museum was built by Charmian London and Eliza Shepard, Jack London’s stepsister, after London’s death in 1916. Architect, Harry P. Merritt designed the House of Happy Walls to be Charmian’s home and ultimately, a museum. She lived in the house from 1935 until 1952. Today, the newly redesigned exhibits in the Museum showcase the adventurous and inspiring lives of the Londons” (jacklondonpark.com).

The first floor of the museum requires a lift for wheelchair users. It is located on the side of the building. You then wheel through the giftshop and into the main room of the exhibit area. You can peek into the old kitchen and see the green drain board sink Jack and Charmian bought in San Francisco! The second level is only accessible by stairs.

Here’s a quote on the museum wall that I think ties it up nicely; “To bear witness: Jack London’s insatiable drive to see, to live, to do. In his short 40 years, Jack London lived a hundred lives. He traveled the globe, authored over 50 books, fought for social justice, loved his land, and found ideal companionship in a beloved ‘Mate’ – his wife, Charmian. Lucky for us, Jack was a keen observer. His work spanned the fascinating realms of literature and photography, journalism and activism. His views of the world changed ours forever” (The House of Happy Walls Museum).