101 Things To Do Humboldt 2023

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park pg 82

Fern Canyon & Gold Blu s Beach Campground Elk Prairie Campground

Redwood National Park pg 81

Big Lagoon County Park pg 78

Sue-Meg State Park pg 79

Trinidad State Beach pg 75

Azalea State Natural Reserve pg 75

Arcata Plaza pg 70-71

Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary pg 68

Eureka Old Town pg 53-57

Morris Graves Museum of Art pg 65 Redwood Acres Fairgrounds pg 61 Sequoia Park & Zoo pg 63

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area pg 64

Humboldt Bay pg

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge pg 46

Humboldt Botanical Garden pg 62

Headwaters Forest Reserve pg 44, 65 Ferndale pg 37-38

Avenue of the Giants & Humboldt Redwoods State Park pg 28-35

The Lost Coast pg 23

Shelter Cove pg 22-23

Richardson Grove State Park pg 24

HUMBOLDT MAPS

HUMBOLDT COUNTY CALIFORNIA

Volume 37, No. 2, 2023 2383 Myrtle Ave.

Eureka, California 95501 707-443-1234

Email: info@101Things.com

Wherever applicable, EV Charging stations have been added to maps

On the Cover:

RIVER RAFTING THE TRINITY with Six Rivers Rafting, see page 85 Photo courtesy of Sara Harrison, Serendipity Snapshots, SerendipitySnapshots.com ALL

Maximiliano

The 101 Things To Do® magazine in Humboldt County, California is distributed free in hundreds of locations throughout the region and the adjoining areas. (See map on page 3)

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101 Things To Do® magazines are licensed by Gregg Gardiner and published by Blarney Publishing.

GREGG GARDINER, President David Else, Vice President

All content of this 101 Things To Do® magazine is copyrighted. © 2023 All rights reserved, Blarney Publishing, Eureka, CA 95501. No part may be reprinted without the expressed written consent of Blarney Publishing. The name 101 Things To Do® is a registered trademark and cannot be used without written permission of Gregg Gardiner. This publication is being provided as a convenience and as a public service for our readers. Every effort has been made by the publisher, Blarney Publishing, to make the contents of this magazine as accurate as possible, but it cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of all the information and advertising contained herein, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence no responsibility for the same can be assumed.

Courtney Ramos Sales Manager

Carlton Nielsen Publisher Barb Switzer Creative Director

Gambin Lead Graphics Associate

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Conde Nast praised Humboldt County in 2021 as part of an “alternate version of the California Dream,” with its rugged, uncrowded forests, dramatic coastal landscapes, and empty beaches. It comes as no surprise for those of us who know and love the North Coast.

Humboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike. It features 160 miles of unspoiled coastline, hundreds of thousands of acres of coastal redwood trees, wild rivers, bustling seaports, quaint farming communities, and fascinating historical areas. Travelers will fi nd exceptional accommodations, fi ne restaurants, beautiful shops, and numerous campgrounds and RV Parks in Humboldt County. They can explore the area’s rocky coastlines, warm inland communities, and signifi cant rivers while taking advantage of local businesses.

The county is situated on the northern California coast, 90 miles south of the Oregon border. Its largest towns are adjacent to Hwy 101. Eureka, the county seat, is about 300 miles north of San Francisco and just over 400 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

In southern Humboldt, Hwy 101 is lined by some of the fi rst large stands of redwoods encountered by northbound California travelers. Richardson Grove State Park is a magnifi cent 2,000 acres of redwoods, located 9 miles south of the town of Garberville. The State acquired the area in the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California. A jaunt down more minor side roads that exit Hwy 101 will lead travelers to the King Range National Conservation Area and Humboldt County’s Lost Coast. This adventure leads to hamlets such as Hidden Valley and Whitethorn, eventually ending at the town of Shelter Cove. Further north on Hwy 101 after leaving the towns of Garberville and Redway is the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of two-lane road dotted with unique small towns. It winds through stands of massive redwoods along the Eel River; Humboldt Redwoods State Park is located along the Avenue and covers more than 52,000 acres.

After leaving the Avenue of the Giants, travelers will once again be on Hwy 101 and pass the town of Scotia on a striking wooded hillside overlooking a big bend in the Eel River. Further north is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, known as the jewel of the Eel River Valley. Friendly Fortuna has developed tremendous accommodations for visitors in recent years, including several hotels along the Eel River and an attractive conference center. East of Fortuna, along State Hwy 36, is Grizzly Creek State Park, a favorite for hiking, camping, and summer sun. The Victorian Village of Ferndale is about 7 miles west of Fortuna and 16 miles south of Eureka. The entire town was designated a State Historic Landmark because of the strong preservation policies for its fi ne old commercial buildings and residences.

Eureka also contains excellent examples of Victorian architecture, particularly in the Old Town section along the city’s waterfront. Old Town is home to the extravagantly ornate Carson Mansion, one of the most photographed buildings in California. Eureka’s population of nearly 28,000 makes it the largest coastal city between San Francisco and the Oregon border. It has many excellent restaurants, cafes, specialty shops, and lodging facilities. The city is also known for its large and active arts community. In fact, Humboldt County has the distinction of having more artists per capita than any other of the state’s 58 counties. Eureka is also a busy seaport with a large fi shing fl eet. Various activities can be enjoyed in and around the waters of Humboldt Bay, including kayaking, sport fi shing, and spotting birds and other wildlife, including maybe even a harbor seal or two. There are bay tours aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot for a panoramic view of the waterfront.

Seven miles north of Eureka is Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt. It’s also known for its unique marsh and wildlife area that serves as a natural wastewater treatment fi ltration system. East of Arcata along Hwy 299 and Hwy 96 are sunny Willow Creek and Hoopa, and the Trinity and Klamath Rivers and their tributaries. Along Hwy 101, McKinleyville is home to the California Redwood Coast — Humboldt County Airport, the county’s only commercial airport. In northern Humboldt County, visitors will fi nd the coastal jewel of Trinidad, which overlooks a beautiful sheltered harbor with stunning scenery, and Orick, the gateway to Redwood National Park.

A LL A ROUND HUMBOLDT H

Humboldt County Wineries

Humboldt County has become a destination for tasting unique, handcrafted wines. There is a dedicated community of artisan wineries and vineyards whose passion and enthusiasm for wine is matched by the taste and quality of their products. While in the area take time to enjoy some of these quality wines at one of the local tasting rooms and wineries.

OONSTONE CROSSING WINERY has a tasting room in the beautiful coastal town of Trinidad. Enjoy its award winning wines while taking in the local art and historic photographs that adorn the walls. Wines are also available at local stores and restaurants. Open in the Winter: Wed, Thur (2 to 6pm), and Fri, Sat, Sun (noon to 6pm), in the Summer: daily (noon to 6pm), closed Tuesdays.

WHERE: 529 Trinity St., Trinidad MORE INFO: 707-845-5492, MoonstoneCrossing.com

Photos courtesy of Members of Humboldt Wine Association

Monument Mountain Winery

Flor D’Luna Winery

Libation Wine Shop & Bar Moonstone Crossing

umboldt County’s Artisan Wines & Ciders

Welcome to the wineries, cideries and vineyards of Humboldt County — an artisan community whose passion and enthusiasm for wine and cider is matched by the quality of their products. Humboldt is a county of diverse growing and wine making areas scattered amongst the redwoods, winding rivers, forest canyons and Paci c Ocean landscape. Vintners open by appointment are happy to welcome guests and a few are open daily.

7. MONUMENT MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

Tours by Appt., 707-764-3752

1. AVIDITY BOUTIQUE CELLARS

By Appt., 707-267-0851

4545 Briceland Rd, Redway

Owner: Mykal Coelho AvidityCellars.com

2. FLOR D’LUNA BOUTIQUE WINERY

By Appt., 707-296-6525

Owners: Jason Smith & Sonja Shaw FlordLuna.com

3. GREEN FIRE WINERY 707-502-0045, Hoopa

Owner: Grady Walker GreenFireWinery.com

4. HEART’S LEAP WINES Tasting Room, Fri-Sun 2-6pm 707-834-5422, 5301 Boyd Rd, Arcata

Owner: Kevin Patzkowsky HeartsLeapWines.com

5. HUMBOLDT CIDER COMPANY

Production Facility: 2901 Hubbard Ln, Eureka

Tap Room: 517 F St, Eureka, 707-497-6320

Cider Garden: 3750 Harris St, Eureka 707-798-6023

Owners: Michelle & Darren Cartledge, Jamie Ashdon & Tom Hart. See website for hours: HumboldtCiderCompany.com

6. LIBATION WINE SHOP & WINE BAR

Open Daily, 707-825-7596 8th Street on the Plaza, Arcata Libation.com

2330 Monument Rd, Rio Dell

Owner: Carol Fritz Hoopes Facebook.com/MonumentMountainVineyards

8. MOONSTONE CROSSING WINERY AND TASTING ROOM

Tasting: Summer Open Daily 12-6pm, Winter Wed-Thu 2-6, Fri-Sun 12-6

707-845-5492, 529 Trinity St, Trinidad

Owners: Don Bremm and Sharon Hanks MoonstoneCrossing.com

9. MYRTLEWOOD LIQUORS & JOHN’S CIGARS

Wine Tasting Room, Premium Wines Open Daily, 707-444-8869

1648 Myrtle Ave, Eureka

Owner: John Baddeley

10. OLD GROWTH CELLARS

Tasting Thu-Sun 1-7, 1945 Hilfiker Ln Eureka, 707-834-2260

Owners: Jim Pastori and Bob Lima OldGrowthCellars.com

11. SEPTENTRIO WINERY

Tasting room, 707-672-2058

650 6th St, Arcata SeptentrioWinery.com

12. TERRAGENA VINEYARD & WINERY

Tasting & Tours by Appt.

Overnight Accommodations Available 707-362-6807

16370 Dyerville Loop Rd, Myers Flat

Owner: Chris & Nickie Buchanan TerragenaVineyard.com

13. WRANGLETOWN CIDER CO. / NORTH STORY WINES

Friday 3-7, Saturdays 2-7 or hours by appointment 707-508-5175, 955 I St, Arcata Owner: Pat Knittel WrangletownCiderCompany.com

Locally Produced With Pride

HumboldtWinemakers.com

NATIONAL , STATE & N COUNTY PARKS & C C AMPGROUNDS

NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS

Most National Forest campgrounds are on a first come, first served basis. Maps of locations are issued at the district offices for a small fee. Call for group site reservations, open seasons, fees and availability. Over the past 3 years, fire has profoundly impacted this region. Be prepared! Some areas listed here might be closed or have limited access.

SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST HEADQUARTERS

1330 Bayshore Way

Eureka, CA 95501, 442-1721

www.FS.USDA.gov/srnf

LOWER TRINITY RANGER DISTRICT

580 Hwy 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573 (530)629-2118

■ Boise Creek Campground:

2 mi. W of Willow Creek, Hwy 299

■ East Fork Campground: 6 mi. W of Willow Creek, Hwy 299

MAD RIVER RANGER DISTRICT

741 State Hwy 36 Bridgeville, CA 95526, 574-6233

■ Mad River Campground:

11 mi. SE of Dinsmore along Hwy 36 & Lower Mad River Rd.

■ Fir Cove Campground: by Ruth Lake 18 mi. SE of Dinsmore along Hwy 36 and Lower Mad River Rd.

■ Bailey Canyon Campground: by Ruth Lake 18.5 mi. SE of Dinsmore along Hwy 36 and Lower Mad River Rd.

ORLEANS RANGER DISTRICT

1 Ishi Pishi Rd., Orleans, CA 95556

(530)627-3291

■ Aikens Creek West: 5.5 mi. NE of Weitchpec, just off SR 96

■ E-Ne-Nuck Campground: 5.5 mi. NE of Orleans just off SR 96

■ Fish Lake Campground: 13 mi. SW of Orleans via SR 96 and Bluff Creek Rd.

■ Pearch Creek Campground: 1 mi. NE of Orleans off SR 96

SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST

HEADQUARTERS

3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA 96002

(530)226-2500 • www.FS.USDA.gov/stnf

TRINITY RIVER MANAGEMENT

UNIT - BIG BAR DISTRICT

Weaverville Ranger Station (530) 623-2121

■ Big Bar Campground: Take bridge over Trinity River at Big Bar, go 1⁄4 mi. along road 4N16

■ Burnt Ranch Campground:

1⁄4 mi. W of Burnt Ranch Post Office off Hwy 299

■ Denny Campground: 17 mi. NE of Hawkins Bar on Denny Rd.

■ Hayden Flat Campground: 1 mi. W of Del Loma, Hwy 299

■ Hobo Gulch Campground: road to campground washed out in rainstorm and no known date of repair. 1⁄2 mi. E of Pigeon Point turn N off Hwy 299 onto East Fork Rd. After 4 mi. bear left onto Hobo Gulch Rd. and go another 12 mi.

■ Junction City Campground (BLM): 1.5 mi. W of Junction City on Hwy 299

■ Pigeon Point Campground: W of North Fork Bridge at Pigeon Point

■ Ripstein Campground: 15 mi. N of Junction City on Canyon Creek Rd.

■ Skunk Point Group Campground: 2 mi. E of Big Bar, Hwy 299

WEAVERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT

360 Main St., Weaverville, CA 96093 (530)623-2121

■ Ackerman, Cooper Gulch, Mary Smith: on Lewiston Lake, 8 mi. or more N of Lewiston on Trinity Dam Blvd.

■ Alpine View, Hayward Flat: a mile or so off Hwy 3 on East Fork of Stuart Fork Arm, SW area of Trinity Lake

■ Bushytail, Clark Springs, Minersville, Stoney Point (group campground by reservation only), Tannery Gulch: near Hwy 3 on Stuart Fork Arm, SW area of Trinity Lake

■ Captains Point, Mariners Roost, Ridgeville, Ridgeville Island: boat access only campgrounds, near Hwy 3 on Stuart Fork Arm, SW area of Trinity Lake

■ Clear Creek, Jackass Springs: near East Fork of Trinity Arm, NE area of Trinity Lake, about 20 mi. from Trinity Center

■ Eagle Creek, Goldfield, Horse Flat, Trinity River: off Hwy 3, N of Trinity Lake near Coffee Creek

■ East Weaver (group campground by reservation only): 2 mi. N of Weaverville on Hwy 3, then 1.5 mi. W on East Weaver Creek Rd.

■ Fawn, Stoney Creek:group campgrounds, Hwy 3 on Stuart Fork Arm, SW area of Trinity Lake

■ Preacher Meadow (was closed but reopening July 4): 2 mi. S of Trinity Center on Hwy 3

■ Rush Creek:9 mi. N of Weaverville on Hwy 3, then 1⁄2 mi W on Rush Creek Rd.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS

US Dept. of the Interior • BLM.gov/california

1695 Heindon Rd., Arcata CA 95521 • 825-2300

Call for facilities, availability and fees.

King Range Natl. Conservation Area: Off Hwy 101, 16.5 mi. W of Garberville on Briceland/Shelter Cove Rd. Several campgrounds and day-use only parks.

986-5400

INFORMATIONAL NUMBERS

Area code (707) unless otherwise noted.

■ Campground Reservations

National Parks & Forests: (877)444-6777 or www.Recreation.gov

State Parks: (800) 444-7275 or www.ReserveCalifornia.com

■ Road Conditions (CALTRANS) (800)427-7623

■ Weather Recording: 443-7062

■ Black Sands Beach:in Shelter Cove, access to Lost Coast Trailhead

■ Headwaters Forest Reserve:Elk River Trail: 6 mi. down Elk River Rd. off Hwy 101 just S.of Eureka to parking area. Salmon Pass Trail (Old Growth): by reservation May 15-Nov. 15, 825-2300

■ Honeydew Creek Campground: 2 mi. south of Honeydew on Wilder Ridge Rd.

■ Horse Mountain & Tolkan campgrounds: 28 mi. from Redway on Kings Peak (Horse Mountain)

■ Mal Coombs Park:in Shelter Cove, picnic facilities, beach access. Day use only, no fee.

■ Mattole Campground:off Lighthouse Rd. in Petrolia

■ Nadelos & Wailaki campgrounds:23 mi. from Redway on Chemise Mountain Rd., group camping available at Nadelos

LOST COAST HEADLANDS: 4 mi. W of Ferndale on Centerville Rd., day use, no fees.

SAMOA DUNES RECREATION

AREA: On southernmost end of Humboldt Bay’s north spit, Hwy. 101 to Samoa Bridge (Hwy 255), 4.5 mi. S on New Navy Base Rd. Day use, no fees. Popular off-highway vehicle use area.

REDDING FIELD OFFICE

355 Hemsted Dr., Redding, CA 96002 (530)224-2100

■ Douglas City Campground: 7 mi. SE of Weaverville on Steiner Flat Rd., 1⁄2 mi. off Hwy 299

■ Junction City Campground: 10 mi. W of Weaverville, Hwy 299

■ Steel Bridge Campground: 10 mi. SE of Weaverville, Hwy 299

■ Steiner Flat Campground: along Trinity River on Steiner Flat Rd., past Douglas City campground. Primitive camping area, no fee.

REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

1111 2nd St., Crescent City, CA 95531 465-7335 • NPS.gov/redw/

■ Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: 9 mi. N of Orick, Norton B. Drury Parkway off Hwy 101. 488-2039

■ Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center:talks and walks during summer, exhibits, gift shop, picnic area, along Hwy 101 just south of Orick. 465-7765

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

PARKS & RECREATION DEPT.

North Coast Redwoods District

P.O. Box 2006 • Eureka, CA 95502 445-6547 • www.parks.ca.gov

Unless otherwise noted, state parks offer camping and a variety of recreation. Campgrounds can be reserved by calling (800) 444-7275, www.ReserveCalifornia.com

■ Del Norte County Sheriff 464-4191

■ Humboldt County Sheriff

Eureka: 445-7251

Garberville: 923-2761

McKinleyville: 839-6600

Trinity River Division: (530) 629-1025

Animal Control: 840-9132

■ Trinity County Sheriff (530)623-2611

■ Azalea State Reserve: day use, 5 mi. N of Arcata on Hwy 101, then 2 mi. E on North Bank Rd., 677-3570

■ Benbow State Recreation Area: 2 mi. S of Garberville off Hwy 101, 247-3318

■ Fort Humboldt State Historic Park: 3431 Fort St., E on Highland Ave. 1 block off Hwy 101, Eureka, 445-6547

■ Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area: 32 mi. N of Eureka on Hwy 101, adjacent to Humboldt Lagoons SP, 677-3570

■ Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park: 18 mi. SE of Fortuna on Hwy 36, 777-3683

■ Humboldt Lagoons State Park: Day use only, hiking trails, picnicking, contact the park information, 40 mi. N of Eureka on Hwy 101, 677-3570

■ Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Avenue of the Giants, 45 mi. S of Eureka on Hwy 101, 946-2409, 946-2263, 946-1811

■ Little River State Beach: 5 mi. N of McKinleyville on Hwy 101, 677-3570

■ Sue-Meg State Park: 6 mi. N of Trinidad off Hwy 101, 677-3570

■ Richardson Grove State Park: 7 mi. S of Garberville on Hwy 101, 247-3318

■ Sinkyone Wilderness State Park: 36 mi. SW of Redway on Briceland Rd. off Hwy 101, 986-7711

■ Trinidad State Beach: in Trinidad, day use, 677-3570

Humboldt County Parks

County Parks Division: Public Works 445-7651 • Co.Humboldt.CA.US/portal/ living/county_parks

Campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis, some are day-use only. Call for fees.

■ A.W. Way County Park:near Honeydew, Mattole Rd., 22 mi. N of Garberville

■ Big Lagoon County Park: 7 mi. N of Trinidad, camping, boating

■ Clam Beach County Park: 7 mi. N of Arcata near McKinleyville

■ Samoa Boat Ramp & Campground: 6 mi. W of Eureka on Hwy 255

■ Swimmers Delight & Pamplin Grove:on the Van Duzen River, 12 mi. E of Hwy 101 on Hwy 36

SO HUM COMMUNITY PARK (Day Use Only)

■ Main Park & Tooby Memorial Park:2 mi. SW of Garberville at 1144 Sprowl Creek Rd., picnic, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding, 923-2928, sohumpark.org

US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (DAY USE ONLY)

■ Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge: 8 mi. S of Eureka on Hwy 101 at Hookton exit. 733-5406, FWS.gov/refuge/humboldt_bay/

Burlington Campground, Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Photo by Barb Switzer

LE C RAIL C RAIL and H UMBOLDT

2

Humboldt County Breweries & Cideries

Tours and tasting rooms are not just for wine lovers anymore. Beginning with the advent of local breweries, and more recently with the appearance of homegrown cideries, opportunities abound for afi cionados of all adult beverages to observe their favorite libations being created, and to sample the fi nal product. North Coast’s skilled artisans have succeeded in capturing lightning in a bottle for lucky locals and visitors to take home with them. Call ahead for tasting hours and the times of tours, or to make reservations where tours are by appointment only. It’s fun, educational and tasty!

Six Rivers Brewery

1300 Central Ave., McKinleyville 707-839-7580, SixRiversBrewery.com

WrangletownCiderCompany.com

Alchemy Distillery 330 South G St., Arcata 707-822-8013

AlchemyDistillery.com

Lost Coast Brewery Brewpub & Café

617 4th St., (Hwy 101 South) Eureka, 707-445-4480

LostCoast.com

Mad River Brewing Co. 101 Taylor Way, Blue Lake 707-668-4151

MadRiverBrewing.com

Redwood Curtain Brewing Co.

Brewery, Tasting Room, South G Kitchen Food Truck 550 South G St., Suite #4, Arcata (Samoa Exit West), 707-826-7222

Redwood Curtain Brewing Co.

Myrtletown Taproom, Kitchen Cookin’ Nook Food Truck • 1595 Myrtle Ave., Ste. B, Eureka 707-269-7143, RedwoodCurtainBrewing.com

Humboldt Cider Co. Outdoor Cider Garden 3750 Harris St., Eureka, 707-798-6023

HumboldtCiderCompany.com

Humboldt Cider Co.

Tap Room, 517 F St., Eureka, 707-497-6320

HumboldtCiderCompany.com

Lost Coast Brewhouse & Taproom Tours, Tasting Room, Gift Shop and Ice Cream 1600 Sunset Dr., Eureka 707-267-9651, LostCoast.com

Follow them at:

Humboldt Distillery 735 10th St., Fortuna • 707-725-1700

HumboldtDistillery.com

Eel River Brewing Co. 1777 Alamar Way, Fortuna Kenmar Exit West 707-725-2739

EelRiverBrewing.com

HUMBOLDT A LE & H S PIRITS TRAIL CONTINUES

NEXT PAGE

HUMBOLDT LE C C RAIL and

L OST COAST BREWPUB & C AFÉ

Enjoy great food and award-winning beer in the family-friendly atmosphere of Lost Coast Brewpub and Café in Old Town Eureka. Enjoy the whimsical decor and watch for the giant spider and the surfboard that saved its rider from the jaws of a great white shark. Take 101 north to G Street, turn left and go two blocks. There is plenty of parking in the back. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch & dinner.

WHERE: 617 4th St., Eureka

MORE INFO: 707-445-4480, LostCoast.com

L OST COAST BREWHOUSE & TAPROOM

Lost Coast Brewery’s Brewhouse and Taproom is open to the public. Take a tour, enjoy a cold brew in the taproom and shop for souvenirs in our gift shop. Proudly serving locally made ice cream in the ice cream parlor. Call ahead for days and hours of operation. Family and dog friendly.

WHERE: 1600 Sunset Dr., Eureka

MORE INFO: 707-267-9651, LostCoast.com

R EDWOOD CURTAIN BREWING COMPANY

Redwood Curtain Brewing Co., Support Local.  Independentfamily owned and operated since 2010, is devoted to brewing multidimensional, hand crafted ales and lagers for beer lovers of all types. The tasting rooms feature 24 brews that are brewed right in Arcata. Enjoy food trucks out back at both locations for lunch/dinner. Weekly rotating events. Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday, 2 to 6pm. All ages are welcome. Get a growler/crowler to go! OPEN DAILY.

WHERE: Arcata at 550 South G St. #4; and Eureka at 1595 Myrtle Ave.

MORE INFO: Arcata 707-826-RCBC (7222); Eureka 707-269-7143,  RedwoodCurtainBrewing.com

Lost Coast Brewing, Old Town Eureka

Lost Coast Brewing, South Eureka (off Highway 101)

South G Kitchen at Redwood Curtain Brewing

scan for Redwood Curtain Brewing website

scan for Lost Coast Brewery website

Outside Beer Garden at Redwood Curtain Brewing

Cider Garden, HumboldtCiderCompany.com

HUMBOLDT CIDER COMPANY CIDER BARN

Humboldt Cider Company enjoys making single variety ciders as well as an array of di erent fruited, hopped, and even chocolate ciders! Enjoy 10 featured ciders on tap at the Cider Garden at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds

Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday 1-6pm* (winter hours*). This location, once being the old milk barn, was transformed using reclaimed materials to become a relaxing Humboldt getaway. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

WHERE: 3750 Harris St., Eureka

MORE INFO: humboldtciderco.com

scan

The Tap Room, HumboldtCiderCompany.com

HUMBOLDT CIDER COMPANY TAP ROOM

Looking for a good cider during the week? Join the crew at Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room, located just o Hwy 101 N. Open daily 4-8pm* (winter hours*). This space features 18 HCC Ciders, a few wines, kombuchas, and beers. The space is warm and inviting with lots of reclaimed redwood, metal work and beautiful murals. Indoor seating only. Grab cider-to-go at either location!

WHERE: 517 F St., Eureka

MORE INFO: humboldtciderco.com

scan for Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room website

for Humboldt Cider Company Cider Garden website

CANNABIS TOURISM

BY KEN HAMICK, VICE CHAIR, ARCATA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LhThe Redwood experience is something you remember for the rest of your life. As you weave through the ancient trees, glimpse stunning ocean views, and navigate the rivers, this famous area has also gained an international reputation as “The Emerald Triangle.”

SALYER BURNT RANCH

In the 1960-1970s, a back-to-land movement brought many to Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity Counties. These pioneers brought remote logging areas back to life and began creating their own communities. Some of these farms realized they could augment their income by growing cannabis alongside their other crops and bringing it to the San Francisco Bay Area and other areas with increasing demand. A risky trip to the Himalayan foothills brought cannabis seeds cultivated for thousands of years back to Humboldt, which shares a similar climate and elevation. This allowed Emerald Triangle farmers to produce higher-quality cannabis. A couple of decades later, the Emerald Triangle was reportedly supplying 80% of the domestic market – unheard of in almost any industry.

opening up for visits. Agriculture is California’s largest industry, and cannabis has become one of its most valuable products. Consumers are seeking more knowledge about the potential health and wellness benefi ts of cannabis, which has been used for thousands of years across many cultures. If you are curious and over 21 years of age, cannabis dispensaries can introduce you to the products, emerging science, new product categories, tours, and experiences.

TO

There is incredible history in the hills of the Emerald Triangle because of the concentration of farms that engineered clever ways to hide from helicopters and law enforcement before legalization. Many farms and their children lived in fear while funding local schools, volunteer fi re departments and local businesses. This history and the colorful stories born out of the redwoods can now be accessed and explored for the fi rst time by tourists looking for another experience.

While you can visit the licensed retailers along Highway 101 on your trip, some of these farms and operations have also been

In particular, Humboldt has had books, movies, documentaries, and songs produced about its history and culture. As the most internationally famous regional cannabis brand, Humboldt has become the Mecca for those seeking the latest trends in the fastest-growing industry in the U.S. But visitors also report that this area retains the brain trust of the industry as many of the “OG’s” (“Old Growers”) are still around to share their colorful stories and their deep knowledge. Most of the cannabis grown in the Emerald Triangle is outdoor, where many farmers are creating regenerative agriculture models that produce superior products and attract attention from the environmental community who see the future here.

Like the many artists who add to Humboldt’s creative culture, the farmers are honing their “craft cannabis” as well. Together, Humboldt has created a unique community where travelers come to break out of the boxes life gives us and enjoy craft at its fi nest. Humboldt has always been about stories. What will yours be?

Ken Hamick is a Board Member for the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau, an Operating Partner for The Ganjery (McKinleyville), and a

GO ON TOUR!

Visitors from all over the world are visiting Humboldt to learn about our cannabis industry and community. Humboldt Cannabis Tours wants to help you plan your cannabis vacation. Whether you have time to jump on a tour or if you are looking for a quick dispensary stop or cannabis friendly accommodation, they have you covered.

Humboldt Cannabis Tours

o ers a range of tours for visitors 21 and older. They o er half day, full day and multi-day tours. For folks short on time they o er a half-day tour. That tour includes a visit to 1 outdoor cannabis farm and 1 dispensary and lasts 4 hours. Folks with more time can join our Full Day Farm Tour. On that tour visit 2 outdoor cannabis farms and 1 dispensary and it also includes a delicious organic lunch in the redwoods. If you’re a wine lover, join their new weed and wine tour. That full day tour includes a stop at 1 cannabis farm, wine tasting at a local vineyard with delicious organic lunch and a stop at 1 dispensary. All tours focus on education and the history of cannabis.

If you’re looking for a longer Cannabis experience, HCT also o ers an all-inclusive Humboldt Holiday Tour package that includes lodging, all meals, transportation, tours and more. Cannabis is not included in our tours but there are opportunities to buy cannabis at a discount. Call to learn more about their tours 707-839-4640. Or you can fi nd them online at HumCannabis.com. We welcome questions from visitors planning their trips. Our tours accommodate up to 11 people.

If you are looking to explore cannabis on your own, Humboldt County has a ton to o er including dispensaries, nurseries, smoking lounges and cannabis spas. Here are some recommendations:

CANNABIS FRIENDLY LODGING: C

•The Scotia Lodge is a historical lodge and is cannabis friendly (there is no smoking inside). Recently updated, they have a restaurant and bar on site and is only a short drive to Eureka. You can even get cannabis delivered to your room.

100 Main St #361, Scotia, CA 95565, (707) 298-7139, Scotia-Lodge.com

•If you are looking for something more rustic, try a glamping farm stay at 5 Sisters Farms on HipCamp. Season o ers furnished tents right on the Eel river. Just steps away from a beautiful and luscious cannabis garden. (fi vesistersfarm.co)

SMOKING LOUNGES: S

•Papa & Barkley Social is Eureka’s fi rst Cannabis smoking lounge. During the summer they have a tasty food truck and sunny patio for smoking or you can get a cannabis infused massage inside.

4325 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95503, (707) 382-2944, PapaAndCarkleySocial.com/ dispensary

•Crisp is Eureka’s newest indoor smoking lounge. They have pool tables and big screen tvs for all the games. You can also catch live music and comedy shows. 2029 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 798-1934, CrispHumboldt.com

LOCAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS: L

•Our favorite edible is the Space Gem. They make delicious gummies from ice water hash. And they also sell a tincture that is an excellent addition to sparkling water.

•Humboldt Seed Company sells seeds to some of the greatest Humboldt genetics. Be sure to take some Humboldt home with you.

Written by Lauren Kurth.

Thanks to Matt and Lauren Kurth at Humboldt Cannabis Tours for the text, insights, photos and support.

CANNA-CURIOUS GUIDANCE

COURTESY OF HUMBOLDT GROWER’S ALLIANCE

Welcome to Humboldt, one of the famed “Emerald Triangle” counties that includes Mendocino and Trinity counties. Long renowned as the epicenter of marijuana culture, Humboldt has the largest concentration of independent and legal cannabis businesses in California. The people who make up Humboldt’s cannabis industry are the seed hunters, carriers of the torch, next-generation extract artists, innovators, and pioneers who have worked behind the scenes to protect and nourish a plant that is so deeply woven into the story of Humboldt County.

While in Humboldt, you are invited to explore our cannabis culture and enjoy some of the best craft and sun-grown cannabis in the world.

Cannabis enhances one’s natural experiences, making sunsets more vivid and the rustling of the towering trees in the forest more magical. It makes your picnic with beautiful locally grown foods taste more delicious and adds humor to comedy shows at Savage Henry’s in Eureka.

You can purchase cannabis at licensed retail businesses throughout the county. The “budtenders” will listen to your needs and can make personalized recommendations. Remember to “Ask for Humboldt” when purchasing, and enjoy responsibly.

EUREKA/ARCATA

High Tide Cannabis Lounge is adjacent to EcoCann Dispensary is an indoor consumption lounge with smoking devices, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. ecocann.org

Papa & Barkley Social is a dispensary, spa, boutique, outdoor smoking lounge, and food truck dining space. papaandbarkleysocial.com

Kiskanu – Features a wide variety of locally-owned brands, sun-grown cannabis fl owers from Humboldt and beyond, and Kiskanu’s own line of beauty and sexual wellness products. kiskanudispensary.com

MOCA Humboldt – O ers a variety of local brands, along with hand-crafted batches of in-house creations, including MOCA Flowers (premium indoor), Basic Bubble (cold-water hash), and Mz. Frizzle’s infused gummies. mocahumboldt.com

Herb & Market is a dispensary designed with its customer in mind. Their space is full of curated products chosen with your health and wellness in mind.

herbandmarkethumboldt.com

Humboldt Cannabis Tours – licensed, informative, and cush cannabis experiences. Public, private, and all-inclusive farm, dispensary, and weed & wine trips. humcannabis.com

WILLOW CREEK

Bigfoot Cannabis Co. – A family-owned and operated dispensary located in the heart of Humboldt’s eastern growing region in the mountain town of Willow Creek, CA. Willow Creek, CA is located on highway 299 along the beautiful Trinity river and is the home of the elusive Bigfoot!

Terp Mansion – Terp Mansion’s Deluxe licensed Tour gives behind-the-scenes access to those interested in exploring our operation and seeing a farm fi rst-hand. Guests will be greeted and ushered into their on-site smoking lounge, where a world-class line-up of glass pipes, bongs, and dab-rigs are available for visitor use. After experiencing the lounge and a tasting session, visitors will be shown the entirety of their property and operation, with access to all seven on-site facilities.

terpmansion.com/tours

Kimtu River Access – is a sandy area along the bank of the Trinity River. This is a popular swimming and non-motorized boating area with locals and visitors alike. There is parking and toilets.

willowcreekcsd.comcamp-kimtu-beach

SOUTHERN HUMBOLDT

Five Sisters Farm – Located at the southern county line, Five Sisters welcomes visitors to experience Humboldt like a local. With licensed cannabis tours, and onsite camping and glamping while overlooking the Eel River. fi vesistersfarm.co

Huckleberry Hill Farms – a multigenerational family farm. Johnny Casali and his partner, Rose Moberly, strive to “make a di erence” in people’s lives with their farm tours, community outreach, and advocacy to normalize the plant and its people.

pickhumboldt.com

While driving along the Avenue of the Giants during the summertime, open your windows and gaze up at the ancient redwoods. While doing so, you may catch a whi of Humboldt’s world-renowned cannabis wafting in the air as it is dry-farmed (without water) in the Shively area. humboldtdryfarmedcannabisalliance.com

FAVORITE PRODUCT LINES

Humboldt grows a broad and diverse variety of cannabis fl ower made into a dizzying array of products, including “pre-rolls,” also known as “joints,” concentrates, edibles, drinkables, tinctures, and topicals. There is something for everyone’s tastes and desired experience.

FLOWER LINES F

Huckleberry Hill, Emerald Queen

DewPoint

Fresh Strain

Humboldt Farms

Uplift is a cooperatively owned cannabis brand by farmers in the Mattole Valley.

CONCENTRATES

Ursa & Wox by Bear Humboldt

Nasha

Terp Mansion

TINCTURES

Rosette Wellness

Sunrise Mountain Farms

Papa & Barkley

Humboldt Apothecary

EDIBLES

Space Gems

Mr. Fizzle’s

Papa & Barkley

ERFORMING A RTS

The stars shine brighter outside the big city: Humboldt’s performing arts scene is proof. Indulge your inner art lover with first-rate theatre and dance, music and stand-up comedy, poetry and pageantry, storytelling and magic.

A RCATA P LAYHOUSE

Since 2006 the Arcata Playhouse and Playhouse Arts have established themselves as vital contributors to the cultural life of Arcata and Humboldt County. The Playhouse has garnered a stellar reputation as one of our community’s fi nest cultural gems by presenting exciting, high-quality music and theatre in an intimate setting for young and old alike.

WHERE: In the historic Old Creamery building, 9th and L Streets, Arcata.

MORE INFO: 707-822-1575, ArcataPlayhouse.org

C ENTER A RTS

Cal Poly Humboldt’s performing arts presenter is one of the region’s most exciting arts organizations. People on the North Coast can fi ll their nights with the inspiration and excitement of live music, theatre, and dance. Recently, presented on the HSU campus, CenterArts has showcased stars such as Ziggy Marley, the Russian National Ballet, Los Lobos, Weird Al Yankovic, and Joan Armatrading. Check their website starting in June for the 2023-24 lineup.

WHERE: Cal Poly Humboldt, 1 Harpst St., Arcata

MORE INFO: 707-826-3928, CenterArts.humboldt.edu

D ELL’A RTE

is a unique physical comedy theatre company that has been at the forefront of the ensemble movement for more than 30 years. It develops original theatre works through an ensemble process and has performed at international events. Dell’Arte’s Baduwa’t Festival (formerly Mad River Festival) brings together performers and audience members for theatre, music, comedy, storytelling, clown, puppetry, and more productions. It is hosted on Dell’Arte’s two stages in Blue Lake and other venues in the area.

WHERE: 131 H St., Blue Lake

MORE INFO: 707-668-5663, DellArte.com

THE EUREKA S YMPHONY

For more than 20 years, the Eureka Symphony has comprised talented and enthusiastic local musicians. Dedicated to the performance and enjoyment of worldclass music for people of all ages and backgrounds, it embraces music’s transformative joy of discovery and presents the best classical repertoire from Baroque to today and beyond.

MORE INFO: 707-798-6139, Tickets 707-845-3655, EurekaSymphony.com

FERNDALE R EPERTORY THEATRE

o ers a year-round schedule of live performances as well as several special events. Located on Main Street in the Victorian Village of Ferndale in the historic Hart Building (built in 1920), Ferndale Rep is the longest-running live theater on California’s North Coast.

WHERE: 447 Main St., Ferndale

MORE INFO: 707-786-LIVE (5483), FerndaleRep.org

HUMBOLDT FOLKLIFE S OCIETY

teaches, celebrates, and encourages participation in traditional music and dance. They o er an ongoing calendar of events, including barn dances, song circles, and classes. During July, the Humboldt Folklife Society hosts a week-long Humboldt Folklife Festival at Dell’Arte in the heart of Blue Lake, celebrating Humboldt’s many talented musicians. Also, in Blue Lake, they host the Buddy Brown Blues Festival every August (Aug. 19, 2023), a showcase for local blues musicians.

MORE INFO: 707-502-2023, HumboldtFolklife.org

THE HUMBOLDT L IGHT O PERA C OMPANY

o ers high-quality live musical entertainment and has gained an impressive reputation since its fi rst show in 1973. They have performed some of the most famous shows to grace Broadway in various Humboldt County theaters. HLOC also has a youth division called KidCo, which o ers classes and performance opportunities.

WHERE: 92 Sunny Brae Center, Arcata

MORE INFO: 707-630-5013, HLOC.org

THE M ATEEL C OMMUNITY C ENTER

i s a nonprofit arts center in Redway that sponsors and hosts many events, including cabaret, comedy, theater, dance, music, mime, monologue, and storytelling. The Mateel Community Center’s significant events are Reggae on the River and the Summer Arts & Music Festival, attracting art and music lovers from around the country. The Mateel Community Center Hall provides the local community with a venue for concerts, weddings, birthdays, fundraisers, annual meetings, seminars, and other events.

WHERE: 59 Rusk Ln., Redway

MORE INFO: 707-923-3368, Mateel.org

NORTH C OAST DANCE

is “Where Dance Lives!” The mission of North Coast Dance is to provide quality training, education, and performances in dance for the North Coast. It is a nonprofi t organization. NCD strives to make dance accessible to everyone in the community, with instruction in kinder through adult ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, hula, belly dancing, hip hop, ballroom, and men’s ballet. Summer camps and scholarships are available, and a children’s dance camp — Passport to Dance — is held every summer. Its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” has become a much-loved Humboldt County tradition.

WHERE: 426 F St., Eureka (Children’s Division: Enter at 455 5th St.)

MORE INFO: 707-442-7779, NorthCoastDance.org

THE NORTH C OAST R EPERTORY THEATRE

has o ered an entire season of contemporary and classic plays and musicals of the highest quality for over 30 years. Today NCRT produces a full six-play season along with occasional second-stage productions.

WHERE: 300 5th St., Eureka

MORE INFO: Box O ce 707-442-NCRT (6278), Production O ce 707-268-0175, NCRT.net

From the 2022 production of Beauty and the Beast.

Photo courtesy of North Coast Dance

3 Disc Golf

The discus throw was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C. The modern game of golf dates back to the 15th century in Scotland. It was not until 1926 we had any record of the two games being merged. By the late ‘60s, the rules for modern disc golf had been established, and the game started to catch on quickly.

As in traditional golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Unlike ball golf, most disc courses are located in public parks and are free to play, although a few courses charge a nominal fee. The sport requires inexpensive discs instead of costly clubs and balls. The disc golf “hole” is a metal basket mounted on a pole. It seems to be America’s new favorite park game, and courses can be found all over Humboldt County. It’s so easy to play that just about anyone of any age can enjoy it, including many specially-abled and disabled participants. Still, it is very challenging to master.

Humboldt County is home to several disc golf courses. Arcata features three of them, Mad River Pump Station #4 on Warren Creek Road, just o West End Road, Redwood Curtain in the Community Forest, and at Cal Poly Humboldt. The Manila Bay 9-hole course is located on the peninsula with vistas encompassing the bay from Arcata to Eureka. You can fi nd courses at the Cooper Gulch Sports Complex and the College of the Redwoods in Eureka. Willow Creek is home to the Ammon Ranch and Steelhead Creekside Park courses. In Miranda, enjoy playing the private Birds of Paradise course (call 707-601-9716 for info). In McKinleyville, the Beau Pre DiscGolfPark is a complete 18-hole disc golf course, playing on the front nine of the Beau Pre Golf Club (call their Pro Shop at 707-839-2342 to reserve a tee time). Southern Humboldt Community Park outside of Garberville features a 23-hole course (visit sohumpark/things-to-do/disc-golf).

MORE INFO: DiscGolfScene.com/courses

4 Bicycling & Running

You can take in the natural beauty of Humboldt County and let “people power” carry you to the fi nish line with cycling and running races. Local running clubs host many marathons and community runs throughout the year, and local cyclists gather for mountain bike and road races. No matter your sport of choice, these races will lead you on paths through gorgeous countryside, dramatic coastlines, and majestic redwoods. On the fi rst Saturday of every month from November to May, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Drive (adjacent to the Prairie Creek Redwood Visitor Center) is closed to motorized tra c. This allows visitors to see one of the most epic stretches of the original Redwood Highway up close.

Several running and cycling events for di erent experience levels and athletic abilities occur throughout the year. If you’re not in any rush to race, set your own pace down any of the excellent trails available to mountain bikers, walkers, and runners.

Eureka Visitor Center rents bikes, too! Visit them at 240 E St to rent a bike, get maps, and ask the sta for recommendations on where to ride and run.

MORE INFO: Find details about trails, equipment and more at Pacifi c Outfi tters, 737 G St., Arcata, 707-822-0321 and 1600 5th St., Eureka, 707-443-6328, Pacifi cOutfi tters.com

5

Guided Nature Adventures

It can be rewarding to head out on your own to one of the many hiking trails that crisscross the rugged wilderness of Humboldt County, soaking in the amazing diversity of plant and animal life — but it can be challenging to get a scientifi c understanding of all the things you’re seeing along the way. If you’re interested in learning about the things around you, sign up for a guided nature tour. Several guides o er their expert service and experience to curious visitors of Humboldt County.

Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) o er free 90-minute tours of the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary every Saturday at 2 pm, rain or shine. Trained volunteers cover subjects such as Marsh birds, plants, history, ecology, and wastewater treatment.

WHERE: Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, 569 South G St., Arcata

MORE INFO: 707-826-2359, ArcataMarshFriends.org

The Redwood Region Audubon Society o ers birding and other natural history trips to virtually every corner of northwestern California. The chapter leads free monthly guided birding tours at Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Waterfront Trail, and every Saturday at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

MORE INFO: rras.org/home.aspx

Walking with a ranger, take a deeper dive into Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the plants and landscapes. Most walks are scheduled near the Visitor’s Center at the Gould Nature Loop or 4 miles further north on the Avenue at the Founder’s Grove. Ask the sta at the Visitor Center for more information on times and availability.

MORE INFO: 707-946-2263, humboldtredwoods.org/naturewalks

Photo courtesy of Kelly Watson, Beau Pre Disc Golf

photo by Art Barah

A LL A ROUND HUMBOLDT COUNTY

6 Humboldt Bay Trail

Currently a work in progress, the Humboldt Bay Trail will be a 13-mile-long network of paved paths connecting communities around Humboldt Bay. It will provide safe access for bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians and improve tra c fl ow along the Hwy 101 corridor. It will connect central Arcata to the southern end of Eureka and be part of the California Coastal Trail, another work in progress.

The cities of Arcata and Eureka have already built their sections. The Arcata extension of the trail is about three miles long. It runs through the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary from Samoa Blvd., just West of Arcata. It continues south to below the Bayside Cuto along Humboldt Bay.

The Eureka section is called the Eureka Waterfront Trail. It begins at Elk River Parkway, south of town. It runs along the Bay behind the Bayshore Mall, past the fi shing pier at the foot of Del Norte Street, up through the marina and downtown boardwalk, and along the south shore of Humboldt Bay north of Hwy 255 and the south side of the Eureka Slough.

The connecting leg, a 4.2-mile section along the bay and 101 Highway Corridor, will improve bicycle commuting between Eureka and Arcata. In 2023, the County broke ground on the construction of the “Humboldt Bay Trail South,” which spans from the Eureka Slough (near Target) to the Bayside Cuto , where it will join with the already-existing Humboldt Bay North Trail.

MORE INFO: Humboldt County Dept. of Public Works, 707-445-7652, HumboldtGov.org/1923/Humboldt-Bay-Trail

7 Hunt for Mushrooms

According to experts, Humboldt County is the greatest place on earth for all things mushrooms. Go for a hike in many local forests, and you’ll fi nd a wide variety of mushrooms with di erent colors, shapes, smells, and sizes. Seasonal changes bring an additional diversity of mushrooms, but fall time is the best time! Pro tip: if your goal is to fi nd a diverse amount of mushrooms, stay out of the redwood forests and look for hikes populated by spruce and fi r trees.

Mushroom picking is illegal and heavily fi ned in National and State Parks, so always be aware of what is allowed where you are. Hoping to fi nd mushrooms to collect and bring home? Mushroom picking is allowed in some National Forests, such as Six Rivers. And as always, never ever EVER eat anything that you haven’t 100% identifi ed as being safely edible.

Experts at the Humboldt Bay Mycological Society can help identify your discoveries. Pick up the book Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast by Noah Siegel and Christian Schwarz for an in-depth guide to local mushroom diversity. You can also book a stroll with a local mushroom hunter and rely on their knowledge of the locations, available species, and tips for a successful hike. Check out the many farmers’ markets around town for an opportunity to meet local growers and professional foragers.

MORE INFO: LocalCultureMushrooms.com.

Caleb from Local Culture Mushrooms

Eureka Waterfront Trail, part of the Humboldt Bay Trail, photo by Viviana Hollenbeck

8 Beads, Stones, Gems & More

Whether wearing, admiring, or making, most people love jewelry. If you like to create jewelry, you’ll discover many delightful bead shops in Humboldt County, where you can fi nd what you need to craft your own pieces. Choose from wooden, glass, gem, stone, bone, metal, plastic, or crystal beads — the variety will get your creativity fl owing.

• Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop, Hwy 101, 4 mi. south of Fortuna, 707-725-2714

• Garden of Beadin’, 788 Redwood Dr., Garberville, 800-BEAD-LUV (232-3588), GardenOfBeadin.com

• Heart Bead, 830 G St., Arcata Plaza, 707-826-9577, HeartBead.com

• Talisman, 214 F St., Old Town Eureka, 707-443-1509, Talisman-Beads.com

9 Join a Motorcycle Group

All the exhilarating, heightened senses one can embrace while cruising down an open highway are best experienced while sharing with like-minded friends. You can often spot motorcycle groups like The Litas Humboldt sitting pretty, riding staggered in a large group heading up and down the famous Highway 101 along the Pacifi c Coast. The society of a motorcycle group crosses over any boundaries of age, ethnicity, and riding experience for the shared joy of the road, the views, the scenery, and opportunities to meet other riders, share maintenance and gear tips, and make new friends and memories.

Some favorite routes involve traversing beneath the majestic redwood canopies throughout Avenue of the Giants, cruising down south to visit The Peg House (Mendocino County), or riding to explore Redwood National & State Parks. Ditch the foggy coast and chase summertime heat by traveling inland on Highway 299 to take that quick plunge into the Trinity River, or perhaps ride hungry for an excuse to grab lunch at a food-derived stop, like the Strawhouse Resorts & Café. In northern Humboldt, biker-friendly establishments such as Papa Wheelie’s Pub and Fieldbrook Market & Eatery always greet riders with warm smiles. Trinidad’s Lighthouse Grill is a highlighted Litas destination for their delicious homemade ice cream and renowned Mashed Potato Brisket Cone.

In addition to orchestrating regular group rides all across the North Coast ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced, the founders of The Litas Humboldt also o er members various events such as Bike Night, Beginner Riding Skills Course, Wrench Night with alternating local motorcycle shops such as North Coast Cycle & Redwood Harley-Davidson. Local groups like the Litas and Bikers Against Child Abuse or M.O.B of Humboldt create events for community fundraising or partner with local organizations or charities.

10 Casinos in Humboldt

Going to a casino can be lots of fun and incredibly rewarding. There are several places to try your luck in Humboldt County.

Bear River Casino in Loleta

Check out the generous slot machines at Bear River Casino, or great table games such as Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Spanish 21 and live action Craps and California-style Roulette. Or visit their new Poker Den. There are two places to grab a bite or a drink, plus an elegant restaurant.

WHERE: 11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta

MORE INFO: 707-733-9644, 800-761-BEAR (2327), BearRiverCasino.com

Blue Lake Casino and Hotel in Blue Lake

Play exciting casino table games including live Poker, or try your hand at some of the 800+ slot machines at Blue Lake Casino and Hotel. Take in a live show or dance, then dine at the 24-hour restaurant bu et or in the elegant banquet hall before returning to your hotel room for the night.

WHERE: 777 Casino Way, Blue Lake

MORE INFO: 707-668-9770, 877-BLC-2WIN (252-2946), BlueLakeCasino.com

The Heights Casino in Trinidad

Enjoy their more than 300 slot machines or play Single Deck 21, Texas Hold’em, or other exciting table games including California-style Roulette at Cher-Ae Heights Casino. This is also a great place for bingo fanatics, with an 800-seat hall. When you get hungry, there are three restaurants on site to serve you.

WHERE: 27 Scenic Dr., Trinidad

MORE INFO: 707-677-3611, 800-684-2464, FunAtTheHeights.com

Bald Hills, photo by Jeanna Doty

Photos courtesy of The Litas

11

Six Rivers National Forest

Six Rivers National Forest is enormous, o ering various activities for people of every age. It encompasses nearly one million acres and stretches southward from the Oregon border for more than 140 miles.

Portions of the forest lie in four di erent counties, with a big chunk of it in Humboldt County. Visiting Six Rivers is awe-inspiring. You can hike or ride horseback along trails through the rugged mountains, stands of redwoods, and grasslands. You’ll enjoy great fi shing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking in the area’s many rivers and streams. Wildlife lovers may spot rare animals and plants. The area is also famous as the home of the legendary Bigfoot. There are many places where you can enter the park. Highways 199, 96, 36, and 299 all run through Six Rivers National Forest, and Hwy 101 runs parallel to it. See pages 78-82.

MORE INFO: 707-442-1721, www.fs.usda.gov/srnf

12 Farmers’ Markets & Farm Stands

Acoastal climate and long growing season help Humboldt County farmers produce a bountiful crop each year. At local farmers’ markets, you’ll fi nd everything from fruits and vegetables to fresh fl owers and artwork. The larger markets often have live music, artists and other vendors. At all of the local markets, you’ll fi nd a selection of local and organic produce, honey and jams, live plants and cut fl owers.

If you prefer a more fi rst-hand look into the workings of local farms, many of them welcome visitors and have stands on the grounds where you can peruse, sample and buy the freshest of the fresh or pick your own fl owers. Stop by a seasonal farmers’ market or farm stand and fi ll a bag with nature’s bounty.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS ALL NUMBERS (707)

MONDAYS

Miranda Farmers’ Market

May to Oct, 2 to 6pm, 6789 Ave of the Giants 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

TUESDAYS

Eureka Farmers’ Market, Old Town

July to Oct, 10am to 1pm

Old Town Gazebo, Live music 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

Fortuna Farmers’ Market

June to Oct, 3 to 6pm , 10th & Main St., Fortuna, 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

Shelter Cove Farmers’ Market

May to Oct, 11am to 3pm, Machi Rd., Mario’s Motel & Marina 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

THURSDAYS

Eureka Farmers’ Market, Henderson Center

Jun to Oct, 10am to 1pm

F St. at Henderson, Live music 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

McKinleyville Farmers’ Market

July to Oct, 3 to 6pm

Eureka Natural Foods parking lot

Central Ave. & Pickett Rd., Live music 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

Willow Creek Farmers’ Market

Jun to August, 4 to 7pm

Veteran’s Park, 100 Kimtu Rd. 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

FRIDAYS

Garberville Farmers’ Market

May to Nov, 11am to 3pm, Church St. in Town Square, 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

Eureka Friday Night Market

July to Sept, 5:30 to 8:30pm Old Town Eureka

SATURDAYS

Arcata Plaza Farmers’ Market Apr to Dec, 9am to 2pm, Jan-Mar, 10am to 2pm , Live Music 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

SUNDAYS

SunDaze in Blue Lake

August 7 - September 25, 2022

Blue Lake Town Square 441-9999, northcoastgrowersassociation.org

LOCAL FARM STANDS

Deep Seeded Farm

2507 Wyatt Ln., Arcata, 825-8033, ArcataCSA.com

Organic Matters Ranch

October: Mon to Fri, 12 to 6pm, Sat/Sun: 10am-6pm, 6821 Myrtle Ave., Eureka, 407-3276 (FARM), OrganicMattersRanch.com

Clendenen’s Cider Works

Mid-Aug to Feb, Mon-Sat: 9am to 5:30pm, Sun:10am to 5pm, 96 12th St., Fortuna, 725-2123, ClendenensCiderWorks.com

Redwood Roots Farm

Early Winter U-pick (Nov-Jan)

Late Winter U-pick (Feb-April)

U-pick fl ower share (July-Oct) 45 Fellowship Way, Bayside, 826-0261, RedwoodRootsFarm.com

Trinity River Farm

July-Oct, 2443 Hwy 96, Willow Creek 530-629-3200, TrinityRiverFarm.com

Sarvinski Family Farm / The Corn Crib

July to Oct, 10am-5pm daily Avenue of the Giants, Pepperwood 499-0774

Flood Plain Produce

July to Oct, 10am-5pm daily, 30901 Avenue of the Giants, Pepperwood, 722-4330 Orchids for the People

Thu to Sun, 10 to 5pm or by apt. 1975 Blake Rd., McKinleyville 840-0223, OrchidPeople.com

Photos by Heidi Ferris

Six Rivers Fishing Derby, photo by Gregg Gardiner

The es. Humboldt County remains a popular relocation choice; people visit for a few days and return to live permanently. Whether for retirement, recreation opportunities, or a di erent environment, most people settle here for a better quality of life. The county o ers abundant natural beauty, mild weather, friendly towns, and minimal tra c and pollution.

Due to its varied terrain, fi nding the right spot to settle in Humboldt County can take some study. Local real estate agents divide the county into six regions: South County, Mid-County, South Bay, North Bay, Northwest County, and Northeast County. Each has its own distinct personality and attributes.

Southern Humboldt, or SoHum, is a rural, mountainous area blessed with clean air, a warm, sunny climate, towering redwoods, lush state parks, wilderness areas, and rugged areas of coastline. Most of its small communities are along Hwy 101 and the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic drive in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

To the north is Central Humboldt County. The area is still primarily rural but also includes the vibrant community of Fortuna and the nearby Victorian Village of Ferndale. Fortuna is generally sunnier than nearby Eureka or Ferndale, both of which experience coastal fog. The entire downtown of Ferndale is a National Historic Landmark and will appeal to those who love Victorian buildings, pastoral countryside, and small village ambiance.

The South Bay section of the county is named for its proximity to Humboldt Bay. It includes the most populous city, Eureka. With a population of over 28,000, Eureka has a broad spectrum of housing choices, from modest bungalows to ornate refurbished Victorian mansions. Local real estate agents can describe Eureka’s dozens of individual neighborhoods, school districts, and microclimates.

The college town of Arcata is in the North Bay region, along with McKinleyville, the county’s fastest-growing community. Arcata has historically had consistently higher real estate prices than the rest of the county due primarily to the presence of Cal Poly Humboldt; however, in recent years, McKinleyville’s home values have been on par with Arcata’s. With Cal Poly’s enrollment of about 8,000 students, rental properties are rarely vacant. Furthermore, geographical restrictions leave little room for new housing in the attractive city. Arcata has a unique wildlife sanctuary on the bay and a central plaza that hosts numerous annual celebrations.

McKinleyville, just seven miles north of Arcata, is growing quickly, and it is here that one fi nds the largest numbers of new homes in the county. Just east of McKinleyville is Fieldbrook, where most homes are on large lots or acreage. Blue Lake is a small hamlet along the Mad River just out of the coastal fog belt east of Arcata that has gained popularity among home buyers.

The Northwest County area is home to the tiny but unique harbor village of Trinidad. Despite being one of California’s smallest incorporated cities with a population under 400, some of the county’s most expensive properties are found in stunning custom coastal homes close to many parks and beaches. Also in Northwestern County is Orick, situated at the southern entrance to Redwoods National and State Parks.

Northeast County is a vast rural region that includes the Trinity and Klamath Rivers, the Klamath Mountains, and the Hoopa Tribal Reservation. It is an excellent area for fi shermen, boaters, and nature enthusiasts. Summer temperatures reach an average high in the mid-90s, and winter usually brings rainstorms with snow at higher elevations. The town of Willow Creek is situated along Hwy 299, and the town of Orleans is along Hwy 96.

The most active months for home sales are July through September. Humboldt County has always given consumers more bang for their buck than Southern California or the San Francisco Bay Area. Those who prefer to rent will fi nd the market relatively tight, and nice properties will only be on the market for a while. Generally, more rural, country homes tend to command a higher price here.

Commercial real estate is an attractive option for some due to the area’s lower prices. Some people interested in a lifestyle change who move to the area opt to buy an existing business rather than look for a job.

Trinidad, photo by Julie Fillman

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, courtesy of California State Parks

LOST COAST

& S THE L OST COAST

For the traveler looking to “get away from it all,” Shelter Cove, in the heart of California’s Lost Coast, is an ideal choice. Back in the 1920s, when engineers decided that the coastline from northern Mendocino County through the King Range in Humboldt County was too rugged for even a two-lane highway, road builders bypassed the entire area. A lack of a roadway left it the most remote and undeveloped part of the California coast, making it perfect for those seeking peace and seclusion in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty.

A relatively fl at point set amid a long stretch of sheer ocean cli s, Shelter Cove gets its name from a gulf formed by Point Delgada to the south. It can only be accessed by boat, driving for 23 miles along a winding mountain road from Redway, or fl ying into the tiny Shelter Cove Airport. Shelter Cove features travelers’ amenities, including lodgings, restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a co eehouse, and markets.

Besides rest and relaxation, the village and surrounding environs also o er those who prefer more vigorous activities opportunities to fi sh, crab, dive for abalone, watch for whales, hike, and take stunning photographs of the scenery and wildlife. The thick redwood forests surrounding the village are home to bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, blacktail deer, and Bigfoot if you believe the legend.

The rocky shoreline makes Shelter Cove a refuge for seals and sea lions and is home to some of the world’s richest tide pools. There are picnic areas that o er access to the beach or to the rocks below the blu s. Black Sand Beach to the north is deserted and picturesque, with spectacular views of the King Range. Although popular lore has it that the black sands are volcanic in origin, in fact, they come from dark-colored sandstone and older compressed shale.

There are numerous campgrounds in the wilderness near Shelter Cove, plus a major trailhead that leads into the King Range. Hikers who want to trek the 25-mile-long Lost Coast Trail can begin their journey here. (Warning: A couple of long stretches of that trail are underwater at high tide. The Lost Coast Trail is not for the inexperienced or unprepared.)

13 Punta Gorda Lighthouse

If tthere had been an Alcatraz of lighthouses in the early 1900s, the Punta Gorda light station would have been it. It was as isolated and lonely as a frontier settlement. The lighthouse keeper spent the winter months there virtually in solitary confi nement when fl ooded streams and harsh, windy conditions kept the site cut o from civilization. Even during the pleasant summer months, he had to travel 11 miles on horseback to shop for fresh supplies in the small town of Petrolia.

Originally sanctioned as a fog station in 1888, it was not until 1912 that Congress approved the Punta Gorda (Spanish for “fat point”) Lighthouse, and only after ten ships and countless seamen had met their fate near the point. The fl ashing light in the small 27-foot-tall tower was in service until 1951 when the Coast Guard decided the remote site was too expensive to maintain and replaced it with a fl ashing buoy. Now controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, the only structures remaining are the concrete lighthouse and the oil house, both added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The lighthouse site is a strenuous 3-mile hike along the Lost Coast Trail, which begins at the Mattole Beach campground. The trail o ers beautiful black-sand beaches, dunes, and tide pools. A large portion of the hike is through fi ne, loose sand, and hiking beneath the cli s can be dangerous at high tide. Tide information is usually posted at the trailhead.

WHERE: To reach the site from Hwy 101, take the Honeydew/Dyerville exit in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Travel west to Mattole Road in Honeydew to Lighthouse Road, almost an hour and a half trip. Travel 5 miles to Mattole Campground.

MORE INFO: BLM King Range National Conservation Area, 707-986-5400; search LighthouseFriends.com

14 Cape Mendocino Lighthouse

In 1999 a large helicopter lifted the lantern o the historic but badly deteriorated Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and fl ew it 35 miles to the village of Shelter Cove. The rest of the lighthouse, disassembled at the site, soon followed by truck. Within a year, the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Preservation Society had restored, painted, and fi tted new glass into this now 146-year-old sailor’s beacon. Today it sits at Mal Coombs Park at the tip of Point Delgada. The Cape Mendocino Lighthouse has a rich history as a signal of warning in some of the Pacifi c Coast’s most treacherous waters. Cape Mendocino is California’s westernmost point. The fi rst ship carrying supplies to build the lighthouse struck a rock on its journey and ran aground in 1867. When a steamer fi nally landed safely at the cape’s headland, the crew hauled parts of the lighthouse up steep cli s to a base 422 ft. above the ocean. The completed 43-ft.-tall tower became one of the highest lighthouses in the nation in 1868. The last piece, the delicate Fresnel lens, was steamed to Eureka and then transported by horse and wagon to the point. The lighthouse began fl ashing its white signal once every 30 seconds on Dec. 1, 1868. The lighthouse was so remote it had to be serviced by sea in the early years. One lighthouse inspector drowned in 1881 trying to reach it. During more than 80 years of service, violent storms and frequent earthquakes took their toll on the lighthouse. The Coast Guard decommissioned it in 1951, and by the late 1990s, it was ready to crumble into the sea. Today, the restored lighthouse is open for tours, when docents are available, from 11am to 3pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. MORE INFO: Search LighthouseFriends.com

photo by Steve Hammons

Photo courtesy of BLM

King Range & Lost Coast Trail

The King Range National Conservation Area is unlike any other place in the continental United States. The mountains rise directly out of the sea in this 35-mile-long, 68,000-acre stretch of coastal wilderness. King Peak tops out at 4,088 ft. and is only 3 miles from the ocean. The Conservation Area extends from the Mattole River in Humboldt County to the northern border of the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park in Mendocino County. There are campgrounds scattered throughout the area.

Because of its remoteness and relative inaccessibility — only a few back roads lead into the range — this Douglas-fi r-clad wilderness attracts hikers, campers, equestrians, mushroom collectors, surfers, anglers, and beachcombers.

Seals, sea lions, and many sea birds inhabit the rocky shoreline, and California gray whales pass close to shore during the spring northern migration. Streams fl owing from the mountains are spawning waters for salmon and trout. A small herd of Roosevelt elk roams the area, and observers report seeing some 300 species of migratory birds in the King Range, including the northern spotted owl, bald eagle, and Cooper’s hawk. Rattlesnakes live here, and black bears and mountain lions also prowl these mountains and the shoreline. Campers must carry and use approved hard-sided bear canisters to store all food and scented items to avoid being fi ned. Overnight stays require a walk-in permit.

Accessing the King Range can be an adventure in itself. Hikers can take the legendary and potentially deadly Lost Coast Trail north out of the village of Shelter Cove. Unpaved back roads, most suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles with high ground clearance, intersect Shelter Cove Road on the south and Wilder Ridge Road on the east. On the north end of the range, access is near the mouth of the Mattole River on Lighthouse Road, o Mattole Road.

16

Pacific Ocean Fishing

Shelter Cove is one of California’s premier ocean fi shing destinations. Fishermen come for the salmon found close to the shore here from May through August. Anglers also catch abundant ling cod, rock cod, halibut, albacore, and surf perch. They can launch a boat from the cove, which Point Delgada protects from the northwesterly winds. Visitors can buy fi shing licenses at Shelter Cove stores or charter a boat from a sport fi shing business for a guided angling adventure.

A great way to ensure you have the perfect fi shing experience is to plan an excursion with an expert Humboldt County fi shing guide service. These professional captains and guides will lead you to the best spots during the right season and help you catch the monsters you’re after.

MORE INFO: Mario’s Marina, 707-986-7595

Photo by Marisa Penkauskas, PacificOutfitters.com

SOUTHERN ENTRANCE TO HUMBOLDT COUNTY S

17

Richardson Grove State Park

Headinwg north on Hwy 101 from Mendocino into Humboldt County, your fi rst encounter with old-growth redwoods will be at Richardson Grove State Park. Established in 1922 and named after California’s 25th governor, Friend W. Richardson, this beautiful park is a popular family camping spot and a wonderful place to learn about the coastal redwood forests.

There is a walk-through tree, the ninth tallest redwood known, and a fallen tree ring study conducted in 1933. The park, which the Eel River bisects, also contains 9 miles of hiking trails that will take you past towering trees and thriving wildlife along the South Fork of the Eel River. Along the banks of the river are excellent sites for salmon and steelhead fi shing in the winter or swimming in the summer. There is a delightful picnic grove with ample parking. If you’d like to spend more than one day in the park, you’ll fi nd 159 campsites to pitch a tent or park your motor home. Several cabins are available for rent. The historic 1930s-era Richardson Grove Lodge houses the Visitor Center and Nature Store. See exhibits for more information on summer nature programs, such as evening campfi res, Junior Rangers, and guided nature walks.

WHERE: On Hwy 101, 7 miles south of Garberville. There is a day use fee per car, and reservations are recommended for camping during the summer season.

MORE INFO: 707-247-3318 (recorded info), www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=422

Richardson Grove, photo by Dave Baselt, Redwood Hikes Press, RedwoodHikes.com

Confusion Hill, Photo by Dawn Chadbourne

18 Campbell Bros. World Famous Confusion Hill

One of the very best roadside attractions in northern Mendocino County, just south of Garberville, is Campbell Bros. World Famous Confusion Hill. Listed as a California Point of Historical Interest and featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, this is defi nitely a one-ofa-kind attraction. It has been the home of mystery and fun since 1949. When you step into the Gravity House, your body will seem to defy the laws of nature. You will experience contradictory optical and physical sensations that will make you ask yourself, IS SEEING BELIEVING? There are no right or wrong answers at Confusion Hill.

Be sure to check out the Redwood Shoe House. The unique miniature Mountain Train Ride will take you on a 30-minute ride up the hill and back down. Along the way, you will learn about the Redwood Forest and see historical logging equipment on the side of the track. Confusion Hill is also the home of the World’s Tallest Free Standing Redwood Chainsaw Carving. While at Confusion Hill, take a few minutes to pay your respects at the Twin Towers Memorial Trees. There is also a gift shop, snack bar, and playground for the kids. Please note that the Train Ride and Snack Bar are seasonal and open only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.WHERE: Along Hwy 101, 15 miles south of Garberville (exit left) and 7 miles north of Leggett (exit right).

MORE INFO: 707-925-6456, ConfusionHill.com

19 Grandfather Tree

Think of Grandfather Tree as your formal introduction to the Redwood Country of Northern California, and what an introduction it is! More than 1800 years old, it fi rst sprouted prior to the great Maya Civilization and in the heart of the Roman Empire. This natural wonder stands 265 feet tall, with a diameter of 24 feet and a circumference of 55 feet. These stats make Grandfather Tree one of the 5 widest coastal redwoods in the world and probably the easiest to fi nd, as it is nestled directly o Highway 101 as you enter Humboldt County. This breathtaking gem is a must-see a quick 2 miles from Richardson Grove State Park and less than 30 minutes from the famed Avenue of the Giants!

Grandfather Tree Park is a shutterbug’s dream. Strike a pose in front of their coastal giant, the bark teepee, or with one of many exceptional chainsaw carvings. During summer, they host carving exhibitions, allowing visitors to meet and watch their master carvers at work. Other outdoor activities include a gem mining sluice, a play area for kids with a stepthrough stump, redwood carvings, and giant stump chairs for the three bears (Ma, Pa, and Baby!). You will surely fi nd a gift in their recently renovated gift shop for almost anyone. They carry locally made redwood products, traditional souvenirs, and apparel for infants to adults. Grandfather Tree Gifts & More has been family owned and operated since 1984.

WHERE: 779 N Hwy 101, Piercy

MORE INFO: 707-734-3370, grandfathertree.com

BENBOW,GARBERVILLE, B & R EDWAY

The fi rst postmaster of Garberville, Jacob Garber, named the town after himself in the late 1800s. Earlier names for the settlement were Dogtown, believed by some to refer to how dog-tired the early settlers were after erecting the town’s wooden structures, and South Fork, after the South Fork of the nearby Eel River. When a road fi nally connected San Francisco to Eureka in the 1920s, it became a favorite stop for motorists. Today, the town is known for its friendly residents and beautiful scenery and is both a stopping-o point and a destination for travelers.

Garberville is well placed on Hwy 101, 200 miles north of San Francisco and 52 miles south of Eureka. It is an ideal place to stay while playing in the Avenue of the Giants and the Eel River nearby. The area has several RV, private, and public campsite spaces. With a Town Square featuring weekly events and markets, and a vibrant array of shops, motels, services, restaurants, a small airport, and a hospital, the town caters to travelers along Hwy 101, and serves the residents of the surrounding countryside.

20 Julia Morgan Redwood Grove

Humboldt’s Hidden Gem…In 1926, San Francisco Hotel heiress, Margaret Stewart, commissioned renowned architect Julia Morgan to build this country estate called Redwood Grove. The Estate was part of the Benbow family’s planned 1,290-acre resort community.

Julia Morgan, best known for her work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA, is California’s fi rst licensed female architect and designed more than 700 buildings in California during her life work. She was an early innovator in using reinforced concrete for structural design, which helped launch her successful career. The “Redwood Grove” is a stunning example of combined Craftsman & Tudor styles which embrace her trademark references to nature through details such as gabled roofs, elegant stonework, stately wooden beams, and smaller details showcasing birds, stag, rosettes, and leaves featured throughout the home.

Redwood Grove o ers private historical tours of the grounds and residences by reservation only. Tours provide an intimate opportunity to walk about the Estate through the gardens and interiors of the historic buildings. Your tour guide will o er a brief history of the area and the Estate, some background information on the amazing Julia Morgan, and showcase the historical details of Julia’s architectural impact on the property as you traverse the grounds and stairs while embracing the magic.

The privately owned 3-acre Estate boasts a year-round cutting garden perfectly sculpted to host a celebration, whether it be a wedding, family reunion, company party, or fundraising event. Limited lodging on the property is also available for honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, vacations, and short-term stays.

WHERE: Just 3 miles South of Garberville in Benbow. Parking is available at Benbow State Recreation Area and Day Park. A short walk over the stone bridge and along the gated road will lead you to the 2nd gate entrance for 255 Benbow Dam Rd, Garberville, CA 95542.

MORE INFO: www.juliamorganredwoodgrove.com, 707.272.8668

21 Benbow Valley Golf Course

With meticulously tended greens and glorious Humboldt County views, the Benbow Valley Golf Course near Garberville is not only the lone public golf course in southern Humboldt County but also one of Northern California’s most challenging. This nine-hole, par-35 course features two sets of tees, allowing golfers to play 18 holes. Described by many as “unforgiving,” players are often surprised to discover just how challenging it is. An additional set of tees for the junior or beginning golfer makes this a perfect family activity.

In addition to its golf course and well-stocked pro shop, the Benbow Valley Golf Course o ers a putting green and practice sand trap. Flanked with sand bunkers, the manicured putting green allows players to practice their putting and improve their chipping skills. It’s fun for serious golfers and beginners alike.

WHERE: Benbow KOA, 7000 Benbow Dr. Take exit 636 from Hwy 101 onto Benbow Drive (traveling south turn left, north turn right) and follow the signs.

MORE INFO: 707-923-2777, 800-562-7518, KOA.com/campgrounds/benbow

Looking northwest across the Benbow Valley towards the Benbow Inn. Photo courtesy of Benbow Inn.Photo courtesy of Julia Morgan Grove

M AP K EY

1 To Dean Creek Resort, 1.3 mi.

2 •Garberville Redway Area Chamber of Commerce

•Garden of Beadin’

3 Brown’s Sporting Goods

4 Chautauqua Natural Foods

5 Woodrose Café

6 Benbow Inn & Julia Morgan Redwood Grove, 3 mi.

North of Garberville travelers will come across Redway, one of the North Coast’s most unique towns. For such a tiny place, with a population of around 1,200, Redway o ers a great diversion on the way up the Avenue of the Giants or Hwy 101. With access from the Garberville Airport, Redway has accommodations, great food, charming shops, and all the necessities in a much larger town.

Founded by Oscar and Charles Burris in 1923, this sweet spot in the redwoods is nestled in a bend of the South Fork of the Eel River. It is home to the famous Mateel Community Center, which o ers popular cultural events such as Reggae on the River, Summer Arts and Music Festival, the Humboldt Hoedown, and Winter Arts Faire. It is also known for KMUD Radio, a unique voice in the redwoods with a very eclectic approach to programming.

Redway features one of the area’s oldest, most popular resorts, Dean Creek Resort. Dean Creek o ers motel, RV, camping accommodations, and tons of outdoor activities, including a pool, spa, sauna, minigolf, volleyball, shu eboard, horseshoes, a theater, and even a game arcade.

MORE INFO: Garberville/Redway Chamber of Commerce, 707-923-2613, Garberville.org

A CTIVITIES IN THE A REA

•Music and Events at the Mateel Community Center

•Garberville “Rodeo in the Redwoods” is held June 16-18 (Father’s Day Weekend), GarbervilleRodeo.org

•Avenue of the Giants to the north and Richardson Grove State Park to the south.

•The historic Benbow Inn and Benbow State Recreation Area are a 5-minute drive south of Garberville and surrounded by lovely Humboldt County views.

•The nine-hole, par-35 Benbow Valley Golf Course is one of Northern California’s most challenging golf courses.

• Camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking, swimming, rafting, kayaking, and fi shing.

Laundry

•Summertime Kid’s Activities

•9-hold PGA-rated Golf Course

•Adjacent to Benbow Historic Inn & Eel River

•Gateway to Avenue of the Giants, State Parks & Shelter Cove

BENBOW KOA CAMPGROUND

7000 Benbow Drive, Benbow • (707) 923-2777

KOA.com/campgrounds/benbow

• Fishing Conditions

• Bearpaw Boots

The Avenue of the Giants o ers more than the majesty of towering redwoods. This 31-mile route along the South Fork of the Eel River meanders through several small hamlets that give a glimpse into the history of Humboldt County, and also provide opportunities for travelers to get out of their cars and stretch and refresh themselves. The towns along the Avenue, once closely tied to the timber industry, now rely more on the tourists who come to Humboldt Redwoods State Park to view its spectacular old-growth redwood habitat, swim in the Eel River and experience the local culture.

At the south end of the Avenue of the Giants is Phillipsville, o ering lodging, a classic roadhouse with food, drinks and live music, a grocery store, a variety of visitor attractions and several river access points. Further north is the town of Miranda, surrounded by redwoods and home to a growing community of artists. Myers Flat, north of Miranda and in the heart of the redwoods, has a wine tasting room as well as a family oriented campground. The town of Weott no longer sits on its original site, having been relocated after the devastating fl ood of 1964, which washed it and several other local towns away. Look for

Hu mboldt Gabl e s Motel

the tall post on the Avenue near Weott’s current site marking how high the fl oodwaters reached. The Visitor’s Center at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is close by. The town of Redcrest, situated on higher ground, was protected from the fl ood that wiped out the lower-lying towns. An abundance of redwood attractions make it a popular destination. The northernmost community on the Avenue is Pepperwood, located close to easily accessible hiking trails.

Numerous sights beckon to the visitors who travel the Avenue of the Giants. Rockefeller Grove is arguably the most impressive stand of redwoods found anywhere in the world. To get there, drive a mile and a half west on Mattole Road from Avenue of the Giants mile marker 20.6, just south of Redcrest, to the Rockefeller Loop Trail, or continue another 3 miles west on Mattole Road to the Big Trees Parking Area. Other stunning yet easy hikes easily accessed from the Avenue of the Giants include Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail, Gould Grove Nature Trail, Drury-Chaney Loop Trail and Stephen’s Grove Loop Trail. There are also nearby picnic areas, campgrounds and swimming holes to enjoy. (See map, pages 28 and 29.)

LOCATED ON THE

Located 1.7 miles north of Redcrest, California, the Park rests amongst the tallest and oldest living things in the world — nearby to Founders Grove, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove, and the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center.

HISTORY OF THE IMMORTAL TREE

The Immortal Tree is a 950 to 1000 year old redwood that has survived fire, flood and the logger’s axe. In 1908, Holmes Eureka Timber Company harvested about 5000 acres of ancient redwoods. During this harvest an undercut was chopped into this tree with the intention of falling it. It is unclear why the loggers did not finish the back cut. The wound eventually healed but is still visible on the Immortal Tree. After falling the nearby acreage, the loggers lit a fire to remove brush and slash before bucking the timber to length. The forest fire scar is still visible but did not kill this tree. Sometime before 1952, lightning removed the top of the Immortal Tree. In December 1964 a huge flood inundated Holmes Flat and Humboldt County. The high water mark is approximately 17 feet above the base of the tree and is still visible. The next generation, believed to be the fifth, is growing in front of the Immortal Tree.

In 1967 Janice and Edward Lewis opened the “Burl n’ Drift” novelty and gift shop, specializing in locally manufactured redwood souvenirs and gifts. The family-operated shop has increased their own production of redwood products, ensuring a larger choice and higher quality of redwood gifts. We consider it a pleasure to provide area information and service to the touring public. We also provide clean, ADA restrooms and complimentary picnic area. No trees are harvested for our resource material. Shipping is available.

WE STOCK LOCAL WINES & BEER

RESERVATIONS: 707-722-4396

OR: www.ancientredwoods.net

Discover the Avenue of the Giant’s newest family-owned business, THE AVENUE COUNTRY STORE. O ering a charming shopping experience with a wide selection of local and handmade goods, and camping supplies. We also o er delicious food and beverage items, including hot dogs, fresh sandwiches, co ee, beer and ice cream, making us the perfect stop for both locals and visitors to the Park. Whether to stock up on snacks for a day of hiking or simply browse for something special, we invite you to come and experience the charm of our country store. Right next door to the Burl n’ Drift!

A GIRTH OF 33 FEET!

This ancient redwood log measures 33 feet in circumference. Naturally hollow and left over from original harvest sometime between 1850 and 1900. This log was salvaged on private property in the Elk River area and is always available for photos.

THE ANCIENT REDWOODS RV PARK & THE IMMORTAL TREE & THE AVENUE COUNTRY STORE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS ( 1.7 MILES NORTH OF REDCREST, CA )

22 Eel River Swimming Holes

One of the most striking features of Humboldt County is the magnifi cent Eel River. The North and Middle Forks of the Eel have been designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system, and its watershed is the third largest in California. The river fl ows through fi ve counties with winding lazy curves to churning whitewater. It runs parallel to the coast and Hwy 101. A large part of its run is through the Avenue of the Giants, making Hwy 101 and the Avenue two of the most scenic roads in Southern Humboldt.

The South Fork of the river skirts the eastern edge of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. During the summer months, the river’s tributaries are slow-moving streams that provide a number of natural pools and safe swimming holes. There are many river access sites within the park. Dyerville Flats, located where the South Fork joins the main branch of the Eel River, features restrooms, picnic tables, an overlook and ample parking. Dyerville is located four miles north of the Visitor Center and very close to the turnout for Founders Grove, Rockefeller Grove and the intersection of Mattole Road.

The easiest river access to fi nd from the Visitor Center is Gould Bar. A sign marks where the gravel road intersects Avenue of the Giants on the west, just tenths of a mile north of the center. A short drive takes you to two large swimming holes. You can also hike there from the Visitor Center’s parking lot or Burlington campground. High Rock is another access point that is easy to get to. Watch for the High Rock bar sign as you drive north on Avenue the Giants about 6 miles from the Visitor Center. A short drive down a gravel road takes you to a parking area. From there, it’s a short walk to the expansive bar that o ers several ideal, placid sites.

MORE INFO: Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center, 707-946-2263; VisitRedwoods.com

23 Humboldt Redwoods State Park

The natural crown jewel of the county, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, is the defi nitive spot to see the magnifi cence of California’s famous coastal redwoods. In the early part of the last century there was a nationwide e ort to save what remained of the old-growth redwoods on California’s North Coast. Philanthropists and civic clubs began buying groves of trees for the purpose of preserving them. Humboldt Redwoods State Park was founded in 1921 with one of those purchases, the Bolling Memorial Grove, in honor of a fallen World War I soldier. Today, Humboldt Redwoods is California’s third largest state park, occupying 53,000 acres, including 17,000 acres of pristine old-growth redwoods. One of its best-known attractions is the Avenue of the Giants, a secluded roadway through the towering coastal giants that runs roughly parallel to Hwy 101.

The park is rarely crowded, and o ers more than 250 campsites in three large drive-in campgrounds. There are environmental, group, backcountry and horse camps. Hikers can enjoy more than 100 miles of trails, some of which are also open to equestrians and mountain bikers. The South Fork of the Eel River provides fi shing, boating and great swimming holes. The park also features a number of day use areas. The Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center, on the Avenue of the Giants between Myers Flat and Redcrest, is a valuable resource. It is large and comprehensive, and sta ed by knowledgeable volunteers. MORE INFO: Park O ce 707-946-2409, Visitor Center 707-946-2263, search www.parks.ca.gov, HumboldtRedwoods.org

Root ball.

Photo by Barb Switzer

View from High Rock, photo by Barb Switzer

AVENUE OF THE GIANTS ~ MYERS FLAT

24 Shrine Drive Thru Tree

Once upon a time promoters of California’s tourism industry devised a clever way to entice visitors to see the captivating beauty of the redwood forests — cut a tunnel through a redwood and charge people a fee to drive their cars through to the other side. It was a great photo opportunity that quickly caught on. In time there were drive-thru trees, drive-on trees, walk-through trees and even step-thru stumps. Today, three trees with open trunks remain. All are privately owned, charge a nominal entrance fee and are open daily year-round.

The Original Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat has been family-owned since 1958. Known worldwide as the Shrine of the Redwoods, the natural opening in the tree was created by fi re centuries ago. It is large enough for full sized autos and pickups to drive through. This Old Giant is 21 ft. across and 64 ft. around. The Shrine Tree along with the Drive-On Log, Tree House Village, Cathedral Trees, Rings of History and The Balance Tree are all part of the Shrine Drive Thru Tree Auto Park. Visit the gift shop for locally made items.

WHERE: O Hwy 101, exit #656 on the Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat.

MORE INFO: 707-943-1975

25

Redwood Hiking Trails

Humboldt Redwoods State Park has hundreds of miles of trails — there are so many it’s hard to decide where to hike. View our map on pages 28 and 29 to see the location of di erent trailheads along the Avenue of the Giants. Listed here are the fi ve best hikes chosen by the volunteers of the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association who sta the Visitor Center. There is also a map available at the Visitor Center for a small fee, clearly marking the location of the trails in the park.

1. Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail. An easy hike, about half a mile in total. The trailhead is easy to fi nd o the Avenue of the Giants about four miles north of the Visitor Center.

2. Rockefeller Loop Trail in Rockefeller Forest . The trailhead is o Mattole Road, about a mile west of where Mattole Road joins the Avenue of the Giants, four miles north of the Visitor Center. In this short hike, which is about half a mile long, hikers will fi nd 13 of the world’s 100 tallest trees.

3. Bull Creek Trail North/South Loop. This is a seven-mile round-trip hike through the Bull Creek State Wilderness. At 10,000 acres, it is the largest section of old-growth redwood forest left. This trail is accessed o the Rockefeller Loop Trail or the Big Tree Day Use Area on Mattole Road. Making this a loop is dependent on seasonal bridges; when bridges are out, one trail or the other can be done as an out and back.

4. Johnson Camp Trail. This 10-mile round-trip trail has some steep sections as it climbs to a backcountry camp. Hikers will fi nd deserted cabins the loggers once slept in, along with other artifacts from the heyday of logging. This is also an equestrian trail, so hikers may encounter horseback travelers along the way. The trailhead is about 6 miles west on Mattole Road, across from the Albee Creek Campground.

5. Grasshopper Multiuse Trail. This is a 14-mile round-trip that takes hikers to the fi re lookout atop Grasshopper Peak, which tops out at 3,379 ft. It is an 8-hour round trip for average hikers who will enjoy stunning views of the entire park from the lookout. There is a backcountry campground just below the peak. This trail is also open to horses and bicycles. Access the trail from the Johnson Camp trailhead, or when seasonal bridges are in, from the River Trail near the Visitor Center.

photo by Denise Comiskey

Shrine Drive Thru Tree, photos by J.R.

Founders Grove Trail. Photo by Barb Switzer

Learn about the tallest trees on Earth ...

“The Visitor Center features a discovery corner with hands-on exhibits, a native plant garden, guided walks, movies, and a museum and bookstore. You can also visit one of our other State Park Visitor Centers at Richardson Grove, Grizzly Creek and Sinkyone Wilderness for more exhibits and fun!”

HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK

17119 State Route 254, Ave. of the Giants, Weott, CA (707) 946-2263 • www.humboldtredwoods.org

DONATE ANYTHING TO SAVE A LIFE

We take cars, boats, planes, RVs, and real estate in any condition, with fast, free pick up.

26

Redwood Visitor Center’s Travel Log

Inside the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Visitor Center resides a curious behemoth of a vehicle. It just may be the original RV. In 1917, Charles Kellogg, an American naturalist and lecturer, hoisted a 6-ton hollowed-out giant redwood log onto the chassis of a Nash Quad, a large truck the Nash Company built for the military in World War I and one of the very fi rst 4x4 vehicles. Kellogg used an ax and an adz to hollow out the log and fashion it into a cabin on wheels. Inside the log he built a complete home with a kitchenette, lockers, beds, dining table, dresser, electric lights, running water and a guest room. This was almost 100 years ago!

The log is completely solid: the walls, ceiling, and fl oors are all one piece. Kellogg fi rst toured the United States in his Travel Log to sell Liberty Bonds for the war e ort during World War I. After the war, Kellogg, also known for his surreal ability to imitate bird calls, traveled the states to promote preserving California’s giant trees. He crossed the country four times in his lumbering motor home. Today, the Travel Log is in beautifully restored condition. Guests at the Visitor Center may get close to the log, but are not allowed inside it. The exhibit also features information about Kellogg’s life and teachings. This ancient truck is a historical artifact, and consequently is roped o to keep it preserved.

WHERE: Avenue of the Giants between Weott and Myers Flat.

MORE INFO: 707-946-2263, HumboldtRedwoods.org/visitor-center

27

The Immortal Tree

Along the Avenue of the Giants o Hwy 101 stands one of the most durable trees in history. Called the Immortal Tree, it is over 950 years old and has experienced more trials and tribulations than any single tree should ever have to. It has been a victim of lightning strikes, fi res, fl oods and the logger’s ax, yet it still stands and continues to grow heartily. Look up and you’ll see a wooden fi sh attached to the trunk where the color of the bark changes. This indicates the high water mark when the area fl ooded in 1964. There’s also part of an ax left stuck in the tree where loggers tried to cut it down, but eventually gave up when the tree would not give way. Several times the Immortal Tree has been hit by lightning. The evidence of these strikes is on its scarred trunk. During its lifetime, through many forest fi res, somehow this magical tree never burned down. This landmark makes for a wonderful photo opportunity and is a perfect spot for a picnic.

Ample parking is available by the spacious Burl n’ Drift Redwood Souvenir gift shop. Family owned and operated since 1967, it o ers high quality, locally produced redwood items. They also feature a 49-space, state-of-the-art RV Park.

WHERE: 1 mile north of Redcrest on the Avenue of the Giants.

MORE INFO: 707-722-4396, AncientRedwoods.net

Kellogg Log Home, photo by Greg Rumney

Burl n’ Drift Redwood Souvenir Gift Shop, photo by Gregg Gardiner

Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center. Photo by Barb Switzer

28

The Eternal Tree House

The Eternal Tree House is a fascinating stop on the Avenue of the Giants, a one-time natural colossus that stood for more than 2,500 years before being reduced to a surviving stump. The still-living stump contains a huge cavern caused by fi re centuries ago. It had been used fi rst by Indians and later trappers, hunters, travelers and their livestock for shelter. In the early 1900s Harry McLeod an expert wood splitter, hewed out the interior with an ax and adz. The 20-foot room was refi ned in 1950, and a gift shop was established inside the stump. The walls still bear the marks of the work and are mementos of an all but lost art. The tree itself is said to have parented many surrounding trees from its burl. A burl is a hard conglomerate of many dormant buds; an original single bud grew, but failed to develop into a branch. The irregular growth then divided and redivided until a lump (burl) formed. Sometimes the overgrowth is actually a form of scar tissue, resulting from a past injury to the tree.

The Eternal Tree House o ers free admission, a (seasonal) café and a gift shop with a large selection of locally crafted redwood products. There is parking for RVs and buses.

WHERE: 26510 Avenue of the Giants in Redcrest.

MORE INFO: 707-722-4262

29 California Federation of Women’s Clubs Hearthstone

Early in the 20th century, women’s civic groups around California organized a statewide campaign to protect the redwoods in Humboldt County. In response, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs purchased a grove of giant redwoods next to the South Fork of the Eel River. In 1931, renowned San Francisco architect Julia Morgan, designer of the Hearst Castle, fashioned a monument to celebrate saving the grove from the logger’s saw.

Morgan’s monument stands today in the Federation’s grove, a peculiar four-sided hearth that features fi replaces facing each direction. Locals often refer to the hearth as “Four Fireplaces.”

O cially called the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Hearthstone, it was built of native stone and redwood timber. Morgan’s biographer wrote that the hearthstone is a symbol for “the untouched nature of the forest and the Federation’s scrupulous protection of this heritage.” The California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove is easy to reach by car, and is a popular picnic place that includes several solid redwood picnic tables big enough to accommodate a family reunion. It is home to one of the ten tallest trees in the world, and there is also a popular swimming hole by the grove.

WHERE: Take Avenue of the Giants about 3 miles north from the Visitor Center. A sign marks a narrow road that runs to the west several hundred yards into the forest, to a parking lot. The hearthstone sits under several tall trees, a few feet back from a bank that overlooks the Eel River. MORE INFO: FamousRedwoods.com/federation_grove/

Eternal Tree House, photo by Steve Hammons

Four Fireplaces. Photo by Barb Switzer

R IO DELL & SCOTIA

Scotiao ers visitors a rare opportunity to see what a “company town” in America used to look like. Company towns like Scotia were established by large lumber companies to provide for the social, commercial and housing needs of their employees. Driving through Scotia is like stepping back to a time when the forests of Humboldt County supplied building materials for much of California and the West.

Scotia today is transitioning into a community of private residences, with eventually all 270 houses in town being sold to individual homeowners. These picturesque cottages were built between 1905 and the early 1950s and evoke memories of an earlier time. Take a look, maybe you will want to buy one! Driving through town you can envision what Scotia was like when it was founded in the 1860s.

Present-day amenities in Scotia include a grocery store with a very popular deli, a Renner fuel station, medical clinic, Fireman’s Park with river access and a picnic area, a baseball fi eld, soccer fi eld, and more.

This beautiful town is located about 30 miles south of Eureka, bordered on one side by a striking wooded hillside and on the other end by the Wild and Scenic Eel Rive r.

Fisheries Center —Free, self-guided tours of this exhibit allow visitors the opportunity to observe the life cycles of Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout living in an environment very much like their natural habitat. This exhibit is open from 8am to 3:30pm daily and is located towards the south end of Main Street in Scotia. Guided or group tours can be arranged by calling Humboldt Redwood Company (which owns and operated the Fisheries Exhibit) at 707-764-4299.

Scotia Lodge —This 100-year-old property was reopened in 2021 after sitting idle for several years. It currently features 22 rooms and suites, plus a restaurant and bar, and on-site massage and spa services. It is the nearest full-service hotel to the Northern Entrance to Avenue of the Giants.

Rio Dell Scotia’s next door neighbor, also grew out of the lumber industry. Located 25 miles south of Eureka, the town is a rural community with a population of about 3,300. Rio Dell sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by wooded mountains and the Eel River with river access and campground. Rio Dell has an excellent park with a picnicking area, a playground, a baseball diamond and recreational equipment. You’ll fi nd a municipal tennis court, community library and several churches in Rio Dell. There are also a grocery store, gas station, garden store, automotive repair and parts shops, a motel, bar, restaurants, dispensaries, and other businesses. Enjoy the murals on downtown buildings, and the public

Scotia and Rio Dell, photo by Gregg Gardiner

THE VICTORIAN VILLAGE FERNDALE

Collectibles

A CTIVITIES IN THE A REA

• Strolling the Victorian Village of Ferndale

• Ferndale Museum, corner of Shaw and Third Streets

• Centerville County Park and Beach

O VER 30 YEARS OF A RT

• Russ Park, 105 acres of closedcanopy forest bird sanctuary

• Kinetic Grand Championship, Memorial Day Weekend

• Humboldt County Fair in August

Avisit to the Victorian Village of Ferndale is like a stroll through the past: the entire Main Street has been designated a National Register Historic District due to its fi nely preserved commercial and residential buildings. Here you can explore the fascinating array of old-fashioned mercantiles, antique stores, art galleries and specialty shops. You can hear the ringing of the blacksmith’s hammer, talk with friendly people, and watch fresh candy being dipped by hand to whet your appetite for a fi ne dinner and an evening of theater. Ferndale is one of Humboldt County’s premier shopping and dining destinations. Many visitors are surprised to discover that the tiny town of Ferndale has a year-round theater season. The Ferndale Repertory Theatre has pleased area audiences for 30 years in its intimate downtown venue.

Ferndale’s Russ Park is 105 acres of lush coastal habitat. Sitka spruce, Douglas fi r and grand fi r are the dominant conifers; deciduous trees include red alder and maple. Dozens of bird species inhabit the park, including the varied thrush, winter wren, gray jay, golden crowned kinglet and the red-shafted fl icker. To reach the park, turn east from Main Street on Ocean Avenue. Trails wind through the park, but wheeled vehicles are not allowed.

Centerville Beach can be reached by turning west on Ocean Avenue. The remote Lost Coast can be reached via Mattole Road. The twisting route leads south and west to Cape Mendocino, the westernmost point on the coast of California.

The Kinetic Grand Championship is a three-day race from Arcata to Ferndale starring human-powered, amphibious, all-terrain works of art. Held every Memorial Day Weekend, on the last day the kinetic racers cross the fi nish line on Ferndale’s historic Main Street. 2018 marked the race’s 50th anniversary. To get to Ferndale you’ll cross the iconic Fernbridge Historic Bridge 5 mi. inland. Completed in 1911, it is the world’s longest poured concrete bridge still in use.

MORE INFO: Chamber of Commerce, 707-786-4477, VisitFerndale.com

KINETIC GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

is a three-day race from Arcata to Ferndale starring human-powered, amphibious, all-terrain works of art. Held every Memorial Day Weekend, on the last day the kinetic racers cross the fi nish line on Ferndale’s historic Main Street.

KineticGrandChampionship.com

VISIT A R EAL BLACKSMITH

Established in 1979 by Joe Koches, the Blacksmith Shop’s goal is to o er the general public the fi nest collection of master blacksmithing in the United States. The Blacksmith Shop is located at 455 Main St. in Ferndale, and the 1888 building is listed as a contributing structure of the Historic District. The Blacksmith Shop’s Gallery is located at 491 Main St. The unique selections from over 150 artist blacksmiths remind the public of the importance of traditional handcrafted functional art.

MORE INFO: 707-786-4216, FerndaleBlacksmith.com

Art has long played an important role in the Ferndale community, and no place to view and purchase art has been around longer than Ferndale Arts Gallery. The gallery is unique not only for its longevity, but also for the variety and quality of the work on display. From paintings, photographs, pottery and jewelry to fi ne woodwork, fabric art, driftwood sculptures, stained glass, and quilling. Many of the pieces are utilitarian — scarves, cutting boards, co ee mugs and orchid pots — as well as objects of beauty. Because the gallery is a cooperative, prices are reasonable and a ordable. Open daily, 10am to 5pm.

WHERE: 580 Main St., Ferndale MORE INFO: 707-786-9634, FerndaleArts.com

Ferndale, taken from the Historic Ferndale Cemetery, photo by Molly Blakemore

FERNDALE

30 Historic Victorian Village of Ferndale

Ferndale was settled in 1852, and by the 1880s had become a bustling agricultural, dairy and transportation center. Immigrants from Scandinavia, Italy and Portugal gravitated to this thriving community. Today, the entire one-square-mile village is a California Historical Landmark, with its Main Street listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered the best-preserved Victorian village in California. This idyllic town of 1,400 people has in many ways remained unchanged since the 1890s. By taking a tour down Main Street you will encounter the photogenic beauty of delightful shops and ornate buildings. Stroll past charming churches dating back to the 1800s, and carefully restored Victorian homes with stunning gardens. Enjoy the fi ne restaurants, art galleries, antique stores and specialty shops. You may also recognize parts of the town from the motion pictures The Majestic and Outbreak.

MORE INFO: 707-786-4477, VisitFerndale.com

31 Historic Ferndale Cemetery

A stroll through Ferndale’s Cemetery is a trip through the history of the town. Some of the headstones date back to the 1800s, and many of the town’s fi rst pioneers and most venerable citizens were laid to rest here. The graves are carefully tended, and you’ll often fi nd fresh fl owers on even the oldest of gravestones. Take a walk among the tombstones and mausoleums, and experience the lofty vantage point; the cemetery sits on a hill overlooking the town, which a ords visitors panoramic views of the Pacifi c Ocean, the town of Ferndale, and the Eel River Valley. A beautiful, atmospheric setting for contemplation, it was also the location where important scenes were shot for Salem’s Lot and The Majestic WHERE: Blu Street and Craig Street, just a block away from downtown Ferndale.

32

Centerville County Park & Beach

Just outside Ferndale, discover a pristine beach on the Pacifi c Ocean that stretches for 9 miles with dairy farms to the north and steep cli s to the south. At Centerville County Park and Beach you can enjoy an exciting afternoon fi lled with hiking, picnicking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. Sandpipers dance on the water’s edge and cormorants, pelicans and gulls soar over the water in search of a meal. Between the middle of November and the beginning of March, Eel River Bottoms, visible from the beach, has one of the largest coastal congregations of tundra swans. You can spot harbor seals sunbathing on the breakers a short way from the shore. Gray whales can be seen from the beach, migrating south during the winter months and heading north from January through May. You may even see mother whales and their babies coming close to shore in April and May. One of the best lookouts is just south of the beach on Centerville Road. ATVs, 4-wheel drive vehicles and even horses are welcome to travel the sand. You can even acquire a special permit and go fi shing for night smelt. There is no camping on the beach, but it can be enjoyed from 5am until midnight.

WHERE: 5 miles west of Ferndale on Centerville Road.

MORE

Humboldt County Parks, 707-445-7651

Ferndale Bridge. Photo by Chris Cudney

Centerville Beach. Photo by Mackenzie Kincaid

LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY

Bridal Faire - Riverlodge

M ARCH

Small & Home-based Business Marketplace

Da odil Festival (4th weekend)

J UNE

City-wide Yard Sale (1st Saturday)

Lemonade Day (1st Saturday)

Art & Wine in the Park (2nd Sunday)

Farmer’s Market (through October)

J ULY

Fireworks Festival (July 3)

Rodeo (3rd full weekend)

Chili, Fieman’s Games & Parade (same as Rodeo) Redwood Auto Expo (4th full weekend)

AUGUST

Hops in Humboldt (Aug 26)

S EPTEMBER

Sip in Summer at Wild Souls Ranch (Sept 23)

OCTOBER

Apple Harvest Festival (Oct 7 & 8)

Grave Matters & Untimely Departures (Oct 29)

N OVEMBER

Shop Fortuna for the Holidays

Holiday Craft Fair

Thanksgiving Dinner

D ECEMBER Al

Lighted Parade, Downtown Merchant’s Open House, & Holiday kid’s free movie Garden Club Christmas Home Tour

Christmas Music Festival

Holiday Dazzle Contest

Farmers, merchants and lumbermen in northern Humboldt County established the town of Fortuna around 1875. The Latin word “fortuna” means fortune or luck in English, refl ecting how Fortuna’s founders felt about their settlement.

Many Eel River Valley settlers had originally been drawn to California by the prospect of gold. Most of them never struck it rich, and soon returned to the farming life they had known in the East, working the rich lands of the valley to raise livestock, grains and a variety of fruits, especially apples. The valley’s lush ground yielded large crops of fruits and vegetables, and also provided rich grazing, which led to the dairy industry becoming the area’s leading agricultural pursuit.

Its warm weather and friendly atmosphere make Fortuna a particularly good setting for a number of annual events: the Da odil Show in March, Art and Wine in the Park in June, Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo in July, and Hops in Humboldt in August. The Fortuna Rodeo in July is one of the oldest rodeos in California. MORE INFO: Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, 707-725-3959, FortunaChamber.com

Fortuna Dog Park, Dinsmore Drive, DiscoverTheRedwoods.com

Tot Lot at Rohner Park

Bike Ramp at Newberg Park

33 Fortuna Rodeo

More than just an event, Fortuna’s rodeo is a week-long series of exciting Western-fl avored events. The whole town goes rodeo-crazy, and for a week each year Fortuna becomes a living part of the wild West. (Okay, without drunken gunfi ghters shooting up the town — so not that wild.)

Here is a brief overview of just some of the many activities:

Rodeo Week starts early with the Fortuna Rodeo 5K Run / Walk presented by Six Rivers Running Club on the Sunday before Rodeo Week. On Monday the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce sponsors a huge Chili Cooko all along Main Street, with FREE admission and chili tasting! Tuesday evening Children’s Games, also free, at Redwood Village Shopping Center. Activities include wax hands, face-painting, sidewalk chalk, Fireman’s muster and a Western-themed kid’s costume contest. Wednesday the carnival opens, and continues through the rest of the week. Also on Wednesday and Thursday, the largest Jr. Rodeo in Northern California, with the biggest cash prizes and free admission to all events, takes place. Friday brings the “Bullfi ghters Only” event, Quadiators and Live Music. Saturday starts o with a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, followed by the Parade, one of the biggest highlights of Rodeo Week. The parade starts at 12 noon on Main Street downtown and ends on Fortuna Boulevard at Smith Lane. Saturday night the spotlight turns to Bulls, Broncs, Bands & Brews. Sunday at 11am, a crew of volunteers serves up a ton — no, make that two tons (4,000 lbs.) — of barbecued beef, along with mountains of potato salad, rolls and beans!

And then, there is the Rodeo itself, on Saturday and Sunday. 2023 will mark the 103nd Fortuna Rodeo, making it one of the oldest rodeos in the state as well as the largest in Northern California. Events include Breakaway Roping, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding.

WHERE: Rohner Park Rodeo Grounds, Main Street, and elsewhere in Fortuna

MORE INFO: FortunaRodeo.com

MAP KEY

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

•Fortuna Riverwalk

•Rohner Park, Newburg Park, Fortuna Dog Park

•Fortuna First Fridays Art Walk

•Horseback riding with Korobi Stables

•Camping, hiking, biking

Photo by Phil Doyle

Fortuna’s Riverwalk is a 2-mile path along the Eel River that o ers hikers and bikers an i ntimate look at one of the North Coast’s most captivating rivers. In summer and early fall the river is usually a tiny ribbon meandering through a huge channel of sand and gravel deposited during its winter fl ows. During winter, after a heavy rain, the river can rise to within a few yards of the levee. The air is fresh and sweet, and the views are intoxicating.

The Riverwalk area has become a favorite stop for travelers along Hwy 101, with several hotels, restaurants and conveniences all within walking distance. There are an RV park and tent and cabin sites. The Riverwalk makes an excellent base from which to tour the Eel River Valley, with many amenities for residents and travelers alike. The River Lodge Conference Center is located on the Riverwalk. A beautifully designed, rustic-looking yet modern structure, the venue, although integrated into the natural landscape, o ers such modern conveniences as wireless internet access. It features meeting and banquet space in a variety of beautifully appointed rooms, and can host groups from 10 to 500. Local artists have provided their interpretations of the natural environment that surrounds Fortuna, and their works are displayed in the lobby gallery. There is also a gift shop featuring locally produced products. On the grounds you will see Northern California’s largest and most diverse heather garden, featuring more than 400 di erent varieties of heaths and heathers.

WHERE: 1800 Riverwalk Dr., Fortuna

MORE INFO: River Lodge Conference Center, 707-725-7572, RiverLodgeConferenceCenter.com

34 Korobi Stables

A great way to enjoy the North Coast from a di erent perspective is to ride on horseback. While horseback riding anywhere can be an adventure, taking a ride in Humboldt County is an opportunity to enjoy a uniquely special experience. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the beaches, the rivers, the forest and the plains while riding atop these wonderful animals gives you a connection to nature you can rarely fi nd.

Korobi Stables of Fortuna specializes in giving you a chance to appreciate the wonders of this paradise on horseback. Take a guided trail ride with one of their professional, experienced cowgirls and savor beautiful views of the Eel River in sunny Fortuna. Riding a horse allows you access to trails you cannot take by vehicle, so chances are you will get to see places you have never seen before. Korobi also o ers riding lessons for both children and adults of all experience levels. Lessons are aimed at building balance, body alignment and communication skills between the rider and the horse. Proper horsemanship and safety is their top priority. Other services they o er include pony parties, horse training and boarding.

WHERE: 2316 Sandy Prairie Rd., Fortuna MORE INFO: 707-496-6004, KorobiStables.com and on Facebook

To Ruth Lake

Photo by David Kaftal

Overlooking the Scenic Eel River in Fortuna, California

Amenities include:

• Free Wi-Fi

• Indoor heated pool

• Fitness center

• Jogging track/trail

• Free hot breakfast

• 100% Smoke-free

• Business center

Minutes away from:

• River Lodge Conference Center

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park & Avenue of the Giants

• Humboldt State University

• College of the Redwoods

• The Victorian Village of Ferndale

Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop & Museum

A wonderful collection of stunning gems and minerals from deep below the earth’s surface awaits you at Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop and Museum just outside of Fortuna. Here you can view these strikingly lovely stones from around the world at your leisure. Not only will you see gems in a huge range of colors, shapes and sizes in this impressively large collection, but you will also fi nd a petrifi ed palm display, cut precious stones, Native American and pre-Columbian artifacts, fossilized animal and plant life and a display of meteorite samples. An ultraviolet room o ers the chance to view fl uorescent mineral specimens in vivid splendor. Their collection of fossilized wood is enormous, and they also sell rough stock for lapidary artists.

To get a full understanding of the collection, take the museum’s informal tour. This is a great experience for the geologist, the artist or the nature lover at heart. In the shop, purchase everything from stones, minerals, crystals and fossils to jewelry, books, carvings and shells. To purchase or just view some of the most beautiful stones in the world, Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop and Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm.

WHERE: 4 miles south of Fortuna just o Hwy 101.

MORE INFO: 707-725-2714

Photos by Barb Switzer

36 Scenic Highway 36 & Grizzly Creek State Park

One of the most beautiful stretches of road in Humboldt County, Hwy 36 winds its way up, down, around, along, over and through some of the prettiest meadows, forests, rivers, rolling hills and rugged mountains in northern California. If you like taking pictures, this is an incredibly photogenic drive.

Rather than level the road, the original construction crew followed the lay of the land when they built it, producing swinging twists and turns that make this route particularly fun on two wheels. In places it winds around mountainsides with jagged cli s and steep dropo s. The pavement is nearly perfect; motorcyclists give this ride rave reviews, but it’s also a gorgeous, fun drive if you’re in a car. But please drive carefully, especially at night.

About 20 minutes out from your starting point on US Hwy 101 you’ll fi nd Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. Located on the tranquil Van Duzen River, this 400 acre stand of redwoods with 28 campsites is a gem. Reservations are recommended if you plan on spending the night. Unlike many other parks, Grizzly Creek’s campgrounds are open yearround.

This area was impacted by the fi res in 2019-2021. Make sure to check availability for trails and campsites. Highway 36 has been undergoing construction to straighten some of the tight curves and improve road safety. It is recommended that you call 1-800-427-7623 or visit roads.dot.ca.gov to check current conditions before you leave. Cell service is very limited, as are gas stops.

WHERE: 3 miles south of Fortuna on Hwy 101 take Hwy 36 east at Alton. From there it’s 17 miles to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. Other distances from Alton: 47 miles to Mad River, 58 miles to Ruth Lake and 136 miles to Red Blu .

MORE INFO: 707-777-3683, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=421

37 Rohner Park

Fortuna’s Rohner Park has a long history of memorymaking for local folks and visitors alike. Nestled in a sunny spot, bounded by natural creeks and even home to a grove of old-growth redwoods, it’s perfect for short hikes, picnics and hours of play. So treat yourself and your family to a day in the park. It features a playground, tot lot, horseshoe pits, basketball court and immaculate baseball fi elds — even free Wi-Fi. There are many beautiful trails on the hillside where you can get lost in the ferns and see some of the oldest redwoods in the area, all within blocks of a small town main street.

The park is a favorite celebration spot and o ers an updated cook shack, deep pit barbecue pits and a large picnic area with an outdoor fi replace. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, community breakfasts and hundreds of family reunions have taken place at the long tables in this wonderful outdoor party room.

Rohner Park’s famous rodeo grounds have been the training grounds for most of the area’s cowgirls and cowboys, and each summer hosts the Fortuna Rodeo. Fortuna’s beloved Depot Museum, which holds many of the city’s historical records, artifacts and treasures, is located at the park’s entrance. The Firemen’s Pavilion has hosted weekend roller-skating for several generations and is also a favorite dance and party venue.

WHERE: 5 Park St., o Main Street, Fortuna

MORE INFO: 707-725-7620, FriendlyFortuna.com

38 Fortuna Depot Museum

In 1889 the Eel River and Eureka Railroad constructed a depot at the foot of 7th Street. It remained in service through 1965, and in 1974 the City of Fortuna purchased it and moved it to Rohner Park. The depot building opened as a museum on July 4, 1976 amid Bicentennial celebrations. Featured displays include railroad and logging artifacts, a collection of local Native American basketry, a general store display, a fi shing collection, a Rohner family history exhibit in the old ticket o ce, and the Fortuna and Scotia Volunteer Fire Department exhibit. In the museum’s Reference Room visitors can research genealogy and local history. Reference Room resources include 35 Fortuna Union High School scrapbooks of newspaper clippings dating from the 1920s through the present, compiled by the FUHS librarians and students. There is also a complete collection of the high school’s Megaphone yearbook, from 1906 to the present.

Admission is free. Open June through August daily, noon to 4:30pm; September through May, Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4:30pm.

WHERE: 3 Park St., Fortuna (Rohner Park)

MORE INFO: 707-725-7645, SunnyFortuna.com/museum

39 Salmon Pass Trail in Headwaters Forest Reserve

Here is your chance to explore Headwaters Forest Reserve with a knowledgeable guide, a park ranger who will introduce you to the wonders of this magical old-growth forestland. The fi rst half mile of the trail passes through a young to mid-aged forest with views of restored watershed areas. The next 2 miles ascend through the old-growth redwood forest with a stunning view across the Salmon Creek watershed before looping back as it descends through the old growth. This hike is considered moderately strenuous, and is di cult for children under 10. The round trip is about 2.7 miles long and takes 3 to 4 hours. Guided hikes are o ered May through November, and are available by reservation only. There is a newly-instituted volunteer guide program in place permitting Salmon Pass tours to be o ered more often.

WHERE: Meet at the Headwaters information kiosk at Newburg Park in Fortuna. Follow the ranger through Newburg Gate 3.5 miles on gravel road to the trailhead.

MORE INFO: Call the BLM o ce at 707-825-2300.

Search BLM.gov for Salmon Pass Trail.

Photo by Maximiliano Gambin

Rohner Park, Fortuna Parks & Rec, FriendlyFortuna.com

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, courtesy of California State Parks.

Photo by Brian Braer

Ferndale’s neighbor, Loleta, is a small, picturesque dairy community about 10 miles south of Eureka. Originally called Swauger’s Station, in 1897 the community changed its name to what was believed to be a Wiyot word meaning “pleasant place at the end of the water.” While that translation has since been questioned, it does appear that “Loleta” may have come from the place name of a trail along the top of Table Blu that had been called “Laloeka” by the Wiyot.

Loleta sits on the gentle rolling foothills of the Eel River Valley, and commands a spectacular view of the valley, river, dairy ranches and the Pacifi c Ocean and Humboldt Bay beyond. It is noted for its award-winning dairy products, and is home to the always fun Bear River Casino & Hotel as well as the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Table Blu Reservation of the Wiyot Tribe. Since 1971, Loleta has hosted one of the largest antique shows in Northern California.

40 South Spit Humboldt Bay & Table Bluff County Park

About 10 minutes south of Eureka o Hwy 101, visitors will fi nd the expansive sandy beaches of the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit Humboldt Bay. Locals know it simply as the South Spit, and anyone will tell you that if you’re looking for a beach all to yourself, this is where you’re going to fi nd it.

Access to the spit is through Table Blu County Park, where high cli s a ord stunning views of the beach below: a long narrow slice of sand with Pacifi c Ocean waves breaking on the west side, and the calm tranquil waters of Humboldt Bay on the east. From here the road descends in steep switchbacks to sea level and becomes South Jetty Road.

Although there is no camping on the spit, it’s a great place for horseback riding or running an energetic pup. If you do take your dog, be sure to keep it on a leash through the dunes until you get to the wave slope, to avoid upsetting endangered western snowy plover nests. Watch for the snowy plover protection areas and mind the signs, as plover are extremely sensitive to strangers and any disturbance can send them skittering from their nests.

Table Bu is also a popular staging area for hang gliding and paragliding, so don’t be surprised to fi nd a friendly local or two fl oating quietly above your head.

WHERE: Take the Hookton Road exit west from Hwy 101 to Table Blu .

MORE INFO: BLM Arcata O ce 707-825-2300, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife 707-445-6493, Wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/South-Spit-WA

Loleta Train Trestle, photo by Scott Machen

South Spit Humboldt Bay, photo by Molly Blakemore

41 Bear River Family Entertainment Center

Loleta’s Bear River Family Entertainment Center o ers a state-of-the-art family entertainment facility that has everyone oohing and ahhing. Humboldt County has never seen anything like it, and it has quickly become the area’s hottest destination for family fun. Open seven days a week, it o ers bowling, laser tag, an arcade, pool tables, and fun foods like pizza, hot dogs and burgers.

Their two-level laser tag facility, the only laser tag area in Humboldt County, uses a total immersion LaserTron system that allows for a variety of exciting game formats.

There are 10 lanes in their beautiful boutique bowling alley. Each lane has automatic bumpers that can raise and lower between bowlers, and their touch screen scoring system will even let you take photos and call for service.

Friday and Saturday nights after 10pm, rock out to “Cosmic Bowling,” a multi-media experience that marries a fantastic sound system, music videos projected right above the lanes and an all-around light show.

Also new is their 29-game arcade with play card technology and a digital points system. WHERE: 263 Keisner Rd., Loleta

MORE INFO: 707-733-1880, BearRiverFEC.com

42 Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Pristine and unique, the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge just south of Eureka is a world-class destination for bird-watchers and other nature enthusiasts. It was established in 1971 primarily because of its importance as wintering and stopover habitat for tens of thousands of migratory birds, but it is home to a great diversity of mammals, fi sh, amphibians, invertebrates and plants as well.

One important function of the wildlife refuge is to provide the public with high-quality opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. A universally accessible deck and short boardwalk attached to the Richard J. Guadagno Visitor Center provide a wildlife observation area for all visitors, including those with severe mobility challenges. The Shorebird Loop Trail (1.7 miles round trip) adjacent to the visitor center is level, and made up of gravel and packed dirt. It features an observation kiosk and interpretive panels, and is open daily during visitor center hours. It is one of many hiking trails. Those who would rather explore the refuge by water can launch canoes and kayaks at Hookton Slough.

Peak wildlife-viewing season at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is November through April. The climax is from mid-March through mid-April when upwards of 60,000 Aleutian cackling geese (also known as “Canadian honkers” and formerly called Aleutian Canada geese) stage their annual “fl y-o .” The population of these birds has made one of the most astounding recoveries in the history of wildlife management, soaring from fewer than 800 individual birds in 1974 to more than 120,000 today.

The Richard J. Guadagno Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 5pm (except on federal holidays) and has dioramas and an observation room equipped with telescopes. Binoculars and a “Discover Pack” that includes identifi cation guides and magnifying glasses are available for checkout. Enjoy a solitary stroll over the various trails, or take one of the 2-hour guided walks o ered on the fi rst Wednesday and second Sunday of every month. These walks leave the visitor center at 9am, and are completely free. Sorry, no dogs allowed in HBNWR.

WHERE: Begin at the Richard Guadagno Visitor Center, 1020 Ranch Rd. Take exit 696 o Hwy 101 (Hookton Road exit in Loleta) and take the Visitor Center access road north and east 1.3 miles.

MORE INFO: 707-733-5406, FWS.gov/refuge/humboldt_bay

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, photo by Scott Harrison

The Native American tribe, the Wiyot people, have lived in the Humboldt Bay region for thousands of years. Although little gold was found, the California Gold Rush brought white settlers to Humboldt Bay, who named the city “Eureka” from the Greek word meaning “I have found it.” By 1853, white settlers outnumbered the Wiyot people, and Fort Humboldt, now a state historic park, was established to quell growing hostilities between Native Americans and gold-seekers. The confl ict was not resolved peacefully, and in 1860 the majority of the Wiyot tribe was tragically murdered in what became known as the “Wiyot Massacre.”

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Eureka Old Town and the Boardwalk, kayaking, Woodley Island Marina

•

• M.V. Madaket Harbor Cruise

• Morris Grave Museum of Art and many art galleries in Old Town and Downtown Eureka

• Clarke Museum, Old Town Eureka

• Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, Samoa Cookhouse Logging Museum, Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum

The lumber boom soon replaced the gold rush, and the city’s waterfront developed into a bustling commercial district. Many of the ornate Victorian buildings that sprang up during this era of settler prosperity still exist. The entirety of Eureka’s walkable Old Town is included on the U.S. Register of Historic Places. More than 150 buildings from the Victorian era remain, many featuring original, authentic materials, such as native redwood lumber.

• Humboldt Botanical Gardens

• Fort Humboldt State Historic Park in south Eureka

The once-illegal industry fed a cash economy, reinforced the region’s fi ercely independent spirit, and supported a creative arts culture that remains vibrant today. The same ethos that drives the robust landscape of artisanal businesses, local eateries, and commitment to preserving the pristine bays, beaches, and redwoods is present in the developing cannabis landscape in the city. Eureka is uniquely “businessfriendly,” supporting cannabis manufacturers, distributors, and dispensaries through progressive actions and policies.

Art and culture have played a primary role in the recent revitalization of the downtown district. Artistic curiosity and engagement are woven into Eureka’s fabric; outdoor murals and sculptures are found throughout the city. Eureka is one of only 14 o cial Cultural Arts Districts in California.

In October 2019, Eureka made international headlines when it returned Tuluwat Island, a sacred island in Humboldt Bay, to the Wiyot tribe. The event marked the fi rst time a local government had taken such action anywhere in the country and was a long-awaited and deeply signifi cant moment of healing for the entire community.

Logging continued in the redwoods from the 1800s through to the 1970s. Commercial fi shing also gained a stronghold in the 1900s. The pristine Humboldt Bay is fi lled with abundant wildlife. At certain times of the year, you can buy fresh crabs, oysters, and more from the fi shermen who dock at Woodley Island Marina, a short drive over the Samoa Bridge. While there, check out the iconic fi sherman statue, dedicated to the memory of mariners lost at sea, and watch fi shermen bring in their hauls of salmon, tuna, and crab. In the 1960s, the back-to-the-land movement brought cannabis cultivation to the region.

The Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo opened in June 2021, designed to add yet another o ering to the eclectic mix of visitor attractions. It provides a new way to experience the amazing trees and diverse ecology that draw so many visitors to the community. It also provides an important new avenue to educate the public about the region’s unique environment and ecosystem.

MORE INFO: VisitEureka.com, 707-798-6411. Instagram: @VisitEureka, Facebook: @VisitEurekaCA.

Most Fun Place To Stay

Sequoia Park Zoo, SequoiaParkZoo.net, see page 59, photo by Greg Nyquist, NorthcoastPhotographer.net

•Free Wi-Fi •Pet Friendly

•Laundry

•Great location

•RV Parking •Newly Renovated

•Locally owned and operated

1934

COMING SOON, the newest lodging in Eureka!

Sustainable ammenities including full kitchens, pool, spa, fitness center, laundry facilities, and FULL HOT BREAKFAST!

Call: 1-877-646-6302

2112 Broadway, Eureka

707-445-9631

BAYSIDE I NN & SUITES

1209 4th St • 707-443-1601

BEST WESTERN BAYSHORE I NN 3500 Broadway • 707-268-8005

BEST WESTERN HUMBOLDT BAY I NN 232 W 5th St • 707-443-2234

C ARTER HOUSE I NNS 301 L St • 707-444-8062

C LARION 2223 4th St • 408-414-7988

COMFORT I NN HUMBOLDT BAY 4260 Broadway • 707-442-2019

DAYS I NN BY W YNDHAM 270 5th St • 707-443-2206

HOLIDAY I NN E XPRESS 815 W Wabash Ave • 707-269-0682

HOME 2 SUITES

2000 Broadway • 707-###-####

I NN AT 2ND & C 124 C St • 707-444-3344

MOTEL 6 M

1934 Broadway • 707-445-9631

R ED L ION HOTEL

1929 4th St • 707-445-0844

SEADRIFT I NN

2401 4th St • 707-444-0401

STUDIO 6 S

1934 Broadway • 707-445-9631

SUPER 8 EUREKA

1304 4th St • 707-443-3193

TOWN HOUSE MOTEL

933 4th St • 707-443-4536

TRAVELODGE

4 4th St • 707-572-5021

BROADWAY ST. EUREKA, CA CALL:

EUREKA D INING

AA BAR & GRILL

Best steaks in Humboldt County. 929 4th St., 444-1632 • AABarandGrill.net

C AFÉ M ARINA & WOODLEY ’S BAR

The fi nest in local seafood, deck seating overlooking the marina and docks of Humboldt Bay. 601 Startare Dr., Woodley Island, 443-2233 • CafeMarina.net

C ARTER HOUSE I NN

Nightly happy hour an extensive wine list of over 3,800 wines. 301 L St., 444-8062 • CarterHouse.com

THE CUTTEN C HALET

Full service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. 3980 Walnut Drive (Cutten), 798-6480 • Facebook.com/The-Cutten-Chalet-1083620474624966

CURRY L EAF

Malaysian cuisine, Asian Fusion & sake bar. 301 L St., 798-2049 • Facebook.com/profi le.php?id=100085570986481

EUREKA NATURAL FOODS

Full service natural foods grocery store with full deli, free Wi-Fi, bakery and espresso. 1450 Broadway, 442-6325 • NorthCoastCo-op.com

FRESH FREEZE

Classic drive-in style restaurant serving lunch and dinner. 3023 F Street at Harris, 442-6967 • FreshFreezeEureka.com

HUMBOLDT BAY BISTRO

Go-to dinner destination with a fantastic lounge and view. 1436 2nd St., 443-7339

• HumboldtBayBistro.com

L

L O CO FISH CO

Food truck known for fi sh’n’chips and fi sh tacos. 1648 Myrtle Avenue (in front of John’s Cigars), 601-8573 (also 1300 Central Avenue McKinleyville)

• LoCoFishCo.com

L OST COAST BREWERY

Award winning beers, classic American meals in a comfy, family setting. 617 4th St., 445-4480 • LostCoast.com

NORTH COAST CO-OP

Full service natural foods grocery store with full deli, free Wi-Fi, bakery and espresso. 4th & B Sts., 443-6027

• NorthCoastCo-op.com

PACHANGA M EXICANA

Mexican style casual dining with Margaritas in-house and to-go. 1802 5th St., 442-2587

• PachangaMexicana.com

PAUL’S L IVE FROM NEW P YORK P IZZA Y

Pizza with a New York attitude. 604 F St., 442-5800. Other locations: Arcata & Fortuna • PaulsLFNYpizza.com

P HATSY K LINE’S & TAVERN 1888 T

House-made fare from Humboldt County’s Land, Sea and Air. 139 2nd St (tavern), 444-1313

• HistoricEagleHouse.com/tavern1888 or HistoricEagleHouse.com/phatsy-kline-s

PORTER

Delicious barbecue cooked over an openfl ame oak fi re, lunch and dinner, dine in, take out, kid-friendly. 6th & Broadway, 443-1700

R ESTAURANT

BUSINESS SERVICES

Computer Rental Station

Faxing

Live Scan Fingerprinting

Mailing & Shipping Notary Public Scanning

PRINTING

Business Cards

Brochures, Flyers & Posters

Copies

Engineering Prints

Envelopes & Letterhead Forms & Labels

Invitations & Notecards

Vinyl Banners

PRODUCTS

Craft Supplies Office Supplies Stationery

AND MORE!

Carter House Inn & Restaurant 301

— Featured in Bon Appétit and Art Culinaire magazines

EUREKA D INING

C ARTER HOUSE I NN)

Tasting menu and wine pairings plus Happy Hour daily. 301 L St., 444-8062

• CarterHouse.com

R ESTAURANT 511 & P EARL L OUNGE

Big city sophistication in the casual comfort of the North Coast. 511 2nd St., 268-3852 • FiveElevenEureka.com

SEQUOIA PARK Z OO’S C AFÉ S Located at the zoo, great American food. Indoor dining and outdoor patio. 3414 W St., 442-8000 • SequoiaParkZoo.net

THE SEA GRILL

At Restaurant 301, considered one of the best restaurants in Northern California, enjoy award-winning cuisine prepared with local organic products and fresh herbs, greens and vegetables harvested daily from their extensive gardens.

Open for dinner, specializing in fresh sea food. Fantastic salad bar, historic bar and banquet facilities. 316 E St., 443-7187

• SeaGrillRestaurantEureka.com

SIAM ORCHID THAI S CUISINE C

Authentic Thai food in Eureka, open daily. Hwy 101 North & V St., 407-3838

• SiamOrchidCa.com

STARS H AMBURGERS S EUREKA E

Local, grass-fed beef makes the best burgers anywhere. 2009 Harrison Ave., 445-2061

• Eureka-Stars-Hamburgers.business.site

TRES P ICOSOS

Good food, good drinks, good vibes. 3501 Broadway., 268-8255

• TresChilesPicosos.com

Fresh Local Seafood at The Sea Grill

Sea to Plate since 1988

Petrale sole, Ling & rock cod, King salmon, Sturgeon, Oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab, Bay shrimp, Wild prawns, Sea Scallops & Steamer Clams, Alaskan Halibut & King crab legs, Lobster tail, Hawaiian Ahi, Swordfish & Mahi Mahi ...

OLD TOWN EUREKA & WATERFRONT

Eureka’s historic Old Town and Waterfront districts are a must-visit, blocks o Highway 101. Here, you can sip craft beer, dine at local restaurants, rent a kayak, or take a sunset cruise on the Madaket and visit the shops of passionate homegrown business owners. All this and more are nestled among stunning Victorian architecture interspersed with giant, colorful murals.

The U.S. National Register of Historic Places includes Eureka’s Old Town district. It features more than 150 buildings from the Victorian era. The architecture is authentic to its period, and the district is one of California’s last well-preserved downtown areas – the benefi t of missing out on the 1970s redevelopment era.

Brick crosswalks, iron benches, and planters bright with fl owers make 2nd Street the heart of Old Town, but there are inviting cross streets, too. The Clarke Memorial Museum, located in a columned former bank building at 3rd and E Streets, has an extensive collection of baskets and dance regalia of the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk tribes. The American Indian Art and Gift Shop, located on F Street between 2nd and 3rd, features a wide selection of contemporary and traditional items from artists and craftspeople of these tribes and many others from around the nation.

Park your car and take the town on foot, or hop aboard an old-timey carriage ride to view the district from a di erent perspective. Or, take your sightseeing to the sea on the M.V. Madaket, the oldest passenger motor vessel in continuous service in the U.S. Between May and October, you can hop on board for a tour and learn about local history, industries, activities, points of interest, and wildlife.

Don’t miss the short walk to the end of Old Town to view masterful representations of Victorian architecture. Stroll down 2nd Street to the Carson Mansion, one of the country’s fi nest examples of American Queen Anne-style Victorian architecture, sitting at the northern foot of Old Town. This home was built for one of Northern California’s fi rst lumber barons, William Carson, and now houses the private Ingomar Club. Please note that you can’t tour the Carson Mansion from the inside, but feel free to take all the photos you’d like from the gates.

The Pink Lady, a classic Queen Anne Victorian, is across the street from the Carson Mansion. Built in 1889, the hard-to-miss pink and white mansion was a wedding gift from William Carson to his eldest son. Many original details remain, from the pocket doors, fi replace, elaborate facade, and stained glass, with views of the Humboldt Bay.

Eureka’s waterfront runs along historic Old Town but isn’t relegated to history. It continues to be a vibrant, working harbor where you can buy local crab and other seafood delights fresh o the boat. Take in the views at Coast Guard Plaza (at the foot of F Street) and Madaket Plaza (at the foot of C Street) along the Eureka Boardwalk.

The Eureka Boardwalk & Marina is part of the 6-plus miles of the Eureka Waterfront Trail along the shores of Humboldt Bay. You can walk the length of Eureka, viewing salt marshes, sand dunes, and wildlife, including migrant birds. Interpretive signs along the way o er information about the coastal marsh and the area’s history. Artistic benches are placed along the trail to stop, rest, and take it all in. WHERE: Roughly 1st, 2nd & 3rd Streets between B and M Streets

MORE INFO: VisitEureka.com, 707-798-6411, Instagram: @VisitEureka, Facebook: @VisitEurekaCA

43 Dick Taylor Chocolate Factory

With a woodworking and boat-building background, the Taylor family has always had a passion for working with their hands, and the concept of craft has been a guiding principle in their lives. Similarities between working with wood and crafting chocolate from beans led them to become fascinated with the idea of reinventing the chocolate experience.

In 2010, they purchased small-scale equipment and began making chocolate in their small factory in Eureka, California. Their hands-on approach starts with raw cacao sourced from the fi nest, fairly-traded cacao worldwide. They perform all the necessary steps in-house to turn the raw ingredients into delicious chocolate, which takes approximately three weeks to complete.

Dick Taylor uses organic cacao and organic cane sugar in our chocolate, and they do not take any shortcuts in our process, leaving out vanilla, additional cocoa butter, or other emulsifi ers. They strive to capture and highlight the cacao’s subtle fl avor nuances, enabling them to produce some of the fi nest chocolate possible.

In addition to making chocolate, they also o er tours of our waterfront factory in Old Town on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. During a tour, visitors can see their process fi rsthand, learn about the history of chocolate, and sample their delicious creations. They believe that sharing our passion and knowledge with others is an important part of what they do, and they are always excited to welcome visitors to their factory.

WHERE: 333 1st Street

MORE INFO: DickTaylorChocolate.com

FIRST SATURDAY NIGHT A RTS A LIVE! F

Those who love large-scale art openings will enjoy First Saturday Night Arts Alive! when Eureka galleries in Downtown and Old Town coordinate art openings on the fi rst Saturday each month from 6 to 9pm. Most businesses keep later hours for these events, and the result is a lively mix of artists, art lovers, family fun and shoppers.

MORE INFO: Eureka Main Street, 707-442-9054, EurekaMainStreet.org

Looking South down 3rd Street in Old Town, across from the Gazebo.

Photo by Maximiliano Gambin

Photos courtesy of Dick Taylor Chocolate

44 Eureka’s Murals

One of the great things about Eureka is the town’s amazing support of local artists. A gratifying result of that support is the eye-popping murals on structures and buildings all over Eureka, especially in Old Town and Downtown. One of the best ways to appreciate this fantastic outdoor art is to take the self-guided walking tour, leading you to many murals. You will get a short explanation of the signifi cance of each mural, and learn who painted the work of art in front of you. Eureka has more than 100 murals to spark your imagination.

Its murals’ tremendous colors and inspiring scenes add so much to Eureka. During the August 2023 Street Art Festival, the focus will be on the Broadway and South 101 areas. These spots o er great potential for large-scale murals.

A fabulous little tour allows you to breathe the fresh coastal air and feel the sunshine on your face while you enjoy the brilliant artwork sprawled across the cityscape. After the walking tour, you can take a short drive to see more of Eureka’s murals on the Chamber of Commerce map. To get the self-guidedtour map of the town, stop by the Chamber at 2112 Broadway, ask for the Eureka Murals Walking Tour Guide or scan the QR code.

WHERE: Eureka Chamber of Commerce, 2112 Broadway, Eureka

MORE INFO: 707-442-3738, EurekaChamber.com

SCAN FOR THE S INTERACTIVE ART MAP A

Opera Alley Mural. Photo by Maximiliano Gambin.

45 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

The most delightful way to experience the Victorian seaport of Old Town Eureka is by horse-drawn carriage. Fortunately, that’s easily enough done. Brendan Fearon, who hails from the Victorian seaport of Liverpool, England, will happily take you on a tour of Old Town in his gloriously restored vis-à-vis (French for the “face-to-face” seats) carriage, pulled by either Jessie or Pearl, his Percheron draft horses. Carriage rides are o ered year-round, but it’s good to call ahead for an appointment during winter.

Brendan has been driving carriages for three decades. He is as much a part of the experience as the horse, the carriage, and Old Town itself. Witty and articulate, he is a veritable living guidebook. As you travel in and around the waterfront and past delightful old Victorians with ornate fronts at speeds of up to three miles per hour, Brendan will point out landmarks and relate tales of the history and culture of the area. This is sightseeing at its best, and an experience you won’t want to miss.

Carriage rides are also available outside of Eureka. Thanks to his trailer, Brendan can transport horse and carriage to special events from Trinidad to Garberville.

WHERE: 2nd and F Streets at Old Town Square, Old Town Eureka.

MORE INFO: 646-591-2058, OldTownCarriageCo.com, or on Facebook.

46 Old Town Haunted History Ghost Tours

The streets and alleyways of Old Town Eureka are believed to be among the most haunted locations on the entire West Coast. Old Town Haunted History Ghost Tours explore the area’s racy past and paranormal present. Each 2-hour, 1-mile walking tour of Eureka’s historic red light district leads visitors along the waterfront, up and down the notorious “Two Street,” where beautiful Victorian buildings once held saloons and houses of ill fame, and through the shadows of Opera Alley. Tragic lives and deaths of Eurekans past combine with the ghostly experiences of those who live and work in Old Town today to create a history tour with a twist.

Among the stories visitors will encounter are those of a suicidal bartender, a 1930s earthquake victim, a Prohibition-era gunfi ght in a speakeasy, Victorian hotels with numerous ghostly guests, a World War I veteran who met his untimely end in the Dreamland Roller Skating Rink, and the guardian spirit that protects its building from “that thing in the corner.”

WHERE: Tours depart from Old Town Co ee and Chocolates at 211 F St. in Old Town.

MORE INFO: 707-672-5012, on Facebook and at OldTownHauntedHistoryTours.com

KINETIC GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Humboldt County’s Kinetic Grand Championship is a 3-day, 42-mile race along California’s North Coast from Arcata to Ferndale. Racers compete for glory, pedaling along roads, over dunes, and even through Humboldt Bay. Their vehicles, called kinetic sculptures, are all-terrain, human-powered works of art engineered to race over road, water, mud and sand. Many are animated, with moving parts such as blinking eyes, fl apping wings or fi ns, and heads that look around.

The Kinetic Grand Championship is held annually every Memorial Day weekend. Entire families come out to enjoy the spectacle and cheer their favorite entries. The Eureka leg of the race occurs on the second day of the event, and includes an amphibious passage in Humboldt Bay near the Adorni Center.

MORE INFO: KineticGrandChampionship.com

Photo courtesy of Humboldt Lodging Association

Kinetic Sculpture Race in several venues. All photos by Maximiliano Gambin.

47 Eureka’s Historic Buildings

Eureka is well-known for its Victorian architecture. The city’s streets are a treasure trove of elaborate, lovingly restored buildings. The Carson Mansion — perhaps the mostphotographed Victorian in America — is said to have employed more than 100 craftsmen at once for carving, fi nishing, and installing its intricate decorative fl ourishes. Eureka boasts 1600 historically-designated and noteworthy examples of Victorian homes within its city limits. If you are a Victorian bu , take a meander through the easy-to-navigate streets of Eureka and see a town whose history is still proudly standing. Almost every street in Eureka’s Old Town boasts at least one Victorian.

Victorian architecture is not a particular style; instead, the term refers to several revival styles of architecture popular during the reign of Queen Victoria, who reigned from the late 19th century through 1901. “Victorian” architecture from the early 1900s would be called Edwardian, after Edward VII, who followed Victoria. In any event, the actual architectural style of the Carson mansion is Queen Anne revival, an ornate variant of the more austere original Queen Anne style of the 1700s. Eureka boasts an impressive collection of historic buildings in many of these Victorian styles, including French Second Empire, Greek Revival, Italianate, Stick-Eastlake, and Queen Anne. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places. eet, 707-442-9054, EurekaMainStreet.org

48 Clarke Historical Museum

The rich and diverse history of Humboldt County and California’s northern coast comes alive at the Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka. Housed in a 1912 bank building, the Museum is devoted to preserving and presenting many facets of the area’s past. Beginning with the culture of the land’s original Native American inhabitants and continuing to the present day, you will be taken on a fascinating historical journey.

The Museum has a strong focus on Native American basketry and ceremonial regalia. There is an extensive collection of antique weapons and photographs and splendid examples of ceramics, costumes, ethnic and tribal art, Victorian decorative art, furniture, paintings, and prints. The Museum has a fascinating display of everyday items from the Victorian period, really bringing the past to life. The Museum also o ers hands-on workshops for more in-depth studies of the lives of the people who made Humboldt County what it is today. Admission is free and open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and during First Saturday Night Arts Alive from 11am to 4pm and 6 to 9pm. Docent-led tours can be provided by special request. Don’t forget to ask about the resident “ghost!”

The Eureka Visitor’s Center is housed at the Museum.

WHERE: Located at the corner of 3rd and E Streets, Eureka.

MORE INFO: 707-443-1947, ClarkeMuseum.org

49 Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, located at the south end of Eureka, is a must-see for history bu s. Situated on a blu overlooking Humboldt Bay, Fort Humboldt was established in 1853 when the Gold Rush resulted in hostilities between Native Americans and gold seekers. At its operational peak, the Fort had 14 buildings. A young Ulysses S. Grant was a captain here for fi ve months after the Mexican-American War. Later, it became the headquarters for the Humboldt Military District, which included Fort Bragg and Wright in Mendocino County, Fort Ter-Wer in Klamath, and Camp Lincoln near Crescent City.

The Fort was auctioned to farmers in 1870 and soon fell into decay. In 1955, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park was established, and repairs began on the Fort. So far, only the hospital and surgeon’s quarters have been restored. They are used as museums with exhibits showing the area’s history and how the Fort operated. A historic garden has been planted with herbs and vegetables available in the 1850s. You can also see 19th and mid-20th-century logging equipment, such as “Lucy,” a Dolbeer-type steam donkey, and two locomotives. Guided tours can be arranged. The park is open daily from 8am until 5pm, and there is no entrance fee.

WHERE: 3431 Fort Ave., in south Eureka, o Highland Avenue one block east of Hwy 101 near the Bayshore Mall.

MORE INFO: 707-445-6567, search for Fort Humboldt on www.parks.ca.gov

Humboldt County • 101Things.com

Historical Victorians in Eureka, photo by Steve Hammons

Fort Humboldt, VisitEureka.com

Peeking at the Pink Lady from the porch of the Carson Mansion, VisitEureka.com

Clarke Historical Museum. Photo by Maximiliano Gambin

HUMBOLDT BAY

With a surface area of about 16,000 acres at high tide, Humboldt Bay is one of the largest estuaries in California, second only to San Francisco Bay. However, despite its size and prominent location, it remains a largely undiscovered gem. Only those who have turned o the main highway to explore it can appreciate its many hidden facets.

Much of what we see today refl ects the early commercial development of the bay and the surrounding territory. Among the many exciting and often overlooked attractions Humboldt Bay o ers visitors and residents alike are the carefully preserved waterfront refl ecting its colorful history, a pristine environment home to year-round and seasonal wildlife, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

HISTORIC WATERFRONT, OLD TOWN EUREKA

Extensive historic preservation e orts by dedicated volunteers have ensured that much of the past has been lovingly retained and restored. The historic waterfront district of Old Town preserves buildings dating back to the 19th century. A stroll through the area reveals classic examples of past architectural styles and innovative uses of the old structures that ensure their survival as they house today’s shops, museums, restaurants, and other businesses. Walking and horse-drawn carriage tours provide unique insights into the colorful past and its legacy.

PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT FOR WILDLIFE

Humboldt Bay has been preserved by the e orts of many dedicated agencies, organizations, and individuals who have united to ensure that it is an inviting home or resting spot for many species of wildlife. The bay’s waters are so clean that its shellfi sh may be eaten raw straight from the bay.

Because Humboldt Bay is an estuary, freshwater infl uence from the streams and sloughs that run into it increases during the winter rainy season. Incoming tides continually bring in fi sh and many invertebrates, such as jellyfi sh, crabs, and shrimp. Dolphins, porpoises (yes, they’re di erent from each other), seals, and sea lions follow the fi sh and invertebrates into the bay. The sea lions are semi-permanent residents, while the others are temporary visitors.

Humboldt Bay is a major resting point along the Pacifi c Flyway that migrating birds utilize. More than 250 species can be found here, and bird-watching is a year-round activity. Popular bird-watching areas include the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge in southern Humboldt Bay, Fay Slough Wildlife Area (FSWA) north of Eureka, Elk River Wildlife Area and PALCO Marsh in southern Eureka, the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mad River Slough Wildlife Area west of Arcata. Interpretive centers that are the starting points for frequently-scheduled wildlife walks are located at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

SPORT FISHING, CLAMMING AND CRABBING

Humboldt Bay supports over 100 marine and estuarine fi sh species, including green sturgeon, coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout, which spawn and rear in the watershed of the tributaries that feed the bay. Green sturgeon, coho salmon, and several other species are protected. Anglers in Humboldt Bay usually favor California halibut, surf perch, jacksmelt, Chinook (“King”) salmon, and leopard sharks. Although not considered eating fi sh, bat rays are “catch and release.” Humboldt Bay o ers numerous opportunities for fi shing by boat and from shore.

Clammers fi nd very productive habitats for many clam species, including littleneck, gaper, and Martha Washington. The bay is also an ideal oyster habitat, supporting California’s largest commercial oyster-producing area. Seasonally, Dungeness and red rock crabs are caught in the bay.

Recreational fi shing, clamming, and crabbing are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Before undertaking these activities, consult current Fish and Wildlife regulations for licensing, seasons, size limits, bag limits, and legal fi shing gear.

BOATING

Although Humboldt Bay is a deep water port with harbor facilities, including large industrial docks at Fairhaven, Samoa, and Fields Landing, recreational boating also abounds. Sailboats and yachts are plentiful. There are numerous launching facilities around the bay and marinas for berthing a wide array of pleasure craft. Woodley Island is home to Humboldt Bay Harbor District’s Marina, and the City of Eureka’s Public Marina at Old Town is another excellent place to moor your boat. Canoes and kayaks are also very popular and often used to explore the salt marshes that ring the bay. Tours to these areas are regularly o ered.

50 Take a Ride with Humboldt’s Timber Heritage Society

Ride the Rails! Arcata and Mad River Railroad crew speeder cars were originally used to transport logging crews into the woods along the railways in Humboldt County. In 2009 two of these vehicles were restored by Timber Heritage Association volunteers, beginning their very successful speeder ride program. Currently, THA o ers excursions for about 25 riders per trip on their speeders in several Humboldt Bay locations.

Their signature tour is a 4-mile round trip along beautiful Humboldt Bay from Samoa north along the shoreline, running every half hour from 10am to 4pm on the fourth Saturdays of June, July, August, and September. These are great rides for seeing the fl ora and fauna of Humboldt Bay and some historic locations. Parking and depot are near the Samoa Cookhouse. After your speeder ride, stroll over to the adjacent Timber Heritage Association historic 1893 Samoa Shops and Roundhouse for a tour. They are all part of a working museum where you can see many of Timber Heritage’s collections of logging artifacts and locomotives.

WHERE: On the second Saturdays of June, July, August, and September, as well as the Fourth of July, the speeders can be found in various locations listed on their website.

MORE INFO: TimberHeritage.org

51 Woodley Island

One of three natural islands in Humboldt Bay, Woodley Island o ers sightseeing with a nautical fl avor. It’s marina is Humboldt Bay’s largest, with 217 slips for commercial and recreational vessels and guest docking facilities. It o ers sailors a laundromat, restrooms and showers, hoists, and other support services.

You can watch fi shing boats come and go, and buy fresh fi sh and crab right o the boats. Relax and enjoy the Café Marina and Woodley Bar for a real treat. The island also has its own National Weather Service station, and is the headquarters for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District.

The only dockside kayak rental facility on the North Coast is on Woodley Island. Stop o at Dock A, and Humboats Kayak Adventures will provide you with everything you need to go out on the water in Humboldt Bay.

Woodley Island is also the site of “The Fisherman,” a memorial statue created by artist Dick Crane. It commemorates the mariners who have lost their lives at sea. It can be easily spotted from Old Town Eureka. Woodley Island is also the relocated home of the old Table Blu Lighthouse tower, which was moved there in 1987.

Roughly half the island’s area is a protected wildlife sanctuary. There are two freshwater ponds. Bird watchers come to catch glimpses of godwits, pelicans, grebes, WHERE: Besides being accessible by water, Woodley Island can also be reached by car. Take Hwy 255 west for .6 mile from its intersection with Hwy 101 at the northern end of Eureka.

MORE INFO: 707-443-0801, HumboldtBay.org/woodley-island-marina; Café Marina 707-443-2233, CafeMarina.net; Humboats Kayak Adventures 707-443-5157, HumBoats.com

Photo by Mario Vaden

Café Marina on Woodley Island, photo by David Kaftal

52 Humboldt Coastal Nature Center

The growing, green-roofed Humboldt Coastal Nature Center in Manila, founded by Friends of the Dunes, is unique in our region. It is the public gateway to over 1000 acres of coastal lands, including the dunes near Arcata and Eureka, possibly Humboldt’s bestkept secret. You can explore from the Nature Center on your own or enjoy guided hikes highlighting bird-watching, mushrooms, dune movement, and even observation of hive-less solitary bees living in the sand. On one ten-minute trail alone, you can start at a marsh, walk through a pigmy forest, pick huckleberries, count birds, run (or roll) down massive sand dunes, and dip your toes in the ocean!

Thanks to decades of restoration work by Friends of the Dunes, these coastal dunes may be the most biologically diverse habitat in Humboldt County and are among Earth’s most pristine coastal dunes. The wind and sand dance with the Pacifi c, creating both turbulence and serenity. Saltwater marshes give way to lichen-draped forests, with foxes, tree frogs, wildfl owers, and the endangered Humboldt Bay wallfl ower found along the trail. The Nature Center’s facilities and programming make it the only center on California’s North Coast where people of all ages and abilities experience and learn about all the diverse habitats of the Humboldt Bay area. The Humboldt Coastal Nature Center’s exhibits, trails, and programs combine experiential education, conservation-minded recreational access, and hands-on restoration activities to increase public understanding of local coastal environments and to inspire community-driven stewardship of these fragile resources. Trails and restrooms are free and open during daylight hours. The Interpretive Center (FREE) is open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

WHERE: Take Hwy 255 north from Eureka or south from Arcata to Manila. Turn west on Stamps Lane and follow the signs to 220 Stamps Ln. You’ll fi nd self-guided tour brochures in the sign-in box next to the trailhead.

MORE INFO: 707-444-1397, FriendsOfTheDunes.org/humboldtcoastalnaturecenter

53 Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Humboldt Bay

Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, located on the beautiful Eureka waterfront across from Woodley Island Marina, o ers kayak, canoe, sailboat, and standup paddleboard rentals, and private and group lessons, as well as guided tours around the Bay with wildlife-watching in the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Eureka’s waterfront, Woodley Island and Arcata Marsh.

WHERE: Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, 921 Waterfront Dr., Eureka

MORE INFO: 707-443-4222, Humboldt.edu/hbac

Humboats o ers eco-tours of Humboldt Bay. Discover wildlife, watch bird migrations, and learn about the fascinating heritage of Humboldt Bay, its native Indian populations, the Eureka waterfront, and the Bay of today. Humboats is both ACA and BCU-certifi ed, with all lessons and tours provided by internationally experienced professional guides. Humboats also o ers fi shing, whale-watching, and river trips by kayak throughout Humboldt County.

WHERE: 601 Startare Dr., Woodley Island

MORE INFO: 707-443-5157, Humboats.com

54 North Jetty

If you enjoy cruising around the Dunes, check out the historic North and South Humboldt Jetties. These jetties protect the entrance channel, which is over 100 years old, and maintain their “historical integrity.” jetties are constructed of dolos, designed after a goat’s ankle bone by Engineer Orville Magoon. Their fi rst use in America was here in Humboldt. Before Magoon’s innovation, the jetties were falling apart. Initially constructed in the 1890s, the Corps of Engineers piled 5,000 42-short-ton dolos around the jetties’ heads and, in 1977, named the two structures a historical civil engineering landmark. In 1985, the Corps dropped another 1,000 dolos on the jetties.

The North Jetty is located in Samoa, the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay near Eureka, and the South Jetty is located via Loleta, about 15 miles south of Eureka. Experienced surfers tend to get frothy at the mouth in winter when the waves in the channel sandwiched between the two jetties are the cleanest and meanest. Warning: These waters are sharky. Surf it an hour before and up to an hour after low tide only, or get sucked out to sea. If you surf it on an incoming tide, you’ll continually get sucked toward the bay, and the Coast Guard will have to come to the rescue because you will be in the impact zone of every set—don’t be that person and know your limits. Both Jetty locations are popular with experienced local spearfi shers; the rocky crevices are a lingcod and rockfi sh favorite hiding spot. Or play it safe: anglers can fi sh from the concrete structure (FYI: you don’t need a fi shing license to fi sh o a “public pier” in Humboldt).

While walking along the rugged Jetty, watch your step and be weary. Never turn your back to the sea. Sneaker waves can claim lives.

The jetties provide recreational endeavors like fi shing and surfi ng and yield economic benefi ts, including boons to the lumber industry, various export/ import businesses, and waterborne commerce. As such, the region’s fi nancial stability has depended upon continued maintenance and design improvements to the Humboldt Bay jetties.

WHERE: at the end of the Samoa peninsula for the North Jetty. For the South Jetty, use the Loleta exit and follow the road to the end.

55

Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum

Humboldt Bay was settled in the early 19th century and has a rich maritime history fi lled with adventure, passion, and — especially — disaster. From the 1850s through the early 20th century, the best way to carry passengers, lumber, and goods to and from this area was by sea. In 1853 alone, 12 ships wrecked on the bar at the treacherous mouth of the bay. By 1856 the Humboldt Harbor Light was built on the north spit, eventually replaced by the Table Blu Light in 1886.

Many aspects of the North Coast and Humboldt Bay maritime life come alive as soon as you step through the door of the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum. It is fi lled with artifacts showing the shipwrecks, shipbuilding, lumber schooners, fi shing boats, ferries, tugs, and the lighthouses that lit the way for all ships to pass safely into the harbor. They even have a lighthouse lens from the middle of the 19th century. The M.V. Madaket, a 1910 passenger ferry that departs from the foot of C Street, o ers cruises around Humboldt Bay and is also operated by the museum.

WHERE: Next to the Samoa Cookhouse, open Thursday through Saturday in winter and Tuesday through Saturday in summer, from 11am to 4pm.

MORE INFO: 707-444-9440, HumboldtBayMaritimeMuseum.com

Photo by Steven Vander Meer, FriendsOfTheDunes.org

North Jetty. Photo by Courtney Ramos

56

M.V. Madaket Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise

Climb aboard the Madaket and enjoy a relaxing voyage along the shores of Humboldt Bay. The M.V. Madaket, built in 1910, is the last survivor of seven original ferries that transported families and mill workers around Humboldt Bay for decades. Today it is the oldest passenger motor vessel in continuous service in the United States. Between May and October, you can hop on board for a tour and learn about local history, industries, activities, points of interest, and wildlife.

There are several trips to choose from. The 75-minute narrated cruise takes you along the shores of the bay and Eureka’s waterfront. At the same time, you learn a bit about the area you’re visiting. A one-hour cocktail cruise will show you the sights and sounds of the bay while you enjoy a drink from the smallest licensed bar in California. You can privately charter the boat for up to 42 of your friends for a birthday, anniversary, or other special event. The M.V. Madaket is run by the friendly people at Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum in Samoa. The museum focuses on the boating history of the bay.

WHERE: Departs from the foot of C Street in Old Town Eureka.

MORE INFO: 707-445-1910, HumboldtBayMaritimeMuseum.com

located in the little town of Samoa, next

Fisherman’s Memorial Statue, on Woodley Island, photo by Rich Formica, FormicaPhoto.com

58

57 Eureka Summer Concert Series

Every summer from mid-June through late August, music lovers in the Eureka area receive a special treat — free concerts! These concerts have become a popular annual tradition held on successive Thursdays from 6 to 8pm. Genres range across a musical spectrum that includes rock, blues, country, reggae, Cajun, and every now and then, a taste of Celtic. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, creating the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and “laissez les bons temps rouler” (“let the good times roll” in Cajun French).

The entertainment is top-notch and generally imported from outside of the area. The crowds are lively but mellow, making it a family-friendly event. The Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Eureka Main Street, Bi-Coastal Media, and the City of Eureka.

WHERE: Madaket Plaza at the foot of C Street in Old Town Eureka.

MORE INFO: 707-442-9054, EurekaMainStreet.org

3750 Harris Street in Eureka

Redwood Acres

Redwood Acres Event Center is a venerable Eureka institution on 52 acres near the north end of Harris Street. It opened its gates in the fall of 1937 for a local agricultural exposition and horse racing; that year, admission to the fairgrounds was 50¢ per person.

Today auto racing has replaced horse racing, and the agricultural expo event has given way to a full slate of events that include The Best of Humboldt Fair, Humboldt Roller Derby, Humboldt Artisans, Humboldt Sponsors, Redwood Flea Market, NCIDC Intertribal Gathering, Antique Show, Local 4-H, F.F.A. and Junior Livestock Association Shows, Rose Society Show, Quilters Guild, Gem and Mineral Show and Mushroom Fair. The auto racing occurs at Redwood Acres Raceway, a semi-banked, 3/8-mile paved oval racetrack with a vintage covered grandstand and lighting for nighttime racing. And the horses haven’t gone away entirely — you’ll still fi nd an Equine Center with eight barns, four arenas, a round pen, 164 stalls, and 77 turn-out pen spaces. This place is jumping!

WHERE: 3750 Harris St., Eureka MORE INFO: 707-445-3037, RedwoodAcres.com

Frankie’s NY Bagels

Best of Humboldt Fair at Redwood Acres, photo by Jessica Rawlings

59 Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park

New this year are FULLY GUIDED TOURS! Hear the stories from the knowledgeable tour docents about how it started, how it was done in the old days, and how to do things yourself. Blue Ox is a fully-functioning authentic Victorian-style working mill and museum. Fully-guided tours include the historic woodworking shop, including the world’s most extensive human-powered tools collection; the skid camp that shows how the loggers lived in the 1800s: the traditional art studios, including the blacksmith shop, a ceramics studio, letterpress print shop; fabric arts studio — and even a puppet theater! The millwork shop produces one-of-a-kind pieces for historic buildings for buildings all over the country. Using antique equipment from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s and traditional woodworking techniques, the master artisans preserve the National Trust by saving historically signifi cant buildings ranging from governor’s mansions, national parks, saloons, cathedrals, and hundreds of private historic homes.

Have you ever wanted to learn blacksmithing or how to turn on a lathe, make something with clay, or polish stones for jewelry? Workshops covering these and other trade crafts are o ered.

Watch the new television series showcasing the talents of founder Eric Hollenbeck and his family and sta on Discovery Channel or streaming on Discovery +.

WHERE: Corner of 1st and X St.

MORE INFO: BlueOxHistoricVillage.org, Facebook, or call 444-3437 to schedule a tour or workshop.

60 Humboldt Botanical Garden

Visitors of all ages can relax and recharge while experiencing the wide variety of horticultural displays and habitats at the beautiful Humboldt Botanical Garden. This 44.5-acre garden gem features over seven acres of formal-themed gardens, fi ve miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, and plenty of benches for refl ection.

The Humboldt Botanical Garden is where plants, nature, and the environment truly come alive. Whether you seek horticultural education and inspiration, need a break from a hectic day, want to picnic with your family, or need a place to hike or walk your dog, the Humboldt Botanical Garden is a must-see destination. The Garden is a great place to get information on plants that grow in the local climate and plants native to California that will inspire you with new ideas to take home to your own garden.

From November 1 to March 30, the Humboldt Botanical Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. From April 1 to October 31, the Garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Admission ranges from $5-$15. Garden members, children fi ve and under, College of the Redwoods a liates, and active military receive free admission. The Humboldt Botanical Garden is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program, whose members also receive free admission. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome for a small fee.

WHERE: Just south of Eureka at 7707 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, CA 95503, next to College of the Redwoods. From Highway 101: Exit 698 to the north entrance of College of the Redwoods, where you will see signs leading to the Garden.

MORE INFO: 707-442-5139, go to HBGF.org, on Facebook and Instagram

Blue Ox Millworks,

“All Happy Now” by Peter Santino at Humboldt Botanical Gardens. Photo by Courtney Ramos

61 Sequoia Park Zoo

A perfect day on the Redwood Coast begins with a visit to Sequoia Park Zoo. Founded in 1907, it is the oldest zoo in California, with over 50 species, some rare and endangered. Meet red pandas from the Himalayas, bird-watch in the Nancy Hilfi ker aviary, and take pictures on the world-class Redwood Sky Walk! On 6 acres, this award-winning zoo is intimate and accessible for all ages and abilities, the only zoo in the world located within a redwood forest.

The Redwood Sky Walk is a brand-new, self-guided eco-experience unlike any other, with entry inside the Zoo. Designed to showcase our coast redwoods with a new perspective, this interpretive trail gently guides visitors 100 feet above the forest fl oor and invites them to learn more about California’s famous north coast region and natural history. The experience is ADA accessible except for one optional 369-foot adventure segment and includes no stairs.

Explore the award-winning Watershed Heroes exhibit, which includes a water-play area inviting children to splash and learn about our local watershed. Observe three playful North American river otters swimming underwater in their lush habitat. Watch their behavior as they move from land to water in this unique exhibit, voted #3 in the world by ZooNation.org. Nearby are two magnifi cent bald eagles and two common ravens watching from their perches, along with a North American porcupine and a Northern spotted owl all residing within the Raptor Aviary. Check out how a pack of Bush dogs patrol their terraced territory and marvel at the color of the gorgeous fl ock of Chilean fl amingos. The fun and interactive Barnyard is home to various domestic hooved, feathered, and furry friends. Locate some surprising wild critters who use human habitats for their homes, too, and make a game of fi nding them all!

During your visit, grab a bite at the Zoo’s Ecos Cafe, locally-owned with delicious options. End your visit in the Zoo Gift Shop, where you can fi nd the perfect souvenir from a variety of toys, books, games, and apparel.

As an Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited zoo, we meet the highest animal care and welfare standards and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, AZA institutions dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientifi c research, conservation, and education programs. Sequoia Park Zoo inspires protection of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife.

WHERE: 3414 W St., Eureka

MORE INFO: Sequoia Park Zoo is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM -6:00 PM with last entry at 5:30 PM (hours may vary depending on time of year, check website for more information).

SequoiaParkzoo.net

62 Auto Races & Motorcycle Races

Redwood Acres Raceway at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka is a semi-banked, 3/8-mile paved oval racetrack that’s been going strong since 1947. It has a vintage, covered grandstand with a snack bar for refreshments. The track is lighted for nighttime racing, and ample parking is adjacent to the facility. Spectators can see various exciting racing events, including Late Models, Bombers, Bandoleros, Legends, Mini Stocks, and Roadrunners. Monster Truck events can feature some of the top-name performers in the country.

WHERE: 3750 Harris St., Eureka

MORE INFO: 707-500-5016, RacinTheAcres.com

Samoa Drag Strip, located south of the Samoa Cookhouse near the end of the Samoa Peninsula, is a 1/4-mile NHRA Sanctioned Drag strip. Witness tremendous power and explosive acceleration from 0 to unbelievable speeds in the quarter mile. Race cars in these events range from ordinary street-legal family cars out to see what they can do to fi re-breathing dragsters. Motorcycle races are also a regular at the strip. All racing events occur on weekends. Races average every other weekend from April through September each year, with some races on Thursday nights. Their schedule can be found on Samoadragstrip.com. Family-friendly, kids under 12 get free admission!

WHERE: From Eureka, go across the Samoa Bridge, turn left, and head south to access the drag strip.

MORE INFO: 707-845-5755, SamoaDragStrip.com

63 Ma-le’l Dunes National Landmark

The 160-acre Ma-e’l Dunes gained National Landmark status in 2021 and showcases a coastal landscape that includes forests, salt marshes, sand dunes, and beaches. It is the most pristine remaining dune system in the Pacifi c Northwest. It contains a diverse array of native vegetation and several rare fl ora species. The site is very scenic and a ords the public an inspiring view of a natural coastal ecosystem that was once common along the western coast. Ma-le’l is a Wiyot ancestral place name.

The northern portion of Ma-le’l is part of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (HBNWR). Trail access is limited to pedestrians only. Access to the north parking lot is limited to provide visitors with more of a “wilderness” experience; it is open FridayMonday. Visitors can access the area by walking or biking from the South Trailhead parking area.

The southern portion of Ma-le’l, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), allows for dog walking and equestrian use on designated trails only. Always protect natural and cultural resources by observing visitor guidelines. Motorized vehicles and camping are prohibited, and the area is open from sunrise until one hour after sunset.

WHERE: The Ma-le’l Dune Unit is located south of Lanphere Dunes at the upper end of the North Spit of Humboldt Bay, west of Mad River Slough. Take Young Rd o of Hwy 255 in the northern part of Manila and follow the signs.

MORE INFO: Bureau of Land Management, Arcata Field O ce, 825-2300, blm.gov/o ce/arcata-fi eld-o ce or Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 822-6378 or 733-5406, fws.gov/humboldtbay/

64 Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

If you love to ride your ATV or have been itching to try the sport, head to the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. This is an excellent place for an afternoon of launching up and over sand dunes, making sharp turns, and triggering sand to shoot into the air. There is plenty of space to play, with more than 140 acres of trails and beaches. Please bring your own ATV since they are not available to rent. There is also a 75-acre riding area known as Eureka Dunes, now open to o -highway vehicles. It extends about one mile north of the park.

Take a break from all the fun to cook meals on one of the grills. If you are not an ATV enthusiast, you’ll still enjoy the park’s many other activities, such as strolling down the jetty, hiking, surfi ng, fi shing, and seeing the starfi sh clinging to the jetty rocks, beachcombing, or bird-watching. While walking around, you may even encounter heaps of shells discarded by the Wiyot Indians, who used this land long ago as a seasonal gathering site for shellfi sh.

Various sea- and shorebirds can be seen nesting and resting in the cypress tree groves throughout the 300-acre park. The northeast 40 acres are a protected habitat for the endangered Humboldt Bay wallfl ower. As an indicator species, it functions like a canary in the coal mine for its immediate surroundings.

WHERE: Take Hwy 255 o Hwy 101 in Eureka. Go across the Samoa Bridge and turn left (south) onto New Navy Base Road. Drive about 4 miles down the road to the end.

MORE INFO: BLM, 707-825-2300

Samoa Dunes Recreational Area. Photo by Denise Comiskey

Samoa Drag Strip, photo by Steve Hammons

Local dunes provide homes for flora and fauna.

Photo courtesy of HLA

65 Morris Graves Museum of Art

In 1996, the Humboldt Arts Council began the Carnegie Restoration Project to save Eureka’s historic Carnegie Library building and transform it into a cultural center and regional art museum.

Opened on January 1, 2000, as the Morris Graves Museum of Art, the arts council’s architectural treasure is now the crown jewel of the arts community. The building gracefully houses seven premier galleries; a young artists’ academy; a performance rotunda for music, dance, and the literary arts; and the administrative o ces of the Humboldt Arts Council. Exhibitions feature the work of local artists as well as artists from around the world, and a robust schedule of programming o ers visitors the chance to hear directly from exhibiting artists, take part in hands-on art programs for children and families, listen to a wide array of live music and enjoy a gathering place that is central to the arts and culture of Humboldt County.

WHERE: 636 F St., Eureka MORE INFO: 707-442-0278, HumboldtArts.org

66 Humboldt Roller Derby

Experience the best of grassroots sports and community as the skaters of Humboldt Roller Derby face o against regional and national rivals to claim the glory of victory for the North Coast. You won’t want to miss out on these full nights of hard-hitting, swift-skating, and breathtaking action.

Thrilling for the whole family. Exciting for a fi rst date. Derby o ers a trackside seat for the fastest-growing sport in America. Derby combines athletics, an energetic announcer, food, beer, a live band, and an enthusiastic crowd. The “Dirty Derby Blowhards” provide the brass band sounds to keep the night lively. Fans sporting team colors and vibrant signs chant the names of their favorite skaters. The announcer adds color as he calls all the shots on the fl at track. Most important is the athleticism, endurance, and commitment of the skaters. These hard-working track stars have thrust Humboldt into the national spotlight as WFTDA, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association members.

The action is fast-paced and constant. Bouts comprise two-minute “jams” where each team goes all out to assist their point scorer and thwart their opponents’ hopes. Aggressive but fair play in a strategic battle of bodies and ambition leaves it all on the track for you to watch.

If you are looking for a fun community event to enjoy, it doesn’t get much better than Humboldt Roller Derby. Visit their website for bout dates and times or to learn more. WHERE: Bouts are held at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds, Eureka MORE INFO: HumboldtRollerDerby.com

67 Headwaters Forest Reserve

Imagine standing under a towering forest canopy, streams of light coming through the leaves, and the gentle twitter of birds coming from the woods surrounding you. This is a beautifully tranquil experience, which everyone should have at least once. The Headwaters Forest Reserve, just south of Eureka, o ers an ideal setting for this experience. The reserve serves as a habitat for threatened animals, such as the marbled murrelet and the coho salmon. There are two di erent sections to this 7,500-acre forest.

The northern section is open from dawn to dusk for anyone wanting a pleasant hike through the redwoods along the Elk River Trail. It is an 11-mile hike past streams, the south fork of the Elk River, and several magnifi cent old-growth stands. The Elk River Trail is a wilderness area, and wild animals such as bears and mountain lions do inhabit the region.

One mile into the Elk River Trail hike, you will fi nd the remains of what was once a mill town called Falk, named after its founder Noah Falk, who migrated here in the late 1800s during the Gold Rush. Upon arrival, Falk was enamored with the redwoods and came to see them as his own form of gold. He built a sawmill on the site, and a town with a population of nearly 400 sprung up around it. The mill and the town operated for almost 30 years until the Great Depression in 1937, when the mill shut down, and the town followed shortly after. Through the mid-1900s, Falk was a ghost town, and in 1979 the buildings were fi nally taken down due to liability factors. Today, hikers along the Elk River Trail can see traces of the town. Interpretative signs along the trail point out the sites where the mill and the town’s buildings once stood. Now all that remains are haunting foundations, ghostly relics of metal machinery left behind, and the giant stumps of age-old trees.

The other portion of the reserve, the southern end, can only be accessed on a BLM-led guided hike, beginning at Newburg Park in Fortuna, see Fortuna section. WHERE: Take Elk River Road o Hwy 101 south of Eureka, go about 6 miles to trailhead parking area.

MORE INFO: Bureau of Land Management, 707-825-2300, search for Headwaters Forest Reserve at BLM.gov

photo by Bob Wick, BLM California

Morris Graves Museum, VisitEureka.com

Humboldt Roller Derby, photo by Matt Filar

68 Eureka’s Public Sculptures

Humboldt County is known for its commitment to the arts and its large population of artists, so it should be no surprise that public sculpture is a prominent part of Eureka’s urban landscape. You will fi nd examples in Old Town, Downtown, along the 101 Corridor, and even the Burre Center on Myrtle Avenue. Perhaps the best-known is the sculpture by Dick Crane of a fi sherman on Woodley Island in Humboldt Bay. Most of the pieces are abstract, ranging from somewhat to completely abstract. Many were gifts to the City of Eureka, including a number done by the Pacifi c Rim Sculpture Group in San Francisco. Others were donated by individual independent artists.

Within the past few years, sculptures have been added to the Madaket Plaza at the foot of C Street along Eureka’s waterfront. Five or six appear there annually in a rotating juried show. A noteworthy permanent water feature there, “Following Current Events,” is the work of Eureka sculptor Jack Sewell. There are plans to install more sculptures throughout the downtown area in the coming years.

MORE INFO: City of Eureka Art and Culture Commission, Eureka-Art-Culture.com, info@eureka-art-culture.com; Eureka Main Street, 707-442-9054, EurekaMainStreet.org

EUREKA’S E UTILITY BOX U A RT P ROGRAM

Humboldt County is known for its commitment to the arts and its large population of artists, so it should be no surprise that public sculpture is a prominent part of Eureka’s urban landscape. The “canvases” they work on are utility boxes belonging to the City of Eureka and Caltrans: the Utility Art Box Program.

Part of the City of Eureka’s Strategic Arts Plan, these colorful works of art complement the city’s many murals and sculptures. They are a foretaste of more public art to come.

The idea of sprucing up urban areas with art executed on utility boxes has become somewhat of an international phenomenon since the start of the new millennium, with electrical panel and tra c control box art popping up from Germany to New Zealand, as well as all over the U.S.

Although facilitated and coordinated by the city, Eureka’s utility box art is paid for primarily by local businesses and individuals, each paying $500 to sponsor a box. The tens of thousands of dollars thus spent are a testament to this community’s love for the arts and its willingness to support them.

TOP image by Patricia Sennot BOTTOM image by Samantha Moore

The Romano Gabriel Sculpture Garden at 315 Second Street in Old Town. Photo courtesy of Eddy Alexander

HOME OF CAL POLY HUMBOLDT A RCATA

A CTIVITIES IN THE A REA

• Arcata Plaza shopping and browsing

• RampArt Indoor Skatepark & Arcata Skatepark

• Humboldt Crabs Baseball

• Arcata Community Pool

• Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

• Mad River Community Park

• Arcata Community Forest

• Hiking, biking, birding

C ALIFORNIA S TATE POLYTECHNIC I NSTITUTE - HUMBOLDT

Welcome to Arcata, California located on the ancestral Wiyot land known as Goudi’ni: A Haven of Natural Beauty and Cultural Charms! Nestled along California’s stunning North Coast, Arcata is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its unique blend of natural splendor and vibrant community spirit. Surrounded by towering redwood forests, picturesque coastal landscapes, and a thriving arts scene, this charming city o ers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Come and discover the captivating allure of Arcata!

Nature’s Playground: Arcata is blessed with breathtaking natural wonders that will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the towering grandeur of the ancient redwoods at the Arcata Community Forest, where hiking trails wind through lush greenery and lead you to panoramic vistas. For a taste of coastal beauty, head to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a renowned bird-watching paradise where you can stroll along scenic trails and observe a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to visit the nearby breathtaking beaches, where the crashing waves and vibrant sunsets create a tranquil ambiance that rejuvenates the soul.

Cultural Enchantment: Arcata is a haven for art and culture enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant creative scene that thrives in harmony with its natural surroundings. Explore the charming streets of the historic downtown, lined with unique boutiques, galleries, and craft shops o ering one-of-a-kind treasures. Experience the local arts scene at the historic Arcata Theatre Lounge, which hosts live music performances, movie nights, and entertaining events throughout the year. And don’t miss the Farmers’ Market, where you can sample fresh produce, and artisanal goods, and mingle with friendly locals while enjoying live music and street performances. Community Spirit: One of Arcata’s most captivating attributes is its warm and welcoming community. Known for its progressive mindset, Arcata embraces sustainability, local initiatives, and a thriving local food culture. Engage with the community at the Arcata Plaza, the heart of the city, where you can join lively events, festivals, and farmers’ markets. Connect with locals who are passionate about preserving the city’s natural beauty and promoting environmental sustainability.

Gateway to Adventure: Arcata serves as a gateway to exhilarating outdoor adventures. Embark on a kayaking expedition along the Mad River, where you’ll navigate scenic waterways teeming with wildlife. For the more adventurous souls, embark on a trek to the nearby Headwaters Forest Reserve, home to rare and majestic fl ora and fauna. And if you’re a surfi ng enthusiast, catch some of the best waves on the West Coast at nearby Trinidad Bay.

Unforgettable Cuisine: Arcata’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of farm-to-table freshness and international fl avors. Indulge your taste buds with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal delights at the city’s charming bistros, breweries, and farm-to-fork restaurants. Sample award-winning craft beers at the local breweries or savor delicious organic wines from nearby vineyards.

Plan A Visit: Whether you’re seeking serenity in nature, cultural enrichment, or thrilling adventures, Arcata is the perfect destination to satisfy your wanderlust. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community, this coastal haven promises an unforgettable experience. Plan trip to Arcata today and immerse yourself in the wonders of this captivating Californian gem.

Arcata is the home of Cal Poly Humboldt, one of 23 campuses that comprise the California State University system. The university was founded in 1913 as a teachers college and was called Humboldt Normal School. Today the university’s curricula include environmental engineering, forestry, science, business, liberal arts and creative arts. In 2022, was o cially designated as California’s third Polytechnic Institute, leaving behind it’s title of Humboldt State University.

O ering education in a distinctive setting, Cal Poly Humboldt is attractive to collegebound students who are looking for small classes and individual attention from faculty. Typically, the students who attend Humboldt State are from the upper one-third of their high school graduating classes.

Overlooking Humboldt Bay, Cal Poly Humboldt is regarded as an exceptionally beautiful college campus. It is also a cultural hub of the North Coast, sponsoring art exhibits, symphony concerts, dance performances, live theatre and lectures. The campus boasts the largest library facility in California north of San Francisco, a marine laboratory, fi sh hatchery, wildlife museum, greenhouse, art galleries, performance venues, and more. Cal Poly Humboldt hosts a variety of annual meetings and conferences for professional organizations and clubs from across the country, bringing thousands of visitors to Humboldt County every year. Student-led campus tours are o ered beginning in the Student Business Services (SBS) Building, and typically lasting two hours.

WHERE: 1 Harpst St., Arcata MORE INFO: 707-826-3011, Humboldt.edu

69 Arcata’s Historic Landmarks

Arcata abounds with visually exciting historic architecture that dazzles the eye. The town, settl ed around 1850 under the name of Union, underwent several di erent periods as it developed. After what was known as the settlement era, Arcata went through a period of heavy Victorian infl uence. Many Victorian houses and structures stand to this day, and are popular sites for tourists and photographers. The William Nixon House is a great example of one from this period. Located on 10th Street, this amazing home was originally bought for 500 sacks of potatoes. On 14th Street, mirror-image Victorian mansions sit across the street from one another.

Designated historic landmarks include the Hotel Arcata at 9th and G Streets, which was built in 1915; one of the oldest continuously operated theaters in the country, the Minor Theatre at 10th and H Streets, which was built in 1914; and Jacoby’s Storehouse at 8th and H Streets. Built in 1857, Jacoby’s Storehouse is now used for numerous restaurants, shops and offices, as well as a Railroad Museum on the ground floor. All of these structures have undergone restoration in recent years, and feature quality workmanship in the exterior and interior of the buildings. The Arcata Main Street office is also located in that building.

MORE INFO: Historical Sites Society of Arcata, 707-822-4722, ArcataHistory.org. For a self-guided Victorian homes walking tour map call the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, 707-822-3619, ArcataChamber.com

Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, photo by Kellie Brown, Humboldt.edu

Lady Anne Victorian Inn, photo by Isabelle McAllister

Photo by Maximiliano Gambin

FriendsOfTheDunes.org

71 Public Activities at Cal Poly Humboldt

Performing Arts — Cal Poly brings big acts to campus, and world-class performers as diverse as the Juilliard String Quartet and B.B. King have appeared there. Enjoy live performances in the campus’s three main performance halls: The Kate Buchanan Room, the Fulkerson Recital Hall and the Van Duzer Theatre. Catch a show or concert from the Department of Music, the Department of Theatre, Film & Dance, Center Arts or Associated Students Presents.

MORE INFO: Performing Arts Ticket O ce, 707-826-3928

Visual Arts — The Campus is home to the Reese Bullen Gallery, the Native American Arts Gallery, and several student access gallery spaces. Located within the Art Building, the Reese Bullen Gallery houses the University’s permanent collection of art and sponsors exhibitions of works by professional artists. The Native American Arts Gallery, located on campus in the Behavioral & Social Science Building, highlights the work of contemporary and traditional Native American artists. Student work appears annually in a juried show at the Reese Bullen, and throughout the year in multiple locations.

MORE INFO: 707-826-3813

Sports — Lumberjack* Arena is home to men’s and women’s Basketball from October through March. *A new mascot is currently being selected

MORE INFO: Lumberjacks Tickets, 707-826-3666, HSUJacks.com

Environmental Sustainability at Cal Poly — The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, known as CCAT on campus, is one of America’s oldest student-run sustainabilitydemonstration houses. Volunteers are welcome to participate in volunteer Fridays and the center’s directors give community tours on a regular basis.

MORE INFO: 707-826-3551

70 The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a remarkable natural habitat and recreation area built around a cost-e ective and environmentally sound wastewater treatment facility, is a great place to go hiking and birding. This 307-acre site is located along the Pacifi c Flyway, making it a popular destination for birders from all over the world. It is home or rest stop to over 300 species of birds or mammals, and home to over 100 species of plants. Critters who inhabit the marsh include river otters, gray foxes, bobcats, Pacifi c tree frogs, red-legged frogs and rough-skinned newts.

The Arcata Marsh o ers more than fi ve miles of recreational trails for jogging, bicycling, hiking, bird-watching and leashed dog walking.

The marsh received the Innovations in Government Award from the Ford Foundation/ Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Despite being a wastewater disposal system, the open-air lakes do not produce any smell and are a popular destination for visitors. It is an incredibly beautiful natural recreation area and is popular with local wildlife and landscape artists.

Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM) o er free 90-minute tours of the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary every Saturday at 2 pm, rain or shine. Trained volunteers cover subjects such as Marsh birds, plants, history, ecology, and wastewater treatment. The Redwood Regional Audubon Society o ers bird-watching tours every Saturday beginning at 8:30am; meet at the Klopp Lake parking lot at the southern end of I Street.

WHERE: Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center, 569 South G St., Arcata

MORE INFO: 707-826-2359, ArcataMarshFriends.org

Get Outdoors — Cal Poly o ers everything you need for outdoor adventure through the campus’s Center Activities program. O erings range from wilderness fi rst responder training to kayak instruction. Don’t have your own gear? Center Activities rents everything you’ll need to get ready for your next outdoor adventure.

MORE INFO: 707-826-3367, Humboldt.edu/centeractivities

72

Godwit Days Bird Migration Festival

Many species of birds either permanently reside in Humboldt County or migrate through the area on their way to breeding or wintering grounds. Besides being part of the Pacifi c Flyway, Humboldt is blessed for birding because of its amazing habitat diversity. Within minutes, birds (and their watchers) can travel from towering redwood forests to lush river valleys, over mud fl ats and down to the ocean. These di erent areas support a tremendously diverse bird population.

During Godwit Days in mid-April, you can participate in events at locations such as the worldrenowned Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Trinidad. It’s an opportunity to join kindred spirits and observe Marbled Godwits and other shorebirds on their northbound journey. In 2022, Godwit Days will be a “COVID Cautious” event with no indoor sessions. Instead, we’re o ering a combination of 27 virtual sessions and in-person fi eld trips limited to 10 registrants each. (In a non-pandemic year, we o er up to 100 fi eld trips, workshops, and lectures, plus host many vendors and artists in the Arcata Community Center.) Experienced birders — or anyone interested in learning about our feathered friends — will fi nd few events better suited to this activity than the Godwit Days Festival.

MORE INFO: 707-826-7050, www.GodwitDays.org

Arcata Marsh, photo by Wei Ling

In 1850, when the Union Company laid out the town of Union, or Union Town, today called Arcata, it had the foresight to designate block 167 as a park or common area. It is likely that some of the hardy types who were on the North Coast after a headlong rush to the gold fi elds remembered the commons of their New England homes or the squares of sleepy Southern towns. Whatever the reason, this precious block, now the Arcata Plaza, was saved for posterity. It was not, however, treated particularly reverently at fi rst. Early arrivals camped on the square in tents, huts or whatever shelter they could contrive while making arrangements to get to the diggings on the Klamath, Trinity or Salmon Rivers. Some people who had settled in town thought that the open space in the middle was a fi ne spot to graze their cows and goats.

A bandstand in the center of the plaza was completed in 1901, and citizens planted rose bushes and boxwood around the rich, green lawn in the following years, as well as the fi rst palm trees. The bandstand is now long gone, and local businesses have adopted the fl ower beds.

Today people gather on the plaza to visit, to take a lunch break or just to relax and enjoy the sun. It is a place where craft fairs, sidewalk sales, rallies, demonstrations and just about any other kind of gathering takes place. One such noteworthy gathering occurs every year on the Saturday before Memorial Day, when the Plaza becomes the staging area and starting line for the Kinetic Grand Championship. The Championship is a three-day race of people-powered “kinetic sculptures” from Arcata to Ferndale.

Arcata Bottoms cows, photo by A.W.

Arcata Plaza. Photo by Maximiliano Gambin

73 Holly Yashi Handcrafted Jewelry

In 1981 two young and talented entrepreneurs began a jewelry business in their single-car garage. In 2011, co-founders Holly Hosterman and Paul Lubitz opened a Holly Yashi fl agship retail store inside their current Humboldt County jewelry design studio. In addition to showcasing Holly Yashi’s award-winning jewelry and o ering other gift items, the store allows visitors the rare and fascinating experience of seeing Holly Yashi jewelry being made.

Though the studio may have grown to more than 15,000 sq.ft. in the past 40 years, Holly Yashi continues to honor and preserve the art of jewelry-making by crafting each item by hand in small batches. Customers can even sip on complimentary beverages while they shop. It is the perfect place to bring out-of-town guests for a fun-fi lled fi eld trip.

WHERE: 1300 9th St., Arcata just minutes from Hwy 101.

MORE INFO: 707-822-5132, HollyYashi.com

74 Skateparks in Arcata

Arcata has skaters covered with two great spots where they can shred, one indoors and one outdoors. The outdoor facility is the venerable 10,000 sq. ft. Arcata Skatepark. It has a decent-sized snake run, a nice eight-foot bowl that’s great for vertical moves, a small street scene, and a fun box. Operated by the City of Arcata Division of Parks and Recreation, there is no fee for using it. And even though it’s popular, it’s rarely overcrowded. It’s a treat for experienced skaters, and a place where beginning skaters can develop their skills — as long as the weather is good. When it rains, as it often does on the North Coast, the action moves indoors, but even when it’s beautiful outside, the indoor action is still intense. RampArt Indoor Skatepark features over 3,000 square feet of indoor wooden ramps as well as a lounge and classroom for year-round use. It o ers open sessions, youth school-break camps, private lessons, skill-building workshops, birthday parties, concerts, art shows and a bunch more, including a full skate, scooter & bmx shop. Murals adorn the walls and the space is fi lled with amplifi ed music during open hours after school, evenings and weekends. And while it’s not free, the cost to drop in is nominal. RampArt Skatepark is a 501 nonprofi t and relies largely on the support of the community for its existence. RampArt Indoor Skatepark , 700 South G St.; 707-826-0675, RampArtSkatepark.org Arcata Skatepark , 900 Sunset Ave., one block west of Hwy 101, 707-822-7091 and on Facebook

Store Exterior, Arcata, HollyYashi.com

1 North Coast Co-op

2 Arcata Artisans

3 Tomo Japanese Restaurant

4 E Shine Massage

5 Heart Bead

RampArtSkatePark.org

Artisan at work assembling jewelry, HollyYashi.com

75 Arcata Community Pool

During certain times of the year, the weather in Humboldt County doesn’t cooperate when you want to experience the wonderful outdoor activities the area has to o er. So, if the weather has put a damper on your plans but you still want to be active, head to the Arcata Community Pool and enjoy a day of swimming. It’s completely indoors, so the weather won’t interfere with your enjoyment.

No matter what type of swimming activities you enjoy, you’ll have fun in this 25-yard-long pool. The pool’s deep end is perfect for jumping and diving. The pool boasts a 1 meter diving board, as well as a poolside basketball hoop. The shallow end is only between 2 to 4 ft. deep, so little ones can always have their feet fi rmly planted on the pool’s bottom. There are 6 dedicated lap lanes, 4 of which are great for water walking. There is even a fi tness center if the pool isn’t quite your thing. Once you’ve worked out in the pool or fi tness center, hit the sauna or hot tub to relax. It’s a perfect fi nish to a great day of fun. Have a blast enjoying vacation-time thrills all year round.

WHERE: 1150 16th St., Arcata

MORE INFO: 707-822-6801, ArcataPool.com

76 Arcata Community Forest

If you’re looking for a rugged outdoor getaway close to the comforts of town, the Arcata Community Forest is perfect. This incredible redwood forest really is the “best of both worlds.” With additional tracts added in 2019 and 2020, it currently encompasses more than 2350 acres, and all of them are inside Arcata’s city limits. Head out into the lush, green forest, and within a few seconds you’ll forget that you are still inside a bustling college town.

Take a leisurely walk to clear your mind, or go on a more rigorous hike. Hop on your mountain bike and hit the trails. An added bonus is the fact that the forest is managed in order to preserve it, along with the many other great parks that dot Arcata. Trails support opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You’ll love the time spent away from life’s stresses as you explore the Arcata Community Forest.

Arcata has created a model for purchasing and managing a community-owned forest, a rarity in the Western United States.

WHERE: Access the forest through Redwood Park at the east end of 11th Street, 14th Street and California Avenue.

MORE INFO: CityOfArcata.org/190/City-Forests, 707-825-2163

77 Mad River County Park

For a magnifi cent, memorable beach and riverside experience, head to Mad River County Park. There you can see wildlife in its natural habitat along the shores of the Mad River as it spills into the Pacifi c Ocean. Spanning many miles, the Mad River starts in Trinity County and winds through Six Rivers National Forest. Matthews Dam, approximately one-third of the way along the river, forms Ruth Lake. The Mad River fi nally empties into the Pacifi c Ocean after a long stretch of picturesque beach in McKinleyville. Harbor seals and sea lions can be seen sunbathing nearby. Numerous birds scurry along the water’s edge or take to the sky in search of a meal.

A boat launch is available if you want to fi sh or explore the waters of the beautiful Humboldt coast. You can build a fi re at night on the sand, roast hot dogs and marshmallows or just keep warm at the beach while hanging out with good friends.

WHERE: Take the Janes Road exit o Hwy 101 north of Arcata. Head west, then turn right on Heindon Road, left on Miller Lane, and right on Mad River Road. The beach parking area is at the end of the road.

MORE INFO: 707-445-7651

78 Humboldt Crabs Baseball

Known as America’s national pastime, going to a baseball game is hands-down one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. And just because there aren’t any big league teams in Humboldt County doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy baseball here. The Humboldt Crabs provide an ideal opportunity to watch summer collegiate baseball, and 2022 is their 78th Anniversary!

They provide all the fun of a major league game but without the expense, and it comes with a big scoop of small-town charm on top. The Crabs play three or four games a week, and tickets for adults and kids are very reasonably priced. The low cost and fun can’t be beat — an exciting baseball game could be just what your family needs. The Humboldt Crabs are a very kid-friendly team. They also o er two di erent baseball camps for youngsters. The locals enjoy cheering the Crabs on, and you will love the opportunity to join in the fun. You won’t forget this rare bit of living, vintage Americana. Play ball!

WHERE: Corner of 9th and F Streets, Arcata.

HumboldtCrabs.com

MORE INFO: 707-840-5665, HumboldtCrabs.com

Mad River County Park, photo by Denise Comiskey

Arcata Community Forest, photo Wikimedia

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA ITIES

Sunny Blue Lake, as the locals call it, is just a 5 mile drive east on Hwy 299 from Hwy 101 between McKinleyville and Arcata. Many visitors to Blue Lake are surprised to fi nd no lake. In the 1860s, the lake for which the town is named was created by receding fl oodwaters from the Mad River, and for 50 years gave the place a resort atmosphere. A hotel was built on the shore by an early Blue Lake settler. People from the foggy coast made the trek to Blue Lake to enjoy the lake, the river fi shing and warmer temperatures of summer. Changes in the course of the river in the 1920s caused the lake to disappear, but fi shing, sunshine and the rural charm still draw people to Blue Lake to live and play.

Blue Lake Casino and Hotel, operated by the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe, is a great place to fi nd quality entertainment. Enjoy live music, slots and gaming tables, gourmet and family dining, and a luxury hotel.

Food, drink and entertainment can also be had at Blue Lake’s own Mad River Brewing Company, home of the legendary Steelhead Ale. Since 1989 they’ve won four Gold Medals and four Silver Medals from the Great American Beer Festival TM alone.

Since 1975 Blue Lake has been home to the internationally known Dell’Arte Players Company and the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre. Dell’Arte performs locally, nationally and abroad, and theater students from all over the world train at the school. For a fascinating and educational experience, take one of the free hatchery tours o ered during spawning season at the Mad River Fish Hatchery located at the end of Hatchery Road in Blue Lake. Plan ahead: water levels have been very low for the past few years, limiting the number of fi sh and the amount of excitement.

MORE INFO: SunnyBlueLake.com

Mad River Fish Hatchery

Logger Bar and the Blue Lake Grange

Local Mural, All Blue Lake photos by Maximiliano Gambin

The town of McKinleyville sits on a blu overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean between the Mad and Little Rivers, with tree-covered mountains as a backdrop. The surrounding rural beauty only enhances what lies within.

The town’s motto “Where the horses have the right of way,” gives a hint about McKinleyville residents’ leisurely attitude and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Dwellings vary from a ordable apartments to stately ocean-view homes. The Eureka-Arcata Airport, which in fact is located in northern McKinleyville, serves as the air gateway to Humboldt County and home base for the Coast Guard’s Air Rescue Team.

ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Dine at Six Rivers Brewery

• Coastal Hammond Trail, hiking, biking, horseback riding

• Hiller Park and Sports Complex, playground, baseball diamonds, soccer fi elds, trails

• Azalea State Nature Reserve

• Pierson Park

• Clam Beach, paddleboarding, surfi ng, beachcombing

Downtown, thriving businesses line Central Avenue o ering dining and commercial services. The McKinleyville Shopping Center includes a nice selection of shops and also features a 160-ft. tall totem pole, the tallest totem pole in the world carved from a single tree, and the second tallest carved from any number. In late May and early June the entire community turns out for Pony Express Days, a fi ve-day celebration that includes parades, picnics, cook-o s, dancing and more. It’s been going strong for more than 45 years.

79 Clam Beach County Beach

Clam Beach is one of McKinleyville’s favorite playgrounds, literally o ering something for everyone. Keep your eyes open for a spectacular array of wildlife, or comb the shoreline for lovely stones, shells and driftwood strewn along the fi ne, gray sand beach. There are excellent clamming opportunities, and the fi shing from shore is exceptional too; come out and cast a line to see for yourself.

When the wind picks up, the broad, fl at beach is perfect for kite fl ying, and when the breeze is light, it’s perfect for playing frisbee or catch, or practicing those downfi eld passes. Have a dog that needs some exercise? Clam Beach is doggy heaven. Want some solitude? There’s lots of room to get away from it all at Clam Beach. Want to have a bunch of fun with your friends? There’s lots of room for that too. Into horseback riding? You’ve come to the right place!

Clam Beach is adjacent to Little River State Beach, which is managed by California State Parks. There is no day use fee, and overnight camping is available at its 15 camp sites on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis for a $25 fee. There is a limit of three night’s maximum stay. WHERE: 1100 Clam Beach Rd., McKinleyville, 3 miles north on Hwy 101 from Murray Road at the Clam Beach Park o -ramp.

MORE INFO: HumboldtGov.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Clam-Beach-4

Clam Beach

Paddleboarding Mad

photo by Sarah Pennisi

Venture through misty redwood groves or stroll along unspoiled sandy beaches. The hotel offers everything the business or leisure traveler needs for a comfortable visit.

Azalea State Natural Reserve

If you love gardens you’ll be absolutely delighted by Azalea State Natural Reserve, particularly in the spring when this park is in full bloom. The beauty and scent of these multicolored trumpet-shaped blossoms is intoxicating. Azaleas, a type of rhododendron, are often referred to as “the royalty of the garden.” The western azalea, Rhododendron occidentale, thrives in Northern California. Azalea State Natural Reserve o ers two hiking loops and a picnic area. A short self-guided nature trail will teach you about azaleas and other plants of the North Coast area. To fully enjoy these beautiful western azaleas, plan to visit in April or May when the blooms are at their peak. There is no entrance fee, and the reserve is open from sunrise to sunset daily, year-round.

MAP KEY

1 Holiday Inn Express & Suites

WHERE: 5 miles north of Arcata o Hwy 101. Take the McKinleyville Central Avenue exit and drive 2 miles east on North Bank Road (Hwy 200) to a left turn into the reserve. MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=420

2 Luzmila’s Mexican Restaurant

81 Hiller Park & Sports Complex & Mad River Bluffs

Whether you’re a parent with kids, a nature-loving dog owner or just someone who enjoys a scenic walk, McKinleyville’s 48-acre Hiller Park and Sports Complex, next to the 75-acre McKinleyville Land Trust’s Mad River Blu s, is well worth the visit. This regional park and sports complex has two nicely maintained Little League fi elds, one Babe Ruth fi eld and a softball fi eld… so grab your mitt and toss a few with the kids! Or recruit a team and join the Coed Wood Bat Softball League. The league is held from early August through September.

The park also has two youth soccer fi elds, and two collegiate-size soccer fi elds for match play at all levels. There is a playground area as well that consists of two separate age-specifi c areas. The tot lot is great for the littlest of park-goers, and older kids love to climb and slide on the bigger equipment. Adjacent to the park are plenty of tables for picnicking. Dogs are not permitted in the play area, but are welcome on the network of loop trails that crisscross the recreation area.

Connect to the Hammond Trail, or take a walk through Mad River Blu s natural area where there are four overlooks above the Mad River and a staircase down to the river bank. Signs along the trails help the nature walker choose a course.

WHERE: 795 Hiller Rd., McKinleyville

MORE INFO: 707-839-9003, McKinleyvilleCSD.com/node/3403

82 Hammond Coastal Trail

Hammond Coastal Trail is one of the best places to bike, hike, jog, or ride a horse in Humboldt County. Part of the California Coastal Trail, it is more than fi ve miles long, stretching north from Arcata to Clam Beach County Park in McKinleyville. The trail lies along what was originally a railroad track built in the early 1900s for transporting redwood logs from the Little River area to the Hammond Lumber Mill on Samoa Spit. As a result of the railroad, the asphalt and crushed stone trail is quite level, which makes it an excellent place for several exercise options.

There are two distinct sections of the trail. The southern part is a 3-mile-long paved path stretching from the Mad River Bridge, through Hiller Park, to Widow White Creek in McKinleyville. It provides amazing views of the Pacifi c Ocean and the Mad River. The northern section of the trail is mostly paved and leads from North Letz Avenue to Clam Beach County Park. Here you can see spectacular vistas of the ocean and Trinidad Head from sea level or the high blu s. There are also plenty of places to access the beach. WHERE: Take the Hwy 101 Giuntoli Lane, exit 2 miles north of Arcata, then head west on Janes Road to Mad River Beach. Or, from the McKinleyville end, take the Murray or School Road exit.

MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, TrailLink.com/trail/hammond-trail

Along the Hammond Trail, photo by Steve Hammons

THE

SEASIDE

• Wine tasting at Moonstone Crossing

• Cher-ae Heights Casino

• Trinidad Museum, TrinidadMuseum.org

• Sue-Meg State Park

• Trinidad State Beach

• Beachcombing, agate hunting

• Kayaking, boating

• Fishing, whale-watching

Whether shrouded in mist or dazzling in sunshine, Trinidad is the crown jewel of the California North Coast. Its cool waters and rugged shoreline make the small village of Trinidad a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

A peaceful hideaway perfect for fi shing, beachcombing, hiking, kayaking, visiting art galleries, dining or just relaxing, Trinidad has a population of less than 400 in its incorporated city. The village is a noted artists’ colony. Its harbor is home to a small fl eet of commercial fi shermen, and charter boats are available at the Trinidad Pier for whale-watching or fi shing. Also, anglers can drop a line right o the pier.

Trinidad Cove, with its sheltered waters and awe-inspiring natural scenery, is a favorite among kayakers. The rocky coast is home to seals, sea lions, dozens of bird species and the occasional gray whale.

Trinidad is graced by several prominent marine landmarks, most notably the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, Humboldt State University’s Fred Telonicher Marine Laboratory, and the historic Trinidad Head Light.

Just north of the dramatic promontory of Trinidad Head stretches the mile-long sandy expanse of Trinidad State Beach. A little further north, just o Hwy 101, visitors will fi nd Sue-Meg State Park. In fact, the spectacular Trinidad coast is home to 10 public beaches altogether.

Trinidad

First

83 Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse

The Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse is a replica of the still functioning Trinidad Head Lighthouse that sits atop a cli on Trinidad Head, which is located to the west of Trinidad Harbor. Constructed in 1949, until January of 2018 it stood just o Main Street, where it sat in a lovely park overlooking the rocky coast below the seaside village. Many visitors, and even some locals, used to think that the memorial was the actual operational lighthouse. That one, however, is open to the public only once a year. Its now-retired original fog bell and Fresnel lens, though, became part of the memorial, which honors those lost or buried at sea, and also serves as an iconic symbol of Trinidad.

Following a winter season of heavy rains, the ground surrounding Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse started to slip in March 2017. Geologists were called in to investigate, and determined that the lighthouse was in danger of being swept away and destroyed by a landslide. The following January the Memorial Lighthouse was moved to a temporary home on Trinidad Rancheria land near the harbor and Trinidad State Park, and in March it was decided that its permanent location would still be on Trinidad Rancheria land near the pier, but higher up. Fundraising and the permitting process are currently underway.

WHERE: Near Trinidad Pier.

Trinidad, photo by Rich Formica, FormicaPhoto.com

84 Trinidad State Beach

One of the most popular and spectacular beaches in Humboldt County, Trinidad State Beach is a rock-strewn, mile-long expanse of sandy beach that stretches from Trinidad Head north to Elk Head. The southern portion of the beach is easily accessible from the parking lot located at the beach’s edge by Bay Street and Lighthouse Road, just o Edwards Street. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly, this section is perfect for building sand castles and splashing in the surf, or just plain relaxing.

More adventurous visitors will fi nd the trek down a long fl ight of rustic stairs from Elk Head Trail to College Cove at the beach’s northern end particularly rewarding, with dramatic views of the cove and Pewetole Island. The northern end of Trinidad State Beach is also home to small caves, a natural arch, and fantastic tide pools during low tide. At negative tides, visitors can walk out to Pewetole Island for a unique and rewarding experience.

A third trail leads down to the middle of the beach from State Park Road, o Stagecoach Road. At the trailhead to that access point, visitors will fi nd restrooms, parking, and a small picnic area with tables, stoves and an open fi eld that lends itself nicely to frisbee-tossing.

WHERE: Trinidad State Beach is a no-fee day use area located 19 miles north of Eureka, a short distance o Hwy 101.

MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=418

85 Kayaking Trinidad

Trinidad’s coastline is beautiful when viewed from the beach, but it’s even more impressive from the water as you paddle among seastacks and out into Trinidad Bay. As Trinidad Head juts out into the ocean it shelters the bay from incoming swells and waves, creating safe harbor for kayakers and recreational boaters.

There are miles of gorgeous coastline to investigate in Trinidad Bay, along with plenty of wildlife. Gray whales, orcas and the occasional blue whale all migrate through this area, and a resident pod of humpback whales calls the Bay home; you may also see sea lions, seals, otters and an abundance of shorebirds.

MORE INFO: Trinidad Chamber of Commerce, TrinidadCalif.com, 707-677-1610; Pacifi c Outfi tters, Pacifi cOutfi tters.com; Humboats Kayak Adventures, Humboats.com

86 Tide-Pooling

The best time for tide-pooling is during spring tides (“spring” in the sense of “jump,” not the season), those that happen every two weeks when there is a full moon or a new moon and the gravitational e ects of the moon and the sun complement each other. These have the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Plan your trip to the tide pools for half an hour to an hour before the lowest tides. The best tide pools are found near the water during “minus” tides, those that are lower than the yearly average low tide. Tide tables can be purchased at local stores that stock fi shing supplies, or checked online (a quick search will turn up dozens of online charts for any location).

The intertidal zone, where tide pools occur, is often divided into the splash, high, mid and low zones. The best tide pools, by far, with the richest diversity of sea life, are found in the last of these. In the low zones, which are uncovered only during the lowest tides of the month, you may fi nd any of hundreds or even thousands of di erent species including sea stars, small crabs, urchins and occasionally an octopus.

Cautions: Wear long pants and shoes with soles that grip on wet rocks. Don’t let the incoming tide fl ood your return route to shore. Don’t turn your back to the ocean. Watch the waves, and don’t let a big one sneak up and sweep you o the rocks. Collect only memories — leave everything where you fi nd it. Even the smallest shells will be used by young hermit crabs. Don’t collect tide-pool organisms. Respect their habitat and don’t carelessly fl ip over rocks in the pools. Tide pool fl ora and fauna are protected by strictly enforced laws to conserve them. Many are becoming rare.

WHERE: In northern Humboldt excellent tide pools can be found on Trinidad State Beach just below College Cove, at Lu enholz Beach 2 miles south of Trinidad, and at Sue-Meg State Park.

Trinidad State Beach, photo by Jon Exley

87 Big Lagoon County Park

Big Lagoon is formed by a long sand spit that separates it from the Pacifi c Ocean. The spit is actually a continuation of Agate Beach, and a premier beachcombing location. Here the determined walker can fi nd a profound solitude amid the elements, not to mention agates, jade, jasper, chalcedony and other wave-tumbled stones.

Big Lagoon County Park is located at the south end of Big Lagoon. It o ers 25 campsites, picnic tables, fi re rings and fl ush toilets. Several of the campsites are right on the lagoon, o ering increased privacy and great views. Camping is fi rst come, fi rst served, and dogs are permitted for a small extra fee. Firewood is usually available to be purchased from the camp host, and campers are permitted to gather driftwood to burn. For the daytime visitor there is a nominal day use fee.

Big Lagoon is popular with kayakers and wind-surfers, and is a favorite fi shing spot for cutthroat trout. The shore is easily accessible for small boat launching.

WHERE: 7 miles north of Trinidad. Take Hwy 101 to Big Lagoon Park Road and follow the signs.

MORE INFO: Humboldt County Parks, 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

88 Moonstone & Luffenholz Beaches

Moonstone Beach is one of the most popular surfi ng spots in Humboldt County, and for good reason. In the summer, the ocean produces 3- to 5-ft. swells, often going to 20 ft. in the winter. A wide beach break provides ample room for surfers to ride, and this stretch of ocean is great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

But Moonstone Beach is not just for surfers. A wide, pristine beach, towering redwoods, sheer 100-ft. cli s and waves crashing against dozens of sea stacks make this a remarkably scenic spot that all visitors can enjoy. You may see whales, dolphins, seals, cormorants, pelicans and ospreys. You can comb the beach for treasures, go fi shing, climb the rocks, explore caves, ride a horse along the surf or play in the Little River where it enters the ocean. The view at this beach is absolutely spectacular.

WHERE: North of McKinleyville o Hwy 101 at the Westhaven exit.

MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

Lu enholz Beach, just north of Moonstone Beach, is one of Humboldt County’s most exciting secret spots. It runs along a rocky cove with some of the best tide pools anywhere. It also o ers a sandy beach, huge boulders, a year-round creek and stunning views of Trinidad Bay. Glorious on sunny days, dramatic when it storms, and hauntingly mysterious the rest of the time, it provides a unique experience each time you visit.

Located on Scenic Drive between Trinidad and Westhaven-Moonstone, look for the small pull-o area where visitors can park. Nearby is a picnic table. About 200 ft. to the north is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach near Lu enholz Creek. Have fun exploring the shore, but keep an eye on the tide to avoid getting stranded if you venture too far out at low tide.

West of the parking area is another set of stairs and a narrow footpath with strategicallyplaced handrails. They will take you to a wonderful vantage point above the beach with panoramic views that sweep from Trinidad Head in the north to Houda Point and Camel Rock in the south. Take care with children and dogs, however — there are a few spots with no railings and long drops, so keep everyone well away from the edge.

WHERE: 2 miles south of Trinidad, just o Scenic Drive.

MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

Luffenholz Beach, photo by David Kaftal

89 Sue-Meg State Park

Sue-Meg State Park is located in the heart of Redwood Country. If you love to experience spectacular panoramas, rocky cli s, great hiking trails and sandy beaches, you won’t want to pass up this wonderful opportunity.

Six miles of scenic hiking trails thread through the park where acres of dense forest stretch over an ocean headland. Stroll under a canopy of spruce, hemlock, pine, fi r and red alder trees. Wildfl ower meadows o er spectacular vistas. The Rim Trail, which follows an old Indian path over the park’s rocky promontories, provides views of the coast and serves as a great lookout for whale-watching.

Popular activities here include strolling along the broad beaches and exploring tide pools, casting a fi shing line, searching for driftwood, spotting whales and sea lions, and gazing at magnifi cent sunsets. Short, steep hikes will take you to the tops of Ceremonial Rock and Lookout Rock, while coastal hikes will take you to Wedding Rock and Sue-Meg, o ering breathtaking ocean vistas. History bu s will enjoy the re-created Yurok Village with its traditional Native American family houses, sweat lodge, changing houses, redwood canoe and dance house. There is also a native plant garden with species of local fl ora including seasonal fl owers and berries to explore.

Reservations are recommended for camping, 800-444-7275 or ReserveAmerica.com. There are also three group picnic areas.

WHERE: 25 miles north of Eureka o Hwy 101.

MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

90 Sumêg Village

Today, members of the Yurok Tribe live in modern houses and have modern-day lifestyles. However, many of the nearly 5,000 enrolled members of California’s largest Indian Tribe also work to preserve the traditions of their heritage. Sumeg Village is one place where local Yuroks share their culture with the public. “Sumêg” is the place name of an old Yurok seasonal fi shing camp that was located at Abalone Point on the ocean, within what is now SueMeg State Park. The Yurok went there during the summer to fi sh and harvest mussels, as well as catch sea lions and other game.

The reconstructed Sumêg Village is a living example of a centuries-old Yurok village. Built by Yurok people using traditional materials, the village consists of traditional family-style plank houses made of split redwood, an underground sweat house (much like a modern-day sauna), two redwood dugout canoes and a brush dance pit where ceremonial dances are performed. Adjacent to the village is a native plant garden, which has plants used by the Yuroks for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, as well as for weaving baskets and for food.

You can tour the village for free daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Stop at the park’s Visitor Center for a schedule of special Yurok events, such as day-long dance ceremonies and the annual Sumeg Village Day, which celebrates the Yurok culture through traditional arts, crafts and storytelling.

WHERE: At Sue-Meg State Park, 6 miles north of Trinidad.

MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

91 Agate Beach

At Sue-Meg State Park there are great trails, great views and Agate Beach, a wonderfully pebbly beach made for agate hunting. This beach is covered with wave-polished semi-precious stones. While not as valuable as precious stones, agates can still be used to make jewelry as well as projectile points, carvings, and various other items. If the long walk down to Agate Beach from the Sue-Meg blu s and back up again seems too much like work, there’s an easier alternate route: you can go to Big Lagoon and access the lower end of Agate Beach by walking south along the water’s edge from the Big Lagoon parking lot.

If new to agate hunting, the fi rst characteristic to look for is translucence. The quartz nature of agate allows light to penetrate a short distance into the surface, producing a soft glow. Along with shades of red, brown and orange, the translucent optical quality gives the agate its distinctive appearance. What most people particularly look for in agates are their patterns, such as the parallel or concentric lines called banding. Fortunately most beach agates have been wavetumbled enough to expose their patterns.

While agate hunting draws many beachcombers to the North Coast, chasing surf and skipping rocks seem to be irresistible pleasures for kids playing at this beach. Always be cautious when near the surf, for those beautiful waves can be dangerous, with sudden wave surges or “sneaker waves” that have been known to pull people out to sea. “Never turn your back to the ocean” is good advice for agate hunters.

For best results in the hunt, look for agates where the waves have washed away much of the fi ne sand, exposing mostly pebbles. In a few hours, you can usually fi nd a handful of beautiful agates in many varieties. For best results, time your activity to low tide.

WHERE: At Sue-Meg State Park, 6 miles north of Trinidad.

Agate Beach, Sue-Meg State Park, photo by Mike Kunes

Colleen Clifford

John Wesa

Donvieve

North of Trinidad lies the town of Orick, located on the banks of Redwood Creek near where it fl ows into the Pacifi c Ocean. The area is famous for the large herds of Roosevelt elk that live there. Two favorite spots for viewing them are in nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Elk Prairie, on the Newton Drury Scenic Parkway near the Visitor Center, and in Elk Meadow on Davison Road, just o Hwy 101 along the turno that takes you to Gold Blu s Beach, where yet more elk live, and to Fern Canyon. There is also a large herd that can often be seen grazing right by Hwy 101 near Stone Lagoon, just south of Orick.

Sitting virtually in the middle of the Redwood National and Prairie Creek State Parks, Orick is a great place to access the natural wilderness. Use a variety of trails to see wildlife, explore some of the world’s tallest trees, and hike the dramatic coast. Camping facilities are available, from primitive to well-appointed. In addition there are food and drink available from local businesses, as well as about a half a dozen artisan burl outlets lining Hwy 101 as it passes through town.

92 Yurok Redwood Canoe Tours

Breathtaking ocean views. The tallest trees on Earth. A tranquil river stretching inland through tree-covered hills. Welcome to Yurok Country. An incredible destination in northern California and home to the Yurok Tribe, the state’s largest Native American tribe.

Adventurers travel from around the world to take in the majesty of the redwood groves of Yurok County. Yurok ancestral land is a part of the Redwood National and State Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 200 miles of breathtaking trails are just a short drive away, winding through 2,000-year-old redwood forests where some trees approach over 350 feet high.

With easy access to scenic river banks, tranquil woods, and rugged beaches, Yurok Country is the ideal base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. Stop by the Yurok Visitor Center in Klamath to learn more about Yurok Culture, plan an unforgettable adventure on an ancient redwood canoe tour, and plan your next excursion to take in the vistas of the rugged Pacifi c coastline. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for your “bucket list” trip, consider this an invitation to Visit Yurok Country.

WHERE: Meet at the Visitor Center at 101 Klamath Blvd, Klamath

MORE INFO: 707-482-1555, YurokCountry.com

93 Roosevelt Elk Viewing

The Roosevelt elk, named after former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, is North America’s largest elk type. At one time, they were nearly extinct; by 1925, the California population had dropped to as few as 15. However, thanks to successful conservation e orts, thousands live along the coast from Humboldt County north to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. California’s Roosevelt elk population has rebounded to over 1,000.

Visitors to northern Humboldt County are often amazed and delighted to observe herds of wild Roosevelt elk grazing and resting not far from well-traveled roads. Knowing where to go is vital if you want to see them yourself. The best place to fi nd elk in Humboldt County is in the southern part of Redwood National and State Parks. Three specifi c spots provide exceptional viewing opportunities.

Elk Prairie, located along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, is south of the entrance to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Davison Road is west of Hwy 101, about 3 miles north of Orick, and features elk along both sides.

Gold Blu s Beach — where you’ll fi nd wild Roosevelt elk roaming up and down the beach. To get there, continue west on Davison Road to a 4-mile-long unpaved road that will take you right to Gold Blu s Beach.

Elk are dangerous wild animals, so do not get too close to them. If you want a close-up photo of them, use a telephoto lens. If you want a close look, use binoculars.

MORE INFO: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 707-488-2039, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415; Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, 707-465-7765

photo by Kate Enoire

1 To Klamath River Jet Boats 2 Thomas

Yurok Canoe Tour. Photo courtesy of Laney Mayo Photography

94 Redwood National & State Parks

Modern life can be stressful, with deadlines to meet, meals to prepare, dozens of things to do, and no time to do them. Visit Redwood National and State Parks, and forest bathe your worries away! Take your time and enjoy all these lovely parks have to o er, with so much to do for every family member. In addition to the world-famous soaring redwoods that grow to over 350 feet in height and can live for more than 2,000 years, you will be able to enjoy more than 50 miles of paved and unpaved biking trails of varying di culty, 41 miles of equestrian paths and more than 160 miles of excellent hiking trails for adventurous backpackers. These paths will take you among colorful wildfl owers, grassy hills, wild oak woodlands, and ancient redwood forests.

Along 40 miles of rugged coastline, you can see pounding surf, sea stacks, and thrilling cli s. World-class rivers run alongside and through the parks and are perfect for rafting, kayaking, and fi shing. Ranger-guided programs are also available.

Many birds and animals call this place home. These include, among many others, the red-tailed hawk, kestrel, great horned owl, gopher, meadow mouse, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, elk, black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, goldfi nch junco, quail and raven.

WHERE: O Hwy 101, stretching from Trinidad in the south to Klamath Glen in the north. Visitor Centers are in the parks near Crescent City, Hiouchi, Orick, and along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

MORE INFO: 707-464-6101, 707-465-7335, NPS.gov/redw

95 Amazing Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon lets you take a leisurely stroll, leave everything else behind and enter a magical world. This beautiful natural wonder is a one-mile-long box canyon, complete with the creek that carved it. Its walls, completely covered in fi ve varieties of fern, tower up to 80 ft. above. Huge overhanging trees grow at the ridge’s top, allowing light streams to peek through the branches. The canyon glows when the fi ltered light combines with the iridescently green vegetation, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Be prepared: Permits are required to park in the Gold Blu s Beach Day-Use Area and the Fern Canyon Trailhead from May 15 to September 15. Alternatively, visitors can hike in via the James Irvine Trail, a 10-mile-round-trip hike.

WHERE: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is 50 miles north of Eureka, o Hwy 101 on Davison Road. Drive through Elk Meadow and onto a scenic 6-mile dirt road to Gold Blu s Beach. Follow the beach for 3 miles to a parking lot.

MORE INFO: 707-488-2039, search for Fern Canyon at VisitRedwoods.com. To reserve a parking permit, visit RedwoodParksConservancy.org/permits/fern-canyon-permits

Fern Canyon, photo by Richard Stenger

Bald Hills Road in Spring when the lupen bloom. Photo by Jeanna Doty

96 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Prairie Creek, a natural waterway that enters the Pacifi c Ocean near Orick, is also the namesake of the 23-square-mile Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a sanctuary of old-growth redwoods set aside in the early 1920s by the State of California and the Savethe-Redwoods League. The park is a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

The busy Visitor Center, located at the southern end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and built next to Elk Prairie, is the starting point for several hiking trails suitable for all-day hikes or short, leisurely strolls. During your visit, you’ll come across many di erent kinds of trees. You will almost certainly also spot some of the abundant wildlife, especially Roosevelt elk. Other resident species include deer, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and foxes, and more than 260 species of birds have been sighted here.

There are also nearly 10 miles of beach to stroll along and the amazing Fern Canyon to explore. The park hosts campgrounds and numerous picnic areas among the redwoods and on the beach and is home to the beautiful Rotary Grove o Cal Barrow Road east of Newton B. Drury Parkway.

MORE INFO: 707-488-2039, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415

97 Klamath River Jet Boat Tours

The Klamath River is world-renowned. It is a beautiful, pristine river that runs from Altamont in Klamath County, Oregon, dips down into Humboldt County, and continues northwest to the Pacifi c Ocean near the town of Klamath in southern Del Norte County.

You can enjoy this picturesque river from the comfortable seat of a jet boat. Just set out on a two-hour trip from Klamath’s “Rekwoi” estuary and travel up the river, powered by twin jets. The round-trip tour is more than 45 miles. The captain and narrator will keep you spellbound with fascinating accounts of the Klamath River’s history, Native American culture, and the area’s wildlife. You may even see some of these creatures from the boat, such as bears feasting on berries and fi sh from the shore, ospreys, hawks, and eagles nesting, or black-tail deer and elk wandering through the trees. People of all ages will enjoy the sights, and you will have opportunities to take incredible pictures. Tours run from May to September, three times daily. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. Personalized and special group tours are available.

WHERE: The Jet Boat Tour o ce is located at 17635 Hwy 101, 5 miles south of Trees of Mystery, just over the county line into Del Norte County.

MORE INFO: 800-887-JETS (5387), 707-482-7775, JetBoatTours.com

“Big Tree” in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is accesible year-round with nearby parking and a short paved path, photo by Mario Vaden, VadenPhotography.com

The inland mountain region of Humboldt County, much of it designated wilderness, is rugged terrain drained by two important rivers, the Wild and Scenic Trinity River and the Klamath River, into which it fl ows. Access to the region is primarily via Hwy 299 and Hwy 96. Traveling east from Arcata along Hwy 299, travelers pass the community of Blue Lake, followed by the town of Willow Creek some 32 miles further. From Willow Creek, Hwy 96 runs north through rugged forested terrain. At the same time, Hwy 299 continues east past the craggy granite peaks of Trinity County, passing over and through the mountains that separate the Pacifi c Coast and its redwood forests from the state’s interior. Much of the way, Hwy 299 runs right next to the Trinity River, as does Hwy 96 south of Weitchpec. From Weitchpec north, Hwy 96 follows the Klamath into Siskiyou County. Both routes a ord spectacular views, memorable rest stops, and opportunities for exhilarating outdoor activities.

, guided whitewater adventures for first-timers & seasoned veterans. Huge raft & kayak rental department.

to fishing, goldpanning, hiking, swimming, relaxation, & Bigfoot Rafting right on the property at the Trinity River

Weaverville Main Street. Photo by Frank Schulenberg

Kimtu Beach. Photo courtesy of Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce

MAP KEY

Rafting

b. Bigfoot Rafting Co., Steelhead Cottages & Six Rivers Rafting

3 Redwoods & Rivers

98 Fishing the Trinity River

T he Trinity River watershed is an angler’s paradise o ering four seasons of world-class fi shing. Along with its feeder streams, the Trinity River provides more than 1,500 miles of fi shable waters that start high in the mountains of the Trinity Alps. The fl y-fi shing is legendary. Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead are the local superstars, but there are 11 di erent species of game fi sh to be caught including black bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and catfi sh.

MORE INFO: VisitTrinity.com

photo by Steve Hammons

99 River Rafting the Trinity River

A magnet for rafters and kayakers of all ages and skill levels, the Trinity River draws people to itself from around the world to experience its wonders. The water is crystal-clear, the scenery is spectacular, and the available whitewater options range from beginnerfriendly runs to extremely dangerous rapids suitable for experts only. Along the way you are likely to see deer or bear feeding along the shore, or a bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead.

Beginners and families with children will want to try the mellow Class II wilderness run of the Lower Trinity. Put in at Hawkins Bar and take out at Willow Creek for a delightful 14-mile run. The wildly popular intermediate (Class II+ to III+) Pigeon Point Run begins near the Pigeon Point campground just downriver from the North Fork of the Trinity, and ends at Cedar Flat, a run of about 25 miles. With multiple excellent put in and take out points along the way, rafters and kayakers can tailor their runs to their tastes, but they are strongly warned not to go beyond Cedar Flat. At that point the treacherous Burnt Ranch Gorge Run begins, 9 miles of Class IV and Class V rapids that stretch from Cedar Flat to Hawkin’s Bar, and which should only be attempted by teams of experts at optimal water flow and only after extensive scouting. Many well-qualified outfitters along Hwy 299 offer guided rafting and kayaking excursions, as well as rentals. Look for them in Willow Creek, Del Loma, Big Bar and Big Flat.

MORE INFO:

VisitTrinity.com/explore/whitewater-rafting

Six Rivers Rafting, 707-599-4221, SixRiversRafting.com Bigfoot Rafting, 530-629-2263, BigfootRafting.com Redwoods & Rivers, 530-623-4627, Redwoods-Rivers.com

TriniTy CounTy: T :

Salyer To BuCkhorn SummiT

Trinity County, one of California’s original 27 counties, was established in 1850. At that time, it stretched all the way to the coast and north to the Oregon border. Today there are 58 counties. All of Humboldt County, Del Norte County, and a big chunk of Siskiyou County were carved out of the original Trinity County.

The Trinity River Basin grew into a vibrant recreation area from its early Gold Rush days. Camping, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and hiking are among the area’s favorite activities. People say, and it’s probably true, that there are more deer than people here. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities by driving along Hwy 299 and checking out towns and turnouts. The highway runs across the county from Salyer, at the western end of Trinity County, to Buckhorn Summit, at its eastern end. Most of the way, Hwy 299 runs alongside the Trinity River. Throughout its length, it offers spectacular views of natural beauty: snow-covered peaks, dense forest, and the ever-changing face of the Trinity River from the deep gorges and rapids of Burnt Ranch to the more family-friendly waters upriver. Del Loma, Big Bar, Big Flat, and Junction City, all situated right on the river, offer various amenities from raft and kayak rentals and guided expeditions to campgrounds, resort lodgings, and restaurants. The imagination limits opportunities for satisfying fresh air activities in the area.

Weaverville, the county seat, retains the flavor of the Old West. There is one stop light and zero parking meters here. The town’s historic downtown, with its old buildings, quaint shops, charming atmosphere, and lively arts scene, keeps locals and visitors busy socializing, shopping, and more. Weaverville is particularly well-suited for those who wish to explore the Trinity Alps. It is nestled at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. This 500,000-acre protected area hosts many a backpacker, equestrian, black bear, and mountain lion.

Visitors can take Hwy 3 north from Weaverville to Trinity Lake, another of the area’s many recreational destinations. The lake offers boating, fishing, water sports, resorts, camping, and even houseboats. They can also take Hwy 299 east about a dozen miles from Weaverville and, turning north on Trinity Dam Boulevard, head up past the historic town of Lewiston to Lewiston Lake for more fun on the water. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy day kicking back in a canoe and watching bald eagles soar overhead, with or without a fishing pole in your hands.

Rafting the Trinity River. Photo by Sara Harrison

BIGFOOT SCENIC BYWAY

H IGHWAY 96

LEGEND

CAMPING AREAS

RIVER ACCESS POINTS SUMMITS

TRAILHEADS

PICNIC AREAS

RANGER STATION

100 Whitewater Rafting on the Klamath River

Whitewater rafting down the Klamath River is an exhilarating, heart-pounding adventure. It’s as easy as climbing into an infl atable raft guided by an experienced whitewater rafter and heading down the river for the ride of your life. This huge river stretches from Klamath Falls in Oregon to the Pacifi c Ocean near the town of Klamath in southern Del Norte County. It runs through three counties in Oregon and fi ve in California along the way, including Humboldt.

Picturesque Hwy 96 is home to the secluded towns of Hoopa, Orleans, Somes Bar and Happy Camp. The highway meanders north from Willow Creek and passes through the Hoopa Valley Reservation, the largest Indian reservation in California. Attractions at the reservation include the Hoopa Tribal Museum, Lucky Bear Casino and ancient Indian villages that date back 10,000 years.

The fi rst section of the highway follows along the Trinity River, and travelers pass the popular river beach at Tish Tang. The water is cool and inviting on a hot day, but the current can be strong and dangerous.

A CTIVITIES IN THE A REA

• Salmon and Steelhead fi shing

• Whitewater rafting, kayaking

• Hiking, backpacking, biking

• Willow Creek China Flat & Bigfoot Museum* *also serves as the Visitor Center)

• Disc Golf at Creekside Park (Willow Creek)

• Visit a the Bigfoot Dispensary

Approximately 20 minutes from Willow Creek is Hoopa Valley, the contemporary and ancestral home of the Hoopa people. In the valley, travelers will fi nd lodging, restaurants, groceries and many other amenities.

Further along Hwy 96 is the pleasant community of Orleans. Orleans is situated along the Klamath River and borders the Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests. The Orleans Ranger Station has information on the nearby Marble Mountains, Trinity Alps and Siskiyou Wilderness areas. The region has scores of high country lakes and miles of remote trails. Wildlife is abundant and it’s not unusual to see otters, geese, ospreys, bears and even a bald eagle. More than 300 species of birds inhabit the area. Orleans has a surprising number of services for its size, including restaurants, motels, a museum, gas station, deli, laundromat, grocery store, RV parks and more.

About 10 miles north of Orleans is the hamlet of Somes Bar, where the astonishingly clean and beautiful Salmon River — sometimes called the California Salmon or Cal Salmon to distinguish it from the Salmon River in Idaho — meets the Klamath. Somes Bar is just over the line into Siskiyou County. Oak Bottom Campground o ers camping area along a calm stretch of the Salmon. A narrow, curvy road leads upriver to Class IV and V rapids on the Salmon, which should be run only by experts. Somes Bar has groceries, propane, gasoline and a post o ce available.

Further north is Happy Camp, named by a party of gold-seekers who camped on the beach at Indian Creek in 1851. The area is the ancestral homeland of the Karuk tribe. Today the tribe continues its culture and lifestyle there.

Rafting trips can take place on the upper and lower portions of the river for a wider range of di culty. The upper portion, known for its long rapids, is rated Class III and IV, based on the International Rating Scale of I-VI, Class I being easy with little danger and Class VI considered essentially impossible to raft. This section is one of the nationally protected Wild and Scenic rivers, and usually the only “big water” river that can be found in the area from late June through October. The lower Klamath is more relaxing, providing mild to moderate trips. There are many businesses in the area that can take you down either section of the river. Trips vary from an afternoon to several days, where you will camp along the shore under the stars.

MORE INFO: Klamath-River.com

101 Hoopa Tribal Museum

The Hoopa Valley Tribe has been in the area for a long time. Carbon dating from the Xontah Nikyaw (our sacred house) shows about 10,000 years. The Hoopa people are a part of the great Athabascan/Na-Dene language family, which includes Navajos, Apaches, and many other tribes. It is the most geographically widespread language family on the continent. The Hoopa have been developing and maintaining a culture at the crossroads between Northwest Pacifi c Indian cultures and California Indian cultures. Hoopa culture is a mixture of the Northwest Pacifi c, California Indian cultures, and the Athabascan/ Na-Dene heritage. The museum hosts a large collection of local basketry and other historical and cultural artifacts.

Most of the collection items are from the local Hoopa tribal members. There are also collections from the neighboring Karuk and Yurok tribal people. Their sta is traditionally versed in the Hoopa language, history, stories, dances, villages, traditions, laws, etc... They know how the artifacts are used in ceremony; they can explain how they are made, used, and for what purpose. They can also explain how it fi ts into tribal epistemologies about the environment, the cosmos, and religion/beliefs. Village tours and presentations can be presented on request. Curator Silis chi tawn S. Jackson emphasizes that “no one is better able to talk and expound about the Hoopa and thier culture than the Hoopa people themselves.”

WHERE: On Hwy 96 in the Hoopa Shopping Center

MORE INFO: 530-625-4110 and on Facebook

Orleans Bridge, Willow Creek, wiki commons

Rafters on the Klamath, photo by Steve Hammons

OUTSIDE THE AREA

M ENDOCINO COUNTY

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Mendocino County, Humboldt County’s neighbor to the south, is a mix of dramatic coastline, colorful vineyards and rolling hills. Two main arteries, Hwy 101 inland and Hwy 1 along the coast, serve the county. Heading south along Hwy 101 from Humboldt County, the first community you’ll pass is Piercy, situated just off 101 along Hwy 271 and Red Mountain Road. The sign at the turnoff announces that there are no services in Piercy, and indeed it’s been years since the post office and coffee shop there closed down. It is a small, sleepy unincorporated community.

South of Piercy you’ll encounter Leggett, where Hwy 1 splits off from Hwy 101 and heads to the coast. The former logging town attracts campers and travelers during the summer months, and hordes of fishermen in the late fall when salmon swim upstream to spawn. Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park features the Chandelier Tree as the centerpiece of 200 acres of preserved virgin redwood forest. Nearby Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and swimming in the south fork of the Eel River. Also in Leggett is The Peg House, the perfect pit-stop where you will find a full service deli, awesome burgers, espresso drinks, treats and groceries. For a quirky, fun experience don’t miss Confusion Hill, where seeing is believing — or not.

Next along 101 is Laytonville, set in the beautiful Long Valley, a level shelf 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, and surrounded by wooded hills. Two forks of the Eel River are close to Laytonville and provide excellent salmon, steelhead and trout fishing. The town has most of the services required by travelers, including restaurants, gas, grocery stores, motels and the Red Fox Casino.

Willits, south of Laytonville, features excellent retail stores, restaurants, lodging, and other businesses. It’s also home to the Willits depot of Mendocino County’s famous Skunk Train, a restored 19th century train that will take you on a 40-mile sightseeing adventure through scenic mountain meadows and majestic redwood forests to the coast.

Below Willits you’ll find Ukiah, the Mendocino County seat and its largest city. Ukiah has

grown to become the financial, business, medical and service center of Mendocino, Lake, northern Sonoma and southern Humboldt counties. It combines the convenience of a larger city with the charm of semi-rural Northern California. Lake Mendocino is located on Hwy 20 east of Hwy 101, about 5 miles north of Ukiah. The lake is a great place for fishing, camping, wake boarding, water skiing and jet skiing.

At the southern end of Mendocino County sits the town of Hopland. Although only a few blocks long, Hopland packs a lot into its short length including winery tasting rooms in town and just outside of town. The area is also home to world-class vineyards and wineries.

Coastal Mendocino is cool, breezy and dotted with picturesque villages. Offering spectacular views of the Pacific coast and fabled romantic settings, during the summer it offers welcome relief from the sometimes torrid temperatures inland.

In southern coastal Mendocino you’ll find the towns of Gualala and Point Arena. Both have exceptional accommodations and restaurants for relaxed vacationing. Further north, after passing through the tiny hamlets of Elk and Manchester, travelers will encounter the most popular and populous section of the Mendocino coast, from the town of Albion through the towns of Little River, Mendocino and Fort Bragg. The area is rich with hiking, diving and many other recreational possibilities. Fort Bragg is home to the famous Skunk Train, the historical logging railroad that now takes travelers from a nearby coastal estuary, through the redwood-lined Noyo River Canyon, and up and over the Coastal Mountain Range to Willits.

Pudding Creek Trestle,

photo by Gregg Gardiner

photo courtesy BarraOfMendocino.com

Outside the AreA d el NOrte COu N ty, CA & s Outher N Oreg ON

Photo courtesy Jacksonville, OR Chamber of Commerce

Southern Oregon Del Norte, California Curry, Josephine, Jackson & Del Norte Counties Events Area Maps Dining & Lodging Wine Map & Directory

Jet Boat to the ConCert at the roCks Page 74

California’s northernmost coastal county, Del Norte, contains miles of unspoiled beaches and rivers famous for salmon and steelhead. Most of the communities in the county are situated along coastal Hwy 101.

Brookings, OR

Del Norte County is located roughly halfway between San Francisco and Portland via Hwy 101, Hwy 199 and I-5. Towering redwood forests can be seen there in Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

Rogue River, OR

101Things.com Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

When in the Crescent City area, tour Ocean World for an exciting family adventure. This is one of the best privately-owned small aquariums in the United States. It has an abundance of marine life including sharks, seals, sea lions, rays and wolf eels, and features shark petting, an interactive tide pool and high-flying sea lion performances.

The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is located in Crescent City’s Beachfront Park. The center is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded, sick or injured seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and whales along the northernmost coast of California.

Traveling north from Crescent City you‘ll come to the tiny agricultural community of Smith River, where the river of that name enters the Pacific. Continue further north, and you will find yourself in Oregon.

The Southern Oregon coast offers visitors dazzling ocean vistas and lush green forests, sand dunes and sea lions, water sports and sailing adventures. Inland Southern Oregon offers warmer summertime temperatures, wintertime skiing, whitewater excitement, wineries and Shakespeare performances. From beautiful coastal communities like Gold Beach, Brookings Harbor and

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Family Owned & Operated Since 194 6

Crescent City is the county seat and Del Norte’s largest city. The Redwood National and State Parks Visitor Center is located at 1111 2nd St. Attractions include Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City Harbor, scenic drives, public fishing piers, a museum and the Elk Valley Casino. The city also has a wide variety of stores, restaurants, RV parks and lodging facilities. Nearby the majestic Smith River flows to the ocean and offers a host of recreational activities, including rafting, inner tubing, kayaking, fishing and more.

D el Norte Cou N ty, CA & S outher N oregoN

Florence to the inland cities of Ashland and Medford, to the gorgeous Willamette Valley and everything in between, Oregon is a delight.

Whether you prefer river rafting, shopping, taking chances or taking it easy, there’s an adventure in Oregon for you.

Take a jet boat ride on the Rogue River with Jerry’s Rogue Jets in Gold Beach. Glide over the water past enormous rock cliffs, viewing diverse plant and animal life.

At the crossroads of Hwy 101 and County Road 595 in Gold Beach, many travelers zipping along don’t realize what making that turnoff could mean for them. County 595 becomes Agness Road after about 20 miles, and leads to the small town of its namesake, Agness. The world famous Rogue River runs right through the center of town. Located where the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River area and the Illinois Wild and Scenic River area connect, the 35-mile drive is slow-going, but full of beauty. Travelers can stop many times along the way. Lodges like Singing Springs Resort in Agness offer Rogue River visitors hospitality, fine food, tranquil overnight accommodations and an escape from the hustle and grind of everyday life.

Along Hwy 101, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spans three counties. Beginning near North Bend and extending more than 40 miles north to Florence, this area of gigantic sand dunes extends as far as 3 miles inland in some places. A series of inland freshwater lakes, created when the dunes dammed up small streams, provide excellent places to fish, sail or swim. There are national, state, county and private campgrounds throughout the area.

While in the Florence area spend some time exploring Sea Lion Caves. This cave is the world’s largest sea cave, with a height of over 12 stories, and the length of a football field. Sea lions regularly gather in the cave during the fall and winter months, but spend time in and around the cave all year round living, breeding and raising their young. An elevator takes visitors down 208 ft. into the heart of the cave to see these fun-loving creatures in their natural habitat.

Whatever direction you choose to go in Southern Oregon, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and spectacular natural beauty await you.

AN ESCAPE TO NATURE

DINING - Enjoy all your favorite summer treats — BBQ, build your own burgers, dollardogs for kids, and our garden salad & soup bar. Cold beer & wine too!

LODGING - Rest comfortably in our country cottages, watch the wild deer from your cabin door or private porch.

ON THE ROGUE RIVER

PLAYING - Info about local tour boat trips, fishing, and drift boat services. Agness, Oregon • 877-330-3777

www.singingspringsresort.com

Please say you saw it in 101

Crescent City, photo by Steve Hammons

Klamath River next to Klamath Jet Boat Tours, photo by Gregg Gardiner

Giant salamander at Prehistoric Gardens, photo by Burt Codispoti

Western & COA stA l Oreg On

Embark on a new adventure through the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast.

On the coast is an area encompassing Bandon to the south and Lincoln City to the north. Inland, the lush Willamette Valley is dominated by the state capital of Salem to the north, and Eugene, Springfield and Roseburg to the south. Farther east are the Willamette and Umpqua National Forests.

Visitors come to these areas of Oregon for a variety of reasons, including to enjoy scenic wilderness areas, to relax at luxurious resorts and to view prolific wildlife. Whatever the reason, this area of spectacular natural beauty is sure to impress. The counties that make up the region are as diverse as the great State of Oregon. Between the mountains of the Coast Range and the much higher Cascade Range lie verdant valleys with some of the world’s most productive agricultural land, giant old-growth forests and miles of volcanic wasteland. The opportunities for fun and adventure in this area are as varied as the terrain.

Two north-south traffic corridors connect the region. Inland, I-5 bisects the fertile valleys of the Umpqua and Willamette rivers. On the coast, Hwy 101 skirts the edge of the continent between the Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors spectacular views of rocky coastline, lighthouses and crashing surf.

On the coast in Florence you’ll find the fascinating Sea Lion Caves. Visitors descend 208 ft. into the large cave where Steller sea lions bark, growl, fight and swim as waves wash in from the seaside opening. It is the only natural year-round sea lion habitat on the mainland.

Along Hwy 101, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spans three counties. Beginning near North Bend and extending more than 40 mi. north to Florence, this area of gigantic sand dunes extends as far as 3 mi. inland in some places. A series of inland freshwater lakes, created when the dunes dammed up small streams, provide excellent places to fish, sail or swim. There are national, state, county and private campgrounds throughout. At Bandon, the southwestern-most town in Coos County, magnificent sea stacks stand just offshore from miles of sandy beaches. Its Historic Old Town invites strolling, and has a good variety of shops, galleries and restaurants.

Wineries throughout western Oregon are open for tours and tastings. Outdoor adventurers will find abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding in western Oregon, and there are ample opportunities for hunters, anglers, and explorers. Discover beautiful scenery and bustling cities as you explore western Oregon. MORE INFO: 101Things.com/westoregon

Beach below Heceta Head Lighthouse, photo by Barb Switzer

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