Let nature be your playground at the Southern Humboldt Community Park. You can explore 431 acres of grasslands, farmland, upland forests, and native redwoods, with attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Walkers, bikers and horseback riders will enjoy 3.5 miles of trails that wind around meadows and through forests. All park trails are multi-use and can be used by … [Read more...]
#20 – King Range and Lost Coast Trail
The King Range National Conservation Area is unlike any other place in the continental United States. Here, in this 35-mile long, 68,000-acre stretch of coastal wilderness, the mountains rise directly out of the sea. King Peak tops out at 4,088 ft., and is only 3 miles from the ocean. The Conservation Area extends between the Mattole River in Humboldt County to the northern … [Read more...]
#21 – Humboldt Redwoods State Park
The natural crown jewel of the county is Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This is the definitive spot to see the magnificence of California’s famous coastal redwoods. In the early part of the last century there was a nationwide effort 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 pu … [Read more...]
#22 – Eel River Swimming Holes
One of the most striking features of Humboldt County is the magnificent 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 flows through five counties with winding lazy curves to churning whitewater. It runs parallel to the coast and Hwy 101. … [Read more...]
#33 – Centerville County Park and Beach
Just outside Ferndale, discover a pristine beach on the Pacific Ocean that stretches for nine miles with dairy farms to the north and steep cliffs to the south. At Centerville County Park and Beach, have an exciting afternoon filled with hiking, picnicking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. Sandpipers dance on the water’s edge and cormorants, pelicans and gulls soar over the w … [Read more...]
#42 – South Spit Humboldt Bay & Table Bluff County Park
About 10 minutes south of Eureka off Hwy 101, visitors will find 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 find it. Access to the spit is through Table Bluff County Park, where high c … [Read more...]
#48 – 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 best-kept secret. From the Nature Center you can explore on your own or enjoy guided hikes highlighting bird-watching, mushrooms, … [Read more...]
#5 – Redwood Adventures
Want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors? Redwood Parks Lodge Company offers full-service hospitality to all visitors to Redwood National and State Parks. It is conveniently located in the heart of Redwood National Park, Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek State Park, beaches, and just a few minutes from world famous Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Hike, … [Read more...]
#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 a great place to go for an afternoon of launching up and over sand dunes, making sharp turns and triggering sand to shoot into the air. With more than 140 acres of trails and beach, there is plenty of space to play. Bring you own ATV since they are not available … [Read more...]
#66 – 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 in their life. The Headwaters Forest Reserve, just south of Eureka, offers an ideal setting for this experience. The reserve serves … [Read more...]
#75 – Mad River County Park
For a magnificent, memorable beach and riverside experience, head straight to Mad River County Park. Here you can see wildlife in its natural habitat along the shores of the Mad River as it spills into the Pacific 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 … [Read more...]
#78 – Clam Beach County Beach
Clam Beach is one of McKinleyville’s favorite playgrounds, literally offering 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 fine, gray sand beach. There are excellent clamming opportunities, and the fishing from shore is exceptional too; come out and cast a line to s … [Read more...]
#83 – Moonstone & Luffenholz Beaches
Moonstone Beach is one of the most popular surfing 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 … [Read more...]
#84 – Big Lagoon County Park
Big Lagoon is formed by a long sand spit that separates it from the Pacific Ocean. The spit is actually a continuation of Agate Beach, and a premier beachcombing location. Here the determined walker can find 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 … [Read more...]
#86 – 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 off Edwards Street. Kid-friendly and d … [Read more...]
#87 – 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 effects 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 befo … [Read more...]
#88 – Patrick’s Point State Park
Patrick’s Point State Park is located in the heart of Redwood Country. If you love to experience spectacular panoramas, rocky cliffs, 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, … [Read more...]
#89 – Agate Beach
At Patrick’s Point 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 B … [Read more...]
#9 – Six Rivers National Forest
Six Rivers National Forest is enormous, offering a wide variety of 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 different counties, with a big chunk of it in Humboldt County. Visiting Six Rivers is awe-inspiring. You’ll have the opportunity t … [Read more...]
#93 – Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Agate hunting, bird-watching, beachcombing, boating and whale-watching are all popular outdoor activities for families along the North Coast. One of the best places to do all of these and more is Humboldt Lagoons State Park. In the early 1900s, Dry Lagoon was drained to make way for crops and dairy ranches. The effort proved uneconomical, and eventually Mother Nature … [Read more...]
#94 – Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek, an unassuming waterway that enters the Pacific 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 Save-the-Redwoods League. The park has been designated a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. The … [Read more...]
Emerald Forest, Trinidad
One Mile from the Beach Stay in one of the Emerald Forest of Trinidad's cabins and capture the spirit of the North Coast. 20 Vacation cabins, all fully furnished for your comfort. Enjoy the forest from your private deck. Stay in a rustic North Coast Original, an elegant Suite, a Forest Cabin, or a roomy family cabin - all situated among the Redwoods, only a mile from … [Read more...]
Pacific Outfitters Adventures
Pacific Outfitters has the largest and most diverse adventure programs on the North Coast. Their store fronts have all the gear you need to get outdoors, but their adventure program offers everything from lessons, certifications to custom adventures. Whether you are interested in kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, scuba, hunting, firearms, fishing, rafting, or other … [Read more...]
Redwoods and Rivers, Hwy 299
Redwoods & Rivers on Hwy 299 has been operating on the Trinity, Klamath, Cal Salmon, Eel and Smith rivers for over 16 years. No matter what your experience level is they can offer something to challenge every ability. They offer half day, full day or multi day trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in Northern California. Where: 21690 State Hwy 299, Del Loma … [Read more...]
Shelter Cove RV & Campground
Spend a Night By the Ocean! At Shelter Cove RV Park and Campground spend the night next to the ocean listening to the waves crash and enjoying the fresh ocean air. With a beautiful location right off the coast in Shelter Cove, CA there are an abundance of pristine views and many secluded beaches to enjoy near by. Hike the "Lost Coast Trail", spend time whale watching, combing … [Read more...]
Six Rivers Rafting, Willow Creek
6 Rivers Rafting is owned and operated by people who share a passion for whitewater rafting and global stewardship. They provide the highest quality experience on the rivers in Shasta-Trinity & Klamath National Forest. They offer guided whitewater trips (class II-V), scenic wilderness river trips, multi-day trips, gourmet dinner trips and Kayak lessons. Rafts, Inflatable … [Read more...]