Here at the “gateway to the tall trees country,” weary travelers can refresh themselves with a dip in the South Fork of the Eel River, a quiet picnic, or a stroll through the beautiful redwoods. There is also great fishing here. Standish-Hickey offers three campgrounds, with over 150 campsites available on a first come, first served basis, for those who choose to stick around a … [Read more...]
Leggett & Piercy
Leggett
Approximately 25 miles north of Laytonville is the town of Leggett, located at the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 1. The former logging town attracts campers and travelers during the summer months, and hordes of fishermen when the salmon swim upstream to spawn in the late fall. The population of Leggett fluctuates between 350 and 500 depending on the season. Summer temperatures can hover in the high 80s and 90s, but the Eel River is always nearby for cooling off.
Piercy
Piercy, about 11 miles northwest of Leggett and located on the South Fork of the Eel River, is an unincorporated area immediately below the Mendocino-Humboldt County line.
#101 – Smithe Redwoods State Reserve
Traveling north from San Francisco along the Redwood Highway (U.S. 101), the first old-growth redwoods you’ll encounter are in Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Here you’ll find the beautiful Frank and Bess Smith Grove of redwoods, as well as Dora Creek Falls, a lovely 60-foot waterfall. Because Smithe Redwoods is a natural reserve, the park is managed to minimize human … [Read more...]
#99 – The Peg House
On Hwy 101 north of Leggett is one of the most beloved roadside stops along the Redwood Highway. The Peg House is featured in Sunset magazine’s Top Road Food Spots in the West: “One of the 25 Absolutely Best Places to Eat Along Western Highways.” Across from Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, the ‘Peg House’ features a gourmet deli, espresso bar, gift shop, general store … [Read more...]
#100 – Confusion Hill
One of the many roadside attractions just south of Garberville, in northern Mendocino County, is Campbell Bros. World Famous Confusion Hill. Listed as a California Point of Historical Interest, and featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not, this is definitely a one-of-a-kind attraction. It has been the home of mystery and fun since 1949. There are several adventures here including … [Read more...]
#98 – The One Log House
The One Log House is the heartwood of a 2,100+ year-old redwood, hollowed out by hand, and fashioned into a tiny home; complete with all the amenities. Although the timeline for this tree starts before the birth of Christ, its modern timeline starts with its cutting in 1946. The log for the One Log House was cut down by Art Schmock and his son. At that time, the tree was on … [Read more...]