Humboldt County
Redwoods, Rivers, Waves and More
Humboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike, featuring 160 mi. 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 find exquisite accommodations, fine restaurants, wonderful shops and numerous campgrounds there. They can explore the area's rocky coastlines, warm inland communities and major rivers while taking advantage of exceptional local businesses.
The county is situated on the Northern California coast, 60 mi. south of the Oregon border, and its largest towns are adjacent to Hwy 101. Eureka, the county seat, is roughly halfway between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.
Driving north into Humboldt County along Hwy 101, travelers will encounter Richardson Grove State Park with its 2,000 acres of magnificent redwoods. This is where the legendary redwood forests really begin. The state acquired the area in the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California. A jaunt down smaller 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, and ultimately ends at the coastal town of Shelter Cove. Further north on Hwy 101, after leaving the towns of Garberville and Redway, you'll find the internationally famous Avenue of the Giants. It is a 31-mi. stretch of two-lane road, dotted with small unique towns, that runs parallel to Hwy 101. An incredible drive, it winds through huge stands of ancient 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, the traveler will once again be on Hwy 101 and will pass the town of Scotia, located on a striking wooded hillside overlooking a giant bend in the Eel River, and its next door neighbor, Rio Dell. Further north is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, the jewel of the Eel River Valley. Friendly Fortuna has developed tremendous accommodations for tourists in recent years, including several hotels along the Eel River and an attractive community center. East of Fortuna, along State Hwy 36, is Grizzly Creek State Park, a favorite for hiking, camping and summer sun. Hwy 36 passes through the towns of Hydesville, Carlotta and Bridgeville, and continues to the hamlet of Mad River and to Ruth Lake. Ruth Lake, at an elevation of 2,650 ft. and bordered by ponderosas and firs, was formed in 1962 by the damming of the Mad River.
The Victorian Village of Ferndale is just northwest of Fortuna and 16 mi. south of Eureka.
The entire town has been named a State Historical Landmark as a result of its strong preservation policies of commercial buildings and residences.
Eureka contains more fine 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 a multitude of 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 California's 58 counties. Eureka is a busy seaport, and home to a large fishing fleet. A variety of activities can be found in and around the waters of Humboldt Bay, including kayaking, fishing and spotting marine wildlife. There are harbor tours aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot to visit to enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront.
Seven mi. north of Eureka is Arcata, home to Humboldt State University. Arcata is also known for its unique marsh and wildlife area that serves as a natural wastewater treatment system. East of Arcata, along Hwys 299 and 96, are sunny Willow Creek and Hoopa, known for recreation along the Trinity and Klamath Rivers and their tributaries. Back along Hwy 101 the town of McKinleyville serves as the home of the Arcata-Eureka Airport, the county's only commercial airport. In northern Humboldt County visitors can enjoy the coastal gem of Trinidad, which overlooks an enchanting sheltered harbor, and Orick, the gateway to Redwood Forests.
