Humboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike. It boasts half of all remaining old growth redwoods, including the world’s tallest trees, 160 miles of unspoiled beaches, many of them along the fabled Lost Coast, and bustling seaports, quaint farming communities and historic fishing villages. Everywhere in the county, travelers will find exceptional accommodations, fine restaurants, a multitude of shopping opportunities and numerous campgrounds.

The county is situated on the Northern California coast and begins about 50 miles south of the Oregon border. The largest towns are adjacent to Hwy 101. The southern end of the county lies about 200 miles north of San Francisco.

Humboldt County has a variety of climates and terrain. Coastal Humboldt is wild, mostly rocky, and cool in the summer. Inland, Humboldt has small communities that get quite warm in the summer. Many sit next to scenic rivers such as the Eel, Trinity and Klamath.

In northern Humboldt, Orick is the gateway to Redwood National Park, home of many of the world’s tallest trees. Many notable redwoods grow along the Newton B. Drury Parkway, a short stretch of old Hwy 101. Twenty miles south of the park is the fishing village of Trinidad, which overlooks a beautiful sheltered harbor. Another 10 miles further south along Hwy 101, McKinleyville has the California Redwood Coast - Humboldt County Airport, the county’s only commercial airport. A few miles south of there is Arcata, home to Humboldt State University and a unique marsh and wildlife area that serves as a natural wastewater treatment system. Arcata is a vibrant university town, with many businesses clustered around its historic central plaza.

East of Arcata along Hwy 299 is the charming, sunny town of Blue Lake, home of the Blue Lake Rancheria Indian tribe. Curiously enough, there is no lake in Blue Lake. Further east is Willow Creek, known for outdoor recreation along the Trinity River, including whitewater rafting, and the site of many purported Bigfoot sightings.

Eight miles south of Arcata is the Victorian seaport of Eureka. It’s situated on Humboldt Bay, which offers kayaking, fishing and wildlife-watching. There are harbor tours aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront.

Eureka is the county seat and contains many fine examples of Victorian architecture, particularly along the waterfront in Old Town. Most noteworthy of these is the ornate Carson Mansion, perhaps the most photographed Victorian in the United States. Eureka’s population of nearly 28,000 makes it the largest coastal city between San Francisco and the Oregon border.

Eureka 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.

Further south and 5 miles west of Hwy 101 is the Victorian village of Ferndale. The entire downtown has been named a State Historical Landmark (No. 883) because of its outstanding preservation of its buildings.

Eight miles east of Ferndale is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, known as the Friendly City. Right along Hwy 101, it has many newer hotels and an attractive community lodge overlooking the Eel River. East of Fortuna along State Hwy 36 is Grizzly Creek State Park, a favorite for hiking, camping and summer sun.

South of Fortuna on Hwy 101 is Scotia, a historic lumber mill town just recently transitioned from “company town” to independent community.

In southern Humboldt, Hwy 101 and nearby roads pass near some of the finest specimens of old-growth redwoods in the world. From Redcrest south to Phillipsville, motorists can detour along the renowned Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of two-lane road that parallels Hwy 101 and winds through stands of huge redwoods along the Eel River.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located along the Avenue of the Giants, covers more than 51,000 acres. The park includes the Rockefeller Forest, the largest single stand of virgin redwoods. After leaving the avenue, the traveler will once again be on Hwy 101.

A jaunt west on side roads that exit Hwy 101 will lead travelers to the King Range National Conservation Area and the legendary Lost Coast. This adventure leads to several colorful hamlets and ultimately the picturesque resort town of Shelter Cove.

Near the southern county line, 9 miles south of Garberville, Richardson Grove State Park is a magnificent 2,000 acres of redwoods. The state acquired the area in the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California.