The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel in Fortuna makes a great ‘home base’ for your California Redwood Coast vacation – in addition to the Redwoods with its Avenue of the Giants, our website’s local area page highlights the many other attractions you’ll find within an easy drive – Pacific beaches for sunning and strolling, hiking trails for all abilities, 10 breweries, wineries and distilleries to quench your thirst, Eureka’s Old Town and Victorian Ferndale, three casinos, repertory theater, museums, gardens, a zoo, and more!
If you vacation plans include a trip from Fortuna to Eureka to the Sequoia Park Zoo, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, or Old Town Eureka, why not explore the Hikshari’ Trail as a perfect way to complete your day along Humboldt Bay? All three of these attractions are close to the Hikshari’ Trail’s access and parking at Truesdale Avenue in Eureka. When you finish your walk or hike, the trailhead will be less than a 20 minute drive back to The Redwood, where your room, a relaxing dip in our pool, and maybe even a brownie await you.
Eureka’s Hikshari’ Trail lets you explore the varied geography, geology, flora, and fauna near Humboldt Bay. The relatively flat multiple-use trail winds along the Elk River (a side section of Humboldt Bay), and through the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary. The Trail passes sand dunes, coastal willow patches, saltmarsh and riverine habitat. Interpretive signs are plentiful, highlighting the area’s cultural and natural history along the mile and a half trail. Bicycles and dogs on leashes are allowed; for detailed information and maps, visit AllTrails.com.
For thousands of years, the Wiyot (Weott) people lived in villages along the waterways around Humboldt Bay. Hikshari’ is the Wiyot’s place name for the area, honoring the region’s Native American heritage. Interpretive signs along the Trail recount the history of the tribe and their village life, as well as the abundant natural resources they husbanded. Other signs tell visitors about Humboldt Bay’s ecology and geology, including the formation of the Elk River sandspit, and marsh reconstruction.
Spring is a great time for nature lovers to enjoy the native wildflowers and the many species of migratory birds that can be seen along the Trail. Birding is best through early May, when hikers are like to see shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Any month of the year, birders can take part in a monthly guided Audubon Birdwalk that includes the Hikshari’ Trail. Ralph Bucher from the Audubon Society leads these free walks at 9:00 am on the third Sunday of each month.
Spring will be arriving soon, so don’t wait to give us a call at The Redwood as you plan your vacation. We are proud of our knowledge about the many things to do in Humboldt County, and we look forward to helping you plan your stay.
Photo courtesy of Humboldt Lodging Alliance
