National and state parks are not only “great and beautiful,” but they also help preserve forested land and natural water sources. They protect the natural ecosystem. Finally, touring through these parks also provides stunning landscapes, a vast array of wildlife, and sparkling waterfalls. This is your guide to national and state parks in Humboldt County, CA.
“A grove of giant redwoods or sequoias should be kept
just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral.
-Theodore Roosevelt
Redwood National Park
Obviously, you would expect to see the majestic redwoods and sequoias. But the Redwood National Park isn’t just about these ancient trees. You will also experience prairies, oak woodlands, rivers cascading wildly, and of course, miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline. Whether you’re driving through the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway or hiking the Boy Scout Trail or any of the other amazing things you can do, you’ll want to have a map to help guide you.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
With over 53,000 acres, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California’s third largest state park. Located within the park, the Rockefeller Forest claims to have the world’s largest remaining old-growth forest of coastal redwoods. The park contains miles of hiking, biking, and riding trails. You can also drive the 32-mile Avenue of the Giants while you’re there. If you’re only going to spend a day there, you will find beautiful picnic areas and places to swim. It’s also a wonderful park to simply relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Fort Humboldt | State Historic Park
Fort Humboldt is an historic military fort located on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay. Established in 1853, this fort was the headquarters for the Humboldt Military District. Most of the Fort has decayed due to being abandoned in 1870. However, the hospital still stands and has been converted into a museum commemorating the Fort and the Native Americans in the area. You’ll also find a Logging Museum that highlights 19th-20th century logging practices and equipment.This park helps make history come alive.
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
The Humboldt Lagoons State Park protects three separate lagoons that have estuaries and wetlands. These marshlands provide a rich area for vegetation, birds, and other wildlife. Visitors to this park can enjoy hiking, paddling, swimming, and fishing. You can bring your own boat or rent one to explore the area. Be sure to bring your binoculars for some bird watching and you may even see some whales.
Patrick’s Point State Park
Hiking around the Patrick’s Point State Park, about thirty miles north of Eureka, provides opportunities to hunt for agate, splash in tide pools, and peek through bushes to watch the seals, sea lions, and whales on their migrating journey. Moving into the center of the park you’ll find the visitor center, gardens and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house. Whether you’re hiking on your own or with a guide, you’ll enjoy all that this park has to offer.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Just a little further north, you can visit the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The first Saturday of each month from October to May, you can participate in the Hike and Bike Day on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. No motorized vehicles are allowed so it’s a great chance to stroll, saunter, skate, or skip your way through the 10-mile hike. The park helps protect the sandy beaches and vast meadows grazed by Roosevelt elk herds. A sight you won’t want to miss.
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
“The road less traveled” comes to mind when talking about the Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. Located about 15 miles east of Highway 101, this park is definitely off the beaten track. Although it is not well populated, it does have spectacular redwoods. With only five miles of trails and rustic amenities, this is a great day trip destination.
Richardson Grove State Park
One of California’s first redwood parks, Richardson Grove State Park was established in 1922. With only 120 acres, the park has grown to 1,800 acres. You can hike or bike the nine miles of trails and see unusually shaped redwoods, stop for a swim in the river, or check out the bat tree. This park provides unique sites throughout the year.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
The final park in your guide to national and state parks in Humboldt County, CA is the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Located on the southern portion of the Lost Coast, this park’s Lost Coast Trail follows the entire length of the rugged Sinkyone coastline. We’re not kidding when we say it’s rugged. This park contains steep, rocky trails and no luxury amenities along the way. But the views are spectacular. You’ll see seals and sea lions enjoying rocky coves, beautiful waterfalls, dark sand beaches, wildflowers, and more. In the summer, the sea turns a gorgeous turquoise blue—you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics.
Your Stay at The Redwood
Regardless of what park or parks you want to visit, book your stay at The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel where you’ll experience warm hospitality. As a small, independent hotel, we offer high-quality customized service that’s grounded in our beautiful location. Check availability.
