Humboldt County, California
Humboldt County, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit hiking trail is the King Range National Conservation Area. This challenging trail offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, steep mountains, and deep canyons. The trail is known for its diverse ecosystems, including coastal forests and chaparral. Another top outdoor adventure is exploring the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101, which parallels Freeway 101 with its 51,222 acres of redwood groves. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely drive or a peaceful hike. For water-related activities, the Mad River is ideal for rafting and fishing. Humboldt County's outdoor attractions also include the Headwaters Forest Reserve, known for its old-growth redwood trees and salmon habitat. These are just a few of the many scenic outdoor adventures awaiting you in Humboldt County.
Top Spots in and near Humboldt County
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Orick, California
Drive Bald Hills Road in Redwood National and State Parks
3.0Driving the Bald Hills Road was a totally unexpected treat when I visited Redwood National and State Parks. We only had a day to spend there on a week long California road trip but I was so glad that we made the decision to drive the road while visiting.While I came expecting, and was glad to exp...Read more -
Petrolia, California
The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
4.825.05 mi / 653 ft gainThis is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thru-hike on the northern part of California's coast. To accomplish this hike, you'll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. It's recommended that you drop one car at the Shelter Cove Trailhead (40.0455053,-124.0778196) and either use one of t...Read more -
Orick, California
Trillium Falls
2.68 mi / 469 ft gainTrillium Falls trail is a nice little hike through a second growth and old growth redwood forest. The trail is lined with sweet smelling ferns and has plenty of shade the entire route. This would be good for a midday hike in summer. The trail starts from the Elk Meadows Day Use parking area. St...Read more -
Garberville, California
King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead
5.04.79 mi / 1942 ft gainKing's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the ...Read more -
Junction City, California
Camp at Junction City Campground
3.0Junction City Campground is home to 22 tent/trailer campsites, paved loop road, vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. MAX trailer length is 40 feet. The campground is located 1.5 miles west of Junction City on State Highway 299.Dogs are welcome in the campground -- please k...Read more -
Junction City, California
Fly Fish the Trinity River
The Trinity River is one that is rarely visited by your typical Bay Area resident. In fact, much of true Northern California is "untouched" in the eyes of those who live in The City, which is what drew me to this place to begin with. After a five hour journey from San Francisco, we made it to our...Read more -
Orick, California
Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods
4.1Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Orick, CA about 50 miles North of Eureka, Ca and 25 miles South of Crescent City, CA. Take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway exit off of Highway 101. Along this road there is a prairie where wild Roosevelt Elk can be spotted. They are wild so keep y...Read more -
Orick, California
Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop
5.019.42 mi / 2799 ft gainThis is the itinerary for our 3 day backpacking trip at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in early May. The original plan was to backpack Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park. A couple issues stopped us from doing that: The water level was too high in May and multiple Park Rangers warne...Read more -
Orick, California
Clintonia Trail Loop
4.06.98 mi / 1033 ft gainClintonia Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Orick, California.Read more -
Orick, California
Cal Barrel Road
5.03.93 mi / 883 ft gainCal Barrel Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Orick, California.Read more -
Platina, California
Hike to Massacre Natural Bridge
5.01 miNatural Bridge is a historic/geologic site located near Hayfork, CA off Wildwood Road near Chanchelulla Peak in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To get there take Hwy 36 or 299 to Hwy 3/Hayfork, then take Wildwood Road to Forest Service Road 31N19 (unpaved)- Natural Bridge is a mile or two off...Read more -
Junction City, California
Scramble Thompson Peak
4.022.7 mi / 6100 ft gainThis adventure begins at the Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps wilderness. Park at the Canyon Creek Trailhead near Junction City and hike the well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail for 8 miles. Once you reach the Canyon Creek Lakes, your off-trail adventure officially begins. I’d recommend...Read more -
Junction City, California
Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage
9 mi / 2600 ft gainThe first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurer...Read more -
Junction City, California
Canyon Creek Lakes
4.314.35 mi / 2605 ft gainNumerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevatio...Read more -
Orick, California
Camp at Gold Bluff Beach
5.0Located at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the access road to this beach is a dirt road through the redwoods. Once you arrive to the beach area there is a park booth. The charge to overnight is $35 per day. Can also pay a day use fee which is less. The campground is situated some 200 yards fro...Read more -
Orick, California
Hike the James Irvine Miner's Ridge Loop, Redwood National Forest
4.512 mi / 1350 ft gainWhat is known as the "James Irvine Miner's Ridge Loop" is actually a combination of trails that creates a loop in the Redwood Forest. For only being around 12 miles round trip, it is an easy way to see the diverse scenery in one hike. In a nutshell, on this hike you get some of the best features:...Read more
