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
-
Orick, California
Hike the Friendship Ridge Trail loop via the Coastal Trail
3.08 mi / 1500 ft gainThis loop hikes starts at the Fern Canyon Trailhead. To get to Fern Canyon, drive to the end of Davison Rd, also known as Gold Bluff Beach road. There is a pay station at the entrance to the road ($8 in 2015). After heavy rain, the road may be impassable for passenger cars. From the parking a...Read more -
Orick, California
Fern Canyon
4.41.12 mi / 269 ft gainFern Canyon is located within Gold Bluffs Beach at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park located some 45 miles south of Crescent City, CA. Entrance to the beach area is located on Davidson Rd off the US-101 in Orick, CA. You will need to drive for about 6 miles on the dirt road at the turn of Davidso...Read more -
Forks of Salmon, California
Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead
4.414.6 mi / 5112 ft gainGrizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...Read more -
Douglas City, California
Camp at Douglas City Campground
The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
Black Sands Beach on the Lost Coast
5.00.5 miBlack Sands Beach and all of the Lost Coast is almost indescribable in its ruggedness and beauty. Black Sands Beach sits along the southern portion of of the famous Lost Coast Trail, and is accessible by one of the two roads that go across the King Range to the ocean. From 101 in Garberville, hea...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
King's Peak from Shelter Cove
2.030.85 mi / 6204 ft gainAfter parking at Shelter Cove and securing a camping permit ($3 per night in the backcountry) follow the bear prints down the coastline for 5 miles, keeping in mind that the tide devours the beach every 12 hours. Parts of the beach become impassable at high tide. Camp overnight at Buck Creek, th...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
Chinquapin Loop on The Lost Coast
4.07.87 mi / 2159 ft gainI did this hike the day before setting out on a backpacking trip along the northern section of The Lost Coast Trail and it was a fantastic warm up hike. The Chinquapin Loop is a loop off of The Lost Coast Trail along Chemise Mountain, near the start of the southern section of the LCT. You can st...Read more
