15 Outdoorsy Things to do in Humboldt County

Humboldt County is a dream come true for adventurers who appreciate the beauty and opportunity it provides.  Gorgeous beaches, mesmerizing hiking trails and an abundance of other activities are just some of things that draw people to the local outdoors.  Here are 15 we think you'll especially enjoy.  

On the cover - Big Trees Area.  This gorgeous spot in Southern Humboldt is our bonus sixteenth pick and is located in a wonderland of gigantic redwood trees and warmer Humboldt temperatures.  Near Avenue of the Giants and inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Big Trees Area will leave you feeling in awe. 

Along the way to Big Trees Area from Highway 101, visitors pass Rockefeller Forest, another wonderful place that is definitely worth a visit.  

More info -->  Big Trees Area

Explore Fern Canyon 

Fern Canyon is all about exploring, respectfully, and enjoying a part of Humboldt County that people from around the world travel to visit each year.  Located within the incredible Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon symbolizes the magic of Humboldt. 

With fern covered walls that reach as high as 80 feet in some places, visitors are treated to fresh air, the sound of waves crashing off in the distance, wildlife and the adventure that awaits as they make their way up the canyon. 

There is now a permit system in place at Fern Canyon during parts of the year, even for locals.  Click HERE for more info about that. 

More info --> Fern Canyon

Take a Trip to Sequoia Park Zoo

Sequoia Park Zoo has always been a fun place to visit on a nice Humboldt day but with the addition of the Redwood Sky Walk, it's become one of Humboldt's best places to enjoy the local outdoors. 

Featuring a hands-on barnyard, an otter exhibit, salmon feeding, an aviary, a monkey exhibit and other fun exhibits that showcase some of the zoo's unique and diverse animals, the zoo now features an incredible sky walk that takes visitors as high as 100 feet through the trees of Sequoia Park.

Sequoia Park, located right next to the zoo, features trails, a duck pond, multiple playgrounds and more.  The park is a great place for a picnic so bring some food and plan to make an afternoon of it. 

More info -->  Sequoia Park Zoo

Enjoy a Walk at Headwaters Forest Reserve

It's hard to believe this incredible place is so close to Eureka.  The 7,400+ acre reserve seems far more remote than it is and features a family-friendly trail, a bit of history and the chance to spot wildlife as you meander down the trail.  

The trail is peaceful and easy to navigate and offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of south Eureka while taking in the gorgeous sights, the peaceful sounds and the fresh, clean air.  The first three miles move smoothly along the south fork of the Elk River and lead to a gorgeous loop through an old-growth forest before heading back toward the parking lot. 

More info -->  Headwater Forest Reserve

Have Some Fun in the Shelter Cove Area

The beauty that you'll find when you arrive in Shelter Cove makes it worth every twisty mile it takes to get there. 

The area may be most well known for being the home of Black Sands Beach, one of Humboldt's most remote beaches, but it has some other pretty incredible places to visit as well.  Mal Coombs Park has picnic areas, tidepools, plenty of wildlife and is home to the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse.  There is also a small, unique golf course you can play and a bike ride along Lower Pacific Drive, with stops at Seal Rock Park and Abalone Point, is really pretty incredible. 

When you get hungry, Shelter Cove has some fantastic restaurants; Mi Mochima and Gyppo Ale Mill, California's most remote brewery, are two we like. 

Get Some Sun at Kimtu Beach 

Less than an hour from 101, Willow Creek offers blue skies and sunshine, making Kimtu Beach an especially attractive place to spend a day swimming, playing and relaxing.  The cool waters of the Trinity River are perfect for cooling down on those hot Humboldt days. 

Kayakers will have a great time exploring the shoreline and there are quite a few places to jump off the rocks into the refreshing water.  

If you're looking for more fun in the sun while in the area, check out Veteran's Park or Creekside Park, which offers disc golf by the river.

More info --> Kimtu Beach   

So Many Things to see at Sue-meg State Park 

Relax at a Local Beach

There are few things as mentally, emotionally and physically refreshing as spending some time at the beach.  Fortunately, Humboldt has quite a few incredible beaches to choose from. 

Samoa Dunes, Centerville Beach, Trinidad State Beach, Agate Beach and Golf Bluffs Beach are just a few of the places where the serenity of the Humboldt Outdoors can be enjoyed and appreciated. 

Visit Humboldt County Beaches for more information on places to explore. 

When You're Hungry in Humboldt -->  Our comprehensive list of Humboldt County Restaurants includes local eateries, breweries, food trucks and more. 

Spot Some Roosevelt Elk

At one time, these amazing creatures roamed from Canada down through Mendocino County but these days, Humboldt County is one of a few places left where you can see Roosevelt Elk grazing, relaxing and taking part in other activities in their natural habitat; and it's quite a sight!

The best area to see them is north of Orick, near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and the Bald Hills Road area.  Pay attention as you move north along 101 as they are often found just to the side of the highway, or trying to cross.  Davison Road, the same road that takes visitors to Fern Canyon, is also a popular place for spotting Elk and is close to the short trail that leads to Trillium Falls.    

Note:  These majestic animals are graceful in their element and fun to watch but can get aggressive when threatened.  Don't be the fool that approaches them to get that perfect shot for your social.

Take a Trip to Ferndale

When people think of Ferndale, the quaint shops, great restaurants and the town's annual Christmas celebration usually come to mind.  However, Ferndale also has some pretty incredible places to enjoy the local outdoors that are definitely worth visiting.  

Russ Park, which is located just outside of town, is home to almost five miles of trails, wonderful views of Ferndale and all the peace & serenity one can handle.  

Head toward the coast and Centerville Beach awaits.  This ever-changing beach is great place to play, relax and catch an incredible Humboldt sunset.  If hiking is more your style, drive past Centerville Beach a mile or so and you'll find the Fleener Creek and Guthrie Creek Trails.  Both trails offer beautiful views on their way to clean, appealing beaches.  Please be sure to leave no trace when you visit.  

Road Trip to Petrolia

Sometimes it's the journey and sometimes it's the destination.  When you're talking about a road trip to Petrolia, it's both.  The drive from Ferndale to Petrolia may be the best inner-county road trip in Humboldt and leads to some remote, gorgeous beaches. 

Just outside of Petrolia is the Punta Gorda Recreation Area; home to the northern trailhead of the Lost Coast Trail, a chill campground and plenty of room to explore the gorgeous Lost Coast.  There are often seals playing just off the coast and if you're lucky, you'll spot one cruising up the mouth of the Mattole River.  

Go for a Walk at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread out over three-hundred acres (and growing!), the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary features five miles of trails that offer incredible views of Humboldt Bay and the surrounding Arcata area.  The park is in the middle of a unique environment where every turn offers breathtaking views and a chance to see even more wildlife. 

Grab a leash and bring your dog as they are welcome to join you and bike riders will have a great time exploring the park.  

More info -->  Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

With over 50 parks, Humboldt County is the perfect place for a picnic.  Our Humboldt County Parks section has info, pictures, directions and more about all of them!

Have you Checked out Humboldt Lagoons State Park?

Humboldt Lagoons State Park is made up of four parks; Big Lagoon County Park, Stone Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon and Dry Lagoon; each offering its own reasons to stop and explore. 

Big Lagoon is a popular place for kayaking, windsurfing, camping and fishing and each of the parks offers access to beautiful beaches, trails, wildlife viewing, picnic areas and more.  Kayaking is also an option at Freshwater Lagoon, just north of Big Lagoon so you definitely have plenty of options of how you want to enjoy the Humboldt Outdoors when you visit the area.   

At less than a thirty-five minute drive from Eureka, it's closer than you might think. 

More info -->  Humboldt Lagoons State Park

*Our friends at Kayak Trinidad offer kayak/sup rentals at Big Lagoon and paddling around the lagoon is a pretty incredible experience.  

Grab Some Fresh Goods at a Local Farmers' Market 

One of the best ways to enjoy the Humboldt outdoors is to eat it, literally.   Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh air, sunshine and plenty of social activity make our local farmers' markets a unique way to celebrate and enjoy the Humboldt outdoors. 

Humboldt has a very active farmers' market schedule and there's so much more than just fresh produce to be found.  Art, locally made jellies, breads, honey, clothing and even dog toys can be found when you visit.  

Click the link for a list of --> Humboldt County Farmers' Markets

Go for a Hike 

Whether you enjoy hiking along the beach, hiking in the trees or both, Humboldt County has got it all.  The sheer number of incredible trails is almost an embarrassment of riches.  Almost.  Regardless of your skill level, there's something for everyone and our trails are pretty impressive. 

Check out our list of Humboldt County Trails and enjoy a walk amongst some of the most incredible trees in the world. 

Spot the Wildlife at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Families love the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge because the popular Shorebird Loop Trail (1.75 miles) is very manageable for kids and takes visitors right through the heart of the park. 

There is a diverse amount of wildlife that calls the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge home and the trail is a great place to see how many you can spot.   Located just north of Loleta, it's easy to find and it's free!

More info -->  Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Written by Colby K. for norcalpulse.com