Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a natural wonder located in Humboldt County, California, and it stands as a testament to the grandeur and ecological significance of the Coastal Redwood forests. Here are some historical details and significant facts about this remarkable park:
Ancient Giants: Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to some of the world's tallest and oldest trees. The park boasts numerous groves of towering Coastal Redwoods, including the famous Founders Tree, which is estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
Preservation Efforts: The park's creation is intertwined with conservation efforts. In the early 20th century, there was a growing concern about the destruction of these ancient trees due to logging. As a response, the Save-the-Redwoods League, established in 1918, played a pivotal role in acquiring and preserving the land that would become Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Immense Biodiversity: The park isn't just about the redwoods; it also features diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, meadows, and river habitats. This biodiversity supports a range of wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and countless bird species.
Avenue of the Giants: One of the most famous features of the park is the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic drive that winds through towering redwoods. It offers numerous opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and exploring the ancient groves.
Visitor Centers: The Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center provides informative exhibits about the park's history, ecology, and conservation efforts. It's an excellent starting point for visitors looking to learn more about this natural wonder.
Recreational Activities: Beyond awe-inspiring tree gazing, the park offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and even kayaking on the Eel River.
Preservation and Education: The park is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a place dedicated to environmental education and research. It plays a crucial role in studying and preserving these ancient trees and their ecosystems for future generations.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is not just a place of immense natural beauty but also a testament to the dedication of conservationists and the enduring splendor of these ancient redwoods. It continues to inspire visitors with its awe-inspiring trees and the rich history of preservation efforts that have allowed these...
Read moreThe drive was beautiful. We took the drive on the spur of the moment based on a roadside billboard. So, we got started a little later in the day. When it got dark, we pulled into a designated parking area because my husband and I (who are seniors) don't see well enough to feel comfortable driving at night. All the parking areas along the stretch of road were empty, and there were no cars coming through at night. It was so dark, quiet, and peaceful, and we were excited to complete our drive through the park the next morning when it got light. We didn't want to miss any of the sights. A few hours after we fell asleep, we got a knock on our window. A park ranger told us we couldn't be parked there. The ranger was helpful enough, so we parked in another area off the road (where he told us to park) that was not nearly as safe. I did not feel it was safe at all, in fact. Then, a bit later, when we were trying to fall back asleep, another park ranger tapped on our window to tell us we couldn't be parked THERE. This ranger was condescending, arrogant, and unfriendly, to say the least of his behavior toward us. We said we thought it was OK to park and rest because there were no signs saying not to. We let him know we didn't feel safe driving at night. He said there are signs posted all over the park. There wasn't. Not even in the designated parking areas. He rudely said we should have 'planned ahead' if we were planning on spending the night - or not get caught in the park at dark. ?! We are not welcome to cruise through the park on the spur of the moment as tourists? So, we decided to go ahead and make the drive out of the park, in the dark, so we would not be harassed any further by...
Read moreOne of the most important and impressive nature parks in the whole world in a stunningly beautiful area. The Sequoias are as sacred as any cathedral and much much larger.
The South Humboldt area has gas, lodging, music and food in Garberville and Redway.
There is camping in some of the parks.
Redcrest has cabins, Leggit has Redwood River Resort and there is more camping in naerby Richardson's Grove State Park (recommended) and Standish Hickey State Park a bit further south.
There are many formal and informal places to park by the river, swim if deep enough, etc. Day use at Richardson's Grove has river access, and so do many places in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. There are good services at some of the places on the part of Avenue of the Giants between Founder's Grove and Meyer's Flats.
Great information, museum and shop at the visitor center in that same area. Further north is beautiful, but w/o services and so are the smaller groves in the Miranda-Phillipsville area. Those are also worth visiting, just remember that bathrooms are not available at all the stops. There is normal store shopping in a few places. Grocery stores are 2, one in Garberville, the...
Read more