California's North Coast

Now and then, we find a destination that's equally as good in the summer, fall, spring, or even winter. The northern California coast is just such a place, especially near the Humboldt Redwoods State Park near Eureka. Up in this small neck of the woods, no one place could be considered a final destination, but put a few of them together, and you've got a great place to spend some time, no matter what season of the year it may be.

While there are literally dozens of places worth seeing in this pristine corner of northern California, we'll talk here about the redwoods, Eureka, and Shelter Cove and Lost Coast. Many more destinations exist here, all of them worth while, but these are our highlights, this time.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants – In 1917, when the now famous California Highway 101 was completed into the Eureka area, interest seemed to grow in the giant redwoods almost immediately, and by 1921, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park was formed, in part because of the activities of the newly formed “Save the Redwoods League”. This park today, which is over 50,000 acres in size, represents the world's largest stand of giant redwoods still standing.

Trees here are truly remarkable. Often standing over 300 feet tall, and living for nearly 1,000 years, they withstand fires, floods, drought, and nearly all obstacles that present themselves to any other forest. The nature of these redwoods has allowed them to endure.

Walking among the world's largest living things is an experience, and the Avenue of the Giants along Highway 101 should be a day's adventure for any trip to this area. Located in along California's Freeway 101 about 35 miles south of Eureka, and 18 miles north of Gardnerville, The Avenue of the Giants offers a 31 mile trip through the redwoods in the easiest way possible. There are several groves that offer picnic areas and hiking trails as well as self guided interpretive walks.

The redwoods area is a day trip. The road is narrow and parking areas are small. There are several parks in the area that are suitable for most any kind of RV. The town of Eureka offers some interesting activities too. One thing that stands out when you enter Eureka is the abundance of large, really well done murals. According to the official Mural Self Guiding web site, there are a minimum of 21 large murals around town to view. Make no mistake about it, these are not typical murals done in the fashion of average “street art”, these are fine art paintings done in a community spirit by some accomplished artists from the area. A must see in the Eureka area.

While you're out and about in town, it might be good to plan your lunch stop at the historical Weaver Building. Located in old town near the waterfront, the Weaver Building has a long involvement in Eureka's history. Originally, this two story building contained a saloon on the bottom floor, and a brothel upstairs. There were several businesses downstairs, but the brothel remained until the 1950s when prostitution was outlawed in California. Today, the Weaver building's bottom floor is home to the Cafe Waterfront Oyster Bar and Grill; a small restaurant with great food and great service. Upstairs is now a Bed and Breakfast, featuring Sophie's Suite, and Rachel's Room.

After lunch a stroll through the historic district and waterfront will bring you historic buildings with shops to browse at nearly every turn. Winter is a great time to visit here since tourism is slow, but the shops are open.

While a walk through Eureka is a lesson rich in California's history, a drive over to Shelter Cove is a trip back in time. Picture a small coastal community of the 30s and 40s, where people of comfortable incomes would come to enjoy their vacations or simple get-away, and you've got Shelter Cove. This is a full day trip, at about 87 miles from Eureka, but worth the trip if you enjoy small coastal communities with views of the Pacific Ocean. Historically, Shelter Cove has its roots in ranching, and even made a go at building a sea port. Today, the location of the “port” is a prime location for local surfers, which might speak to the original viability of establishing a port among all this great surf. Today, Shelter Cove boasts many vacation homes, a seasonal RV park and campground, a small store and a small Motel. Well worth the trip if you want to spend time in the past near the ocean. If you drive a large RV, you might consider using your dingy and leave the RV behind. The roads are small and steep.

This coverage of California's north coast amounts to only a minor taste of what's available, and more information can easily be researched by following our links to this area. The important thing to remember is that this destination in a year round treat. The nearly constant temperature of the Pacific Ocean keeps the temperatures along much of California's coast comfortable all year, and that makes this destination desirable all year.