Sequoia Park & Redwood Sky Walk

3414 W St, Eureka, CA 95503
(707) 441-4263
Tues-Sun 10-5
$24.95 adults, $12.95 kids ages 3-12, free for kids ages 2 & younger, $22.95 seniors, $22.95 military
www.sequoiaparkzoo.net

A 67-acre old-growth redwood grove is a surprising green getaway in the middle of residential Eureka. It  has biking and hiking trails, a children’s playground and picnic areas, creeks and duck pond and a small  fun-sized zoo that opened in 1907. The oldest accredited zoo in California houses red pandas, river  otters, a barnyard petting area, and a walk-in aviary with exotic birds. 

The most popular attraction is the Redwood Sky Walk, an instant hit following its 2021 debut. Soar as  high as 100 feet above the forest floor on the elevated trail. While the world’s tallest trees can feel  remote in their incomprehensible heights from ground level, the Sky Walk brings humans closer to the  mighty trunks for unrivaled views of the forest. The entire quarter mile route is wheelchair-accessible  too, save for the “adventure leg,” a narrow segment with open mesh decking that offers oohs and aahs  with a back and forth sway. Humboldt residents can take advantage of a modest price discount. Tickets  include admission to the Sequoia Park Zoo.

Dune With A View

Manila, CA 95521
(707) 825-2300 (Arcata Field Office)
Open sunrise to one hour after sunset

www.blm.gov/visit/ma-lel-dunes-cma

Visit the biggest of all Humboldt dunes, a sprawling, 1 million-cubic-yard sand mountain barely  contained by the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area. Jointly supervised by the Bureau of  Land Management and the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge, this federal preserve features rare coastal 

plants and animals, a spooky skeleton forest and, once one trudges to the top of said dune, panoramic  views of ocean, bay and inland mountains. Look for beach strawberries, sea rocket plants and rare  Humboldt Bay wallflowers, or crisscrossing tracks left at night by foxes, skunks and raccoons. The  southern unit, which permits horses and dogs, is open daily. The northern unit, which offers more direct  access to the monster dune, is open weekends.

Bald Hills Road

127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Orick, CA 95555
(707) 488-2039

Open for day use

www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415

While inside Redwood National Park, most of Bald Hills Road resembles anything but a primeval forest.  Rather than foggy groves, the area is dominated by sunny prairies, with occasional clumps of oaks, once  grazed by sheep and cattle. The grassy hillsides, with panoramic views of the redwood groves below in  the Redwood Creek valley, offer perfect places to picnic, especially in the spring when wildflowers like  purple lupines pop up everywhere. To start, from U.S. Highway 101 just north of Orick, turn east on Bald  Hills Road, pass the signs for the Lady Bird Johnson and Tall Trees groves, and ascend into what looks  like a scene from The Sound of Music. Three suggested lunch stops: Dolason Prairie, which includes a 9- mile trail for the ambitious; Schoolhouse Peak, which at 3,097 feet is the highest point in the park; and  the old Lyons Ranch, whose original barn and bunkhouses are intact and worth exploring. The barn is  11.5 miles from U.S. Highway 101. The bunkhouses, which require a few miles of unpaved road, are just  shy of 18 miles from the highway. Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for rare California condors, which are  periodically released into the wild from a sanctuary in the Bald Hills. 

 

Prairie Creek Picnic

127011 Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555
(707) 488-2039
Open for day use
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415

As arboreal hunters search the depths of Redwood National and State Parks for giant trees, hidden in  plain sight is one of the most photogenic champions: the so-called Picnic Tree, an old growth monster  near the campground of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It’s been featured in travel magazines and  websites, but few who pass notice it on the edge of a cozy picnic spot, steps from the Prairie Creek  Visitor Center. This massive vertical spire has sprawling roots flaring around its base like the foot of a  mastodon, shading a moss covered stone grill that adds to its prehistoric charm. Should you eat here  among the Giants, there are plenty of picnic tables, and you can work off the meal with a stroll on the  Revelation Trail—an easy, wheelchair-friendly mile that showcases more monster trees. 

Lacks Creek

(707) 825-2300 (Arcata Field Office)
Open for day use

www.blm.gov/visit/lacks-creek-management-area-0

Lacks Creek is a recreational hidden treasure and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Ride a horse  or bike along the multi-use trails, or find your own secluded campsite with a view. Lacks Creek is located  in Humboldt’s northern Coast Range, about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 20 miles  northeast of Eureka. The area includes 9,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management public lands, 7,000  acres of which are within the Lacks Creek watershed. The management area is surrounded by large  private land timber holdings, and the region contains some of the most productive and intensively  managed commercial forest lands in the United States. The immediate surroundings are sparsely  populated with scattered ranches in adjacent Redwood Valley. For directions, drive east on Highway 299 for 18 miles from Highway 101. Turn left at the Redwood Valley turnoff (Bair Road) and travel 4 miles.  Make a right turn at the sign that reads “Hoopa – 22 miles”, and travel 6 miles up this windy gravel road.  The entrance is a left turn. 

Trinity River Farm

2443 HWY-96, Willow Creek, CA 95573
(530) 629-3200
Open for day use

www.trinityriverfarm.com

Trinity River Farm, located in the mountains of eastern Humboldt County near the small town of Willow  Creek, is a family-run business that grows great-tasting fruits and vegetables. The owners of the farm,  the O’Gormans, keep their roadside store open from April 1st until the end of October. Along with their  produce, they sell bedding plants and many local jams, jellies and sauces. Farmer Tom O’Gorman has  created a beautifully landscaped spot and he encourages visitors to walk freely around and picnic. Tom  is particularly proud of the wide variety of trees that he has grown over the years and welcomes anyone  interested to ask for a tour. 

Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

569 South G St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5951
Tues-Sun 9-5

www.cityofarcata.org/340/Arcata-Marsh-Wildlife-Sanctuary

Waste goes in and pride comes out in Arcata’s pioneering wastewater treatment plant, also known as the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a 307-acre expanse with freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh and 5 miles of walking and biking paths. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California, Mexico and Central and South America. It has probably the most populated bird coastal site between Bodega Harbor and Washington, with literally thousands of birding visitors annually and organized bird walks held at least weekly on the year-round viewing deck. Start at the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Center, which explains the low tech wonder and explores the many birds that reside there full or part time.

Hammond Trail

Clam Beach Dr, McKinleyville, CA 95519
(707) 445-7651
Open for day use

A popular hiking and cycling trail just north of Arcata showcases the varied landscapes of the Redwood Coast. Taking hikers and bikers across open fields, lush woodlands and a stunning beach, the Hammond Trail is simply amazing. The 5.5-mile segment of the California Coastal Trail is a multi-use trail that’s open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It stretches north from the Arcata Bottoms up to Clam Beach County Park in McKinleyville. It starts at the Mad River pedestrian bridge, originally the site of a wooden covered bridge built in 1905. It was later replaced with steel and used as a railroad bridge up until 1961. The southern stretch of the trail provides panoramas of the ocean and Mad River. Keep an eye out for seals, sea otters, herons, ducks, cormorants and Aleutian geese.

After reaching the town of McKinleyville, the trail meanders through neighborhoods and Hiller Park. Beyond the park, the trail zips through a conifer forest and spectacular bluffs. There are picnic tables and benches situated along the path so you can rest and take in the view. Continuing north, you’ll descend onto a short, paved section that crosses Strawberry Creek. The trail ends with a nice walk in the sand at Clam Beach County Park.

Osprey Cafe

Coffee & Bakery
39010 HWY-299, Willow Creek, CA 95573
(707) 296-8026
Mon-Fri 8-3
Sat & Sun 9-3

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Willow Creek’s organic coffee shop and bakery, </span><b>The Osprey </b><b>Café</b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>, is beloved by locals and visitors, alike. This cafe serves up prompt, friendly service, outstanding beverages and creative specials on both their breakfast and lunch menus. The Osprey offers a selection of baked goods, as well as waffles (sweet and savory — definitely try the </span><i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Cal Salmon Waffle</span></i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>), quesadillas, smoothies, specialty teas and, of course, locally roasted organic coffee. Sunny mornings are best sipped outside, where you can sit and enjoy your </span><i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Reishi Maca Mocha</span></i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”> while taking stunning views of the quaint downtown and surrounding mountains. Grab a grilled sando to take down to the river with you or cool down post-swim on hot afternoons with a scoop of ice cream. </span>

Lily’s Thai Kitchen

40640 HWY-299, Willow Creek, CA 95573
(530) 629-1829
Tue-Sat 11-8
Sun 11-7

www.lilysthaikitchen.com

Thai food may be unexpected in “Big Foot country”, but it has been warmly embraced by the local community—and with just cause. Lily’s Thai Kitchen is cooking up some made-from-scratch, authentic dishes beyond Pad Thai (which is excellent, btw). Check out the chalkboard for specials and start off with some tasty appetizers. Lily’s menu includes dumplings, eggrolls, spring rolls, crab rangoon, shrimp tempura, deep-fried tofu, wings (both sesame and spicy honey), chicken satay and shrimp tempura. Move on to soup or the extensive rice, noodle, stir fry, curry and soup dishes that come with tofu or your choice of meat and/or seafood. Favorites are Lily’s Fried Rice (Thai classic fried rice, pan fried chicken, pork, shrimp and beef with egg, broccoli, onions, peas, carrots, topped with cilantro); Cashew Nut (chicken, or your protein of choice, sautéed with cashews, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, carrot, oyster sauce and sweet chili paste); Pad Thai, one of four different curry dishes getting rave reviews or a bowl of Tom Yum Kong (hot and sour soup with shrimp, tomato, mushroom, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and lime juice topped with cilantro and green onion and served with a side of steamed jasmine rice). For the complete Lily’s experience, have an Iced Thai Tea or Coffee.

Trinidad Bay Eatery

A Trinidad Tradition Since 1975
607 Parker St, Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-3777
Open Daily (Seasonal Hours)

 

www.trinidadeatery.com

This popular spot has been serving locals and tourists for nearly 50 years! Pull up a chair inside, or out on the patio, and sample food that has kept diners coming back to the Trinidad Bay Eatery for decades. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, their menu is creative, fresh and sources local, organic ingredients. Their seasonal mimosa and curated craft beer and wine list is an unexpected surprise. Breakfast items include the Loaded Cinnamon Roll with glaze, pecans and bacon, the Surfer Boy Bowl (scrambled eggs with shrimp, jalapeño, local goat cheese and green onions topped with avocado, served atop crispy hash browns) and true American classics like Biscuits n’ Gravy. If the sea on all sides didn’t cue you in, The Eatery is smack dab in the middle of a fishing village, so there’s always fresh fish specials on the menu. Humboldt oysters served raw or grilled are a classic, seasonal Fish Cakes, Spicy Cioppino, Cod Fish n’ Chips and lots of Dungeness Crab like their Crabby Fries are delicious. If there’s one thing the Eatery is known for, it’s their clam chowder, which has been on the menu for nearly 40 years. It’s made from scratch and served in a grilled sourdough bread bowl with housemade garlic cheese butter. Wait! Make that two thingsdon’t forget to order a slice of Blackberry Cobbler for dessert.

Log Cabin Diner

Country Style Breakfast & Lunch
301 HWY-169 (Exit 769), Klamath, CA 95548
Open Seasonally (April-October)
Fri-Wed 7:30-3
(707) 482-0400

www.logcabindiner.net

Open from April-October, the famously friendly Log Cabin Diner with its hearty country-style cooking will not disappoint. You can’t go wrong with the traditional 2-or-3-egg breakfast. Carnivores can add Chicken Fried Steak, top sirloin, country ham, bacon or sausage. Sides include everything from hash browns, home fries, cottage cheese to a biscuit and gravy—just like Grandma used to make. For those with a sweet tooth, french toast and pancakes round out the breakfast selection. There’s a menu just for kids, too. At lunch, opt for one of Log Cabin Diner’s special burgers, homemade soups, salads or sandwiches. Try the spicy, flavorful Klamath Burger featuring fresh grilled jalapenos, onions and grilled green pepper with pepper jack cheese or the house-smoked tri-tip Hoagie. Here, you’ll fill your belly for the highway ahead. 

Tavern 1888

Elevated Coastal Cuisine
139 2nd St, Eureka, CA 95501

Thurs-Mon 5-10
(707) 444-1313

www.historiceaglehouse.com/tavern1888

Tavern 1888, located in the Historic Eagle House on the Humboldt Bay offers “elevated coastal cuisine” with a focus on housemade and market fresh ingredients. The seasonal menu offers adventurous culinary creations while highlighting the best of Humboldt County’s land, sea and air. Innovative, craft cocktails and fine West Coast wines pair beautifully with the timeless, chic charm of this newly renovated and inviting Humboldt favorite. Definitely choose the Dungeness Crab Cakes or the Poke Tower as the opening act ahead of the varied main event options. Just a hint (this is a place where you want to leave room for the finale) because dessert is a must here. Part of the charm of Tavern 1888 is knowing that the original owners of this historic building were serving steamship passengers docking nearby. View the current menu online. Don’t miss delectable food and drink at the Tavern’s sister restaurant, Phasty Klines, also housed in the Eagle House (129 2nd St), which is open Tues-Sat 4-10:30. 

Cocina Mariposa

Unique Michoacán Cuisine
Eureka Municipal Golf Course
4750 Fairway Dr, Eureka CA, 95503

(707) 599-2469
Tues-Sat 11-6

www.cocinamariposa.com

Looking for authentic Mexican food? Cocina Mariposa opened up in the pro shop at the Eureka Golf Course a few years ago to the delight of locals. Chef/Owner Marisela Carillo along with her mom, Graciela Salas serves up Michoacán favorites using local and organic ingredients when possible. Choose from five homemade salsas. Yes, as the menu says, the Salsa Macha packs a punch but is full of flavor. A housemade Horchata will take care of the heat. Traditional menu items include wet burritos, chili rellenos, street tacos with your choice of meat, tortas, vegan and vegetarian items or any of the daily specials highlighted on their social media. We recommend the Baja Fish Tacos. (There’s a “Not So Mexican” menu featuring Mary’s Organic chicken, too.) Dining space inside is limited, but there are outdoor tables and they do a big “to-go” business so call them to place your order.

Il Forno Bakery Humboldt

Bakery, Breakfast & Lunch
764 Redwood Dr, Garberville, CA

(707) 923-7126
Mon-Sun 6-3

While in SoHum, don’t miss Il Forno Bakery, your stop for breakfast, lunch or to simply satisfy sweet tooth cravings. This place does it all and in record time with friendly service. Il Forno is a great place to grab a hot drink—they serve Signature Coffee from a local roaster and organic teas and a variety of other drinks. Grab a quick bite to go (the frittata and quiche both travel well) or stay and mingle with the locals. The bakery is also a cozy spot to linger over breakfast or lunch with family and friends. Each day the head baker starts at 2 in the morning to prepare delectable Il Forno Bakery staples (like those biscuits!) and unexpected specials like the Lime-Jalapeno Glazed Donuts. The Chicken Salad is a huge hit here and sells out regularly. If you plan to spend the day along the Avenue of the Giants adventuring in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, build your own picnic from deviled eggs, potato salad, sandwiches, vegan and vegetarian options, salads and (of course!) dessert for a feast worthy of your majestic surroundings.

Gyppo Ale Mill

California’s Most Remote Brewery
1661 Upper Pacific Dr, Shelter Cove, CA 95589

(707) 986-7700
Mon-Fri 4-8
Sat-Sun 11-8

www.gyppo.com

Gyp·​po noun. (Jip-oh). In the same spirit as the craft beer industry, a Gyppo logging operation was small, independent and self-reliant. Gyppo Ale Mill celebrates that spirit and raises a pint to all living a freewheeling and independent life. The Gyppo Ale Mill’s brewhouse supplies Gyppos 12 taps with a rotating array of beer styles along with staples like Mexican Lager, Beach Beer and Dave’s Pilsner. The menu from the Gyppo kitchen utilizes the bounty of local ingredients including fish fresh from the Shelter Cove waters for fish and chips and baja tacos, free-range chicken, grass-fed beef and produce from SoHum farms. Have some free-wheeling fun in the outdoor, heated beer garden with an assortment of games the whole family can enjoy, and free music live on Friday and Saturday evenings. It’s a kid and dog-friendly atmosphere and there’s always a reason to gather there, whether that be Foosball and Cornhole Tournaments, Bingo & Beers, or Thinkin’ & Drinkin.’ While you’re there, pick up a growler or a 4-pack of your favorite brew to enjoy later and ask for Gyppo at markets, bars and restaurants throughout the county.

Bob’s Footlongs

 

Classic American Diner Since 1949
505 12th St, Fortuna, CA 95540

(707) 725-2016
Mon-Sat 10-8

www.bobsfootlongs.com

Pure nostalgia is the best way to describe the menu and the “Happy Days” ambiance at this landmark classic American diner. Bob’s Footlongs was founded originally in 1949 at the Humboldt County Fair. The current downtown location on 12th St (with era-specific decor of coral and white striped walls) has been a staple in the community since 1967. Students who once walked here from Fortuna High (or worked at Bob’s as teens) are now bringing their kids and grandkids to Bob’s to experience the same made-to-order freshly-dipped corn dogs, hush puppies, footlong dogs, burgers and fries. Enjoy specialties like a Chili Cheese Dog, the Deluxe Cheeseburger with onion rings, or order like a local and have the Four Way Fries smothered in chili, cheese and onions. Wash that down with a root beer float or a tasty milkshake. Finish a meal with soft serve ice cream, a chocolate sundae or a banana split. 

 

Double D Steak

Steak, Seafood, Chicken & Pasta
320 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540

(707) 725-3700

Tues-Thurs 4-9
Fri-Sat 4-10

www.doubledsteak.com

Double D Steak is a warm, comfortable “Friendly Fortuna” place to gather. The best advice you’ll get from those who’ve dined there is to show up hungry and save room for your main course. Entrees are served with freshly baked bread, an antipasto plate, cheese ravioli, soup, salad and your choice of side. Steak offerings, flame-broiled to perfection, include the classic Steak Oscar, a filet mignon with crab, grilled asparagus and lemon-caper hollandaise sauce, the Bacon Bleu Mushroom New York Strip or Surf and Turf filet medallions complemented by a broiled lobster tail. Seafood lovers order the Shrimp Lovers Trio of prawns, buttery calamari steak or fresh Pan-seared or Beer Battered Halibut. The Clam Chowder gets rave reviews, too. The menu is extensive and includes chicken and pasta specialties in addition to vegan and vegetarian options. Desserts are decadent and include daily specials. Happy hour is Tues-Sat 4-5 and Double D has a full bar, wine list and an ample selection of beers. 

The Boardroom Ferndale

Restaurant + Charcuterie Tasting room
406 Main St, Ferndale, CA 95536
Thurs-Fri 4:30-8
Sat 11:30-8
Sun 10:30-3

www.boardroomferndale.com

Launched in April 2022, The Boardroom Ferndale is a restaurant and charcuterie tasting room located on Main Street in the Victorian Village of Ferndale. Their popular “boards” feature their own cured meats made in-house in the European tradition at their flagship restaurant and production facility in nearby Eureka, CA. Meats regularly available include salami, summer sausage, Canadian-style bacon and smoked duck, but don’t be surprised to see small-batch seasonal offerings like pickled veggies and country-style paté. Their lunch and dinner menu features slow-smoked specialties, amazing salads, huge pretzels and soup always made from scratch. Visit them every Thursday for live music, and don’t forget to drop-in for their amazing Sunday Brunch to enjoy sweet and savory crepes, frittatas, breakfast sausages and mimosas. Visit their website above for current hours, events and specials.

Tuyas

Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
553 Main St, Ferndale, CA 95536
(707) 786-5921
Mon-Thur 11:30-8
Fri-Sat 11:30-9
Sun 11:30-8

www.tuyasferndale.com

While visiting the picturesque Victorian village of Ferndale, be sure and stop in the vibrant Tuyas right on Main St for homemade Mexican food. Menu highlights range from traditional items like chicken tamales, burritos, street tacos and enchiladas to elevated, modern dishes. Try something new to start like Las Tazas, crisp lettuce cups filled with chicken mole, corn pico de gallo, avocado, queso fresco and sesame seeds, or panko-battered Avocado Bites. Don’t miss the Arugula & Beet Salad with roasted, beets, arugula, pecans, jicama, cotija cheese dressed with a bright mint-lemon vinaigrette. Tuyas has a diverse wine and cerveza selection, too. Enjoy a Michelada made with your favorite Mexican lager or a Tuyas Margarita crafted with tequila blanco-fortified sake and fresh citrus. Tuyas serves lunch and dinner and all food is made fresh everyday. Check the chalkboard for weekly specials. Go early and grab a small table outdoors or linger over wine in the mural-filled alleyway.

Campground

A Live-Fire Restaurant
865 9th St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 630-5148
Reservations: Resy.com
Wed-Mon 5-10 (dinner)
Sat-Sun 10-2 (brunch)

www.campgroundarcata.com

Take a tip from locals who are fired up about the Campground experience both for dinner and weekend brunch. This modern, California casual steakhouse serves prime cuts of meat (including in-house aged beef) cooked to perfection on an open fire of mesquite, almond and cherry wood. Start with Grilled Humboldt Bay Oysters, Carpaccio or a build-your-own Butcher’s Block of housemade  charcuterie with grilled bread. Campground’s garden options include arguably the best Wedge Salad ever (garnished with fried shallots). Diners can’t go wrong with any of the beef cuts, but it’s hard to choose with executive chef Kaitlin Smith’s seasonal menu, which includes lamb, pork ribs, prawns, fresh fish and innovative vegetarian entrees and sides. Campground’s slogan is “Gather, eat, tell stories,” but “drink” could certainly be included, given their extraordinary bar menu and international wine list. (P.S. We’re partial to the Lost in the Woods cocktail, or to accompany the seasonal market quiche at brunch, sip the Verde Maria.) Be sure to make reservations, it’s no secret that Campground tops the county’s list of best restaurants. 

South G Kitchen

Pub Fusion
550 G St, Arcata, CA 95521
(Behind Redwood Curtain Brewing Company)
Daily 11:30-8:30
www.southgkitchen.com

Chef/Owner Danny Emmenecker of South G Kitchen has been dreaming about his own menu since the age of 9 and Humboldt County is pleased that dream’s being realized here with what he’s coined as “Pub Fusion”. He’s partnered with Redwood Coast Brewing Company in Arcata to bring us not only his wildly popular original food truck South G SmashBurger, 2 Wagyu beef patties, seasoned and smashed with gooey melted cheddar, and house pickles on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and “two” thousand island, but also specialties like the Yogi Bowl, soy-chili marinated tofu on white rice with pea shoots, sesame slaw, sliced cucumber, carrots topped with pickled daikon, roasted peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and finished with peanut sauce and hoisin and Black Garlic and Beef Tacos. Pair your selection with your favorite  rotating Redwood Curtain Brewing Company beverages. Order online and don’t overlook the seasonal specials.