Things to do in Eureka
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
Fort Humboldt is situated on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay. This remote military post was established in 1853 to assist in conflict resolution between Native Americans and gold-seekers and settlers who had begun flooding into the area after the discovery of gold in the northern mines. Call 707-445-6567 for more information.
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
The redwoods in the Grizzly Creek area were what inspired Owen R. Cheatham, founder of Georgia-Pacific Corporation, to preserve this site in perpetuity. The Cheatham Grove is an exceptional stand of coast redwoods. The park is a quiet place to camp, hike, fish, swim and picnic. The Van Duzen River flows beside the campground. Call 707-777-3683 for more information.
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
Adjacent to Humboldt Lagoons State Park, this area is a popular place for visitors who like to fish. The use of small boats is allowed. The boat speed limit is 5 mph. Call 707-488-2169 for more information.
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
In the early 1900’s Dry Lagoon was drained by early farmers and several types of crops were attempted but none proved economical. Several dairy ranches were established along the shores of Stone Lagoon. Later, when the highway was improved, a motel-restaurant called the "Little Red Hen" was located next to the lagoon. This business continued in operation until 1979. The restaurant building was remodeled into a museum and park office and is now the Humboldt Lagoons Visitor Center and bookstore. Call 707-488-2169 for more information.
Little River State Beach
Little River State Beach features dunes and a broad open beach. The beach is bordered on the north by Little River and on the south by Clam Beach County Park which provides camping and day use facilities. Call 707-488-2041 for more information.
Patrick's Point State Park
Located 25 miles north of Eureka California, Patrick's Point is a park located in the heart of California's coast redwood country. The park's dense forests of spruce, hemlock, pine, fir and red alder stretch over an ocean headland with lovely wildflower-festooned meadows. A dramatic shoreline ranging from broad sandy beaches to sheer cliffs that rise high above the Pacific Ocean offers great opportunities to explore tide pools, search for agates and driftwood, watch whales, sea lions and brilliant sunsets. The park offers several miles of hiking trails, a recreated Yurok Village, a native plant garden, visitor center, three family campgrounds, 2 group camps, a camp for hikers and bicyclists, and 3 group picnic areas. Call 707-677-3570 for more information.
Trinidad State Beach
It is a short hike through the woods, across open bluffs, and past seasonal wildflowers down to the beach. Low tide is the best time to visit. On the high bluffs above the beach there is an open meadow with scattered stands of alders. Visitor facilities include restrooms, parking, and a small picnic area with, tables and stoves. Call 707-677-3570 for more information.