Things to do in Garberville
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
To provide power for the new development in the valley , a concrete dam was constructed across the south fork of the Eel River in 1928. The dam not only provided power but also created Benbow Lake. Call 707-923-3238 for more information.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park encompasses nearly 53,000 acres, of which over 17,000 are untouched old growth coast redwoods. Created in 1921 with the small Bolling Memorial Grove the park has grown over the years to include a diverse ecosystem including the entire Bull Creek watershed and the Rockefeller Forest, the largest remaining old growth redwood forest in the world. This is the third largest California State Park and protects an environment unique to anywhere else on earth. Call 707-946-2409 for more information.
Richardson Grove State Park
Established in 1922 and named after Friend W. Richardson, the 25th governor of California, the park is bisected by Hwy. 101 and the south fork of the Eel River. Camping, hiking, swimming, and just relaxing are popular activities throughout much of the year. Fishing for salmon and steelhead is popular during the winter. Richardson Grove State Park is where you first encounter significant old growth redwood forest when coming north. The 9th tallest coast redwood, a fallen tree ring study conducted in 1933, and a walk-through tree are immediately available. Call 707-247-3318 for more information.
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
The rugged wilderness that once characterized the entire Mendocino Coast can still be explored and enjoyed in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Since there are no main highways near the coast in this vicinity, the area has come to be called the "Lost Coast." Call 707-986-7711 for more information.
Smithe Redwoods Stae Reserve
Smithe Redwoods State Reserve contains the beautiful Frank and Bess Smithe Grove of redwoods. The site was formerly a private resort. The park features a 60-foot waterfall, picnic area, and fishing and swimming in the south fork of the Eel River. Call 707-247-3318 for more information.
Standish-Hickey State Re?reation Area
At the "gateway to the tall trees country," the area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and swimming on the South Fork of the Eel River which winds through the park for almost two miles. One of the few virgin redwood stands remaining in this area can be seen on the Grove Trail. Call 707-925-6482 for more information.