Southern Humboldt County: Where Ancient Redwoods Meet the Sparkling Pacific

© Courtesy of Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce

Southern Humboldt County: Where Ancient Redwoods Meet the Sparkling Pacific

Welcome to Southern Humboldt County in Northern California, where towering redwood trees can live up to a millennium, creating an enchanting landscape full of history. Here, visitors of all ages and interests can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, river fishing, mountain biking, sport fishing, golfing, swimming, and more. Let the outdoors be your guide: Southern Humboldt offers countless options for an unforgettable trip.

The famed Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park has been called the finest forest drive in the world, and for good reason. Lined by towering titan redwoods, the almost 50-kilometre stretch passes secluded hamlets, campgrounds, and picnic areas, perfect for taking a pit stop to enjoy your surroundings. As well, winding through the Park is the Eel River, with perfect, kid-friendly swimming holes, and fishing areas. Sport Fishing in Shelter Cove is one of California’s premiere ocean fishing destinations.

Sport fishing enthusiasts come for the salmon, which come close to the shore here from May through August. Anglers can also catch abundant lingcod, rock cod, halibut, albacore, and surf perch and can fish from the shore for perch or rockfish. Fishermen can also launch a boat from the cove, which Point Delgada protects from the northwesterly winds.

Sanctuary Forest is a land and water trust with a mission to conserve the Mattole River watershed and surrounding areas for wildlife habitat and intrinsic values in collaboration with the community.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of golf at Benbow Inn Golf Course, followed by a refreshing beverage at the lounge. Shelter Cove Golf Course offers a stunning nine-hole Scottish link golf course with spectacular Pacific Ocean views at every hole.

As the sun sets on your day’s adventure, settle in for a world of flavour. Southern Humboldt County has two award-winning wineries and is home to California’s most remote brewery. Whitethorn Winery is family-owned and offers tastings by appointment. Briceland Vineyards Winery is the second oldest winery in Humboldt County and has received hundreds of awards. In Shelter Cove, you’ll find Gyppo Ale Mill offering the finest craft beer. We celebrate that spirit and raise a pint to all the Gyppos, living a freewheeling and independent life.

Nearly 400 acres, Southern Humboldt Community Park is a favourite destination for runners, hikers, bicyclists, bird watchers, and dog walkers. The Community Park has some of the oldest mixed-hardwood forests that define much of the inland scenery.

The King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) is a spectacular meeting of land and sea as mountains thrust straight out of the surf with King Peak (4,088 feet) only three miles from the ocean. The King Range NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 56 kilometres of California’s north coast.

Make Southern Humboldt an Annual Tradition

With so much to do and see, Southern Humboldt County will surely become your family’s cherished tradition. Every Father’s Day weekend, come to celebrate the spirit of adventure at The Garberville Rodeo Parade and the Garberville Rodeo, annual gems in Southern Humboldt County. Stay for the whole week and immerse yourself in music and culture. The Mateel Community Center Summer Arts & Music Festival typically takes place the fourth weekend in June at the County Line Ranch—a beloved family event for over four decades.

At the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, we are the trusted source for guiding you on your journey through our region. With years of experience and knowledge, we provide unparalleled support for local tourism. We are the first Visitor’s Center you come across when entering Humboldt from the south.

Visit garberville.org to let the adventure begin.