Get Lost Among Giants

Humboldt County defies hyperbole. Here, you’ll encounter the tallest living trees, the biggest ferns, and stretches of the most dramatic coastline on earth. Venture to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, a sanctuary of old-growth redwoods, golden beaches, and vibrant green canyons. Herds of Roosevelt elk make their home here, and quite often you’ll find them grazing roadside.

Hike amongst prehistoric giants, like the 1,500-year-old Big Tree, and Corkscrew Tree, whose four braided trunks coil magnificently skyward. Find your way to Fern Canyon, a 50-foot-tall gorge with walls covered by seven kinds of ferns. It’s not at all uncommon to feel as though you’ve been transported to prehistoric times while gazing up at these giants. Fern Canyon, after all, was the backdrop for Jurassic Park II: The Lost World.

Don’t miss the incredible sunsets at Gold Bluffs Beach, a wild stretch of coast with unmatched views of the great blue Pacific. Now, the big question: Will you be visiting these giants this spring?

STAY: Eureka and Arcata are great jumping-off points for any journey, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and lodging options.