Visitors who respond to inquiries about what attracted them to southern Humboldt County respond in large numbers by saying, ‘”the tall redwood trees.”

By far the largest attraction for visitors from all over the world is the Sequoia sempervirens - or Coast Redwoods.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park, encompassing 52,000 acres - more than 17,000 of them in ancient old-growth redwood forest - is California ‘s largest redwood state park, and its park headquarters is located 20 miles north of Garberville. But the park itself borders South Fork High School in Miranda and then rambles all over in every direction. The best way to see Humboldt Redwoods State Park up close and personal is on the Avenue of the Giants (see separate article on the Avenue elsewhere in Visitor Guide) but it also can be experienced by the traveler along Highway 101.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park includes Rockefeller Forest, which is the largest remaining contiguous oldgrowth coast redwood forest in the world. The forest has never been logged and is as pristine now as it was hundreds of years ago. Nearby is Founder ‘s Grove where a 20-minute level walk around a nature loop will take the visitor past what once was the

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world ‘s tallest tree - the 370-foot Dyerville Giant, which fell in 1991.

Within its 52,000 acres, the park has a number of groves of oldgrowth redwoods for the visual, spiritual, and emotional enjoyment of visitors. For travelers coming to the park for recreational reasons, there are 100 miles of hiking trails; opportunities for fishing (in season), canoeing and swimming in the Eel River; family, group, horse, bicycle and backpack camping; scenic drives; seasonal activities such as campfires, nature walks, and Junior Ranger programs; and a visitor center staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers who present interpretive programs, show informative videos, answer questions about the many exhibits at the center, and preside over the bookstore where maps, pictures, craft items, and similar materials are available for sale.

Hidden Springs, Burlington, and Albee campgrounds are located within the park and offer both allyear and seasonal camping. All paved park roads and many miles of trails are open to bicycles. The Cuneo Creek Horse Camp is located in the park, along with some of the finest equestrian trails in the state.

Other facilities include boat ramps, picnic areas, restrooms, and accommodations for campers up to 33 feet long, and trailers no longer than 24 feet.

The park staff advises that mosquitoes also appear to enjoy Humboldt Redwoods, so summer visitors may want to bring their favorite repellant.