Hamilton Barn Environmental Camp

Watch out for that tree! No, but really, as biking through these ancient groves may have you craning your neck and looking to the sky instead of focusing on the path in front of you (which is completely understandable, as those redwoods are absolutely amazing!). Collision hazards aside, this is a beautiful place to bike the nearly 75 miles of multiuse and backcountry trails. Check out a detailed bike path map , then grab your gear (including your tent if you want, there are several hike-bike-in only spots!) and get ready for a great ride through some of California’s most beautiful country. If you don’t have a mountain bike (or just want to take a nice cruise), the Avenue of the Giants and Mattole Road have level riding on paved surfaces that takes you right through the heart of redwood country. Keep in mind, however, that this is considered a two-lane highway and can get a little twisty, so as always, be careful!

Boating isn’t really a thing at this park, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore these waterways! Grab your paddle and check out our section on kayaking and canoeing.

How does a little catch-and-release in the shade of ancient redwoods sound? Yeah, we think it sounds pretty awesome too. Anglers are welcome to try their luck at hooking a salmon or steelhead during the season (and with a license ) in the South Fork and Main Stem Eel River. The best times for salmon tend to be the end of September and into October, and January through March is generally prime Steelhead season.

Mist rise around your feet as you make your way through a tranquil grove, sun sifting gently through the trees as birds make conversation and the day begins. Part of your mind is on your path and the remainder of your journey, but most of it is focused on the ancient life that surrounds you as they rise, cathedral-like and powerful, reaching towards the sky as they have for thousands of years. Are you hooked yet? A few moments along one of the many hiking trails at Humbolt will be more than enough to make you fall in love with the stunning conifers that give the park its name. Trails range in skill level from easy to moderate to strenuous and span more than 100 miles, giving explorers of all skill (and motivation) levels ample opportunity to enjoy the park.

So, this is actually one of the BEST places to horseback ride in California. Not only are the trails super horse friendly (many actually have watering troughs along the way) and considered some of the most beautiful places to ride in the state, the park is also home to the Cuneo Creek Horse Camp. Open May through October (picture those amazing colors in the spring and fall!), the campground has several corrals and is located in a sprawling prairie at the base of a ridge. Can’t you just imagine yourself as an nineteenth century wrangler, taking in the towering woods and stars around a campfire as your horses nicker gently in the background? It also is home to several trailheads, making a perfect spot to start your days of exploration. So grab the reins, find a trail, and get started on your equestrian adventure among the trees!

Emerald waters that meander for 30 miles past looming redwoods and endless pine groves mark your point of entry here in Humboldt State Park, which, depending on the season, offers a great opportunity for kayaking and canoeing. Both the South Fork of the Eel River and the Main Stem Eel run through the park, with river access points all along the Avenue of the Giants. Keep in mind that the depth and swiftness of the river is dependent largely on rainfall and snow melt, which can create rapids and unsafe conditions, so be sure to double check before you go. There also aren’t any rentals (or shuttles), so be sure to make a plan to get your boat there and back again. While you may not be able to kayak directly through a redwood, cruising the waterways is still a great way to gain a whole new perspective on the infamous trees and soak up the beauty of the Eel River.

There is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip on a hot summer’s day, unless you happen to be doing it in an ice-cold swimming hole in the middle of redwood country. In addition to the Eel River (which can get scary when rainfall is high or in the spring, when it is swollen with melted snow), Humboldt Redwood Park has many swimming opportunities. While fun to stumble upon them during a particularly warm hike, we’ve found some of the best that you should be sure to try during your trip (and we won’t tell when you surprise everyone with an awesome cool-off spot).

The pace and levels of the river are based on recent melting and weather conditions, meaning that the river could either be sleepy and tranquil or a raging beast calling all daredevils out for a challenge. To find out what mood the waters are in this season, contact the park’s ranger at (707) 946-2263.

As you would assume, the proliferation of trees mean tons of birds, so keep your eye out for red tailed hawks, wild turkeys, ospreys and golden eagles. There are also a TON of different types of insects (try 140 different species, easily outnumbering the visible wildlife), as well as the usual suspects: deer, raccoons, skunks and chipmunks.