Humboldt County

Humboldt County

Size: 3,572 square miles

Population: 128,500 (as of 2004)

The first residents of the county were from Native American tribes from the Hupa, Whilkut, Wiyot, Yurok and other tribes who settled along the Klamath and Trinity Rivers. The county was created in 1853 and gets its name from Humboldt Bay, which was “discovered” by a sea otter hunting party in 1806 and rediscovered in 1850. At that time it was named for the naturalist and explorer Baron Von Humboldt.

Towns/Cities: (From north to south. This is only a partial listing for Humboldt County.)
Trinidad
McKinleyville
Arcata
Eureka
Loleta
Ferndale
Fortuna
Rio Dell
Scotia
Garberville

Trinidad:

Population: 325

The Tsurai Indians, one of the Yurok tribe, has been in the area since 800 AD. The Europeans discovered the natural harbor in 1595. Trinidad is the smallest incorporated city in Humboldt County and is perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The harbor is a home to a fleet of winter crab fisherman and the area features pristine beaches and bluff hiking trails. Trinidad also offers one of the local casinos in the area.

McKinleyville:

Population: 13,779

McKinleyville offeres a variety of lifestyles, from apartments to ocean-view homes. The community was established in the 1860’s by a rancher, and in the 1890’s a businessman opened a number of businesses to provide for the gold miners and timber workers. Settlers called the area McKinleyville after President McKinley.

McKinleyville is home to the largest airport in Humboldt County.

Arcata:

Population: 16,950

Arcata, originally called Union, was the shipping and supply center for miners on the Trinity River.

Today it is the home to Humboldt State University. Downtown is a town square, lined with historic buildings, and is the gathering place for many community celebrations. Arcata is also the home of the Humboldt Crabs semi-pro baseball team.

Eureka:

Population: 26,100

Eureka is the heart of Humboldt County. It is the business, cultural, tourist and governmental center.

It was founded in 1850 and was created around the forest products and commercial fishing industries. Humboldt Bay is great for natural wildlife and boating an kayaking and reaches from Arcata to south of Eureka.

Over the years the Victorian architecture had made is mark in the area and many of the beautiful homes survive today.

Old Town has many small shops, galleries and restaurants which cater to tourists and locals alike. Eureka also has the distinction of being the only Coast Guard City on the west coast.

Loleta:

Population: 1,437

The small community of Loleta is named for three native American words meaning “pleasant place at the end of the water”. It is home to the Loleta Cheese Factory, several markets, post office and schools. It is also considered a world-class wildlife refuge.

Ferndale:

Population: 1,400

The Victorian Village of Ferndale was founded in 1852 and quickly became one of the region’s major agricultural areas. It is located in the Eel River Valley and surrounded by cliffs and hill to the north and south with the Pacific Ocean located to the west. Ferndale is full of charming Victorian homes, art galleries, and boutiques.

Ferndale was given the award from the National Trust for Historic Places for being one its Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Fortuna:

Population: 10,820

Fortuna is located in the Eel River Valley and features many shops, restaurants, parks and hotels to serve the local community and the tourism trade.

Fortuna offers many cultural activities including the Fortuna Rodeo, Art and Wine in the Park, Paddle to the Headwaters, Daffodil Festival, Autorama, and the Apple Harvest Festival.

Rio Dell:

Population: 3,185

The name Rio Dell means “River in a small, secluded, wooded valley” and is located just across the Eel River from Scotia. Rio Dell celebrates the Wildwood Days festival which honors the local loggers and lumber mill workers.

Scotia:

Population: 1,200

Scotia is one of the last company-owned town in America. It was founded in 1869 and is home to the headquarters of PALCO. The early name was Forestville but was changed in 1888 when they opened their first post office.

Scotia operates a manufacturing facility and fishery center which includes examples of fish species native to the North Coast.

Scotia is surrounded by Nanning and Scotia bluffs and has been featured in movies.

Garberville/Redway:

Population: 2,000 in Garberville, 2,000 in Redway

Garberville and the surrounding area are located within a mountainous region where the south fork of the Eel River and the Mattole River flow to the ocean.

The area offers many beautiful inns and motels, RV campgrounds, and state park camping facilities.