Humboldt Redwoods State Park's

H umboldt Redwoods geographic area and self- name implies—the salvation of one of the State Park harbors the identity, but all groups formed world’s great wonders. Thanks to the League largest remaining old-growth a larger economy that delivered and its supporters, more than 189,000 acres redwood forest in the world. goods as far as the Eastern of California’s redwood forest lands have The park’s unique 52,000-acre United States. been preserved for future generations of environment has more than This area was likely more park visitors to enjoy. 17,000 acres of breathtaking densely populated before ancient coast redwoods. European incursion than it NATURAL ResourceS Varied recreational areas is now. Today more than ten Plant communities beckon to all adventurous percent of the population of Some coast redwood (Sequoia park visitors. Humboldt County are Native sempervirens) trees at Humboldt Redwoods Weather changes quickly Old-growth redwood forest American, including many are thought to be as old as 2,000 years. on the north coast. Between October and people of Sinkyone descent who live along They are not the oldest trees on Earth— May, the park receives about 80 inches of the north coast. both the Sierra redwood or giant sequoia rain, and temperatures range from lows in The traditional practices passed down (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and the the 20s to highs in the mid-50s. Though not through generations of Sinkyone experience bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) tree a common event, snow may fall at elevations created a highly productive environment. species are older. However—growing up above 1,500 feet. Summers are usually dry, Conservation and restoration projects to 370 feet in height—the coast redwoods with occasional rainy days and morning fog headed by local tribal groups, using time- are the tallest trees on Earth. Trillium, that generally burns off by noon. tested methods, have been instrumental in fairy lanterns and calypso orchids grow in bringing healing to the landscape. profusion at their venerable feet. The lush PARK HISTORY redwood undergrowth includes several Saving the Trees Native People species of fern and the pink or white Beginning in the 1850s, European settlers The Sinkyone people lived in the area of blossoms of ever-present redwood sorrel. in the area began to cut large Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s southern stands of redwood trees to region for thousands of years before clear the land for pastures and European contact. The boundaries of farms. Lumber soon became a Sinkyone lands extended east to the main vital industry, and forested land stem of the Eel River and the river’s South suddenly increased in value. Fork, south beyond today’s town of Leggett, Many people, however, and west to the ocean. believed that the huge old The name Sinkyone was assigned by 20th- redwood trees were inherently century ethnographers to classify separate significant and should be held political groups who spoke the same dialect in perpetual trust. In 1918, the of the Athabascan language family. Each Save the Redwoods League was distinct political group maintained its own formed to accomplish what their PLeASe ReMeMBeR Dogs must be attended at all times. They must be on a leash no more than six feet long and must be confined to a tent or vehicle at night. Except for service animals, pets are not allowed on trails. Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Operate generators only between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Fires—Use only barbecues or fire rings provided or your own camp stove. Do not leave fires unattended. Do not gather firewood. Bring your own or buy firewood at family campground kiosks. collecting—All natural and cultural features of the park are protected by state law and may not be disturbed or removed. Recreational opportunities abound—check with the visitor center for a schedule of interpretive programs and walks. Water Activities—In late summer, blue-green algae may bloom when the river flow is low. South Fork and main stem of the Eel River Loop, the Gould Grove Nature Loop, the Ingesting algae can be hazardous to humans during fall and winter. Fishing is not allowed Fleishmann Grove Trail, the Drury-Chaney and pets. Check for algae warnings. elsewhere in the park. Anglers 16 or older Loop and the Rockefeller Loop trails Always use caution in and around the must carry a valid California fishing license. are accessible. river; no lifeguards are on duty. See www.dfg.ca.gov for details. Accessibility is continually improving. River Bar Access—Some river bars For updates, call (916) 445-8949 or visit (exposed dry riverbed sections) are open AcceSSIBLe FeATUReS http://access.parks.ca.gov. to licensed 4WD vehicles but are subject Family campgrounds have accessible sites to closure. Exhibitions of speed, ATVs and NeARBY STATe PARKS and restrooms (help may be needed with driving in the waterway are prohibited. shower controls). Burlington Campground • Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park has an accessible site with a pull-through 16949 Highway 36, Carlotta 95528 Hunting—Any form of hunting is prohibited. driveway. The mounting platform at (707) 777-3683 Firearms may not be brought into state parks. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp is accessible. • Benbow Lake State Recreation Area Speed limit—In campgrounds and day-use Picnic sites and restrooms are accessible Off U. S. Highway 101 at Benbow exit, areas, the speed limit is 15 mph. in the Founders, Williams and California Garberville 95542 (707) 247-3318 Avoid inviting wildlife—Store all food and Federation of Women’s Clubs groves. • Richardson Grove State Park scented items when not in use, and dispose The accessible visitor center has listening 1600 U.S. Highway 101, Garberville 95542 of trash in the receptacles provided. and sight assistance. The Founders Grove (707) 247-3318 400400 404000 80080 0 400400 404000 40040 400400 0 800800 This park receives support in part through the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association, P.O. Box 276, Weott, CA 95571 (707) 946-2263 www.humboldtredwoods.org.

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