Humboldt County, California
Encyclopedia
Humboldt County is a county
in the U.S. state
of California
, located on the far North Coast
200 miles north of San Francisco. According to 2010 Census Data, the county’s population was 134,623. Its primary population centers of Eureka
, the county seat
, and the smaller college town of Arcata, home to Humboldt State University
, are located adjacent to Humboldt Bay
, California's second largest natural bay. Area cities and towns are known for hundreds of ornate examples of Victorian architecture
.
Humboldt County is a densely forested, mountainous, and rural county situated along the Pacific coast in Northern California's
rugged Coast (Mountain) Ranges. With nearly 1500000 acres (6,070.3 km²) of combined public and private forest in production, Humboldt County accounts for twenty percent of the total forest product
ion for all of California. The county contains over forty percent of all remaining old growth Coast Redwood forests, the vast majority of which is protected or strictly conserved within dozens of national, state, and local forests and parks, totaling approximately 680,000 acres (over 1,000 square miles).
, Yurok, Hupa
, Karuk
, Chilula
, Whilkut
, and the Eel River Athapaskan peoples, including the Wailaki, Mattole and Nongatl. Andrés de Urdaneta
hit the coast near Cape Mendocino
, California
, then followed the coast south to Acapulco in 1565. Spanish traders made unintended visits to California with the Manila Galleons on their return trips from the Philippines
beginning in 1565. Humboldt County was formed in 1853 from parts of Trinity County
. The first recorded entry by people of Europe
an origin was a landing by the Spanish in 1775.
The county derived its name from Humboldt Bay, which in turn is named the after Alexander von Humboldt
, a famous German naturalist
. The first recorded entry of Humboldt Bay by non-natives was an 1806 visit from a sea otter
hunting party from Sitka employed by the Russian American Company. The hunting party included Captain Jonathan Winship, an American
, and some Aleut hunters. The bay was not visited again by people of European origin until 1849 when Josiah Gregg's party visited. In 1850, Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great naturalist and world explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt
.
The area around Humboldt Bay was once solely inhabited by the Wiyot
Indian
tribe. One of the largest Wiyot villages, Tolowot, was located on Gunther Island (AKA Indian Island and AKA Bloody Island) in Humboldt Bay. Founded circa 900, it contains a shell midden
6 acres (24,000 m²) in size and 14 feet (4 m) deep. It was the site of the February 26, 1860 massacre of the Wiyot people that was recorded by Bret Harte
, then living in Union, now called Arcata
. Between 60 and 200 Wiyot men, women, and children were murdered that night. In 1998, musician Frank Black
wrote and recorded a song about this event, called "Humboldt County Massacre." Tolowot is now an archaeological site, designated Gunther Island Site 67, and is a National Historic Landmark
.
State historic landmarks in Humboldt County include Trinidad Head, Fort Humboldt, The Old Arrow Tree, Centerville Beach Cross
, Camp Curtis
, the town of Trinidad
, the city of Eureka
, the Sequoia Park Zoo
, California's first drilled oil wells in Petrolia
, the Jacoby Building, the Old Indian Village of Tsurai in Trinidad, the Arcata and Mad River Railroad
Company, the Humboldt Harbor Historical District, and the town of Ferndale
.
On February 5 and February 6, 1885, Eureka's entire Chinese
population of 300 men and 20 women were expelled after a gunfight between rival Chinese gangs (tongs) resulted in the wounding of a 12 year old boy and the death of 56 year old David Kendall, a Eureka City Councilman. After the shooting, an angry mob of 600 Eurekans met and then informed the Chinese that they were no longer wanted in Eureka and would be hanged if they were to stay in town longer than 3 p.m. the next day. They were put on two steamships and shipped to San Francisco
. No-one was killed in the expulsion. Another Chinese expulsion occurred during 1906 in a cannery on the Eel River
, in which 23 Chinese cannery workers were expelled after local loggers objected to their presence. However, some Chinese remained in the Orleans
area, where some white landowners sheltered and purchased food for the Chinese mineworkers until after racial tension passed. Chinese did not return to the coastal cities until the 1950s.
Inland areas of the county also experience wet, cool winters. Snowfall is common at elevations over 3000 ft (914.4 m) throughout the winter months. Summer displays the sharpest difference between the coastal and inland climates. Inland regions of Humboldt County experience highs from the 80's to the 90's (27 to 37°C) depending on the elevation and distance from the ocean. Summer highs of 100 degrees (38°C) are common in eastern and southern parts of the county including Orleans, Hoopa, Willow Creek, Garberville, Honeydew, and inland river valleys.
The 1992 7.2 magnitude earthquake
were a series of three major earthquakes that occurred off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California on April 25 and 26, 1992. Ninety-five people were injured and property in the county sustained considerable damage.
In 2010 a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck offshore, 33 mi. (53 km) west of Eureka
, resulting in only minor injuries and some structural damage to houses and utilities, and no fatalities reported.
Located inside Humboldt County is Cape Mendocino
, the westernmost point in California (longitude
124 degrees, 24 minutes, 30 seconds).
, is located on the coast at the midpoint of the county.
The list of other smaller rivers and at least one large creek include the following: Van Duzen
, South Fork Eel River
(in both Humboldt and Mendocino counties), North Fork Eel River
, Mattole
, Salmon, Elk, Bear, and Little rivers, and Redwood Creek.
Conservation Area
Recreation Area
Forest
Wildlife Refuge
Parks
Recreation Areas
Reserves
, located on a coastal plain adjacent to Humboldt Bay
.
s lying within its borders. Only four other counties in the United States have more: San Diego County, California
; Sandoval County, New Mexico
; Riverside County, California
; and Mendocino County, California
. The Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation is the largest in the state of California, a state that generally has very small reservations (although very numerous) relative to those in other states.
is located in McKinleyville (north of Arcata). Commercial flights are
available.
Other (general aviation) airports are located at Dinsmore, Garberville, Kneeland, Murray Field (Eureka) and Rohnerville (Fortuna).
- on Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay.
farms. The Humboldt Creamery
, a significant producer of high grade ice cream
and other dairy products, still operates from the original headquarters located at Fernbridge
adjacent to the Eel River
.
. Proposition 215
allows patients and caregivers who are given a doctor's recommendation to legally (State level only) grow up to 99 plants in Humboldt County. David Samuels
of The New Yorker
describes the county as "the heartland of high-grade marijuana farming in California." However, in the years before Prop 215 (early 70's-late 80's), Humboldt County saw a large migration of the Bay Area counter-culture to its region. Many came looking to purchase cheap land, and ended up growing marijuana to pay for their land payments to eventually become owners of the land. Especially around Garberville and Redway, the rural culture and hippie scene eventually collaborated to create a "hippy-billy" community in which marijuana became the center of the economy. Many people prospered by exporting their marijuana down the California coast and to Midwestern states because of its reputation for quality. Austin Steve Bowser, a well known local in the 1980s recalls state police officers telling him it was time to bring Humboldt County back to the United States. A Garberville radio station, KMUD, in the past has issued warnings and alerts to the region with information on whereabouts of law enforcement on their way to raid marijuana gardens. The 2008 independent film Humboldt County
centers on the county's marijuana cultivation subculture.
Humboldt is a Democratic
county in Presidential
and congressional
elections. The last Republican presidential candidate to win a majority in the county was Ronald Reagan
, a Californian, in 1984
.
Humboldt is part of California's 1st congressional district
, which is held by Democrat Mike Thompson
. In the state legislature
, Humboldt is part of the 1st Assembly district, which is held by Democrat Wes Chesbro, and the 2nd Senate district, which is held by Democrat Noreen Evans
.
, and 7,173 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,211 persons (9.8%).
was 35 people per square mile (14/km²). By 2006, the population was projected to have increased to 131,361 by the California Department of Finance. There were 55,912 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile (6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 84.71% White
, 0.88% Black
or African American
, 5.72% Native American
, 1.65% Asian
, 0.19% Pacific Islander
, 2.45% from other races
, and 4.39% from two or more races. 6.49% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 13.3% were of German, 10.7% Irish
, 10.3% English
, 7.4% American
and 5.7% Italian
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.1% spoke English
and 4.6% Spanish
as their first language.
There were 51,238 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples
living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,226, and the median income for a family was $39,370. Males had a median income of $32,210 versus $23,942 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,203. About 12.9% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
The county is served by many school districts, including charter and private schools. All school districts are listed in a separate article.
A prominent understory shrub is the toyon
, whose northern range limit is in Humboldt County.
Print
The only major locally published regional daily newspaper is the Times-Standard
. Owned by Media News Group since 1996, it has been in continuous publication since 1854. This national publisher also prints, locally, the Humboldt Beacon, the Redwood Times, and the Tri-City Weekly, a county-wide classified paper. It also produces Northcoast 101, an online business directory of the region. Other regional weekly and bi-weekly publications include the North Coast Journal
, the McKinleyville Press, the Independent, the Arcata Eye, the Two Rivers Tribune, and The Lumberjack, a Humboldt State University
student publication. HSU students also publish The Osprey once per semester.
and KEET
, are based in Eureka. KIEM produces the only local TV newscast for Humboldt County, while KEET is the only PBS station in the region. CBS and Fox affiliates KVIQ
and KBVU
, the latter a semi-satellite of KCVU
, are based in Chico and ABC affiliate KAEF
, a semi-satellite of KRCR-TV
, is based in Redding. In previous decades all major networks had production capacity in Eureka.
's KMUD, Humboldt State University
-based KHSU and KRFH and Jefferson Public Radio's KNHM and KNHT.
(PEG) cable tv channels are provided by Access Humboldt with digital production, archiving and distribution for local voices. Cable TV channels are carried by Suddenlink and local programs are provided online through the Community Media Archive. The Digital Redwoods initiative of Access Humboldt is developing local networks to meet comprehensive community needs, including public, education and government purposes.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, located on the far North Coast
North Coast, California
The North Coast of California is a region which commonly includes Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties...
200 miles north of San Francisco. According to 2010 Census Data, the county’s population was 134,623. Its primary population centers of Eureka
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
, the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
, and the smaller college town of Arcata, home to Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system, located in Arcata within Humboldt County, California, USA. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of...
, are located adjacent to Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay is a natural bay and a multi-basin, bar-built coastal lagoon located on the rugged North Coast of California, United States entirely within Humboldt County. The regional center and county seat of Eureka and the college town of Arcata adjoin the bay, which is the second largest enclosed...
, California's second largest natural bay. Area cities and towns are known for hundreds of ornate examples of Victorian architecture
Victorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
.
Humboldt County is a densely forested, mountainous, and rural county situated along the Pacific coast in Northern California's
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
rugged Coast (Mountain) Ranges. With nearly 1500000 acres (6,070.3 km²) of combined public and private forest in production, Humboldt County accounts for twenty percent of the total forest product
Forest product
A forest product is any material derived from a forest for commercial use, such as lumber, paper, or forage for livestock. Wood, by far the dominant commercial forest product, is used for many industrial purposes, such as the finished structural materials used for the construction of buildings, or...
ion for all of California. The county contains over forty percent of all remaining old growth Coast Redwood forests, the vast majority of which is protected or strictly conserved within dozens of national, state, and local forests and parks, totaling approximately 680,000 acres (over 1,000 square miles).
History
The original inhabitants of the area now known as Humboldt County include the WiyotWiyot people
The Wiyot people are a native people of the Humboldt Bay, California and nearby environs.-History:The Wiyot and Yurok are the farthest southwest people whose language has Algic roots; Wiyot and Yurok are distantly related to the Algonquian languages...
, Yurok, Hupa
Hupa
Hupa, also spelled Hoopa, are a Native American tribe in northwestern California. Their autonym is Natinixwe, also spelled Natinookwa, meaning "People of the Place Where the Trails Return." The majority of the tribe is enrolled in the federally recognized Hoopa Valley Tribe; however, some Hupa are...
, Karuk
Karuk
Karuk is an indigenous people of California in the United States.The tribal headquarters, located off State Route 96, is in the town of Happy Camp, California. Currently the tribe has three tribal board meeting places, in Yreka, Happy Camp, and Orleans...
, Chilula
Chilula
The Chilula were an Athapaskan tribe who inhabited the area on or near lower Redwood Creek, in Northern California, some 500 to 600 years before contact with Europeans...
, Whilkut
Whilkut
The Whilkut were an Athapaskan tribe, speaking a dialect similar to the Hupa and Chilula, who inhabited the area on or near the upper Redwood Creek and along the Mad River except near its mouth, up to Iaqua Butte, and some settlement in Grouse Creek in the Trinity River drainage in Northwestern...
, and the Eel River Athapaskan peoples, including the Wailaki, Mattole and Nongatl. Andrés de Urdaneta
Andrés de Urdaneta
Friar Andrés de Urdaneta, O.S.A., was a circumnavigator, explorer and Augustinian friar. As a navigator he achieved in 1536 the "second" world circumnavigation after first one led by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1522...
hit the coast near Cape Mendocino
Cape Mendocino
Cape Mendocino located on the Lost Coast entirely within Humboldt County, California, USA, is the westernmost point on the coast of California. It has been a landmark since the 16th century when the Manila Galleons would reach the coast here following the prevailing westerlies all the way across...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, then followed the coast south to Acapulco in 1565. Spanish traders made unintended visits to California with the Manila Galleons on their return trips from the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
beginning in 1565. Humboldt County was formed in 1853 from parts of Trinity County
Trinity County, California
Trinity County is a large, rugged and mountainous, heavily forested county located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of California, along the Trinity River and within the Salmon/Klamath Mountains. It covers an area of over two million acres , and as of the 2010 census its population...
. The first recorded entry by people of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an origin was a landing by the Spanish in 1775.
The county derived its name from Humboldt Bay, which in turn is named the after Alexander von Humboldt
Alexander von Humboldt
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander Freiherr von Humboldt was a German naturalist and explorer, and the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt...
, a famous German naturalist
Natural history
Natural history is the scientific research of plants or animals, leaning more towards observational rather than experimental methods of study, and encompasses more research published in magazines than in academic journals. Grouped among the natural sciences, natural history is the systematic study...
. The first recorded entry of Humboldt Bay by non-natives was an 1806 visit from a sea otter
Sea Otter
The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg , making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals...
hunting party from Sitka employed by the Russian American Company. The hunting party included Captain Jonathan Winship, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and some Aleut hunters. The bay was not visited again by people of European origin until 1849 when Josiah Gregg's party visited. In 1850, Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great naturalist and world explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt
Alexander von Humboldt
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander Freiherr von Humboldt was a German naturalist and explorer, and the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt...
.
The area around Humboldt Bay was once solely inhabited by the Wiyot
Wiyot people
The Wiyot people are a native people of the Humboldt Bay, California and nearby environs.-History:The Wiyot and Yurok are the farthest southwest people whose language has Algic roots; Wiyot and Yurok are distantly related to the Algonquian languages...
Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
tribe. One of the largest Wiyot villages, Tolowot, was located on Gunther Island (AKA Indian Island and AKA Bloody Island) in Humboldt Bay. Founded circa 900, it contains a shell midden
Midden
A midden, is an old dump for domestic waste which may consist of animal bone, human excrement, botanical material, vermin, shells, sherds, lithics , and other artifacts and ecofacts associated with past human occupation...
6 acres (24,000 m²) in size and 14 feet (4 m) deep. It was the site of the February 26, 1860 massacre of the Wiyot people that was recorded by Bret Harte
Bret Harte
Francis Bret Harte was an American author and poet, best remembered for his accounts of pioneering life in California.- Life and career :...
, then living in Union, now called Arcata
Arcata, California
-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
. Between 60 and 200 Wiyot men, women, and children were murdered that night. In 1998, musician Frank Black
Frank Black
Black Francis is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the frontman of the influential alternative rock band Pixies, with whom he performs under the stage name Black Francis. Following the band's breakup in 1993, he embarked on a solo career under the name Frank Black...
wrote and recorded a song about this event, called "Humboldt County Massacre." Tolowot is now an archaeological site, designated Gunther Island Site 67, and is a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
.
State historic landmarks in Humboldt County include Trinidad Head, Fort Humboldt, The Old Arrow Tree, Centerville Beach Cross
Centerville Beach Cross
On January 6, 1860 the SS Northerner, owned by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company struck a rock near Cape Mendocino and wrecked on Centerville Beach, in Humboldt County, California.-History:...
, Camp Curtis
Camp Curtis
Camp Curtis, California State Historic Landmark #215, was located about one mile north of Arcata, California, and served as the headquarters and garrison of the 1st Battalion California Volunteer Mountaineers from 1862 to 1865....
, the town of Trinidad
Trinidad, California
Trinidad is a seaside city in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and north of the college town of Arcata...
, the city of Eureka
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
, the Sequoia Park Zoo
Sequoia Park Zoo
The Sequoia Park Zoo is a small zoo located in Eureka, California, United States and is operated by the City of Eureka. With over 250 animals representing 75 different species the zoo is one of the main tourist draws in Eureka...
, California's first drilled oil wells in Petrolia
Petrolia, California
Petrolia is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Cape Mendocino, at an elevation of 121 feet . The ZIP Code is 95558....
, the Jacoby Building, the Old Indian Village of Tsurai in Trinidad, the Arcata and Mad River Railroad
Arcata and Mad River Railroad
The Arcata and Mad River Railroad was affectionately known as the "Annie and Mary". AMR's predecessor, the Union Plank Walk, Rail Track, and Wharf Company, was incorporated on December 15, 1854, to provide access over the mud flats near the town of Union to ocean going shipping for a distance of...
Company, the Humboldt Harbor Historical District, and the town of Ferndale
Ferndale, California
Ferndale is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Known for its well-preserved Victorian buildings, the city's population was 1,371 at the 2010 census, down from 1,382 at the 2000 census...
.
On February 5 and February 6, 1885, Eureka's entire Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
population of 300 men and 20 women were expelled after a gunfight between rival Chinese gangs (tongs) resulted in the wounding of a 12 year old boy and the death of 56 year old David Kendall, a Eureka City Councilman. After the shooting, an angry mob of 600 Eurekans met and then informed the Chinese that they were no longer wanted in Eureka and would be hanged if they were to stay in town longer than 3 p.m. the next day. They were put on two steamships and shipped to San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
. No-one was killed in the expulsion. Another Chinese expulsion occurred during 1906 in a cannery on the Eel River
Eel River (California)
The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
, in which 23 Chinese cannery workers were expelled after local loggers objected to their presence. However, some Chinese remained in the Orleans
Orleans, California
Orleans , Karuk name Panamnik, is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located northeast of Weitchpec, at an elevation of 404 feet...
area, where some white landowners sheltered and purchased food for the Chinese mineworkers until after racial tension passed. Chinese did not return to the coastal cities until the 1950s.
Climate
The coastal zone of the county experiences wet, cool winters and dry, mild foggy summers. In the winter, highs range from the low 40's to high 50's (5 to 15°C), with lows in the 30's and 40's (0 to 9°C). Coastal summers are cool to mild, with highs in the 60's (16 to 21°C) and frequent fogs. Moving 20 miles (32.2 km) inland one can find abundant sunshine and warmth, a welcome change from the coast's foggy climes. For this very reason coastal residents sometimes prefer to head inland in the summer to take brief respite from the perennial fog which is trapped by the bordering redwood forest as it moves inland. Coastal summer highs range from the mid-60s to 70's (13 to 21°C), with lows from the upper 40's to mid 50's (8 to 13°C). The highest temperatures tend to occur at locations just a few miles inland such as Fortuna, Rio Dell, and infrequently outlying or elevated areas surrounding Humboldt Bay, measuring in the low to mid 70's (21 to 24°C). The coastal zone experiences a number of frosty nights in winter and early spring, though snowfall and hard freezes are rare. Coastal winters are cool and wet. Winter rainstorms are frequent, with averages from 30 inches (762 mm) to 100 inches (2,540 mm) a year varying with elevation.Inland areas of the county also experience wet, cool winters. Snowfall is common at elevations over 3000 ft (914.4 m) throughout the winter months. Summer displays the sharpest difference between the coastal and inland climates. Inland regions of Humboldt County experience highs from the 80's to the 90's (27 to 37°C) depending on the elevation and distance from the ocean. Summer highs of 100 degrees (38°C) are common in eastern and southern parts of the county including Orleans, Hoopa, Willow Creek, Garberville, Honeydew, and inland river valleys.
Tectonics
Historically, Humboldt County and the entire far north coast have had many earthquakes over 6.0 magnitude.The 1992 7.2 magnitude earthquake
1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes
The 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes were a series of three earthquakes that occurred off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California on April 25 and 26, 1992. They consisted of a 7.2-magnitude main shock and two strong aftershocks that spawned a series of smaller aftershocks that ranged in magnitude...
were a series of three major earthquakes that occurred off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California on April 25 and 26, 1992. Ninety-five people were injured and property in the county sustained considerable damage.
In 2010 a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck offshore, 33 mi. (53 km) west of Eureka
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
, resulting in only minor injuries and some structural damage to houses and utilities, and no fatalities reported.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 4052.22 square miles (10,495.2 km²), of which 3572.49 square miles (9,252.7 km²) (or 88.16%) is land and 479.74 square miles (1,242.5 km²) (or 11.84%) is water.Located inside Humboldt County is Cape Mendocino
Cape Mendocino
Cape Mendocino located on the Lost Coast entirely within Humboldt County, California, USA, is the westernmost point on the coast of California. It has been a landmark since the 16th century when the Manila Galleons would reach the coast here following the prevailing westerlies all the way across...
, the westernmost point in California (longitude
Longitude
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds, and denoted by the Greek letter lambda ....
124 degrees, 24 minutes, 30 seconds).
Bay
Humboldt Bay, the only deep water port between San Francisco and Coos Bay, OregonCoos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay is a city located in Coos County, Oregon, United States, where the Coos River enters Coos Bay on the Pacific Ocean. The city borders the city of North Bend, and together they are often referred to as one entity called either Coos Bay-North Bend or the Bay Area...
, is located on the coast at the midpoint of the county.
Rivers
Humboldt County's major rivers include (in order of flow-cubic meters per second-from largest to smallest):- Klamath RiverKlamath RiverThe Klamath River is an American river that flows southwest through Oregon and northern California, cutting through the Cascade Range to empty into the Pacific Ocean. The river drains an extensive watershed of almost that stretches from the high desert country of the Great Basin to the temperate...
- Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
- Trinity RiverTrinity River (California)The Trinity River is the longest tributary of the Klamath River, approximately long, in northwestern California in the United States. It drains an area of the Coast Ranges, including the southern Klamath Mountains, northwest of the Sacramento Valley...
- Mad RiverMad River (California)The Mad River is a river in upper Northern California. It flows for in a roughly northwest direction through Trinity County and then Humboldt County, draining a watershed into the Pacific Ocean north of the college town of Arcata near Arcata-Eureka Airport in McKinleyville...
The list of other smaller rivers and at least one large creek include the following: Van Duzen
Van Duzen River
The Van Duzen River is a river on the north coast of California. It is a major tributary of the Eel River and drains , mostly in Humboldt County, with a small portion in Trinity County. The river travels from its headwaters on the west side of the North Coast Range to its confluence with the Eel...
, South Fork Eel River
South Fork Eel River
The South Fork Eel River is the longest and largest tributary of the Eel River, in the north-central part of the U.S. state of California. The river flows north from Laytonville to Dyerville/Founders' Grove where it joins the Eel River on the left bank...
(in both Humboldt and Mendocino counties), North Fork Eel River
North Fork Eel River
The North Fork Eel River is the smallest of four major tributaries of the Eel River in northwestern California in the United States. It drains a rugged wilderness area of about in the California Coast Ranges, and flows through national forests for much of its length...
, Mattole
Mattole River
The Mattole River is a river on the north coast of California, that flows northerly, then westerly into the Pacific Ocean. A short section of the river flows through upper Mendocino County, but the vast majority of its 62-mile run is through southern Humboldt County...
, Salmon, Elk, Bear, and Little rivers, and Redwood Creek.
Parks and other protected areas
Federal Lands
National Park- Redwood National and State ParksRedwood National and State ParksThe Redwood National and State Parks are located in the United States, along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks , the combined RNSP contain...
- National Park ServiceNational Park ServiceThe National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
Conservation Area
- King Range National Conservation Area and The Lost CoastLost CoastThe Lost Coast is a mostly undeveloped section of the California North Coast in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties, which includes the King Range. It was named the "Lost Coast" after the area experienced depopulation in the 1930s...
- Bureau of Land ManagementBureau of Land ManagementThe Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior which administers America's public lands, totaling approximately , or one-eighth of the landmass of the country. The BLM also manages of subsurface mineral estate underlying federal, state and private...
Recreation Area
- Samoa Dunes Recreation Area - Bureau of Land ManagementBureau of Land ManagementThe Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior which administers America's public lands, totaling approximately , or one-eighth of the landmass of the country. The BLM also manages of subsurface mineral estate underlying federal, state and private...
Forest
- Headwaters Forest Reserve - Bureau of Land ManagementBureau of Land ManagementThe Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior which administers America's public lands, totaling approximately , or one-eighth of the landmass of the country. The BLM also manages of subsurface mineral estate underlying federal, state and private...
- Six Rivers National ForestSix Rivers National ForestSix Rivers National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in the northwestern corner of California. It was established on July 1, 1947 by U.S. President Harry S. Truman from portions of Klamath, Siskiyou and Trinity National Forests. Its over one million acres of land contain a variety of...
- National Forest Service - Trinity National ForestTrinity National ForestTrinity National Forest was established as the Trinity Forest Reserve by the U.S. Forest Service in California on April 26, 1905 with . It became a National Forest on March 4, 1907. On July 1, 1908 it gave up some acreage to California National Forest. In 1954 it was combined administratively with...
- National Forest Service
Wildlife Refuge
- Humboldt Bay National Wildlife RefugeHumboldt Bay National Wildlife RefugeHumboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located on Humboldt Bay, on the California North Coast near the cities of Eureka and Arcata. The refuge exists primarily to protect and enhance wetland habitats for migratory water birds using the bay area, including tens of thousands of shorebirds, ducks,...
- Bureau of Land ManagementBureau of Land ManagementThe Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior which administers America's public lands, totaling approximately , or one-eighth of the landmass of the country. The BLM also manages of subsurface mineral estate underlying federal, state and private...
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
State of California
Beaches- Little River State BeachLittle River State BeachLittle River State Beach is a beach located in Humboldt County, California, north of Eureka. Getting there is convenient as it's right off US Route 101. It's a broad open beach that contains sand dunes. Clam Beach County Park is to the south, and Little River is to the north...
- Trinidad State BeachTrinidad State BeachTrinidad State Beach is north of Eureka in Humboldt County, California. This scenic State Beach is accessed from a signposted side road at Trinity Street and Stagecoach Road in the seaside town of Trinidad. The parking lot at Trinidad Bay below Trinidad Head is another popular access point. The...
Parks
- Fort Humboldt State Historic ParkFort Humboldt State Historic ParkFort Humboldt State Historic Park is a California state park located in the southern portion of Eureka, just off U.S. Route 101. The North Coast regional headquarters of the California State Parks is located onsite.-Early years, 1853–1860:...
- Grizzly Creek Redwoods State ParkGrizzly Creek Redwoods State ParkGrizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is located 20 Miles east of Eureka, California then another east of Fortuna, California on State Route 36. This low use park containing 30 campsites is sited on the Van Duzen River. The small park was created by a donation from Owen R...
- Humboldt Lagoons State ParkHumboldt Lagoons State ParkHumboldt Lagoons State Park is a state park located in northern California. The state park includes access from U.S. Route 101 to three lagoons on the Pacific coast between Eureka, California and the Oregon border. Big Lagoon is the largest and southernmost lagoon. Stone Lagoon is the middle...
- Humboldt Redwoods State ParkHumboldt Redwoods State ParkHumboldt Redwoods State Park is located south of Eureka, California in southern Humboldt County, within northern California. Established by the Save-the-Redwoods League in 1921 with the dedication of the Raynal Bolling Memorial Grove, it has grown to become the third largest park in the California...
- Patrick's Point State ParkPatrick's Point State ParkPatrick's Point State Park is north of Eureka, California in the heart of California's coast redwood country.The park is home to many tree species including coastal redwoods, spruce, hemlock, pine, fir and red alder and wildflower meadows with a...
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkPrairie Creek Redwoods State ParkPrairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a state park, located in Humboldt County, California, near the town of Orick and 50 miles north of Eureka...
- Richardson Grove State ParkRichardson Grove State ParkRichardson Grove State Park is located at the southernmost border of Humboldt County, south of Eureka, California, United States, and north of San Francisco. The year-round park, which has approximately , straddles US 101, causing the narrowest point of its entire distance. Local residents refer...
- Sinkyone Wilderness State ParkSinkyone Wilderness State ParkSinkyone Wilderness State Park is a state park in Mendocino County, California. The wilderness area borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the King Range National Conservation Area to the north. The nearest settlement is the unincorporated town of Leggett...
Recreation Areas
- Benbow Lake State Recreation AreaBenbow Lake State Recreation AreaBenbow Lake State Recreation Area is a state park unit of California, USA, established around a reservoir on the South Fork Eel River. It is located in Humboldt County south of Garberville on U.S. Route 101....
- Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area
Reserves
- Azalea State ReserveAzalea State ReserveAzalea State Natural Reserve is a state nature reserve of California, USA, dedicated to the western azalea . These pink and white flowers bloom in profusion each April and May. The reserve offers a short self-guided nature trail with emphasis on plants of the north coast region. There is a picnic...
- John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Reserve
County of Humboldt
- A. W. Way
- Big Lagoon
- Centerville Beach
- Clam Beach
- Crab Park
- Freshwater
- Hammond Trail
- Luffenholtz Beach
- Mad RiverMad River, CaliforniaMad River is a census-designated place in Trinity County, California. Mad River is located in the in southern part of the county. Mad River sits at an elevation of . The ZIP Code is 95552 and Mad River is inside area code 530...
- Margarite Lockwood
- Moonstone Beach
- Van Duzen
Cities and towns
The majority of residents live in the Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna micropolitan areaUnited States micropolitan area
United States Micropolitan Statistical Areas , as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget, are urban areas in the United States based around a core city or town with a population of 10,000 to 49,999. The micropolitan area designation was created in 2003...
, located on a coastal plain adjacent to Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay
Humboldt Bay is a natural bay and a multi-basin, bar-built coastal lagoon located on the rugged North Coast of California, United States entirely within Humboldt County. The regional center and county seat of Eureka and the college town of Arcata adjoin the bay, which is the second largest enclosed...
.
Incorporated cities
- ArcataArcata, California-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
- Blue LakeBlue Lake, CaliforniaBlue Lake is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Blue Lake is located on the Mad River northeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 131 feet...
- EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
- FerndaleFerndale, CaliforniaFerndale is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Known for its well-preserved Victorian buildings, the city's population was 1,371 at the 2010 census, down from 1,382 at the 2000 census...
- FortunaFortuna, CaliforniaFortuna is a city in western-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 11,926 at the 2010 census, up from 10,497 at the 2000 census. The city lies on the northeast shore of the Eel River , and is on U.S...
- Rio DellRio Dell, CaliforniaRio Dell is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Rio Dell is located on the west bank of the Eel River north of Scotia, at an elevation of 161 feet...
- TrinidadTrinidad, CaliforniaTrinidad is a seaside city in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and north of the college town of Arcata...
Unincorporated towns and areas
- AlderpointAlderpoint, CaliforniaAlderpoint is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located east-northeast of Garberville. It lies at an elevation of 472 feet . The ZIP Code is 95511. The community is inside area code 707...
- AltonAlton, CaliforniaAlton is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 62 feet . Alton is located along U.S. Route 101 and State Route 36. The ZIP Code is 95562. The community is inside area code 707.-History:The name Hansen honors Mads...
- BaysideBayside, CaliforniaBayside is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Arcata, at an elevation of 33 feet . The ZIP Code is 95524....
- Bayview
- BricelandBriceland, CaliforniaBriceland is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located west of Redway, at an elevation of 594 feet .A post office operated at Briceland from 1889 to 1968. The name honors John C. Briceland, who purchased the site in 1889.Briceland is also the home of Briceland...
- BlocksburgBlocksburg, CaliforniaBlocksburg is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located east-southeast of Weott, at an elevation of 1594 feet .The ZIP Code is 95514....
- BridgevilleBridgeville, CaliforniaBridgeville is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located north-northeast of Weott, at an elevation of 636 feet...
- CarlottaCarlotta, CaliforniaCarlotta is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 131 feet ....
- CuttenCutten, CaliforniaCutten is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Cutten is located south-southeast of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 200 feet...
- FernbridgeFernbridge, CaliforniaFernbridge is an unincorporated community at an elevation of in Humboldt County, California, named for an historic bridge, west-northwest of Fortuna.-Town of Fernbridge:...
- FieldbrookFieldbrook, CaliforniaFieldbrook is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north-northeast of Arcata, at an elevation of . The population was 859 at the 2010 census.-Situation:...
- GarbervilleGarberville, CaliforniaGarberville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the South Fork of the Eel River south-southeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 535 feet . The population was 913 at the 2010 United States Census...
- HarrisHarris, CaliforniaHarris is an locality in Humboldt County, California. It is located west-southwest of Alderpoint, at an elevation of ....
- HoneydewHoneydew, CaliforniaHoneydew is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Scotia, at an elevation of 322 feet ....
- HoopaHoopa, CaliforniaHoopa is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Weitchpec, at an elevation of 328 feet . The ZIP Code is 95546....
- Humboldt HillHumboldt Hill, CaliforniaHumboldt Hill is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Humboldt Hill lies at an elevation of 194 feet . The population was 3,414 at the 2010 census, up from 3,246 at the 2000 census...
- HydesvilleHydesville, CaliforniaHydesville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Hydesville is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 364 feet...
- LoletaLoleta, CaliforniaLoleta is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Fields Landing, at an elevation of 46 feet . The population was 783 at the 2010 census....
- ManilaManila, CaliforniaManila is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 13 feet . The ZIP Code is 95521...
- McKinleyvilleMcKinleyville, CaliforniaMcKinleyville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. McKinleyville is located north of Arcata, at an elevation of . The population was 15,177 at the 2010 census, up from 13,599 at the 2000 census. This unincorporated community is the third largest community,...
- MirandaMiranda, CaliforniaMiranda is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Phillipsville, at an elevation of 351 feet . The ZIP Code is 95553. The population was 520 at the 2010 census....
- Myers FlatMyers Flat, CaliforniaMyers Flat is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Weott, at an elevation of 203 feet . The ZIP Code is 95554...
- MyrtletownMyrtletown, CaliforniaMyrtletown is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Myrtletown lies at an elevation of 112 feet . Myrtletown is a part of the Eureka, California metropolitan area...
- OrickOrick, CaliforniaOrick is a census-designated place situated on the banks of the Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of Eureka, at an elevation of 26 feet . The ZIP Code is 95555...
- OrleansOrleans, CaliforniaOrleans , Karuk name Panamnik, is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located northeast of Weitchpec, at an elevation of 404 feet...
- PepperwoodPepperwood, CaliforniaPepperwood is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Redcrest, at an elevation of 115 feet . Pepperwood is the northernmost community along the Avenue of the Giants. The ZIP Code is 95569...
- PetroliaPetrolia, CaliforniaPetrolia is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Cape Mendocino, at an elevation of 121 feet . The ZIP Code is 95558....
- PhillipsvillePhillipsville, CaliforniaPhillipsville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the South Fork of the Eel River north of Garberville, at an elevation of 289 feet . It is the southernmost town on the Avenue of the Giants. Near the town is the Chimney Tree...
- Pine HillsPine Hills, CaliforniaPine Hills is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States, adjacent to Eureka. The population was 3,131 at the 2010 census, up from 3,108 at the 2000 census. An area near this artificial census construct is called Pine Hill by Local government agencies and officials...
- RedcrestRedcrest, CaliforniaRedcrest is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of Weott, at an elevation of 377 feet . The population was 89 at the 2010 census.The Redcrest post office was established in 1965....
- RedwayRedway, CaliforniaRedway is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Redway is located northwest of Garberville, at an elevation of 538 feet...
- SamoaSamoa, CaliforniaSamoa is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Eureka, at an elevation of 23 feet . Samoa is located in the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay and is the site of the Samoa Cookhouse, one of the last remaining original, lumber style cookhouses...
- ScotiaScotia, CaliforniaScotia is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 194 feet . The ZIP Code is 95565. The population was 850 at the 2010 census....
- Shelter CoveShelter Cove, CaliforniaShelter Cove is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It lies at an elevation of 138 feet . Shelter Cove is on California's Lost Coast. Lying where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean, it is a principal population center in the Lost Coast region...
- Table BluffTable Bluff, CaliforniaTable Bluff is a semi-flat terrace in Humboldt County, California, that terminates above the ocean in a dramatic, high cliff with spectacular views of the Eel River delta, the South Spit of Humboldt Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It separates Humboldt Bay to the north from the Eel River to the south...
- WeitchpecWeitchpec, CaliforniaWeitchpec is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California, United States. It is located northeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 361 feet...
- Westhaven-MoonstoneWesthaven-Moonstone, CaliforniaWesthaven-Moonstone is a census-designated place located in Humboldt County, California. As of the 2010 census the population was 1,205, up from 1,044 at the 2000 census.- Geography :...
- WeottWeott, CaliforniaWeott is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located 375 km north of San Francisco, California and 40 km due west of the Pacific Ocean. Lower Weott is situated at an elevation of 100m along the Avenue of the Giants and in the flood plain of the South Fork of...
- WhitethornWhitethorn, CaliforniaWhitethorn is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southwest of Garberville, at an elevation of 1024 feet . Whitethorn shares a zip code with Shelter Cove, California. It is located along California's Lost Coast...
- Willow CreekWillow Creek, CaliforniaWillow Creek is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 1,710 at the 2010 census, down from 1,743 at the 2000 census....
Indian Reservations
Humboldt County has eight Indian reservationIndian reservation
An American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
s lying within its borders. Only four other counties in the United States have more: San Diego County, California
San Diego County, California
San Diego County is a large county located in the southwestern corner of the US state of California. Hence, San Diego County is also located in the southwestern corner of the 48 contiguous United States. Its county seat and largest city is San Diego. Its population was about 2,813,835 in the 2000...
; Sandoval County, New Mexico
Sandoval County, New Mexico
-Indian reservations:Sandoval County has 12 Indian reservations and two joint-use areas lying within its borders, the second most of any county in the United States -Indian reservations:Sandoval County has 12 Indian reservations and two joint-use areas lying within its borders, the second most of...
; Riverside County, California
Riverside County, California
Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
; and Mendocino County, California
Mendocino County, California
Mendocino County is a county located on the north coast of the U.S. state of California, north of the greater San Francisco Bay Area and west of the Central Valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 87,841, up from 86,265 at the 2000 census...
. The Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation is the largest in the state of California, a state that generally has very small reservations (although very numerous) relative to those in other states.
- Big Lagoon RancheriaBig Lagoon RancheriaThe Big Lagoon Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe of Yurok and Tolowa Indians. They are located in Humboldt County, California, and their tribal headquarters is in Arcata, California.-Government:...
- Blue Lake RancheriaBlue Lake RancheriaThe Blue Lake Rancheria of the Wiyot, Yurok, and Hupa Indians is located in Humboldt County, California.In 1966, the United States Government returned the Blue Lake Rancheria back over to the tribe and removed all Native rights from the tribe's citizens...
- Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation
- Karuk Indian Reservation (partly in Siskiyou CountySiskiyou County, CaliforniaSiskiyou County is a county located in the far northernmost part of the U.S. state of California, in the Shasta Cascade region on the Oregon border. Yreka is the county seat. Because of its substantial natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Gold Rush era history, it is an important...
) - Rohnerville Rancheria
- Table Bluff Reservation
- Trinidad Rancheria
- Yurok Indian ReservationYurok Indian ReservationThe Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation is located in parts of Del Norte and Humboldt counties, California, on a 44-mile stretch of the Klamath River. It is a rancheria of Yurok people and a federally recognized tribe....
(partly in Del Norte CountyDel Norte County, CaliforniaDel Norte County is a county located at the far northwest corner of the U.S. state of California on the Pacific adjacent to the Oregon border. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 28,610. The county seat is Crescent City, the county's only incorporated city. Del Norte is the abbreviated...
)
Adjacent counties
- Del Norte County, CaliforniaDel Norte County, CaliforniaDel Norte County is a county located at the far northwest corner of the U.S. state of California on the Pacific adjacent to the Oregon border. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 28,610. The county seat is Crescent City, the county's only incorporated city. Del Norte is the abbreviated...
- north - Mendocino County, CaliforniaMendocino County, CaliforniaMendocino County is a county located on the north coast of the U.S. state of California, north of the greater San Francisco Bay Area and west of the Central Valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 87,841, up from 86,265 at the 2000 census...
- south - Siskiyou County, CaliforniaSiskiyou County, CaliforniaSiskiyou County is a county located in the far northernmost part of the U.S. state of California, in the Shasta Cascade region on the Oregon border. Yreka is the county seat. Because of its substantial natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Gold Rush era history, it is an important...
- northeast - Trinity County, CaliforniaTrinity County, CaliforniaTrinity County is a large, rugged and mountainous, heavily forested county located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of California, along the Trinity River and within the Salmon/Klamath Mountains. It covers an area of over two million acres , and as of the 2010 census its population...
- east
Transportation infrastructure
Major highways
- U.S. Route 101
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- State Route 36
California State Route 36State Route 36 is an east–west state highway in the U.S. state of California that is routed from U.S. Route 101 in Humboldt County to U.S. Route 395 just east of Susanville in Lassen County. The portion of SR 36 travelling past Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lake Almanor is part of the... - State Route 96
California State Route 96State Route 96 follows the Trinity and Klamath Rivers in Northern California. For most of the route it goes through the Karuk Tribal Reservation, the Yurok Tribal Reservation, and the Hoopa Tribal Reservation... - State Route 169
- State Route 200
California State Route 200State Route 200 is a state highway in the U.S. state of California near Arcata in Humboldt County. It is a cut-off connecting U.S. Route 101 and State Route 299. It runs along the north bank of the Mad River, to the north of the 101-299 junction....
(unsigned) - State Route 211
California State Route 211State Route 211 is a California state highway in Humboldt County that connects Ferndale with U.S. 101.This route is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System.-Route description:...
(maybe unsigned (?)) - State Route 254
California State Route 254The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway in Northern California, U.S.A., running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is an old alignment of U.S. Route 101, and continues to be maintained by the state as State Route 254.-Route description:...
(Avenue of the Giants - the old U.S. 101) - State Route 255
California State Route 255State Route 255 is a state highway in Humboldt County, California, United States.-Route description:It is a western alternate route of U.S. Route 101 between Eureka and Arcata, routed via the three bridges over Humboldt Bay and Indian Island and Woodley Islands, rather than motorists having to... - State Route 271
California State Route 271State Route 271 is a state highway in northern California, USA. It is a former routing of U.S. Route 101 , now reduced to being a frontage road for that route in discontiguous segments. It also connects with Route 1 just before that route's terminus with US 101 in Leggett... - State Route 283California State Route 283State Route 283 is the shortest state highway in the U.S. state of California, extending only 0.36 miles . Unsigned along its entire length, SR 283 runs from U.S. Route 101 south of Rio Dell to the north end of the Eel River Bridge in Rio Dell...
(the old U.S. 101) - State Route 299
California State Route 299State Route 299 is a state highway in the U.S. state of California that runs across the northern part of the state. It runs from Arcata on the Pacific Ocean to the border with Nevada. Between Arcata and Redding, Route 299 junctions with State Route 96 and is briefly co-signed with State Route 3. In...
Public transportation
- Humboldt Transit AuthorityHumboldt Transit AuthorityHumboldt Transit Authority operates two transit services in Humboldt County, California:*Redwood Transit System*Eureka Transit Service...
operates two fixed route transit busTransit busA transit bus , also known as a commuter bus, city bus, or public bus, is a bus used for short-distance public transport purposes...
systems:- Redwood Transit SystemRedwood Transit SystemThe Redwood Transit System is a commuter transit service that operates Monday-Saturday on the Highway 101 corridor between Trinidad and Garberville in Humboldt County, California, also serving Westhaven, McKinleyville, Arcata, Eureka, Fields Landing, Loleta, Fortuna, and Scotia...
provides intercityIntercity busAn intercity bus is a bus that carries passengers significant distances between different cities, towns, or other populated areas. Unlike a municipal bus, which has frequent stops throughout a city or town, an intercity bus generally has a single stop at a centralized location within the city, and...
service to and within communities between Trinidad and Scotia, with occasional service to Manila and Loleta. HTA also offers service between McKinleyville or Arcata and Willow Creek and an express busExpress busAn express bus service is a bus service that is intended to run faster than normal bus services between the same two commuter points....
between Arcata and College of the Redwoods when classes are in session. - Eureka Transit ServiceEureka Transit ServiceThe Eureka Transit Service is the city fixed-route bus system in Eureka, California. ETS operates four weekday routes between downtown Eureka, Bayshore Mall, Henderson Center, Myrtletown, Cutten, and Pine Hill. Three routes operate on Saturdays...
, operated in the City of Eureka, provides localLocal busIn computer science, a local bus is a computer bus that connects directly, or almost directly, from the CPU to one or more slots on the expansion bus. The significance of direct connection to the CPU is avoiding the bottleneck created by the expansion bus, thus providing fast throughput...
service on four scheduled routes (one hour headwayHeadwayHeadway is a measurement of the distance/time between vehicles in a transit system. The precise definition varies depending on the application, but it is most commonly measured as the distance from the tip of one vehicle to the tip of the next one behind it, expressed as the time it will take for...
) in Eureka and its adjacent unincorporated communities. Connections can be made to the Redwood Transit System at several places in Eureka.
- Redwood Transit System
- Arcata and Mad River Transit SystemArcata and Mad River Transit SystemArcata and Mad River Transit System is a fixed-route bus service for Arcata, California. The service is subsidized by Humboldt State University and offers free rides to students. Because of this relationship, Arcata has remarkably good transit service for its size.The transit service operates 3...
, operated by the City of Arcata with funding from Humboldt State University. A&MRTS provides fixed route local bus service on two scheduled routes (one hour headway) in Arcata and an additional route between the Valley West Neighborhood and the university when classes are in session. - The city of Blue Lake and the Blue Lake RancheriaBlue Lake RancheriaThe Blue Lake Rancheria of the Wiyot, Yurok, and Hupa Indians is located in Humboldt County, California.In 1966, the United States Government returned the Blue Lake Rancheria back over to the tribe and removed all Native rights from the tribe's citizens...
operates the Blue Lake Rancheria Transit Authority. Blue Lake Rancheria Transit provides fixed route intercity transit bus service (one hour headway) between Arcata and the Blue Lake Rancheria Indian ReservationIndian reservationAn American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
and casino and local service within the city of Blue Lake. - Del Norte CountyDel Norte County, CaliforniaDel Norte County is a county located at the far northwest corner of the U.S. state of California on the Pacific adjacent to the Oregon border. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 28,610. The county seat is Crescent City, the county's only incorporated city. Del Norte is the abbreviated...
's Redwood Coast Transit operates fixed route intercity transit bus service between Arcata and Crescent CityCrescent City, CaliforniaCrescent City is the county seat and only incorporated city in Del Norte County, California. Named for the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city, Crescent City had a total population of 7,643 in the 2010 census, up from 4,006 in the 2000 census...
or Smith RiverSmith River, CaliforniaSmith River is a census-designated place in Del Norte County, California, United States. It is located north-northeast of Crescent City, east of the mouth of the Smith River, at an elevation of 52 feet . As of 2010, the population was 866. The ZIP Code is 95567...
. - Amtrak Thruway bus has stops in many towns in the region, including Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna. These stops are not managed by Amtrak and therefore have no services beyond serving passengers. Full service is only provided at the train station in MartinezMartinez, CaliforniaMartinez is a city and the county seat of Contra Costa County, California, United States. The population was 35,824 at the 2010 census. The downtown is notable for its large number of preserved old buildings...
, near San Francisco.
Airports
Arcata-Eureka AirportArcata-Eureka Airport
Arcata/Eureka Airport , also known as Arcata Airport, is an airport located north of Eureka in the unincorporated town of McKinleyville, California. This regional airport serves Humboldt County, including the two primary regional cities that compose its name: Arcata and Eureka. The airport is a...
is located in McKinleyville (north of Arcata). Commercial flights are
available.
Other (general aviation) airports are located at Dinsmore, Garberville, Kneeland, Murray Field (Eureka) and Rohnerville (Fortuna).
Seaport
Port of Humboldt BayHumboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District
The Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District, created in 1972 by local voters, manages the Port of Humboldt Bay, and the Port of Eureka, the primary city of the region, and much larger facilities on the shore of the adjacent peninsula, known as Samoa...
- on Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay.
Agriculture
Humboldt County is known for its impressive redwood trees, and many acres of private redwood timberland make Humboldt the top timber producer in California. The lush river bottoms adjacent to the ocean are renowned for producing rich, high-quality dairy products. Somewhat more inland the warmer valleys have historically produced abundant apples and other fruit. More recently vineyards have been planted in the Trinity, Klamath, Mattole and upper Eel river valleys.Dairy
Humboldt County is known for its quality family operated dairyDairy
A dairy is a business enterprise established for the harvesting of animal milk—mostly from cows or goats, but also from buffalo, sheep, horses or camels —for human consumption. A dairy is typically located on a dedicated dairy farm or section of a multi-purpose farm that is concerned...
farms. The Humboldt Creamery
Humboldt Creamery
Humboldt Creamery was formerly an agricultural marketing cooperative located on the California North Coast. Established in 1929 as a local association of 152 dairy farms, the creamery continues operation today under the ownership of Foster Farms Dairy of Modesto, California. Financial problems came...
, a significant producer of high grade ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
and other dairy products, still operates from the original headquarters located at Fernbridge
Fernbridge, California
Fernbridge is an unincorporated community at an elevation of in Humboldt County, California, named for an historic bridge, west-northwest of Fortuna.-Town of Fernbridge:...
adjacent to the Eel River
Eel River (California)
The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
.
Marijuana
Humboldt County is also widely known for its cultural attributes associated with the cultivation and proliferation of marijuanaCannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
. Proposition 215
California Proposition 215 (1996)
Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, is a California law concerning the use of medical cannabis. It was enacted, on November 5, 1996, by means of the initiative process, and passed with 5,382,915 votes in favor and 4,301,960 against.The proposition was a state-wide voter...
allows patients and caregivers who are given a doctor's recommendation to legally (State level only) grow up to 99 plants in Humboldt County. David Samuels
David Samuels (writer)
David Samuels is an American non-fiction writer, best-known for long-form journalism and essays. He is a contributing editor at Harper's Magazine and a frequent contributor to The Atlantic and The New Yorker.-Background and education:...
of The New Yorker
The New Yorker
The New Yorker is an American magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons and poetry published by Condé Nast...
describes the county as "the heartland of high-grade marijuana farming in California." However, in the years before Prop 215 (early 70's-late 80's), Humboldt County saw a large migration of the Bay Area counter-culture to its region. Many came looking to purchase cheap land, and ended up growing marijuana to pay for their land payments to eventually become owners of the land. Especially around Garberville and Redway, the rural culture and hippie scene eventually collaborated to create a "hippy-billy" community in which marijuana became the center of the economy. Many people prospered by exporting their marijuana down the California coast and to Midwestern states because of its reputation for quality. Austin Steve Bowser, a well known local in the 1980s recalls state police officers telling him it was time to bring Humboldt County back to the United States. A Garberville radio station, KMUD, in the past has issued warnings and alerts to the region with information on whereabouts of law enforcement on their way to raid marijuana gardens. The 2008 independent film Humboldt County
Humboldt County (film)
Humboldt County is a 2008 comedy/drama film by Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs. It stars Jeremy Strong, Fairuza Balk, Frances Conroy, Madison Davenport, Brad Dourif, Chris Messina and Peter Bogdanovich. The film made its debut at SXSW on March 7, 2008...
centers on the county's marijuana cultivation subculture.
Politics
| Year | GOP Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
DEM Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 United States presidential election, 2008 The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365... |
62.3% 39,692 | 4.0% 2,559 | |
| 2004 United States presidential election, 2004 The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator... |
57.7% 37,988 | 3.3% 2,184 | |
| 2000 United States presidential election, 2000 The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Republican candidate George W. Bush, then-governor of Texas and son of former president George H. W. Bush , and Democratic candidate Al Gore, then-Vice President.... |
44.4% 24,851 | 14.1% 7,902 | |
| 1996 United States presidential election, 1996 The United States presidential election of 1996 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of President Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee and the Republican national ticket of former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas for President and former Housing Secretary Jack... |
44.2% 24,628 | 20.3% 11,326 | |
| 1992 United States presidential election, 1992 The United States presidential election of 1992 had three major candidates: Incumbent Republican President George Bush; Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and independent Texas businessman Ross Perot.... |
48.1% 28,854 | 21.4% 12,868 | |
| 1988 United States presidential election, 1988 The United States presidential election of 1988 featured no incumbent president, as President Ronald Reagan was unable to seek re-election after serving the maximum two terms allowed by the Twenty-second Amendment. Reagan's Vice President, George H. W. Bush, won the Republican nomination, while the... |
57.1% 29,781 | 1.7% 905 | |
| 1984 United States presidential election, 1984 The United States presidential election of 1984 was a contest between the incumbent President Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, and former Vice President Walter Mondale, the Democratic candidate. Reagan was helped by a strong economic recovery from the deep recession of 1981–1982... |
46.8% 25,217 | 1.6% 842 | |
| 1980 United States presidential election, 1980 The United States presidential election of 1980 featured a contest between incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter and his Republican opponent, Ronald Reagan, as well as Republican Congressman John B. Anderson, who ran as an independent... |
35.2% 17,113 | 15.5% 7,532 | |
| 1976 United States presidential election, 1976 The United States presidential election of 1976 followed the resignation of President Richard Nixon in the wake of the Watergate scandal. It pitted incumbent President Gerald Ford, the Republican candidate, against the relatively unknown former governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter, the Democratic... |
54.2% 23,500 | 4.2% 1,838 | |
| 1972 United States presidential election, 1972 The United States presidential election of 1972 was the 47th quadrennial United States presidential election. It was held on November 7, 1972. The Democratic Party's nomination was eventually won by Senator George McGovern, who ran an anti-war campaign against incumbent Republican President Richard... |
46.2% 21,132 | 5.0% 2,286 | |
| 1968 United States presidential election, 1968 The United States presidential election of 1968 was the 46th quadrennial United States presidential election. Coming four years after Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson won in a historic landslide, it saw Johnson forced out of the race and Republican Richard Nixon elected... |
45.5% 16,476 | 8.3% 3,019 | |
| 1964 United States presidential election, 1964 The United States presidential election of 1964 was held on November 3, 1964. Incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson had come to office less than a year earlier following the assassination of his predecessor, John F. Kennedy. Johnson, who had successfully associated himself with Kennedy's... |
66.3% 25,515 | 0.2% 75 | |
| 1960 United States presidential election, 1960 The United States presidential election of 1960 was the 44th American presidential election, held on November 8, 1960, for the term beginning January 20, 1961, and ending January 20, 1965. The incumbent president, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower, was not eligible to run again. The Republican Party... |
52.7% 20,391 | 0.6% 226 | |
| 1956 United States presidential election, 1956 The United States presidential election of 1956 saw a popular Dwight D. Eisenhower successfully run for re-election. The 1956 election was a rematch of 1952, as Eisenhower's opponent in 1956 was Democrat Adlai Stevenson, whom Eisenhower had defeated four years earlier.Incumbent President Eisenhower... |
47.1% 17,025 | 0.4% 133 | |
| 1952 United States presidential election, 1952 The United States presidential election of 1952 took place in an era when Cold War tension between the United States and the Soviet Union was escalating rapidly. In the United States Senate, Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin had become a national figure after chairing congressional... |
39.0% 12,949 | 0.9% 293 | |
| 1948 United States presidential election, 1948 The United States presidential election of 1948 is considered by most historians as the greatest election upset in American history. Virtually every prediction indicated that incumbent President Harry S. Truman would be defeated by Republican Thomas E. Dewey. Truman won, overcoming a three-way... |
48.4% 11,268 | 4.4% 1,019 | |
| 1944 United States presidential election, 1944 The United States presidential election of 1944 took place while the United States was preoccupied with fighting World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had been in office longer than any other president, but remained popular. Unlike 1940, there was little doubt that Roosevelt would run for... |
56.8% 12,083 | 0.2% 50 | |
| 1940 United States presidential election, 1940 The United States presidential election of 1940 was fought in the shadow of World War II as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression. Incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt , a Democrat, broke with tradition and ran for a third term, which became a major issue... |
56.0% 12,329 | 1.0% 225 | |
| 1936 United States presidential election, 1936 The United States presidential election of 1936 was the most lopsided presidential election in the history of the United States in terms of electoral votes. In terms of the popular vote, it was the third biggest victory since the election of 1820, which was not seriously contested.The election took... |
62.9% 11,909 | 1.1% 208 | |
| 1932 United States presidential election, 1932 The United States presidential election of 1932 took place as the effects of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, the Revenue Act of 1932, and the Great Depression were being felt intensely across the country. President Herbert Hoover's popularity was falling as... |
54.2% 8,723 | 3.6% 577 | |
| 1928 United States presidential election, 1928 The United States presidential election of 1928 pitted Republican Herbert Hoover against Democrat Al Smith. The Republicans were identified with the booming economy of the 1920s, whereas Smith, a Roman Catholic, suffered politically from Anti-Catholic prejudice, his anti-prohibitionist stance, and... |
28.4% 3,726 | 1.9% 247 | |
| 1924 United States presidential election, 1924 The United States presidential election of 1924 was won by incumbent President Calvin Coolidge, the Republican candidate.Coolidge was vice-president under Warren G. Harding and became president in 1923 when Harding died in office. Coolidge was given credit for a booming economy at home and no... |
7.1% 845 | 36.1% 4,298 | |
| 1920 United States presidential election, 1920 The United States presidential election of 1920 was dominated by the aftermath of World War I and a hostile response to certain policies of Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic president. The wartime economic boom had collapsed. Politicians were arguing over peace treaties and the question of America's... |
19.0% 1,778 | 11.1% 1,034 |
Humboldt is a Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
county in Presidential
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
and congressional
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
elections. The last Republican presidential candidate to win a majority in the county was Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
, a Californian, in 1984
United States presidential election, 1984
The United States presidential election of 1984 was a contest between the incumbent President Ronald Reagan, the Republican candidate, and former Vice President Walter Mondale, the Democratic candidate. Reagan was helped by a strong economic recovery from the deep recession of 1981–1982...
.
Humboldt is part of California's 1st congressional district
California's 1st congressional district
California's 1st congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of California and presently consists of the northern coastline and includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties and parts of Sonoma and Yolo counties.The district is currently...
, which is held by Democrat Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Michael C. Thompson , is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1999. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties as well as parts of Yolo and Sonoma Counties....
. In the state legislature
California State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
, Humboldt is part of the 1st Assembly district, which is held by Democrat Wes Chesbro, and the 2nd Senate district, which is held by Democrat Noreen Evans
Noreen Evans
Noreen Evans is an American politician in the California State Senate. She is a Democrat representing the 2nd district, encompassing Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties, as well as parts of Sonoma and Solano counties....
.
Area organizations
- Arcata and Eureka Community Recycling Centers
- Humboldt County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
- Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce
- Arcata Chamber of Commerce
- Fortuna Chamber of Commerce
- Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
- Trinidad Chamber of Commerce
- Garberville & Redway (Southern Humboldt) Chamber of Commerce
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Humboldt County had a population of 134,623. The racial makeup of Humboldt County was 109,920 (81.7%) White, 1,505 (1.1%) African American, 7,726 (5.7%) Native American, 2,944 (2.2%) Asian, 352 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 5,003 (3.7%) from other racesRace (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 7,173 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,211 persons (9.8%).
| Population reported at 2010 United States Census | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Humboldt County, California Humboldt County is a county in the U.S. state of California, located on the far North Coast 200 miles north of San Francisco. According to 2010 Census Data, the county’s population was 134,623... |
Population |
American |
American |
|
Islander |
races Race (United States Census) Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are... |
more races |
or Latino (of any race) |
|
| Humboldt County Humboldt County, California Humboldt County is a county in the U.S. state of California, located on the far North Coast 200 miles north of San Francisco. According to 2010 Census Data, the county’s population was 134,623... |
134,623 | 109,920 | 1,505 | 7,726 | 2,944 | 352 | 5,003 | 7,173 | 13,211 |
city |
Population |
American |
American |
|
Islander |
races Race (United States Census) Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are... |
more races |
or Latino (of any race) |
|
| Arcata Arcata, California -Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile... |
17,231 | 14,094 | 351 | 393 | 454 | 35 | 769 | 1,135 | 2,000 |
| Blue Lake Blue Lake, California Blue Lake is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Blue Lake is located on the Mad River northeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 131 feet... |
1,253 | 1,094 | 5 | 55 | 13 | 4 | 24 | 58 | 82 |
| Eureka Eureka, California Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census.... |
27,191 | 21,565 | 514 | 1,011 | 1,153 | 176 | 1,181 | 1,591 | 3,143 |
| Ferndale Ferndale, California Ferndale is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Known for its well-preserved Victorian buildings, the city's population was 1,371 at the 2010 census, down from 1,382 at the 2000 census... |
1,371 | 1,281 | 1 | 22 | 20 | 2 | 17 | 28 | 77 |
| Fortuna Fortuna, California Fortuna is a city in western-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 11,926 at the 2010 census, up from 10,497 at the 2000 census. The city lies on the northeast shore of the Eel River , and is on U.S... |
11,926 | 9,686 | 73 | 444 | 106 | 9 | 1,065 | 543 | 2,032 |
| Rio Dell Rio Dell, California Rio Dell is a city in Humboldt County, California, United States. Rio Dell is located on the west bank of the Eel River north of Scotia, at an elevation of 161 feet... |
3,368 | 2,894 | 13 | 125 | 25 | 3 | 140 | 168 | 384 |
| Trinidad Trinidad, California Trinidad is a seaside city in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and north of the college town of Arcata... |
367 | 331 | 2 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 11 |
place Census-designated place A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages... |
Population |
American |
American |
|
Islander |
races Race (United States Census) Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are... |
more races |
or Latino (of any race) |
|
| Alderpoint Alderpoint, California Alderpoint is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located east-northeast of Garberville. It lies at an elevation of 472 feet . The ZIP Code is 95511. The community is inside area code 707... |
186 | 170 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| Bayview | 2,510 | 1,959 | 28 | 119 | 88 | 5 | 185 | 126 | 425 |
| Benbow Benbow, California Benbow is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, located beside the South Fork Eel River. It is located south-southeast of Garberville, at an elevation of 440 feet . Its population was 321 at the 2010 census.-History:... |
321 | 294 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 11 | 25 |
| Big Lagoon Big Lagoon, California Big Lagoon is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of Trinidad, at an elevation of 56 feet . The population was 93 at the 2010 census.-Education:... |
93 | 73 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 11 |
| Cutten Cutten, California Cutten is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Cutten is located south-southeast of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 200 feet... |
3,108 | 2,628 | 27 | 119 | 80 | 11 | 78 | 165 | 254 |
| Fieldbrook Fieldbrook, California Fieldbrook is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north-northeast of Arcata, at an elevation of . The population was 859 at the 2010 census.-Situation:... |
859 | 763 | 4 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 54 | 51 |
| Fields Landing Fields Landing, California Fields Landing is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located on Humboldt Bay south-southwest of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 13 feet . The ZIP Code is 95537... |
276 | 210 | 6 | 13 | 21 | 1 | 6 | 19 | 18 |
| Garberville Garberville, California Garberville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the South Fork of the Eel River south-southeast of Eureka, at an elevation of 535 feet . The population was 913 at the 2010 United States Census... |
913 | 815 | 14 | 29 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 31 | 54 |
| Humboldt Hill Humboldt Hill, California Humboldt Hill is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Humboldt Hill lies at an elevation of 194 feet . The population was 3,414 at the 2010 census, up from 3,246 at the 2000 census... |
3,414 | 2,853 | 41 | 119 | 102 | 2 | 129 | 168 | 298 |
| Hydesville Hydesville, California Hydesville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Hydesville is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 364 feet... |
1,237 | 1,108 | 4 | 33 | 6 | 0 | 30 | 56 | 71 |
| Indianola | 823 | 713 | 2 | 42 | 11 | 1 | 12 | 42 | 44 |
| Loleta Loleta, California Loleta is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Fields Landing, at an elevation of 46 feet . The population was 783 at the 2010 census.... |
783 | 643 | 12 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 65 | 42 | 114 |
| McKinleyville McKinleyville, California McKinleyville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. McKinleyville is located north of Arcata, at an elevation of . The population was 15,177 at the 2010 census, up from 13,599 at the 2000 census. This unincorporated community is the third largest community,... |
15,177 | 13,010 | 103 | 700 | 211 | 17 | 338 | 798 | 1,081 |
| Manila Manila, California Manila is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 13 feet . The ZIP Code is 95521... |
784 | 686 | 14 | 25 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 42 | 30 |
| Miranda Miranda, California Miranda is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Phillipsville, at an elevation of 351 feet . The ZIP Code is 95553. The population was 520 at the 2010 census.... |
520 | 439 | 4 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 31 | 28 | 75 |
| Myers Flat Myers Flat, California Myers Flat is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Weott, at an elevation of 203 feet . The ZIP Code is 95554... |
146 | 125 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 11 |
| Myrtletown Myrtletown, California Myrtletown is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Myrtletown lies at an elevation of 112 feet . Myrtletown is a part of the Eureka, California metropolitan area... |
4,675 | 3,969 | 53 | 142 | 155 | 19 | 126 | 211 | 387 |
| Orick Orick, California Orick is a census-designated place situated on the banks of the Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of Eureka, at an elevation of 26 feet . The ZIP Code is 95555... |
357 | 288 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 20 |
| Phillipsville Phillipsville, California Phillipsville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the South Fork of the Eel River north of Garberville, at an elevation of 289 feet . It is the southernmost town on the Avenue of the Giants. Near the town is the Chimney Tree... |
140 | 121 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| Pine Hills Pine Hills, California Pine Hills is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States, adjacent to Eureka. The population was 3,131 at the 2010 census, up from 3,108 at the 2000 census. An area near this artificial census construct is called Pine Hill by Local government agencies and officials... |
3,131 | 2,648 | 22 | 86 | 116 | 4 | 72 | 183 | 220 |
| Redcrest Redcrest, California Redcrest is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located north of Weott, at an elevation of 377 feet . The population was 89 at the 2010 census.The Redcrest post office was established in 1965.... |
89 | 73 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Redway Redway, California Redway is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Redway is located northwest of Garberville, at an elevation of 538 feet... |
1,225 | 1,093 | 5 | 35 | 6 | 1 | 15 | 70 | 96 |
| Samoa Samoa, California Samoa is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Eureka, at an elevation of 23 feet . Samoa is located in the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay and is the site of the Samoa Cookhouse, one of the last remaining original, lumber style cookhouses... |
258 | 198 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 19 | 52 |
| Scotia Scotia, California Scotia is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 194 feet . The ZIP Code is 95565. The population was 850 at the 2010 census.... |
850 | 674 | 3 | 35 | 3 | 9 | 90 | 36 | 150 |
| Shelter Cove Shelter Cove, California Shelter Cove is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It lies at an elevation of 138 feet . Shelter Cove is on California's Lost Coast. Lying where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean, it is a principal population center in the Lost Coast region... |
693 | 630 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 13 | 34 | 47 |
| Weott Weott, California Weott is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located 375 km north of San Francisco, California and 40 km due west of the Pacific Ocean. Lower Weott is situated at an elevation of 100m along the Avenue of the Giants and in the flood plain of the South Fork of... |
288 | 252 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 20 |
| Westhaven-Moonstone Westhaven-Moonstone, California Westhaven-Moonstone is a census-designated place located in Humboldt County, California. As of the 2010 census the population was 1,205, up from 1,044 at the 2000 census.- Geography :... |
1,205 | 1,083 | 9 | 39 | 18 | 0 | 10 | 46 | 53 |
| Willow Creek Willow Creek, California Willow Creek is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 1,710 at the 2010 census, down from 1,743 at the 2000 census.... |
1,710 | 1,375 | 6 | 167 | 14 | 6 | 29 | 113 | 108 |
communities Unincorporated area In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government... |
Population |
American |
American |
|
Islander |
races Race (United States Census) Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are... |
more races |
or Latino (of any race) |
|
| All others not CDPs (combined) | 26,145 | 20,082 | 185 | 3,807 | 292 | 41 | 482 | 1,256 | 1,750 |
2000
As of the 2000 census, the population of Humboldt County was 126,518. As of that census, there were 51,238 households in Humboldt County, and the population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 35 people per square mile (14/km²). By 2006, the population was projected to have increased to 131,361 by the California Department of Finance. There were 55,912 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile (6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 84.71% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.88% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 5.72% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.65% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.19% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.45% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.39% from two or more races. 6.49% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 13.3% were of German, 10.7% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 10.3% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 7.4% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 5.7% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.1% spoke English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and 4.6% Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
as their first language.
There were 51,238 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,226, and the median income for a family was $39,370. Males had a median income of $32,210 versus $23,942 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,203. About 12.9% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
Educational and cultural institutions
- Humboldt State UniversityHumboldt State UniversityHumboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system, located in Arcata within Humboldt County, California, USA. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of...
- College of the RedwoodsCollege of the RedwoodsCollege of the Redwoods is a public two-year community college whose main campus, comprising , is located on the southernmost edge of Eureka in Humboldt County, California. This sprawling site is spacious and distinctive in its modernistic use of massive, exposed wooden support beams in each...
- Heartwood InstituteHeartwood InstituteHeartwood Institute is located outside Garberville in Humboldt County, California. It calls itself a "holistic learning community" and provides training in massage therapy, nutrition, Asian Healing Arts, yoga, permaculture and herbalism.-External links:**...
- Dell'Arte School
- Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy
- Sequoia Park ZooSequoia Park ZooThe Sequoia Park Zoo is a small zoo located in Eureka, California, United States and is operated by the City of Eureka. With over 250 animals representing 75 different species the zoo is one of the main tourist draws in Eureka...
The county is served by many school districts, including charter and private schools. All school districts are listed in a separate article.
Environment
Humboldt County contains a diversity of plant and animal species, with significant forest and coastal habitats. In coastal areas there are extensive amounts of redwood forests.A prominent understory shrub is the toyon
Toyon
Heteromeles arbutifolia , and commonly known as Toyon, is a common perennial shrub native to California down to Baja California....
, whose northern range limit is in Humboldt County.
Times-Standard
The Times-Standard is the only major local daily newspaper covering the far North Coast of California. Headquartered in Eureka, the paper provides coverage of international, national, state and local news in addition to entertainment, sports, and classified listings...
. Owned by Media News Group since 1996, it has been in continuous publication since 1854. This national publisher also prints, locally, the Humboldt Beacon, the Redwood Times, and the Tri-City Weekly, a county-wide classified paper. It also produces Northcoast 101, an online business directory of the region. Other regional weekly and bi-weekly publications include the North Coast Journal
North Coast Journal
The North Coast Journal is an alternative weekly newspaper serving Humboldt County, California. The Journal is published in Eureka, California and includes coverage of the arts, news, personages, and politics of the region....
, the McKinleyville Press, the Independent, the Arcata Eye, the Two Rivers Tribune, and The Lumberjack, a Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system, located in Arcata within Humboldt County, California, USA. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of...
student publication. HSU students also publish The Osprey once per semester.
Television
Humboldt County's locally produced television stations, KIEMKIEM-TV
KIEM-TV is a broadcast television station in Eureka, California. It is an NBC affiliate which broadcasts on digital channel 3. KIEM is licensed to and located in downtown Eureka on South Broadway.-History:...
and KEET
KEET
KEET is a digital-only public television station in Eureka, California, broadcasting locally on channel 11 as a PBS member station. Founded in 1969, the station is owned by Redwood Empire Public Television, Inc...
, are based in Eureka. KIEM produces the only local TV newscast for Humboldt County, while KEET is the only PBS station in the region. CBS and Fox affiliates KVIQ
KVIQ
KVIQ is a digital-only broadcast television station which broadcasts as a CBS affiliate on UHF channel 17 from a transmitter in Eureka, California.-History:KVIQ signed on the air on VHF channel 6 as Eureka's second television station on April 1, 1958...
and KBVU
KCVU
KCVU Fox 20 is a Fox Network affiliated television station based in Chico, California. The station is owned and operated by Sainte Partners II, L.P. of Modesto, California...
, the latter a semi-satellite of KCVU
KCVU
KCVU Fox 20 is a Fox Network affiliated television station based in Chico, California. The station is owned and operated by Sainte Partners II, L.P. of Modesto, California...
, are based in Chico and ABC affiliate KAEF
KRCR-TV
KRCR-TV is an ABC affiliated television station in California, USA, that serves the northern Sacramento Valley, including the towns of Redding and Chico. Its studios are located in Redding, where the station is licensed...
, a semi-satellite of KRCR-TV
KRCR-TV
KRCR-TV is an ABC affiliated television station in California, USA, that serves the northern Sacramento Valley, including the towns of Redding and Chico. Its studios are located in Redding, where the station is licensed...
, is based in Redding. In previous decades all major networks had production capacity in Eureka.
Radio
For-profit stations include KFMI, KRED, KXGO, KHUM, KSLG, KWPT and KATA. Non-profit stations include the Hoopa Tribe's KIDE, RedwayRedway, California
Redway is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. Redway is located northwest of Garberville, at an elevation of 538 feet...
's KMUD, Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system, located in Arcata within Humboldt County, California, USA. The main campus, nestled at the edge of a coast redwood forest, is situated on Preston hill overlooking Arcata and with commanding views of...
-based KHSU and KRFH and Jefferson Public Radio's KNHM and KNHT.
Community Media
Community broadband networks and Public, educational, and government accessPublic, educational, and government access
Public, educational, and government access television, refers to three different cable television specialty channels...
(PEG) cable tv channels are provided by Access Humboldt with digital production, archiving and distribution for local voices. Cable TV channels are carried by Suddenlink and local programs are provided online through the Community Media Archive. The Digital Redwoods initiative of Access Humboldt is developing local networks to meet comprehensive community needs, including public, education and government purposes.
Notable natives and residents
- Sara BareillesSara BareillesSara Beth Bareilles is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She achieved mainstream success in 2007 with the hit single "Love Song", which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She has sold over 1 million records in the United States alone and has been...
- Lloyd BridgesLloyd BridgesLloyd Vernet Bridges, Jr. was an American actor who starred in a number of television series and appeared in more than 150 feature films. Bridges is best known for his role of Mike Nelson in Sea Hunt, the most-popular syndicated American TV series in 1958...
- Hobart BrownHobart BrownHobart Ray Brown, was an American sculptor and the founder of Kinetic Sculpture Racing.-Early years:...
- David CobbDavid CobbDavid Keith Cobb is an American activist and was the 2004 presidential candidate of the Green Party of the United States .-Career and political activities:...
- Alexander CockburnAlexander CockburnAlexander Claud Cockburn is an American political journalist. Cockburn was brought up in Ireland but has lived and worked in the United States since 1972. Together with Jeffrey St. Clair, he edits the political newsletter CounterPunch...
- Trevor DunnTrevor DunnTrevor Roy Dunn is an American composer, bass guitarist and double bassist.Dunn came to prominence in the 1990s with the experimental band Mr. Bungle. He has since worked in an array of musical styles, notably with singer and Mr...
- Guy FieriGuy FieriGuy Fieri is an American restaurateur, author, television personality, and game show host. He co-owns five restaurants in California and is widely known for his television series on the Food Network....
- Brendan FraserBrendan FraserBrendan James Fraser is a Canadian-American film and stage actor. Fraser portrayed Rick O'Connell in the three-part Mummy film series , and is known for his comedic and fantasy film leading roles in major Hollywood films, including Encino Man , George of the Jungle , Dudley Do-Right , Monkeybone ,...
- James GillettJames GillettJames Norris Gillett was an American lawyer and politician. A Republican involved in federal and state politics, Gillett was elected both a member of the U.S...
- El Hefe
- Seth KinmanSeth KinmanSeth Kinman was an early settler of Humboldt County, California, a hunter based in Fort Humboldt, a famous chair maker, and a nationally recognized entertainer. He stood over tall and was known for his hunting prowess and his brutality toward bears and Indians...
- Rey MaualugaRey MaualugaRey Maualuga is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
- Mike PattonMike PattonMichael Allan "Mike" Patton is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and actor, best known as the lead singer of the metal/experimental rock band Faith No More. He has also sung for Mr...
- Maurice PurifyMaurice PurifyMaurice Purify is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
- Nate QuarryNate QuarryNathan Parker Quarry is an American mixed martial arts fighter who is most notable for his appearance in The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.-Early life:...
- Trey SpruanceTrey SpruancePreston Lea Spruance III or "Trey Spruance" is an American composer, producer, and musician, perhaps best known as the leader of the multi-genre outfit Secret Chiefs 3 and for his work as guitarist and keyboardist with Mr. Bungle...
- Ned YostNed YostEdgar Frederick "Ned" Yost III is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.-Playing career:...
- Wesley ChesbroWesley ChesbroWesley P. Chesbro is a Democratic politician from California. He is currently the Assembly member for the 1st Assembly district in California. Previously, Chesbro served as a State Senator from California's 2nd district from 1998 until 2006...
- Robert A. GearheartRobert A. GearheartRobert A. Gearheart is an emeritus professor of Environmental Engineering at Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California.Dr...
- Steven Hackett
- Bret HarteBret HarteFrancis Bret Harte was an American author and poet, best remembered for his accounts of pioneering life in California.- Life and career :...
- Dan HauserDan HauserDaniel E. Hauser served in the California State Assembly from 1982 until 1996. He represented the California's 2nd State Assembly district from 1982 until 1992...
- Christa JohnsonChrista JohnsonChrista Johnson is an American professional golfer.Johnson was born in Arcata, California. She attended the University of Arizona....
- Naomi LangNaomi LangNaomi Lang is an American ice dancer. With partner Peter Tchernyshev, she is the 1999-2003 U.S. national champion.-Biography:...
- Tim McKayTim McKayTimothy J. McKay was the executive director of the non-profit Northcoast Environmental Center in Arcata, California, for virtually its entire 35-year existence....
- Roscoe E. PeithmanRoscoe E. PeithmanRoscoe “Rocky” E. Peithman is an emeritus professor at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California.Dr. Peithman was a physical sciences and physics professor at Humboldt State from 1946 to 1977. He would be influential in the development of the physical sciences at the university.He was born...
- Nate QuarryNate QuarryNathan Parker Quarry is an American mixed martial arts fighter who is most notable for his appearance in The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.-Early life:...
- Eric RofesEric RofesEric Rofes was a gay activist, feminist, educator, and author who wrote or edited 12 books.-Life and works:Rofes grew up in Commack, New York and he graduated from Harvard University...
- Stephen W. ShawStephen William ShawStephen William Shaw was a California '49er and portrait painter who helped discover and name Humboldt Bay and introduced viticulture to Sonoma County by 1864.-Early life:...
- Steve Sillett
- Greg StaffordGreg StaffordFrancis Gregory Stafford , usually known as Greg Stafford, is an American game designer, publisher and shaman.-Glorantha and gaming:...
- Michael John FlesMichael John FlesMichael John Fles , known both as John Fles and Michael Fles, is an American poet, editor, musician and film personality. Professor David James referred to him as "the single most important promoter of underground film" in Los Angeles, California.-Biography:Michael John Fles was born to a Dutch...
- Howard B. Keck
- Tim McKayTim McKayTimothy J. McKay was the executive director of the non-profit Northcoast Environmental Center in Arcata, California, for virtually its entire 35-year existence....
- Don Van Vliet
Events
- Apple Harvest Festival in Fortuna (October)
- Arcata Bay Oyster Festival on the Arcata Plaza (June)
- Azalea Festival in Mckinleyville (June)
- Avenue of The Giants MarathonAvenue of The Giants MarathonThe Avenue of the Giants Marathon is held annually in May along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, CA. The course, consisting of two out-and-back legs, is almost entirely under the canopy of redwood trees. Half marathon and 10K races are run concurrently...
(May) - Blues by the bay in Eureka (July)
- Brew at the Zoo (May)
- Chicken Wingfest in Eureka (September)
- Craftsman's Days in Eureka (November)
- College of the Redwoods Wood Fair (Summer)
- Fourth of July Festival in Old Town EurekaOld Town EurekaOld Town Eureka in Eureka, California, is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. This Historic district is a area containing 154 buildings mostly from the Victorian era...
(July) - Gay Pride in Arcata (September)
- Godwit Days (Birding festival) in Arcata (April)
- Humboldt Arts Festival in Arcata (May)
- Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale (August)
- Humboldt Film Festival (March–April)
- Humboldt Redwoods MarathonHumboldt Redwoods MarathonThe Humboldt Redwoods Marathon is held annually in October along the Avenue of the Giants in scenic Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, CA. The course, consisting of two out-and-back legs, is almost entirely under the canopy of towering redwood trees. Half marathon and 5K events are...
(October) - Mushroom Fair in Eureka (November)
- North Country Fair in Arcata (September)
- Organic Planet Festival in Eureka (September)
- Redwood Acres Fair in Eureka (June)
- Redwood Coast Jazz Festival in Eureka (Last Weekend of March)
- Redwood Run in Southern Humboldt (June)
- Reggae on the River at Benbow in Southern Humboldt (July)
- Reggae Rising on the Eel on the Humboldt / Mendocino County border (August)
- Rhododendron Festival (and parade) in Eureka (April)
- Roll on the Mattole at the Mattole Grange in Southern Humboldt (Summer)
- Summer Arts and Music Festival at Benbow in Southern Humboldt (June)
- Tour of the Unknown Coast (by Bicycle) in Southern Humboldt (May)
- Trinidad Fish Festival (June)
- Trinidad to Clam Beach RunTrinidad to Clam Beach RunThe Trinidad to Clam Beach Run began in the 60s in Humboldt County, CA as a 8.75 mile winter training race for track and field athletes attending Humboldt State University. The event grew into a nationally known run and added a 3 mile and 5 ¾ mile race...
(February) - Trucker's Parade around Humboldt Bay (December)
- Two Rivers Harvest Festival in Willow Creek(October)
- Westhaven Blackberry Festival (Last Sunday in July)
- World-Championship Kinetic Sculpture RaceKinetic sculpture raceKinetic sculpture races are organized contests of human-powered amphibious all-terrain works of art. The original event, the Kinetic Grand Championship in Humboldt County, California, is also called the "Triathlon of the Art World" because art and engineering are combined with physical endurance...
(Memorial Day Weekend - Late May) - Zootini (August)
See also
- 2010 Eureka earthquake
- Arcata - Jacoby Creek Community ForestsArcata Community ForestThe Arcata Community Forest is the center piece of the parks and recreation system of the City of Arcata, California, United States. Originally created from several tracts of land in 1955, the main forest area covers...
- Arcata and Eureka Community Recycling Centers
- Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Avenue of the Giants
- Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
- Headwaters ForestHeadwaters ForestThe Headwaters Forest Reserve is a series of old growth Coast Redwood groves measuring about . Located in the Northern California coastal forests ecoregion near Humboldt Bay of the U.S. state of California, most of it was owned by the now defunct Pacific Lumber Company, which was owned by Charles...
- Hiking trails in Humboldt County - and throughout the region.
- HSU First Street GalleryHSU First Street GalleryHSU First Street Gallery is a contemporary, fine arts gallery located on the north coast of California, USA. The gallery, which supports the Exhibition Programs of Humboldt State University, is an off-campus,non-profit gallery located in the historic Old Town district of Eureka, California. This...
- Humboldt Arts CouncilHumboldt Arts CouncilThe Humboldt Arts Council is the official Humboldt County, California, USA arts council, and is located in the Morris Graves Museum of Art ....
- Humboldt Botanical GardenHumboldt Botanical GardenThe Humboldt Botanical Gardens are under construction south of Eureka, California, USA near the Humboldt Bay at the College of the Redwoods. Grading and site preparation for the Gardens began in August 2003, and...
- Humboldt CrabsHumboldt Crabs-Description and brief background:The Humboldt Crabs are a collegiate summer baseball team located in Arcata, California. Playing in every season since they were founded in 1945 by Lou Bonomini, later joined by Ned Barsuglia, the Crabs are the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball...
- semi-professional baseball team - Humboldt County Historical SocietyHumboldt County Historical SocietyThe Humboldt County Historical Society , one of the premier regional historical societies in the West, is located in Eureka, Humboldt County, California.- Overview :...
- Humboldt County parks and beaches
- Humboldt Redwoods State ParkHumboldt Redwoods State ParkHumboldt Redwoods State Park is located south of Eureka, California in southern Humboldt County, within northern California. Established by the Save-the-Redwoods League in 1921 with the dedication of the Raynal Bolling Memorial Grove, it has grown to become the third largest park in the California...
- Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Lanphere DunesLanphere DunesThe Lanphere Dunes, a unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is located in Humboldt County, California. Its placement adjacent to Humboldt Bay and near the cities of Arcata and Eureka makes it easily accessible to visit...
- Lost CoastLost CoastThe Lost Coast is a mostly undeveloped section of the California North Coast in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties, which includes the King Range. It was named the "Lost Coast" after the area experienced depopulation in the 1930s...
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Humboldt County, California
- North Coast JournalNorth Coast JournalThe North Coast Journal is an alternative weekly newspaper serving Humboldt County, California. The Journal is published in Eureka, California and includes coverage of the arts, news, personages, and politics of the region....
- Operation Green SweepOperation Green SweepOperation Green Sweep was a series of drug raids conducted by over 200 Army soldiers, National Guardsmen, and Federal agents in Humboldt County, California...
- Redwood National and State ParksRedwood National and State ParksThe Redwood National and State Parks are located in the United States, along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks , the combined RNSP contain...
- Samoa DunesSamoa, CaliforniaSamoa is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Eureka, at an elevation of 23 feet . Samoa is located in the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay and is the site of the Samoa Cookhouse, one of the last remaining original, lumber style cookhouses...
- Timber Heritage Association Preserving local timber and railroad history.
- Potluck (group)Potluck (group)Potluck is an underground hip hop music group made of American rappers, Underrated and 1 Ton . They are currently signed with Suburban Noize Records. Potluck has released 5 studio albums, Humboldt County High, Tha Lost Koast Kollective, Harvest Time, Straight Outta Humboldt, and most recently,...