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Ferndale, California

Ferndale, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit attraction is the Russ Park, a scenic 105-acre forest preserve. Here, you can enjoy a moderate hike along the Zipporah Russ trail, featuring a lush canopy of ferns, redwoods, and spruce trees. Another popular trail is the Centerville Beach to Fleener Creek trail. This trail offers a unique coastal hike with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and diverse birdlife. For a more relaxed outdoor activity, visit the Ferndale Community Garden, where you can appreciate a variety of local plants and flowers. Lastly, don't miss out on the Eel River, perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking. With its clear waters and abundant wildlife, it's a must-visit for all. Ferndale, with its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities, is a top destination for those seeking scenic and memorable adventures.

Top Spots in and near Ferndale

  • Ferndale, California

    Night Photography at Devil's Gate, Lost Coast

    This section of the Lost Coast resides in between Capetown and Petrolia, CA. Entering "Lost Coast California" into Google Maps or a GPS should take you to the road you will need to be on. About 2 miles south of the Location marker the GPS gives you, just past Durr Creek, you should arrive at Devi...
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  • Petrolia, California

    The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach

    4.8
    25.05 mi / 653 ft gain
    This is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thru-hike on the northern part of California's coast. To accomplish this hike, you'll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. It's recommended that you drop one car at the Shelter Cove Trailhead (40.0455053,-124.0778196) and either use one of t...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike the Humboldt Redwoods River Trail

    3.4 mi / 450 ft gain
    You probably won't find as many people along this trail (which I like!) as it's unmarked and sits just south of Rockefeller Loop which draws a good number of visitors, primarily because it has the tallest trees (also definitely worth a visit!). The River Trail is a relatively short, flat hike wit...
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  • Humboldt County, California

    Hike the Rockefeller Forest Loop

    0.7 mi / 20 ft gain
    From the Avenue of the Giants turn west onto Mattole Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the Rockefeller Forest trailhead.Rockefeller Forest is a less well known grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It's distance from the main road shelters the forest from traffic noise. The trail is wide and smooth, ...
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  • Redcrest, California

    Hike through the Founder's Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park

    5.0
    1.3 mi
    The Founder's Grove is easily accessed from Highway 101 in northern California. The grove is also on the Avenue of the Giants Scenic Highway. This area, named after the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, is flat and has a relatively open understory making it one of the most picturesque gro...
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  • Garberville, California

    King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead

    5.0
    4.79 mi / 1942 ft gain
    King's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the ...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Explore Luffenholtz Beach Park

    On a road trip with a friend in July of 2019, this beach came recommended to us. The tidepools, rocks cutting into the sea, and photography opportunities made it a spectacular stop.  There are stairs down to the beach and we were the only ones at the park.  If I remember correctly, it’s quite a n...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Hike Trinidad Head

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 300 ft gain
    Park in the large parking lot at Trinidad Beach. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot. The loop trail can be hiked in either direction.The trail is half dirt singletrack, half paved switchbacks, and climbs steadily to the top of Trinidad Head. The view of the ocean and California ...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Watch a Sunset at College Cove Beach

    5.0
    0.25 mi
    Follow the trail leading from the end of the parking lot down onto the beach. From the parking lot to the beach the walk is about a quarter of a mile, with a slight decrease in elevation as you move down to the beach.  To get to the beach, take 72B off of Highway 101 and turn west onto Main Stree...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Strawberry Rock Trail

    5.0
    2.99 mi / 505 ft gain
    To get there: From the south, take the Trinidad exit, from which you will take a slight left/ go straight onto Trinidad Frontage rd. From The north, get off at the Trinidad exit, cross under the freeway, and take a left on Trinidad Frontage rd. Once on Trinidad Frontage rd, go straight to the end...
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  • Garberville, California

    Explore the Avenue of the Giants

    5.0
    The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic 31 mile long highway that is surrounded by 51,222 acres of giant redwood trees in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This road offers amazing views of the redwoods. The Avenue of the Giants runs through many small towns that offer tons of tourist attractions.Th...
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  • Whitethorn, California

    Black Sands Beach on the Lost Coast

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    Black Sands Beach and all of the Lost Coast is almost indescribable in its ruggedness and beauty. Black Sands Beach sits along the southern portion of of the famous Lost Coast Trail, and is accessible by one of the two roads that go across the King Range to the ocean. From 101 in Garberville, hea...
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  • Whitethorn, California

    King's Peak from Shelter Cove

    2.0
    30.85 mi / 6204 ft gain
    After parking at Shelter Cove and securing a camping permit ($3 per night in the backcountry) follow the bear prints down the coastline for 5 miles, keeping in mind that the tide devours the beach every 12 hours. Parts of the beach become impassable at high tide. Camp overnight at Buck Creek, th...
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  • Trinidad, California

    Patrick's Point Trail

    5.0
    0.21 mi / 92 ft gain
    Patrick's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Trinidad, California

    Wedding Rock Trail

    5.0
    0.23 mi / 85 ft gain
    Wedding Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.
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  • Whitethorn, California

    Chinquapin Loop on The Lost Coast

    4.0
    7.87 mi / 2159 ft gain
    I did this hike the day before setting out on a backpacking trip along the northern section of The Lost Coast Trail and it was a fantastic warm up hike. The Chinquapin Loop is a loop off of The Lost Coast Trail along Chemise Mountain, near the start of the southern section of the LCT. You can st...
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Camping and Lodging in Ferndale

Benbow KOA Holiday
Humboldt County, California

Benbow KOA Holiday

Fir Cove Campground
1S51

Fir Cove Campground

Mad River Campground
Lower Mad River Road

Mad River Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Ferndale

Spend your first weekend in Redwoods National and State Parks

Spend your first weekend in Redwoods National and State Parks

Kyle Reader