| Over the years, the Redwoods of Northern California | | | | Van Duzen, Mattole, Eel, Mad, Klamath, and Trinity |
| have become known as an attractive spot for | | | | Rivers together with all of their tributaries, provide |
| individuals and families interested in an affordable and | | | | thousands of miles of excellent fishing for: salmon, |
| lively forest vacation. With a history that reigns back | | | | steelhead, cutthroat trout, shad, and sturgeon. |
| to California’s gold rush period, the Redwoods | | | | Along with various coastline and hiking activities, the |
| extend from Big Sur to the Oregon Border, near | | | | Redwood forest vacation experience includes several |
| Fortuna, and consist of a large rural atmosphere. | | | | seasonal events - many of which come at no |
| Along with a view of a large, immaculate coastline, | | | | expense. Fall events for this year include: |
| the Redwoods consist of the world’s tallest | | | | • Redwood Village Open House (December 3, |
| trees. Every year, many travellers make the | | | | 2009) entails rides on an antique fire truck, live |
| pilgrimage to the Northern California Redwoods to | | | | nativity scene, carollers, refreshments, a visit from |
| take in the striking sight of these massive trees, | | | | Santa and other holiday giveaways. Located at |
| indigenous flora, grassland prairie, streams, and ocean. | | | | Redwood Village Shopping Center with free |
| In addition to hiking along the forest and enjoying the | | | | admission. |
| quiet scenery, the Redwood forest vacation offers | | | | • Christmas Home Tour (December 9) is an annual |
| several events, festivals, and recreational activities | | | | self-guided tour that takes visitors to four homes |
| for interested sightseers. These activities include | | | | with four unique Christmas themes. Admissions at |
| fishing, surfing, and sailing. Among the most popular | | | | $10. |
| places and activities are: | | | | • Electric Light Parade (December 11) comprises |
| • Paddle to the Headwaters is an annual | | | | of big rigs, floats and other vehicles decked out in |
| canoe-kayak event whose centerpiece is a 30-mile | | | | festive lights. Leaves Redwood Village Shopping |
| marathon down the Eel River. It begins in Dyerville | | | | Center at 6:30 and travels through town to |
| (north of Weott) and ends at Fortuna’s River | | | | Downtown Fortuna. Entries will be displayed in the |
| Lodge. The marathon is open to both serious racers | | | | streets from 9th to 12th Street. |
| and recreational canoeists who simply wish to paddle | | | | • Downtown Open House (December 11) consists |
| for pleasure. | | | | of strolling musicians, activities, refreshments, and |
| • Bigfoot Rafting includes raft and inflatable kayak | | | | appearances by Santa & Mrs. Claus. Located at |
| rentals and guided half day to three day trips on the | | | | Downtown Fortuna with free admission. |
| Trinity and Klamath Rivers. Families and first timers | | | | • Fortuna Christmas Music Festival (December 13) |
| welcome. | | | | is an afternoon full of holiday music - a free day of |
| • Humboldt Lagoons State Park is comprised of a | | | | music performed by nearly four hundred musicians in |
| chain of four lagoons in an area of over 1,000 acres. | | | | a variety of ensembles, choirs, and bands. Located at |
| This park is a favourite spot for windsurfing, | | | | River Lodge with free admission. |
| kayaking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, camping, | | | | Other notable redwood forest activities include apple |
| and hiking. It includes miles of varied coastline from | | | | festivities, antique shows, collectible car shows, |
| broad, flat marine terraces to steep rocky cliffs and | | | | daffodil shows, and rodeo-a long-standing tradition in |
| beaches. With 150 miles of coastline, several major | | | | Fortuna that began over 70 years ago. |
| rivers, lagoons, lakes, and bays, Humboldt County has | | | | For more information about events and activities |
| some of the greatest freshwater and ocean fishing in | | | | listed above or to learn more about the redwood |
| the state. Excellent freshwater fishing can be found | | | | forest vacation experience, visit |
| on several rivers in and nearby Humboldt County. The | | | | DiscovertheRedWoods. |