Arcata Visitor Guide 2019 by North Coast Journal

o t e om c l e W A RCATA

DINING LOD G ING S HOPPING ENTERTAINMENT AT TR ACTION S MAP w w w.v i s i t a r c a t a . c o m

Contents

About Arcata

2 About Arcata

For countless generations, undisturbed by passing

the resource and environmental activists wanting

3 Things to Do

voyages of discovery, the native Wiyot people

to preserve them. For decades the area relied on

4 Lodging 5 Shopping 6 Eats & Drinks

had a village on the sunny spot that has become

the prosperity of the lumber industry, creating a

Arcata’s central plaza, and sustained themselves

strong sense of shared community goals but with

with the gifts of forest, river, ocean and bay. Wiyot

perhaps too little regard for long-term sustain-

boats plied the waters and their trails reached out

ability. Humboldt State University — California’s

10 Hikes

in all directions for trading, visiting, hunting and

northernmost college — has grown into a nationally

12 Arcata Map

gathering of cultural resources. The discovery of

recognized university, well-situated to help solve

gold inland brought an end to isolation with devas-

the many challenges we face and help bridge the

14 Humboldt County Map 16 The Farmers Market 18 Activities for Kids 20 Getting to Arcata 22 Cannabis

tating results for the tribal people and, by the end

the competing goals of resource extraction and

of the 19th century, Arcata had settled into its role

environmental preservation. Today, Arcata recog-

as a mercantile hub between the docks and mines.

nizes its history while proclaiming itself proudly as

Ranches and dairies grew to serve a growing

an open-minded and welcoming small city, valuing

population, a school to train teachers was built on

diversity, culture, art, entrepreneurship and the

the hill above the town and the big redwoods at-

protection and nurturing of its beautiful natural

tracted both lumber barons with the will to exploit

environment.

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Not far beyond Arcata’s bustling plaza, the scenery transitions to green pastures dotted with cows, towering redwood forests and serene beaches. These landscapes invite exploration. Heading north from Arcata, you’ll quickly reach the charming fishing village of Trinidad. Stop to hike up

Beyond Arcata

Trinidad Head, dip your feet in the cool Pacific Ocean or watch sea lions sunbathe. Continuing north to Patrick’s Point State Park, you can pitch your tent just above the crashing waves. To get on the water without braving Humboldt’s infamously cold surf, head to Humboldt Lagoons State Park for a relaxing afternoon of fishing, paddling or swimming. Wrapping up a day of coastal adventures, head inland to charming Blue Lake, a historic logging town where sunshine, cold beer and local entertainment are abundant. Old growth redwood forests are easily accessible in either direction from Arcata, north or south on scenic U.S. Highway 101. Forty-five minutes north of Arcata, you will reach the towering trees within Redwood National and State Parks. If heading the other way, the Avenue of the Giants along the curving Eel River can be accessed in less than an hour.

Things to Do A lively university town with a historic plaza, Arcata is the North Coast’s hub for culture, art and music. Any weekend of the year, local theater groups and bands play their hearts out in groovy bars and community centers across town. If your tastes run toward big-name talent, Humboldt State University attracts some of the world’s best in ballet, folk, country, classical, and contemporary music and comedy. During the day, visitors can join the locals enjoying the plaza and chat with artisans selling their wares in unique shops. After a day of shopping or hiking in the Arcata Community Forest, a nearly empty beach awaits you at sunset — though it’s hard to visit Arcata without making new friends.

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Lodging Arcata offers a wealth of lodging options for visitors touring the redwoods, proud families of Humboldt State University grads and others. In downtown Arcata, staying on the plaza in a historic hotel is a convenient option. Romance and nostalgia can be found by staying at a Victorian bed & breakfast or at a number of creative vacation rentals that offer unique accommodations in farmhouses, yurts and garden bungalows. Others may prefer to head north of town where several traditional hotels and motels are clustered together in Valley West and near the airport, offering everything from simple lodging to upscale elegance.

Shopping Strolling around the Arcata Plaza and admiring the window displays, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see how Humboldt is home to more artists per capita than anywhere else in the Golden State. Several independently owned boutiques proudly curate locally made ceramics, glassworks, clothing, sporting goods and so much more. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about chain stores or shopping malls here. Just down the way, the emerging Creamery District offers handcrafted furniture and one-of-a-kind threads, as well as a theatre and music house. Signature jewelry and gift store Holly Yashi helped put Arcata on the map back in 1981 after the founders graduated from Humboldt State University and opened shop. Creativity and customer service are contagious here and Arcata store owners are often present to chat and be at your service.

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gather, eat, tell stories.

865 9th St. Arcata, CA • 707.630.5148 • campgroundarcata.com Wednesday - Monday 4:30 pm - 10 pm

On the Plaza • 761 8 th St., Arcata, CA 707.630.5300 • saltfishhouse.com Tue - Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm Sat & Sun 4 pm - 10 pm Happy Hour Weekdays 3 pm - 5 pm

Coastal classics with a twist.

Eats & Drinks Using Humboldt’s agricultural bounty for inspiration, local chefs and entrepreneurs have created a diverse cottage food industry in Arcata. Arcata is a town to explore with your appetite. You can pair your meal with a pint of locally crafted cider or kombucha, or check out one of the area’s six microbreweries and nearly two dozen wineries. Don’t forget Humboldt Bay oysters! Served grilled, raw or with signature sauces, the regional delicacy can be enjoyed at nearly every restaurant in town. The town plaza is anchored by a corner cafe with outdoor seating along with several other establishments near the square ready to indulge any craving. Within walking distance of the plaza is North Town, where both vegetarians and meat eaters will find satisfaction in any of the restaurants to be found within eyeshot of each other. The burgeoning Creamery District recently opened a wood-fired pizza joint with 39 taps in a family-friendly atmosphere. With its diverse range of eateries, many travelers wait until arriving in Arcata to refuel during long, coastal road trips. 8

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Hikes if You Have an Hour

Stretching your legs after the scenic drive/flight

Though only 0.3 miles to the beach, you’ll appreci-

to Humboldt is a great idea. Here are four hikes,

ate having extra time to trek through the sand and

each in completely unique microclimates, to enjoy

enjoy the panoramic oceanscape. The trail system

in short order. (Clockwise from top left)

spider webs through seasonal wetlands, coastal

The Hammond Trail at the Mad River Bridge

forests and native dune habitats; any hike can be lengthened by following this diverse trail network. The Arcata Community Forest

Picking your way along the farm roads to the Mad

Bordering Humboldt State University, the Arcata

River Bridge on the Hammond Trail, it may feel like

Community Forest is a 790-acre preserve of state-

you missed a turn. But enjoy the pastoral scenery,

ly redwoods, only blocks from downtown Arcata.

listen to your GPS and have faith. All said and done,

A roller coaster of trails crisscross the forest,

it’s only a 10-minute drive from Arcata. A small park-

making it a lush playground for mountain bikers

ing lot sits just below the pedestrian bridge that

and a haven for walkers and joggers. Beautifully

spans the Mad River. Start here. The Hammond

maintained by the city, idyllic bridges and wood-

Trail runs parallel to the coast for 5 miles, ending

en stairways connect the nest of trails. It can be

at Clam Beach in McKinleyville. The wide trail pass-

easy to get lost ... if you want to! Park at nearby

es through Hiller Park, where public restrooms are

Redwood Park for a map or ask for directions from

available. The trail is also extremely dog and cyclist

the locals enjoying their daily moment of Zen in

friendly — a great option for the whole family.

the forest.

The Manila Dunes

The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Start your outing at the Humboldt Coastal Nature

An eco-friendly solution to managing the city’s

Center, where you can learn about conservation

gray water, Arcata’s wastewater treatment facility

efforts to protect the coastal ecosystem and ma-

supports 307 acres of freshwater marshes, tid-

rine wildlife. Housed in an earth shelter kit home

al sloughs and grasslands at the Arcata Marsh.

constructed in 1985, the building is now maintained

Situated on the Pacific Flyway, thousands of migra-

by the nonprofit Friends of the Dunes. Parking at

tory birds pass through the marsh on their annual

the nature center, start your hike directly behind

journeys south. Five miles of dog-friendly walking

the building, where a sign points you down the

and bike trails have made the marsh a special

well-marked Wildberries Trail. Continue through

place to get some fresh air and enjoy the avian

the rolling dunes dotted with unique coastal fauna

ambiance. Park at the Interpretive Center at 569

and, during the summer, native wild blackberries.

South G St. to pick up a map and learn more. 11

Stewart Park Veterans Memorial Building

15th S 14th

16th S

Vinum Park

NORTHTOWN

Hotel Arcata

D St

Harpst St

14th S

D Street Linear Park

ARCATA

Humboldt State University

E 17

th S t

th S

E 16

E 12 th S t

Fickle Hill L n

d ll R Hi

Redwood Park

St Redwood Park Rd

E 15 th

E 11

th St

Hill St

Ba ys id

Ave

Arcata Community Forest

k Par

Dorothy Ct

Buttermilk Ln

Chester

m otz Gr

man otz Gr

Patrick Ct

C an

Sunny Brae Shopping Center

scent Way Cre

ys Ba

Rd 0.25 Miles

Center Ave

7th St Phillips House

un ity Par k Way

oa B lv d

0.25 Kilometers

E 13

Arcata PD

Arcata Ball Park

4th S t

Arcata Community Center Co mm

Arcata Community Park

Sam

Uniontown Plaza Shopping Center

Arcata City Hall

Arcata Plaza Jacoby Building

DOWNTOWN

Post Office

HSU Natural 12th St History Museum

13th St

11th S

9th S

7th S

10th S

8th S

5th S t

2nd

3rd St

Rotary Park

CHP

ce 6th S

Log Pond

101

North 0

Unio

ian

CREAMERY DISTRICT

To Eureka 8mi 13km

255

Johnson Marsh

Sam oa B lv d

Brackish Pond

Gearhart Marsh

Allen Marsh

Rossow St 0

lvd yB irle Sh

L S t

Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center

To Eureka 6.5mi 10km

nS Lyn

Bayview St

B St A St

P St

Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary Klopp Lake

Myrtle Ct

Grotzm

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Union St

Fi ck

n S t Spring St

C St

Bayv iew t

F St

G S t E St

I St

H S t t St Fron

O St N S t

K St J St G St

K St H St

St SG

M St

St SI

Q St

Gannon Slough

sen Jen

Ce nt lA ve

Av e Clay Rd

Gr ov e

nn H ol m

es L

mo re R d oyd Rd SB

Rd yd Bo

n rL me

0.5 Miles

0.5 Kilometers

101

To 299 Valley West and McKinleyville

Larson Park

Aldergrove Industrial Park Ha m

S lo u

North

es W

Aldergrove Rd

iel Dan Mc

Ja ne s

299

tt Ln

Av e

re e nL

ve rg

an ite

Western Ave

Da ni e lS lo u

Mill Ct

Founders Hall

University Center

h St

24t

Hilton Ln

o Abb

To Willow Creek 35.5mi 57.5km

ARCATA / VALLEY WEST

o rt h

Leo

Azalea State Reserve 200

Giuntoli Ln

Hall

s We

Valley West Park

Valley West Shopping Center

ra ay

Azalea Ave

To Downtown Arcata

Sunse t Av e

To McKinleyville

101

ot W

Heindon Rd

We e

Mad River Community Hospital

Pacific Union Park ChevretVaissade Park 101

d Rd

Miller Ln

Arcata Humboldt Welcome Center

e Av st Way e

Uppe r Bay Rd

Sp e

West En

Arcata Skate Park

Lucchesi Rd

Plaza Av e

101

Jo ll y

299

lifo r n ia Ave

r ee Gia nt C

ARCATA / VALLEY WEST

ARCATA

Arcata Bay

rnia A ve

Califo

Sylva

Redwood Bowl

p Ct Hillto r Ln

Valley East Blvd

Shay Park

Foster Ave

17th St

Terrace Av e

Van Duzer Theatre

o w e ll C t

Ct nd hla Hig

b r ia

ar Av

on A v

Laurel Dr

E Laurel Dr

sD r

Jay St

18th

Sunset Ct

Rd nce Allia

Wisteria Way

Erics on C

Baldwin St

17t

ood Blvd LKW

Westwood Manor Park

Ivers

Blake slee A ve Zehn d ne r Av e

Wilson St

y West Blvd

le Val

Jan e

Ericson Way

Ross St

t ser C Hau

iro L n

Ribe

Heather Ln

Parton Ln

Alice Er n

All

Eastern Ave

k ve

HEADWATERS FOREST Kn ee Rd

r ve

el Ri

Blocksburg

Dinsmore

rp Alde R oint

NATIONAL FOREST

Hyampom

TRINITY COUNTY

Mad River

en Duz Van

dR Ma iver

Ruth Reservoir

Phillipsville Avenue of the Giants South Entrance Alderpoint

254

Miranda

101

id er R Wild

ge R

R le

Garberville

i ver

N o rt h

s King

g bur ers Ett

rk Fo

Benbow

d Peak R

Bell

r i ve

Spri ngs

n Mou ise em R tain

So u t h F o r k E e

lR r ive

and 20

To Willits

Smith Redwoods Reserve

MENDOCINO COUNTY Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

Leggett

ive Bridgeville

Duzen R i Van

ly Bluff Rd izz Gr

Holmes

Weott

Myers Flat

la nd

er Redcrest

254

36 Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP Van Duzen Park Pepperwood

Hydesville Carlotta

101

Ma tto

Redway Briceland

Richardson Grove State Park

l Rd

Usa

SINKYONE WILDERNESS STATE PARK

el a

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Tooby Memorial Park

an dricel

Bric

Whitethorn

ve Rd er Co Shelt

John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Recreation Area

HUMBOLDT REDWOODS STATE PARK

tole Rd Mat

Avenue of the Giants North Entrance

Shelter Cove Ch

Ettersburg

Honeydew

Rio Dell Scotia

Ri v er

FORTUNA

Humboldt Bay NWR

Fernbridge

Eel

Hookton Rd

Bluff Rd

B e ar R iv

Russ Park

211

Loleta

Table Bluff Ecological Reserve Table Eel River Wildlife Area

Ferndale Centerville Rd

Petrolia

Arthur W. Way Park

10 Miles

KING RANGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

10 Kilometers

Centerville Beach

North

0 0

orn

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le Rd tto Ma

Pacific Ocean

Fern Canyon

Klamath

Yurok Reservation

Orleans

To 5 and Yreka

SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST

Klam ath Ri

Salm o

SISKIYOU COUNTY

River

Tr in

Ri v

Bald Hills Rd

S ou

Salyer

iv e r

it Trin

oo d Cr

SHASTATRINITY

Da v i s o n

Weitchpec

Hoopa Valley Reservation

Hoopa

Willow Creek

Klamath

nic Sce Drury

Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Bayside

169

DEL NORTE COUNTY

PRAIRIE CREEK REDW OODS STATE PARK

101

169

199

To Crescent City and

B Newton

Gold Bluffs Beach Elk Prairie

Orick

Rd Elk Meadow

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center Freshwater Lagoon Stone Lagoon

Stone Lagoon Visitor Center 101

Humboldt Lagoons State Park Big Lagoon

299

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

REDW OOD NATIONAL PARK

Fieldbrook Fieldbrook Road

Azalea Reserve

McKINLEYVILLE

Murray Rd

California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport

Westhaven

Scenic Dr

TRINIDAD

Patricks Point Dr

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area Patrick's Point State Park

Trinidad State Beach Luffenholtz Beach Moonstone Beach Little River State Beach Clam Beach Park

Hiller Park Mad River County Park

Humboldt Bay

Mad Arcata Lanphere Dunes Unit River Community Slough Ma-le'l Dunes North Forest Blue Lake ARCATA Ma-le'l Dunes South 255 Redwood Park Korbel Humboldt Coastal Nature Center Sunny Brae Mad River Fish Hatchery Manila

Manila Dunes Recreation Area

Kneeland

Fay Slough Wildlife Area

EUREKA

Fort Sequoia Park & Zoo Humboldt Freshwater Elk River Wildlife Area

Humboldt Hill

Samoa

Fairhaven

South Spit Wildlife Area

Samoa Peninsula Public Access King Salmon Fields Landing

er y Ri v

Things to Do at the Arcata Farmers Market Try to layover in Arcata on a Saturday to experience one of California’s most spectacular farmers markets. Since 1979, the region’s growers have gathered on the Arcata Plaza to sell plants, flowers, veggies, organic meat, honey, eggs and fresh-baked delights. A cornerstone of the community, the Arcata market takes place year-round, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dance to the Beat The spirit of the North Coast comes alive each Saturday at the Farmers Market. Local bands and world music troupes share center stage on the plaza, playing beats that make toddlers dance and farmers smile. After wandering the colorful stalls with a cup of coffee, lose yourself in a high-noon dance party or samba parade. Joining a drum circle is not required but the invitation is always open. Picnic in the Sunshine With a reputation for gray weather, Arcata’s sunshine is one of the North Coast’s best-kept secrets. Bring a blanket to spread across the grass on the plaza and soak up the pleasantly warm rays of North Coast sunshine — if it’s foggy, just wait five minutes! After strolling the market, you can easily put together a delicious picnic of local flavor with organic fruit, goat cheese, bread, honey and barbecued oysters. Shop for Local Luxuries A stroll around the Arcata Farmers market reveals many local treasures like sustainable exotic mushrooms, colorful fresh flower arrangements, gluten-free treats and an entire medley of garden plants, all sprouted with care by experienced practitioners of the garden arts. Best of all, there are plenty of locals willing to let the visitor in on the secrets of this bountiful region.

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(707) 476-0400 Bayshore Mall, Eureka (707) 822-3090 987 H St, Arcata

www.humboldtclothing.com

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Things to Do with Kids in Arcata

A town famous for tall trees, big waves and local characters is definitely full of adventures for the kiddos. To make sure everyone has fun, check out these five spots the whole family will enjoy. Operated by Humboldt State University, admission to the

Natural History Museum for a family of four is just $15 (2 kids, 2 adults). Kids can take a virtual tour of the redwood forest, learn about evolution with skeletons and discover varieties of crabs,

butterflies, bugs and seashells that are native to the North Coast. Come summer, snag tickets to cheer on Arcata’s favorite baseball team, the Humboldt Crabs. The stadium is located in the heart of downtown Arcata — watch out for foul balls if you’re parked nearby! Games are full of kid-friendly activities led by Crusty the Crab. If your kids are still balls of energy, swing by the Arcata

Community Forest and try to keep up! A jungle of rolling trails crisscross 790 acres of redwood trees, green ferns and gurgling streams. Bikes and dogs are welcome. Or check out the new and improved Greenview Park, the first all-inclusive playground in Humboldt County, featuring play equipment and a basketball hoop for children of all abilities. If your teenagers aren’t into hiking, pop across town to the Arcata Skate Park, where helmets and good vibes are required. After a long day of shopping, hiking and sightseeing, it’s time for … ICE CREAM! Among the bright case of colorful flavors at Arcata Scoop, kids can choose from classic chocolate or get fancy with a scoop of honey vanilla lavender on a waffle cone. The flavors are inspired by organic, seasonal ingredients and are best enjoyed while sitting on the shop’s giant giraffe swing. Eat up before it melts! 19

Getting to Arcata United Airlines provides flights in and out of the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV). For more information on getting to and from our area, as well as passenger services, visitÂ www.flyhumboldt.org. And if you're not planning to fly, you can always drive:

from Portland

407 mi.

California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport

from Redding

140 mi.

Arcata

from San Francisco

270 mi.

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- Propane Service - Installations - Heating -Appliances

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SUN - W 11AM - 9PM TH & FRI 11AM - 10PM SAT 10AM - 10PM 1087 H STREET ARCATA CA 95521 707.822.7143

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Fortuna Ofﬁce (707) 725-4465 926 Main Street Fortuna, Ca 95540

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Need Housing? We’ve got it!

KIC I Kramer Investment Corp. 707-444-2919 www.kkramer.com

Humboldt County Cannabis

It all started here. If Humboldt County hadn’t

When the “War on Drugs” brought National Guard

survived the “War on Drugs” in the 1980s, there

ground troops and helicopters into these families’

wouldn't have been the momentum that contribut-

backyards, it was intense but also kept the price-

ed to 33 states having medicinal and/or recreation-

per-pound healthy, and the local economy thrived

al legalization.

while farmers honed their skills and techniques.

Nearly 50 years of cannabis history and cul-

When California’s Proposition 215 passed in 1996,

ture has been developed here, dating back to the

Arcata became home to one of the first dispensa-

1960s, when people fed up with city life (aka “back-

ries in the state — it’s still open — highlighting the

to-the-landers”) moved up to the secluded hills of

progressive tendencies of the city. With the recent

Humboldt County and started growing not only or-

legalization of recreational cannabis, Humboldt

ganic vegetables, but cannabis as well. Many imple-

County and Arcata are eager to share the rich cul-

mented ethical and sustainable farming practices

tural history, deep knowledge and relationship with

while finding the multitude of diverse microclimates

this plant that put this corner of Northern California

were ideal for growing the best cannabis anywhere.

on the international map.

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United Indian Health Services, Inc. UIHS is a Tribal Health Program, serving the Native population of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, providing primary care and community outreach services. Our Mission is to work together with our clients and community to achieve wellness through health services that reflect the traditional values of our American Indian Community.

UIHS is a full service healthcare facility. We continue to fulfill our mission by using teamwork and providing integrated healthcare. Our divisions include Medical, Dental, Vision, Pharmacy, Behavioral Health, and Community Health and Wellness. At UIHS we offer our staff excellent benefits, a healthy work life balance, and competitive wages.

Come check out our beautiful location for yourself. We welcome the public to come enjoy our farmer’s markets, walking trails and more. While you’re here, come by our Administrative office to learn about our current job opportunities! If you’d prefer digital, check out our website below. There you will find more information about the organization, as well as a list of all job openings.

Address: 1600 Weeot Way, Arcata, Ca 95521 Website: http://unitedindianhealthservices.org/ Phone Number: (707) 825-5000

Visit us at the Arcata Humboldt Welcome Center

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Principal Photography: León Villagómez Contributors: Sam Armanino, Joellen Clark-Peterson, Patsy Givins, Amy Kumler, Zack Lathouris, Nora Mounce, Molly Steele, Amy Waldrip, Jonathan Webster