Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fort & Logging Museums:
Self-guided Interpretive Trails
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
This park unit is open at limited capacity. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (June 2, 2021)
What is open now?
- Day Use Vehicular Access.
- Very limited parking is now available to the public.
- Trails.
- Beaches.
- Museum.
COVID-19 Guidelines - (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(707) 445-6547
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Except for service animals, dogs not allowed in buildings.
Driving Directions to Fort Humboldt SHP
South side of Eureka, CA, the park is located just off HWY 101 on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay & the Bayshore Mall. East on Highland Ave. 1 block.From Oregon/Crescent City:
Take 101 South to Highland Avenue in Eureka.
From SF Bay Area:
Take 101 North to Highland Avenue in Eureka.
From Sacramento Area/Southern California:
Take I-5 North to 299 and head eastbound to 101. Take 101 South to Highland Avenue.
Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
Historical/Cultural Site
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Fort Humboldt is a historic miliatry fort, situated on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay. This remote military post was established in 1853 and later became the headquarters for the Humboldt Military District.
The Humboldt Military District, included Forts Bragg and Wright in northern Mendocino County, extended north through Humboldt County to Fort Ter-Waw in Klamath and Camp Lincoln near present-day Crescent City.
It was during its first few years that Fort Humboldt was home to one of its most famous residents, the young Captain Ulysses S. Grant. After being decorated for bravery in the Mexican-American war, he was posted to several locations including Fort Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest. The isolation of Fort Humboldt did not appeal to Grant, and after serving as commanding officer of Company F for six months, resigned his commission.
Fort Humboldt was formally abandoned in 1870 and rapidly fell into decay. Today, only the hospital building remains of the original fourteen structures. It is now an historical museum dedicated to telling the story of the Fort and the Native American groups, including the Wiyot, Hoopa and Yurok of this region. In the 1980's the Surgeon’s Quarters was reconstructed and there are plans for its establishment as a period house museum. In 2001 an historic herb and vegetable garden was recreated adjacent to the Hospital.
The park also includes a Logging Museum and open air displays of historic 19th-mid 20th century logging equipment including the Dolbeer Steam Donkey; “Lucy,” the Bear Harbor Lumber Company’s Gypsy Locomotive #1; and the Elk River Mill and Lumber Company’s #1 “Falk” locomotive.
Location/Directions
Fort Humboldt SHP is located just south of Eureka, California.
Take Highland Avenue off Highway 101, travel East one block.
From Oregon/Crescent City - Take 101 South to Highland Avenue in Eureka.
From SF Bay Area - Take 101 North to Highland Avenue in Eureka.
From Sacramento Area/Southern California - Take I-5 North to 299 and head Westbound to 101. Take 101 South to Highland Avenue.
Climate/Recommended Clothing
Coastal/temperate. Summer 50-60 degrees. Morning & evening fog is common. Winter 40-50 degrees with 35" of annual rainfall occurring mostly November-May.
Facilities and Activities
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park offers many exploration options. There are historic and reconstructed buildings; including the Fort Museum and a Logging Museum. Also be sure to check out the on-site Bookstore and outdoor logging machinery displays. There are picnic tables on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay, and public restrooms.
Monthly "Steam Up"s bring historic logging equipment to life on 3rd Saturdays from May through September.
Dolbeer Donkey Days -- A two day event in April featuring logging equipment in operation and logging skills competition.
Junior Ranger Programs (ages 7-12) during summer season.
Nearby Visitor Attractions
Old Town Eureka, Humboldt Bay Harbor, Clarke Museum, Azalea State Natural Reserve, Little River State Beach, and Sue-meg State Park to the North; Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Avenue of the Giants, Grizzly Creek State Park and the Victorian village of Ferndale to the South.