Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fort & Logging Museums:
Self-guided Interpretive Trails
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
UPDATE (May 22, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Fort Humboldt SHP:
What is open now?
Statewide:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Fort Humboldt SHP:
What is open now?
- Day Use Vehicular Access.
- Very limited parking is now available to the public.
- Trails.
- Beaches.
Statewide:
- Campgrounds.
- High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
- Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
- Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
- Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
- Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
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
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 situated on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay. This remote military post was established in 1853 to assist in conflict resolution between Native Americans and gold-seekers and settlers who had begun flooding into the area after the discovery of gold in the northern mines.
Later, Fort Humboldt would become the headquarters for the Humboldt Military District, which included Forts Bragg and Wright in northern Mendocino County, extending 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 Patrick’s Point 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.