Eureka: Nature, Zoo and City History

Eureka offers several starting points for planning a trip: trails through redwood forests and the city, a zoo with an elevated walkway, and places rich in history and architecture. Which of these themes interests you most can shape your choice of experiences during your stay. The following information will help you understand the different offerings without combining them into a single route.

Trails through parkland and the city

The 60-acre Sequoia Park includes hiking and biking trails through redwood forests and meadows, as well as along a duck pond and two small streams. More than a mile of paved trails is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. This gives you a choice of both natural trail sections and paved paths in the park; these details apply to the trails in Sequoia Park.

If you need information about vehicle access: Sequoia Park’s main gate is open to vehicles Wednesday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As this information concerns current access, it’s a good idea to check it before you arrive.

The Eureka Waterfront Trail offers a different perspective. It lets you cross the city from one end to the other on foot, by bike or running. Its individual phases are intended to be connected into a continuous 6.3-mile trail. The Hikshari' Trail, in turn, is suitable for hiking, biking, running, paddling, picnicking and birdwatching. The options range from a citywide crossing to several activities on a trail; the details describe different offerings.

The zoo and a view above the forest floor

Sequoia Park Zoo is California’s oldest zoo and is home to more than 150 animals representing 50 different species. The zoo is also home to the Redwood Sky Walk. Its network of bridges and platforms is just under a quarter of a mile long and reaches 100 feet above the forest floor at its highest point. These measurements describe both the length of the walkway and its height above the ground.

Access to the Redwood Sky Walk is included with zoo admission or membership. As this access information concerns current visits, it’s a good idea to check it before your visit. This makes it easy to consider the zoo as an activity in its own right and decide whether you’d also like to include the elevated walkway.

Architecture and history in Eureka

The Carson Mansion was built between 1884 and 1886 for lumber baron William M. Carson; the architects were Newsom and Newsom. Its architecture combines the Italianate, Eastlake, Stick and Queen Anne styles. These four style names give a concrete sense of how many architectural influences can come together in one building. The mansion is a point of interest for anyone especially interested in Eureka’s architectural history.

Fort Humboldt offers a different historical perspective: it was established in 1853 on a hill overlooking Humboldt Bay. At Blue Ox Millworks, visitors can join a tour and see antique machinery and Victorian buildings constructed on site. The two attractions have different focuses: Fort Humboldt offers a connection to the history of the place, while the Blue Ox Millworks tour highlights machinery and buildings.

The M.V. Madaket is another of the city’s notable historical details. Built in 1910, this passenger motor vessel is the oldest passenger motor vessel in the United States still in continuous operation. This description refers to its construction date and ongoing operation; on its own, it does not indicate whether tours or rides are available.

Visitor information

Old Town Carriage Co.’s private carriage rides and guided historical tours travel through Old Town Eureka. They start at the corner of Second & F Streets by the gazebo in Old Town. As provider information may change, you should check the details before you arrive. Knowing the exact starting point will help you distinguish these tours from trails in the park and offerings elsewhere in Eureka.

The Eureka Welcome Center is one block from the water. There, you can get restaurant recommendations, directions, information about local history and tips on lesser-known places. If you’re still planning your stay, this information can bring different interests together, such as architecture, history or spending time outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Fields Landing, Garberville, Fortuna, Redway, Trinidad, Myrtletown, Orick, Arcata.

For the broader travel overview: Humboldt.