a lighthouse
Del Norte County is home to two of California’s most dramatic lighthouses, both sited offshore. Crescent Lighthouse at Battery Point is relatively easy to get to, nevertheless. Tide permitting, the island can be reached by a short walk across the rocky beach and causeway. Built in 1856, the lighthouse is one of California’s earliest.
Crescent Lighthouse at Battery Point, offshore Crescent City
On a clear day, St. George Reef Lighthouse is visible offshore, some seven miles from Crescent City and four miles from the mainland. A visit to the St. George Reef Lighthouse, which has not been in service since 1975, is a more challenging adventure. A tour by helicopter is required; call: 707-464-7846. On St. George Reef, the lighthouse is perched on a rock barely larger than the light station itself. Its construction in its remote, wave-swept location required a tremendous effort following the wreck of the Brother Jonathan in 1865. In California’s worst maritime disaster, the Brother Jonathan struck uncharted rocks west of Crescent City and went down with the loss of 225 lives. Nineteen people reached shore in one of the lifeboats. In 1993 the sunken ship was found, and items from the ship were recovered; some may be seen at the Del Norte County Historical Society Museum at 577 H St. in Crescent City.
Other attractions
The Del Norte County Historical Society Museum has a splendid collection of Tolowa and Yurok Native American baskets along with other artifacts. Also on display is the first-order Fresnel lens that was once installed at the St. George Reef Lighthouse, as well as photographs from the aftermath of the 1964 tsunami that devastated Crescent City. Open 10 AM–4 PM, Mon.–Sat. from May to Sept. and fewer days during the winter; call: 707-464-3922.
Sixteen miles south of Crescent City along Hwy. 101 is a long-time roadside attraction, Trees of Mystery. The site is marked by a giant statue of Paul Bunyan with Babe the Blue Ox. Activities include gondola rides through the redwood forest canopy; call: 1-800-638-3389. Zipline rides through the redwood forest are available at a number of other locations in the county.
The annual Crescent City Triathlon includes a swim at Fred Endert Pool, a bike ride along the city’s shoreline, and a run around Beach Front Park, with adult and kids’ divisions; see: www.crescentcitytriathlon.com. Ocean World Aquarium, 304 S. Hwy. 101 in Crescent City, includes displays of undersea creatures, a touch tank, sea lion performances, and an opportunity to pet a live shark; call: 707-464-4900.
The community of Smith River is home to the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, which is open to visitors on weekdays, 9 AM–4 PM; for a current schedule of spawning activities, call: 707-487-3443. Smith River is also the center of Easter lily agriculture. Nearly all the nation’s Easter lily bulbs, grown for forced bloom in spring, are raised here. The bulbs bloom naturally in summer, and the town has an annual Easter in July festival. For information on area attractions, visit the Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce at Front and K streets in Crescent City, open daily, 9 AM–5 PM (weekdays only during winter), or call: 707-464-3174.
Smith River near campground in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Del Norte County
Northern Del Norte County
PELICAN STATE BEACH: W. of Hwy. 101, .5 mi. S. of the Oregon border. Wide beach with abundant driftwood. From Hwy. 101, turn west on White Rock Loop; park on gravel road shoulder.
▪ Beachcombing
▪ Surf fishing
CLIFFORD KAMPH MEMORIAL PARK: W. of Hwy. 101, 2 mi. S. of the Oregon border. On a bluff overlooking the beach are a dozen campsites for tents only. Running water, picnic tables, barbecue grills, camp host. No fee for day use. Call: 707-464-7230.
SMITH RIVER COUNTY PARK: End, Mouth of Smith River Rd., Smith River. Stairs to a sand and pebble beach; on-street parking. The clear waters of the Smith River support many fish species, including coho and king salmon and steelhead trout.
▪ Expansive views upstream and out to sea
SMITH RIVER BOATING ACCESS: Fred Haight Dr. W. of Hwy. 101, 3 mi. S. of town of Smith River. Paved boat ramp, located between private residences, offers access to the lower reach of the Smith River.
KELLOGG BEACH: W. end of Kellogg Rd., 9 mi. S. of Smith River. A broad sandy ocean beach backed by grass-covered dunes. Street-legal vehicles allowed north of Kellogg Rd., on waveslope only; no vehicles allowed in dunes.
LAKE EARL WILDLIFE AREA/TOLOWA DUNES STATE PARK: W. of Lake Earl Dr. and Lower Lake Rd., 2 mi. N. of Crescent City. The wildlife area/state park complex includes over 10,000 acres. The Department of Fish and Wildlife center at 2591 Old Mill Rd., off Northcrest Dr., has trail maps and posted information. For Lake Earl Wildlife Area information, call: 707-445-6493. For information on Tolowa Dunes State Park, call Redwood National and State Parks visitor center: 707-465-7306. Leashed dogs are allowed on Cadra Point Loop Rd. only.
▪ Cadra Loop Trail, four miles long, starts at the Fish and Wildlife center and overlooks Lake Earl
▪ Trails to ocean beach start at end of Sand Hill Rd., off Old Mill Road
▪ Access to Lake Earl west of Teal Point via Kellogg Road
▪ Launch site for shallow-draft boats at the end of Lakeview Dr., off Lake Earl Drive
▪ Redwood Parks Association leads summertime field trips and guided hikes; call: 707-465-6191
POINT ST. GEORGE HERITAGE AREA: End of Radio Road. At the end of Radio Rd., which is the northerly extension of Pebble Beach Dr., a gravel trail leads north one-quarter mile to the shoreline. Low tide exposes a rocky reef. Other short paths lead from Radio Rd. across the bluff to the shore. Sensitive archaeological area; be respectful of the resources. For information, call Del Norte County Parks and Recreation: 707-464-7230.
Del Norte County
Smith River Area
RUBY VAN DEVENTER COUNTY PARK: North Bank Rd. (Hwy. 197), 2.5 mi. E. of Hwy. 101. Campground with 18 sites set in a redwood forest next to the Smith River. Restrooms and running water; fee for camping. Call: 707-464-7230.
