Del Norte County, California's Hidden Gem

Del Norte County is undeniably California's hidden gem. Why?

Most Californian's are not even aware that Del Norte (pronounced Del Nort) county even exists let alone that it is home to some of the most spectacular beauty in God's creation.

Del Norte County is home to Fern Canyon, part of the many State and National Parks in this region. Its lush green beauty makes you think of prehistoric times. You almost expect a dinosaur to come walking out of the greenery.

Why is Del Norte so green and lush? We get about 70 inches of rain a year...which translates into NO WATER SHORTAGES! Water rationing is unheard of here. A good majority of the county residences are on wells and let me tell you, our well water is fabulous.

Our local chamber of commerce has come out with a snappy saying, Del Norte County...where the redwoods meet the sea, and boy is that appropriate.

If you hike the Damnation Creek Trail off of Highway 101 South, you will see miles of redwoods that literally go right down to the ocean. It is a lovely hike, but not for the faint of heart.

The hike is a mile or two of switchback trails headed, for the most part, downhill to the ocean, then straight uphill coming back to your car. My friends husband had to carry her the last 1/2 mile uphill on his back to get her out of there (no joke).

Del Norte County is also home to the mouth of the Klamath River, known for salmon and steelhead fishing.

The Klamath River overflowed it's shores in the 60's and wiped out most of the town. They chose another townsite when rebuilding.

This picture of the mouth of the Klamath River was taken from Requa hill.

We are also home to the Smith River, the only undammed river in California and a big draw for fishermen, rafters, kayakers, and campers.

It is estimated that 75 - 80% of Del Norte County is owned by State and National Parks, County Parks, Native American Reservation, Conservation, Fish and Game, etc. Most of these lands are enjoyed regularly by nature lovers.

We are home to Lake Earl wildlife refuge, the largest wetland--5000 sq. acres--outside of Alaska on the west coast.

Notice the absence of smog in these pictures. That's because THERE ISN'T ANY! Yep, no smog at all...ever.

To recap:

• There are miles of unadulteraed coastline
• Two of the premier fishing rivers in California
• It is a nature's lover paradise
• Hunting, fishing, kayaking, rafting, boating, scuba diving
• Harbor
• No traffic
• No smog
• No road rage
• mild weather year round
• we now have a Starbuck's!
• And so much more, just check out past blogs.