The cooler months may bring rain to our county, but never boredom. Indeed, some of us bloom in the fall and winter.
Pull on a hoodie — per Humboldt’s unofficial dress code — and take a trip along our newly christened stretch of the Humboldt Bay Trail between Eureka and Arcata. We’ve got pro tips for planning your day of adventure and what sights to look out for.
Our Perfect Trips include more hiking and strolling options from the top of Trinidad to the bottoms of its tidepools. A trip into the tops of our redwood trees or across historic covered bridges are on offer, too. We’ve also got places to view indoor beauty in painting, sculpture and ceramics, or to make your own. And we’d never leave you without sustenance, whether you’re craving ramen, Reubens or red velvet cupcakes.
We’ve got good times on tap for the beer crowd at Six Rivers Brewery, complete with sunsets and seasonal craft brews. If it’s a Guinness and a bit of shepherd’s pie you’re after, we’ll see you over to Gallagher’s Irish Pub to cozy up in a booth in its historic 19th century building. A sweet addition to your itinerary is Patches’ Pastries in Fortuna, where cinnamon rolls, giant cookies and lovely cakes of all kinds await.
Our Browsing section this season features a couple of visual feasts. Ferndale’s Abraxas Jewelry and Leather is packed to the rafters with all that glitters and topped with every stripe of hat. And up in Arcata, Good Day Shop is a tiny jewel box of unique finds, from artwork by local hands to cups with character.
Don’t forget to peruse the calendar of events in the back, as well, for all the goings on around the county, from nostalgic movie nights to holiday celebrations. It’s the best way to see what the locals are up to, and we know how to have a good time.
— Jennifer Fumiko Cahill
This article appears in Humboldt Insider Winter 2026.