Welcome to Humboldt County, at the entrance to Avenue of the Giants. Situated between Redwood National and State Parks.
We love where we live and are excited to share our home with you. Read below for our favorite kid-friendly adventures, redwood hikes, river spots, and local dining.
Eats + Drinks
Eel River Brewery Pub: Kid friendly and dog friendly dining with a large outdoor area, live music, and a great beer selection from our neighbors and friends, Eel River Brewing Company (their brewery facility is located right across the street from the Scotia Lodge).
Farm Stands: We are lucky to live and work in such a bountiful region. Luna Farm’s pumpkin patch and River Orchard farm-to-table Event venue are a joy to visit and Floodplain Produce has incredible blackberry popsicles
Tuya’s is our go-to Mexican restaurant in nearby Ferndale. The ambience is incredible and the menu is inspired.
Kid-Friendly
The California State Parks Junior Ranger Adventure Guide is filled with fun activities for kids and families that can be used in any California state park, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which borders the Scotia Lodge.
Aquarium: The Scotia Fisheries Exhibit is a hidden gem just down the street from Scotia Lodge. This small but mighty exhibit is free and open daily from 8-3.
Grieg-French-Bell Grove is just 15 minutes from the Lodge. While not a true hike (it’s only half a mile from the road to the grove), this gorgeous spot is the perfect spot for photos, letting the kids run, and hugging a giant redwood.
Golden Gate Mercantile is filled to the brim with nostalgic toys, gifts, and penny candy. Make a day of exploring Ferndale and let the family explore their historic general store.
Hikes and Drives
Avenue of the Giants: This scenic drive through the redwoods runs parallel to Highway 101 for 31 miles and begins just South of Scotia Lodge. View the map online and plan your route!
The Drury-Chaney Grove: This 2.4 mile nature loop trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and is the closest redwood hike to Scotia Lodge (only 10 minutes away!) This trail is wheel-chair accessible and kid-friendly.
The Big Trees Loop: This is what you came here for: Giant, ancient redwoods and creek crossings. This grove is quieter than Founder Grove but every bit as majestic.
River Spots: You can access the Eel River’s gravel bars in Rio Dell, or drive a bit for more scenic spots at High Rock off the Avenue of the Giants. The Van Duzen runs east of Scotia Lodge, and locals love Swimmer’s Delight off of Route 36.