NorCal's Underrated Redwood Forest Is A Secluded Gem Full Of Open Spaces For Endless Recreation

California's northern reaches are renowned for their natural splendors. You have the mesmerizing redwood groves, known around the world for their 300-foot-plus trunks that are truly awesome to behold and wrap your arms around. When exploring NorCal, you get pretty used to saying the phrase, "only in Northern California." Like, only in Northern California can you take a kitschy road trip right through three living redwood giants. Or, only in Northern California can you visit a quarry adventure park with high climbing and a waterfall. And one more for good measure: Only in Northern California can you visit a community forest with around 800 acres of redwoods, creek systems, walking trails, and horse riding tracks.

Arcata Community Forest is a remarkable nature haven only 1.5 miles from Arcata's city center. You can escape the hustle and bustle amongst preserved nature, including second-growth redwoods. While these may not be as tall as the oldest redwoods, they can still grow higher than 250 feet (tall enough to give you a stiff neck trying to see their tops). Considered a Model Forest by the Forest Guild (only one of 20 in the US), Arcata Community Forest is a magical place to explore.

The forest is so well-received by locals and visitors alike that it's currently considered the top thing to do in Arcata on Tripadvisor, boasting a 4.7/5 rating. "Gorgeous baby redwoods," one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "I couldn't believe how lush and secluded this area was, considering it is in the heart of town." Many visitors love how the various trails interconnect and allow you to choose short or long hikes at your leisure. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a full day of forest immersion, Arcata Community Forest offers an unforgettable slice of Northern California's wild beauty.

Hikers, cyclists, and horse riders share most of the trails within the forest. Of these, there are a few that stand out. Because of the way the trails interconnect, it's common to combine two or more on a longer trek. One of the most popular routes comprises the Fickle Hill, Big Rock, and Meadow trails to give you a moderately challenging 4.2-mile loop trek that takes about 2.5 hours. Often considered the best trail in the area, it's known for being dog-friendly and covers a lot of the redwood forest. It's recommended that hikers bring a map, as navigating the various turns can be difficult without one.

If you prefer a shorter walk, the Jolly Giant Road and Big Rock Trail is a good option. This one goes for 2 miles and takes a little over an hour to complete. It's also slightly less elevated, which can be kinder on your knees, but still has some steep parts. The trail starts near the California State Polytechnic University campus and runs alongside Jolly Giant Creek up into Arcata Community Forest. It also leads you to one of the larger redwood trees in the forest, passes various wild mushrooms, and has some cute bridge crossings.

Most visitors enter and exit Arcata Community Forest through Redwood Park. This public green space has its own charms and conveniences, including redwoods, picnic tables, a castle-themed playground, a bicycle track, and toilets. It's a pleasant spot to linger before or after your hike or ride. You can't camp within the forest, but there are plenty of accommodation options throughout the coastal college town of Arcata. You can drive there in about 15 minutes from California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, which has flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver.