Appropriately, Del Norte means "of the north" in Spanish and, indeed, this county offers the best of Northern California all rolled up into one neat package. Situated just below the border with Oregon, guests will be thrilled and surprised by all there is to see and do in this county of about 28,000 residents, from watersport fun on the Smith River and Klamath River to wildlife watching in Redwoods State and National Parks.

The largest and only incorporated city in Del Norte County is Crescent City. Also the county seat, Crescent City is named for the beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of Pacific Ocean beach located just south of the city. U.S. Route 101 runs directly through the town, making Crescent City easy to reach from any other parts of the county and state.

Crescent City is a pleasant place to make a stop while exploring the beautiful redwoods that surround the town. Many guests enjoy visiting Crescent City harbor, where they can go pleasure boating and participate in other watersports.

Crescent City is also a good base for exploring the Smith River, considered one of the greatest recreational rivers in the northern portion of the country. Smith River National Recreation Area, which is located just east of Jedediah Smith State Park, features 300,000 acres of wilderness and is paradise for the avid outdoorsman. Here you can hike a fine system of trails, go fishing , kayak or whitewater raft, or enjoy some wild mountain biking.

Also in Crescent City, at the base of A Street, is the Battery Point Lighthouse, accessible on foot during low tide. If you're fortunate enough to gain entry, you'll enjoy a small but interesting museum dedicated to the history of Del Norte County.

Also visible from Crescent City is the magnificent St. George Reef Lighthouse, built in 1892 and active until 1975. Situated on an exposed rock just off the coast, this is one of the most photographed of all lighthouses in the U.S. and an important part of Del Norte County history.

Visitors might also make a stop at nearby Fort Dick or head to the Lake Earl Wildlife Area, considered to be one of California's most productive wetlands areas. Lake Earl lies in the Smith River plain and, combined with neighboring Lake Tolowa, is actually considered to be a coastal lagoon, not a lake. More than 300 bird species have been spied here, along with 250 types of plants, 40 different species of mammals, and about 20 varieties of fish. The Lake Earl Wildlife Coastal Lagoon area is eco-touring at its best and a favorite with nature aficionados.

Smaller than Crescent City but worth a stop is the pretty town of Klamath. Touted as the place "where the redwoods and the river meet the ocean," Klamath is a favorite stop for those traveling along Highway 101. Klamath is home to miles of rugged, picturesque beaches, the Klamath River - the second largest river in the state, magnificent giant redwoods, and plenty of great salmon and steelhead fishing. It's also an ideal place for campers to stay, with about 1,200 campsites situated in the vicinity. Don't miss the opportunity to jet boat or whitewater raft on the Klamath River, drive through a giant redwood, or visit the Trees of Mystery.

Lovely Gasquet, California is small but nevertheless a gem in Del Norte County's crown. Located on the pristine Smith River, Gasquet is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. A tiny but friendly town, Gasquet was founded in 1853 by a miner who recognized the need to provide other miners with a place they could call home. Located along Highway 199, a trip to Gasquet will provide an opportunity to explore the Middle and North forks of the Smith River. This little town is also home to a number of local events and festivals, like town-wide BBQs, annual raft races, dances, and much more.

Next door to the Redwoods National Park, visitors can head to Six Rivers National Forest, one of Del Norte County's other gems. Just as the name hints, six wild rivers - the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel - flow through this picturesque forest. Most visitors agree that the Siskiyou Wilderness is the highlight of a trip to Six Rivers National Forest. Here you'll find high peaks, pretty glacial lakes, and pristine meadows. Try the Clear Creek National Recreation Trail for a good luck at this magical area.

Because large portions of Del Norte County are protected land, those looking for quiet, picturesque towns away from the crowds have begun to recognize the joys of living in this northernmost county. The real estate market in Del Norte County is sound and starting to grow as the advantages of raising a family in this picturesque and peaceful setting become evident.

Del Norte County Events

Annual Wine and Cheese Auction

Please join us at the third annual Wine and Chesse Auction. Please call for more info.

World Championship Crab Races & Festival

Featured Listings

Tour Thru Tree

Redwood Coast Realty

Donna Webb of Ming Tree Real Estate

Jed Smith Redwood Burl Co.

Klamath Jet Boat Tours

Crescent City Redwoods KOA

Fran Gatti of Ming Tree Real Estate

Northern Knights Car Club

Ana Hartwick of Ming Tree Real Estate

Johnston's Home Furnishings

Elk Valley Casino

Aon8th - Crescent City Ca Vacation Home

Trees of Mystery

Smith River

Robin Jones - Broker

Century 21 Hamilton Realtors, Inc.