Richardson Grove

Richardson Grove State Park Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Historic gateway to the north coast redwoods, these ancient giants have inspired people for centuries. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 247-3318. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information, call (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995 outside the U.S. 711 TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp Richardson Grove State Park 1600 U.S. Highway 101, #8 Garberville, CA 95542 (707) 247-3318 Marbled murrelet photo courtesy of Rich MacIntosh © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) R ichardson Grove State Park — traditional destination of countless vacationing families since the early twentieth century — is one of the north coast’s first redwood state parks. Situated in the majestic redwood forests of southern Humboldt County, “The Grove” began in 1922 with 120 acres and has since grown to approximately 2,000 acres. Located 200 miles north of San Francisco and seven miles south of Garberville, the park is bisected by U.S. Highway 101 and the South Fork of the Eel River. CULTURAL History The first known inhabitants of this region, the Sinkyone people, hunted, fished, gathered food, and lived sustainably among the Grove’s ancient redwoods, which they considered sacred. These Athabascanspeaking people trained their dogs to drive game toward waiting hunters. Both men and women were basket makers. Today’s Sinkyone descendants maintain cultural and spiritual ties to the Grove. The first recorded settler in the area, Kentuckian Ruben Reed, bought the land on the South Fork of Eel River in the late 1860s. His brother and their widowed father homesteaded 160 acres, now part of the park. In the early 1900s Henry Devoy bought Reed’s land; Devoy leased the redwood grove in 1920 to Edwin Freeman, who built a store, a dining room, and cabins at the site of today’s visitor center. In 1922, the Save the Redwoods League, concerned about the potential destruction of the trees by highway construction and logging, Richardson Grove Lodge, ca. 1947 persuaded the State to acquire 120 acres of the redwood grove. Between 1922 and 1932, Freeman operated the new park as a concession and lobbied to name the park for Governor Friend W. Richardson. The Richardson Grove Lodge, which is now the visitor center, was built between 1928 and 1930. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began building campgrounds, picnic facilities, trails, water systems, and restrooms in the main grove. Periodic flooding of the Eel River, particularly during the floods of 1955 and 1964, has damaged CCC-built facilities and trees. In February 1986, the river again overflowed its banks, destroying the campfire center and picnic area. Later, new facilities were built outside of the main grove. Today, only the visitor center remains in the main grove, lessening the human impact on its fragile ecosystem. natural history Plant Communities The most notable natural feature of Richardson Grove is the old-growth redwood forest, which thrives in the area’s mild climate. Many trees in the grove are more than 1,000 years old; several are more than 300 feet tall. Strolling among these towering redwood giants is an unforgettable experience. One can see some of the world’s tallest coast redwoods, a walkthrough tree, and a fallen tree growth-ring exhibit that has drawn visitors to the park since 1933. Redwood sorrel, ferns, Coast redwood and mosses take branch advantage of the deep shade in the heart of the forest. Younger redwoods, Douglas fir, California laurel, various oaks, and madrones compete for sunlight and moisture outside the established groves. Undergrowth includes huckleberry, hazel, Douglas iris, calypso orchids, poison oak, and redwood violets. Wildlife The South Fork of the Eel River — named for the Pacific lamprey — runs through the park. During fall and winter, spawning salmon and steelhead return to the river. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and river otters. Occasional visitors include black bears and mountain lions. Native birds include bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, belted kingfishers, California quail, and acorn and pileated woodpeckers. Endangered marbled murrelet chicks and eggs can fall prey to ravens, crows, and jays if food scraps dropped by visitors attract these corvids. Be sure to ask park staff about Juvenile marbled murrelet the “bat tree” where the Yuma myotis roost. These little brown bats are welcome residents that help to reduce the mosquito population. visitor center The visitor center in the 1930s Richardson Grove Lodge — where families once watched movies, ate ice cream, and danced under the towering trees — offers interpretive displays that encourage children to handle selected natural items. The Grove Nature Trail begins at the visitor center. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Camping — Richardson Grove has 169 family sites in three campgrounds. Huckleberry has one site for hikers and bicyclists. Oak Flat Campground is open only during summer. The Dawn Redwood Group Campground can accommodate from 9 to 40 people. For more camping information and reservations, call (800) 444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov. Picnicking/Day Use — The picnic area is near the South Fork of the Eel River under redwoods and maples. The river is popular for swimming and sunbathing during summer and for salmon and steelhead catch-andrelease fishing during winter. The park’s several hiking trails range from gentle to strenuous. Events and Programs — Check bulletin boards throughout the park for details. • Summer evening campfire programs feature storytelling, interpretive talks, and songs. • The Junior Ranger program teaches children aged 7 to 12 about the park’s natural and cultural features. • The Litter-Getter program encourages children of all ages to respect their environment through recycling. • Guided walks interpret natural features. Please Remember • Diving and jumping into the river are not permitted. • No lifeguards are on duty. Children should be supervised at all times. • Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. No ground fires are allowed. • All park features are protected by law and must not be disturbed in any way. • Do not leave food scraps out or feed wild animals. • Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet during the day and must be kept in your tent or vehicle at night. Except for service animals, pets are not allowed on hiking trails. • Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. • Please keep yourself and our forests safe and healthy; stay on the trails and do not climb on downed logs or trees. Accessible Features The visitor center, the Grove Nature Trail, Dawn Redwood Group Campground, the picnic area, and three campsites in the Madrone Campground are accessible. For updates, visit http:// access.parks.ca.gov. Nearby State Parks • Benbow State Recreation Area, 5 miles north on U.S. Hwy. 101 at Benbow Dr. (707) 923-3238 • Sinkyone Wilderness State Park Briceland Road (Co. Road 31) Whitethorn 95542 (707) 986-7711 This park receives support in part from a nonprofit organization. For more information, contact: Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association, P.O. 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