Welcome to the North Coast    



Humboldt County's first residents hailed from the Yurok, Karuk, Wiyot, Chilula, Whilkut and Hupa tribes, among others. They settled on the coast and along the banks of the Trinity and Klamath rivers. The county was created in May 1853 and derives its name from Humboldt Bay, which was "discovered" by a sea otter hunting party in 1806 and rediscovered in 1849. Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay in 1850 and named it in honor of naturalist and explorer Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

Del Norte County has been home to the Yurok and Tolowa peoples for thousands of years. Legendary explorer Jedediah Smith is credited with being the first non-native to enter the region, in 1828. Gold strikes on the Klamath and Smith Rivers in the 1850s led to the settlement of the county, which was created in March 1857. Its name, meaning "the north" is derived from its position in the northwest corner of the state.
  Welcome to the Times-Standard's fifth annual North Coast 101, our 2006-2007 regional almanac and business guide designed for residents and visitors.
  Humboldt and Del Norte counties have always been known for spectacular scenery, fabulous natural resources, exciting outdoor adventures and a rugged sense of individual identity.
  Now, as part of the region's growth and inventiveness, an increasing number of entrepreneurs are tapping into the area's bounty with a new and expanding operations focused on always popular fancy food and drink.
  To celebrate this expanding niche, "Local Flavor" is the theme of this year's edition. Inside, you'll find that the range of local flavors includes wines, cheese, oysters, micro-brews and all manner of organic offerings. We invite you to peruse these descriptions of local businesses small and large, and then go out and sample the many superb tastes of the North Coast.
  Meanwhile, as you'll find inside, there's an almost unending menu of area events and offerings to satisfy every interest, from parades and music contests to live theater, arts and even whacky races.
  All of these are offered in a gorgeous setting of mountains, forests, rivers, beaches, and prairie, dotted by small towns and villages far removed from the hectic pace of life elsewhere in California.
  We're sure you'll find this edition of North Coast 101 helpful and informative throughout the year, whether you're a lifelong resident or a guest of our region. Our redwood coast is truly a moveable feast of sights, sounds, sensations and flavors, and we invite you to sample them all with us.