If it is the dog days of summer you are looking for, a 45-minute trek east of Blue Lake to Willow Creek will bring you all the sunshine you can handle.

  Located along State Route 299, Willow Creek is a small community of 3,000 residents that was settled in the 1850s by pioneers in search of gold. At that time, the town was known as China Flat and served as a gold mining supply point.

  More than a million acres of Six Rivers National Forest surround the town, and combined with the bright blue waters of the Trinity River, the area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Willow Creek is a favored destination for rafters, hikers and fisherman and draws visitors from far and wide every summer. The town population is also beefed up a bit during the summer because it is a favorite summer-home destination for many coastal Humboldt County residents.

  The town’s China Flat Museum is a fun spot to visit and get a feel for the area’s American Indian history and art, and offers an opportunity to step back in time with the pioneers and gold miners. Special events include an annual celebration of Bigfoot Days. Over Labor Day weekend, Bigfoot fans turn out hoping to catch a glimpse of their elusive furry friend.

  The Willow Creek Golf and Country Club, a library, a bank, a park and campgrounds are just some of the services available in and around the town. Creekside Park is a shady new toddlers playground that was recently added to the community and includes a playhouse, picnic area and disc golf course called “The Steelhead Course.”

  Wineries and farming are an up-and coming-industry for Willow Creek, and area vintners planned a new event that began this year called The First Annual Barrel Tasting. The event was held in mid-May, and visitors looking to catch the weekend wine tasting should check with the local Chamber of Commerce at http://www.willowcreekchamber.com for future dates and times.