10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Find visitor information at visitfortunaca.com
Cover photo: Main Street, by Renee Lindsay
The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce office welcomes visitors all year to the Friendly City. Our office is located at 735 14th Street at the corner of Main.
Ray's Food Place "Fortuna" mural.
History
Fortuna is nestled inside Humboldt County which boasts a scenic 110-mile coastline, more than 160,000 acres of majestic redwoods, and an unspoiled terrainof valleys and rolling hills. Fortuna is approximately 254 miles northof San Francisco and 425 milessouth of Portland, OR. The PacificOcean is just seven miles awayat Centerville Beachin nearby Ferndale.
Early settlers started fishing, farming, and raising livestock in the fertile Eel River Valley in the 1800s. Not long after, the Springville Mill and the Newburg Lumber Company set up shop in Fortuna’s early incarnation, Springville. The town became a hub of the local timber industry and officially changed its name to Fortuna, meaning “fortune,” in 1888. In the years following, the completion of a rail line from San Francisco to Eureka boosted Fortuna’s growth, opening it to commerce and a steady stream of loggers, who found good paying jobs and a safe place for their families to live.
Many of Fortuna’s early industries continue to define the city, as fishing, farming, and lumber are still mainstays for the community. Now, the city of Fortuna is one of the fastest growing incorporated areas in Humboldt County. It provides a diversity of goods, entertainment, health care, banking, community facilities, and professional services, and combines a moderate climate with a rural lifestyle for those looking to settle down.
If this is your first visit, we hope it won’t be your last. We hope each new visit brings another enjoyable experience that will make Fortuna one of your favorite places to Eat, Shop, and Stay!
“The Friendly City”
Fortuna, circa 1907.
Downtown Fortuna on Main Street, circa 1890s. Photo courtesy of Fortuna Depot Museum
Fortuna is approximately 254 miles north of San Francisco and 425 miles south of Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Ocean is just 7 miles away at Centerville Beach in nearby Ferndale.
Fortuna is home to award-winning Humboldt Distillery — handcrafted in Humboldt, and Fortuna's first distillery. They have been recognized for their awardwinning Organic Vodka, Humboldt's Finest (Double Gold winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition) and other fine varieties; Organic Spiced Rum, Organic Malt Whiskey, Original Rum, and Limited Edition Apple Brandy. 735 10th St. Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-1700
Area
4.85 Square Miles
FORTUNA, At A GLANCE
FORTUNA is nestled inside Humboldt County, California, which boasts a scenic 110-mile coastline, more than 160,000 acres of majestic redwoods, and an unspoiled terrain of valleys and rolling hills.
Clendenen's Cider Works has been in continuous operation since 1909 when Ernest Clifton and Mary Long Clendenen purchased a producing apple orchard in Fortuna, CA. With apple varieties like Minkler, Smith's Cider, and Stark, they shipped and sold boxed apples, but soon started making cider — pure, unpasteurized, and 100% natural. Today, E.C. and May's grandson Clif Clendenen and his son Drew are making that same cider using apples from those same trees and 25 other varieties planted since then. Apples from other orchards, both locally and from Sonoma County are blended as well.
Open from mid-August through January, Clendenen
Cider Works has expanded to include farm fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, and other seasonal produce. Come visit us for a glass of the best cider you'll ever taste! 96 12th Street, Fortuna
We are located just north of Highway 101 at the 12th Street intersection in Fortuna. (707) 725-2123
While in Fortuna, stop in to grab a cold tasty beer, a bite to eat, or even some local merchandise for a souvenir at the Eel River Brewing Company.
Did you know that Eel River Brewing Company, founded in 1995, is the first certified organic brewery in the United States? Eel River Brewing Companyis known for its handcrafted awards-winning Ales & Lagers.
Eel River Brewing Companys is located at 1777 Alamar Way, Fortuna CA. (707) 764-1772
PARKS & RECREATION
The City of Fortuna owns, maintains, and operates two parks—Rohner Park and Newburg Park. Both parks are intensively managed for multiple recreational activities and special events. There is a second growth redwood forest in Rohner Park that is managed to protect its natural features and where hiking trails are available.
CITY PARKS
Rohner Park is a 55-acre park located in the center of Fortuna. It has a large Pavilion that is used for roller skating, basketball, dances, parties, and other special events. Other facilities include a Rodeo Arena, three Little League baseball fields, batting cages, a recreation softball field, an outdoor basketball court, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, a pistol range, a cook shack, a deep pit barbecue, two playgrounds, a recreation hall, a large picnic area, several smaller picnic areas, public restrooms, various hiking trails within a 14-acre redwood forest, and the Depot Museum. The museum is housed in Fortuna’s historic train station, built around 1889. In 1974 the City of Fortuna purchased the old depot and moved it to a new home in Rohner Park. The Depot Museum is a great place to take your family to see displays and investigate Fortuna’s past, as well as the history of the Eel River Valley. Featured displays include railroad and logging artifacts, a collection of local Native American artifacts, a general store display, a fishing collection, a large copper Swiss cheese cauldron, and a large collection of barbed wire, tools, locks, and antique spark plugs. There are also 4-6 seasonally changing exhibits each year, as well as month-long temporary displays installed by members of Fortuna’s Relic Accumulators’
Depot Museum today in Rohner Park. Depot Museum spoons and tools.
Parks and Recreation
Club. You can also access the Humboldt Beacon archive for articles from the past.
In 1979, the City of Fortuna purchased 25 acres of pastureland and created Newburg Park . Newburg Park has a variety of recreational facilities including: two regulation hardball fields, two regulation softball fields, one regulation soccer field, seven additional soccer fields of varying sizes, a bicycle skills course, a picnic area, a playground, permanent cornhole sets, an all-weather walking path, public restrooms, and a newly-improved bike pump track. For information, call (707) 725-7620.
Right off U.S. Highway 101 on Dinsmore Drive, you and your four-legged friend, big or small, will find tons of fenced-off space to play in Fortuna’s Dog Park
After a good game of tug-of-war, take refuge under the park’s shaded gazebo area or head downtown where you will find lots of dog-friendly restaurants with patio seating for you and your pup.
The new dual Basketball Court project has officially been completed! The project was funded by Measure E, replacing one single court with two fenced courts. New high-end Bison polycarbonate backboards with breakaway rims were installed, as well as professional outdoor court surfacing with striping for both basketball and pickleball. Additionally, in-ground planters and a picnic area were installed near the court entrance
Photo courtesy of Fortuna Parks and Rec Department
STATE PARKS
Headwaters Forest Reserve
Fortuna boasts one of two access points to the nearly 7,500 acre Headwaters Forest Reserve. The Salmon Pass Trail is an old logging road adjacent to Salmon Creek. Reserve rangers offer guided hikes to see the magnificent old growth redwood forest. It is a four-mile round-trip, moderate-to-slightly-difficult hike, and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Hikes are generally limited to 20-30 people, and are conducted May 15 through November 15, weather permitting. For reservations and driving instructions call the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office at (707) 825-2300.
Avenue Of The Giants
Immortal Tree, Redcrest, (707) 722-4396
Eternal Tree House, Redcrest, 26510 Avenue of the Giants, (707) 722-4262.
Grab a souvenir at Burl N’ Drift Gift Shop located next to the Immortal Tree in Redcrest or Burlwood Gallery located at 26540 Highway 254 in Redcrest. After taking in the sights, head south to experience Shelter Cove and the Lost Coast .
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park spans 53,000 acres with nearly 17,000 acres of old-growth redwood forest—the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet. The park offers more than 250 family campsites in three different campgrounds, plus environmental camps, group camps, trail camps, and a horse camp. A hundred-plus miles of trail await exploration by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The South Fork Eel River provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities with several-day use areas that are ideal for that perfect picnic or family activity. The Visitor Center at Burlington is located between the towns of Weott and Myers Flat.
A private club that welcomes members of other clubs. A clubhouse serving breakfast and lunch is the perfect end to a day of golfing. For information, call (707) 725-5194.
Benbow Valley Golf Course
Public golf course located near Garberville. This nine-hole golf course features two sets of tees allowing golfers to play 18 holes. There is a putting green and sand trap where you can hone your putting and chipping skills. For information, call (707) 923-2777 or visit benbowrv.com.
RUNNING
Six Rivers Running Club
https://www.6rrc.com/
FEB. Trinidad -Clam Beach Run
MAR. Ferndale- Foggy Bottoms Milk Run
MAY Miranda- Avenue of the Giants Marathon
JULY Fortuna- Rodeo Run/ Walk 5K
OCT. Dyerville Loop Rd. Humboldt Redwoods Run
WALKING, HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Gene Lucas Community Center Trail
Take a walk around the backside of the property to experience protected wetlands. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Riverwalk Trail
Enjoy an easy stroll or bike ride alongside the Eel River on Riverwalk Drive.
Rohner Park Trail
Nearly two miles of forest trails featuring second growth redwoods, wild shrubs, and herbs including evergreen huckleberry, red huckleberry, salal, oxalis, Clintonia lily, and many other species. Humboldt Redwoods State Park has hundreds of miles of trails
• Founders Grove Nature Loop Trail
• Rockefeller Loop Trail
• Bull Creek Trail North
• Canoe Creek Trail
Hammond Coastal Trail
Enjoy a hike, bike ride, or jog along this fi vemile stretch of trail that runs along a portion of the historic Little River and Hammond Railroad property from Arcata to Clam Beach. The Arcata side of the trail starts by crossing over the Mad River at the location of an old railroad bridge, first installed in 1905. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and Mad River. Off Highway 101. For information, call (707) 445-7651 or visit humboldtgov.org/2761/Hammond-trail.
The Eel River Valley and nearby beaches have some of the best fishing if you know when and where to fish. The Eel River is known worldwide for incredible steelhead and salmon fishing with a backdrop of old growth redwood forest. There are many access points for bank fishing or to launch a boat for drifting. The best time to catch Chinook salmon is in late October until December and steelhead fishing is usually best from November to March. The Eel River is generally open year round for fishing but is often subject to low flow closures after October if there has not been enough rain to bring the river levels up. Ocean fishing is also an option nearby and is productive for salmon, halibut, rockfish and crab. Our local guides are top notch and can set you up with different types of fishing adventures ranging from drifting the Eel River for steelhead or salmon to kayaking or charter fishing off shore for rockfish and lingcod. Make sure to reach out in advance to plan your trip! You can pick up bait and tackle at the family-owned outdoor store Sport & Cycle , located at 495 S. Fortuna Blvd. in Midtowne Plaza. (707) 725-9405.
Loleta Eric’s Guide Service – Ocean and River Trips, Eric Stockwell, (707) 845-0400, loletaeric.com
John Klar Sport Fishing – River, (707) 498-1707, scratchhandicap@yahoo. com, johnklar.com
Fishing the North Coast – River, Kenny Priest, (707) 496-8671, fishingthenorthcoast.com/guide-service
Fortuna Riverwalk Trail. Photo by Amy Kumler
BIRD WATCHING
Redwood Region Audubon Society offers birding and other natural history trips at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. For information, call (707) 822-5666 or visit rras.org.
HUMBOLDT BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The refuge boasts Aleutian cackling geese, Pacific brant, terns, cormorants, pelicans, egrets, herons, and migratory songbirds such as warblers, sparrows, and swallows. The park offers two interpretive trails, Shorebird Loop and Hookton Slough, where you can view seasonal wetlands, freshwater marsh, shorebirds, waterfowl, and harbor seals. For information, call (707) 733-5406.
TENT/RV CAMPING
Riverwalk RV Park, 2189 Riverwalk Dr, Fortuna, (707) 725-3359
Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th Street, Ferndale, (707) 786-9511
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, 16949 Highway 36, Carlotta, (800) 444-7275
Van Duzen County Park, 12 miles east on Hwy 36, Carlotta, (707) 445-7651
Redcrest Resort & Gift Shop, 26459 Avenue of the Giants, Redcrest, (707) 722-4208
Ancient Redwoods RV Park, 28101 Avenue of the Giants, Redcrest, (707) 722-4396
There are several campgrounds located inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park For more information, call (707) 946-2263.
SWIMMING
The South Fork of the Eel River sits along the eastern edge of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Here you will find a slow-moving stream that provides natural pools and swimming holes. Inside Van Duzen County Park is Swimmers Delight and Pamplin Grove. For more information, call (707) 946-2263.
CANOEING/KAYAKING
There are several river access points just south of Fortuna.
• High Rock
• Dyerville Bar
• Lansdale Bar
• Alexander Bar
• Gould Bar
WHALE WATCHING
Optimum viewing months are SeptemberJanuary and March-June. Early morning hours are the best. The southern migratory season is September - January as the whales make their way to Baja. Between March and June, whales return to their northern waters. Lost Coast Table Bluff, just south of Humboldt Bay at Hookton Rd in Loleta offers 4.5 miles of beaches where you can observe hang gliders, surfers, and whales.
GARDENS
Humboldt Botanical Garden
From Hwy 101 take exit 698 to the north College of the Redwoods entrance where you will see signs leading you to the garden. For information, call (707) 442-5139 or visit hbgf.org. The Gardens are constructed on a 44.5 acre site adjacent to the College of the Redwoods and features eight themed gardens, hiking trails, plus picnic tables and benches. The garden is a great place to see native plant species, take a nature walk, or experience the fresh air and natural beauty of the area. Leashed dogs allowed.
Summer hours: (Apr-Oct) Wed-Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Winter hours: (Nov-Mar) Wed-Sat 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. River Lodge Garden
1800 Riverwalk Dr
The River Lodge garden offers a variety of native plants and a gazebo for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air with views of the Eel River. Fortuna Community Garden
1200 Ross Hill Rd
The community garden began nine years ago when a local resident contacted Seventh-day Adventist Community Services and presented the idea to them. Many years later and with the support of the community, the garden has expanded and now provides for the families who participate in it as well as providing food for St. Joseph’s Catholic Food Pantry and the Seventhday Adventist Community Service’s food pantry.
SPORTING EVENTS
Humboldt Crabs Baseball
Founded in 1945, the Humboldt Crabs are the oldest, continuously operated, collegiate, independent, wood-bat, summer baseball team in the country, celebrating their 77th year in 2021. The Crabs’ roster is made up of NCAA eligible collegiate players mostly from the West Coast. The team plays at the F Street ballpark in Arcata from June until early August. For information, call (707) 826-2333 or visit humboldtcrabs.com.
Rohner Park Trail
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Daffodil Festival
MARCH
Daff odil Festival:
The Fortuna Garden Club's annual Daffodil Show features more than 600 stems of the sunny flowers on display. Call River Lodge at (707) 725-7572 for dates.
Fortuna Concert Series
MARCH - OCT.
(for the Schedule https://fortunaconcertseries.com/
Celebrate and encourage the empowerment of young entrepreneurs. First Saturday in June. For more information, visit www.lemonadeday.org.
Citywide Yard Sale:
Centered in Downtown Fortuna, Main Street and adjoining streets are filled with sellers and antiques, collectibles, and rummage. The rest of the town joins with yard and garage sales all over. fortunadowntown.org
First Saturday in June.
Art & Wine in the Park:
A perfect way to start the summer, this event in Rohner Park features hundreds of wines from local and regional vintners, a fine arts area, and a crafts market to browse and shop. fortunarotary.org
Second Saturday in June.
Downtown First Fridays fortunadowntown.org/ June-August
Lil' Shuck Yeah hosted by Eel River Brewing Co eelriverbrewing.com/
JULY
3rd of July Fortuna Fireworks:
Celebrate Independence Day a little early in Friendly Fortuna with family fun, a BBQ, music, and fireworks from 5:30 - 10:30pm on July 3, in Newburg Park.
Continued on next page
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Continued from previous page
Fortuna Rodeo
Fortuna Rodeo:
More than 100 years in the running, the rodeo itself culminates a week of fun and games for the family. Beginning Monday, enjoy the Fortuna Chamber-sponsored Chili Cook-off. There are daily activities throughout town, including the Junior Rodeo, popular event "Bullfighters Only", citywide parade, carnival, broncos, bulls, BBQs, and barrels, and so much more. For information visit www.fortunarodeo. com. Third full week in July.
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Redwood AutoXpo:
Throw it back to a cooler time, with vintage cars, hot rods, antique tractors, and farm equipment. The weekend activities include a cruise through town, dance, deep pit BBQ, burnout contest, and an artisan faire. For information visit www.redwoodautoxpo.org. Fourth weekend in July.
AUGUST
Hops in Humboldt:
For 21 years Fortuna’s Hops in Humboldt has offered great food, tasty beer, music and culture. Beer, beer, and more beer! More than 45 microbreweries from all over the nation converge on Rohner Park for beer tasting. For information visit www.hopsinhumboldt.com. Fourth Saturday in August.
Continued on next page
Redwood
Hops in Humboldt
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Continued from previous page
Apple Harvest Festival
OCTOBER
Apple Harvest Festival:
Enjoy Over 40 years of festival traditional multiple locations throughout the city. There's free apple and cider tasting and orchard tours at Clendenen's Cider Works, a Downtown Street Fair, activities, a variety sale, and events in Rohner Park. First Saturday in October. For information visit www.fortunaappleharvest.com
NOVEMBER
Annual Holiday Craft Fair:
Jump-start your holiday shopping with this two-day fair, featuring quality, handmade crafts. Held at the River Lodge Conference Center in November.
DECEMBER
Al Gray Lighted Parade:
Bundle up and watch the big rigs, floats and other vehicles decked out in festive lights. Leaves Rohner Park and heads through downtown and back down to the Blvd. The winner will be announced at the end of the Parade at Rohner Park. For More info contact the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce (707) 725-3959 fortunachamber.com. First Friday in December.
Garden Club
Christmas Home Tour & Tea:
Take a peek at holiday decorations in lovely local homes. Locations vary. Held at the Fortuna Monday Club and throughout Fortuna in December. Sponsored by the Fortuna Garden Club.
Fortuna Christmas Music Festival: Free day of music performed by nearly 400 musicians in a variety of ensembles, choirs, and bands. Held at the River Lodge Conference Center. Second Sunday in December.
Stocking Stuff er Boutique
1st Saturday in December at the Gene Lucas Center
Al Gray Lighted Parade
Photo provided by Mary Bullwinkel Christmas
Facebook
Craft Fair
ENTERTAINMENT
PERFORMING ARTS
Fortuna Concert Series
The Fortuna Concert Series is an eight-performance event that runs September to May. These professional musical programs feature talented local groups and individuals, as well as nationally and internationally known performers. The rich and diversified programming includes classical, jazz, folk, ethnic, vocal, and instrumental music. All concerts begin at 7:30 pm at the Monday Club located at 610 Main Street. Admission $10. For more information, visit fortunaconcertseries.com.
BEAR RIVER CASINO RESORT
From the newest and friendliest slots in Humboldt County, to Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and live-action Craps, Bear River Casino Resort has it all. Take your pick, and then take your place at the center of the excitement.
Be sure to take your winning to the next level
by joining The Club at Bear River Casino Resort. Membership is free, and you’ll enjoy monthly reward offers, comps, and points for free play.
Live Music and Night Life
The newly remodeled Thirsty Bear Lounge features local and regional live music almost every weekend, as well as Karaoke, comedy shows, and DJ music. Or grab some pub grub while catching your favorite sporting event on the big screens. Choose from a number of beers on tap, as well as a wide selection of whiskey, wine, and just about every cocktail you can dream up! It is good food and good times in Humboldt’s favorite place for sports, spirits, and sounds. Concerts and Events
Located just across the street from the resort is Bear River Recreation Center, a 23,000 sq. ft. facility with an outdoor sports complex, indoor gym, and workout facilities that is an activity palace by day and easily transforms into a major event venue featuring headliner concerts, MMA fights, sporting events, and much more.
For a small town, Fortuna has quite the menu, offering an array of dining options to suit any taste and any occasion. You will find everything from mom-and-pop sandwich shops to fine cuisine. Local favorites include Hot Brew Bistro, featuring omelets, benedicts, wraps, burgers, and salads for breakfast or lunch and is dog friendly. Iconic Bob’s Footlongs is the perfect stop for a burger, hush puppies, and hot dogs. For Asian-inspired cuisine, grab a table at Kome, Humboldt’s premiere sushi house. Craving savory and sweet? Stop by Patches Pastries or Humboldt Sweets, they do it all - pastries, and
custom cakes. Pick up a fork (or a cold one) at Eel River Brewing Company, an organic microbrewery and pub with a beer garden, which serves up fingerlicking burgers, sandwiches, and tasty daily specials. Are you a foodie on the go? Swing by Clean Queen Meal Prep for delicious, pre-packaged healthy food. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Las Cazuelas or Taco Loco. If you are craving a juicy steak and cocktails, head over to Double D Steak, which offers a full bar, choice steaks, pasta, and seafood. Finish off your culinary adventure with a cold treat from Hoppy’s FroYo. All this and more awaits, so bring your appetite.
OFF THE MAP
Bear River Casino Resort
11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, (800) 761-2327
Rivers Edge Grill and Bar Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is casual dining at its finest. Mouth-watering steaks grilled to perfection. Fresh locally sourced seafood entrées and savory pastas. Specialty cocktails and decadent desserts. All made even more delicious by incredible views overlooking the lush Eel River Valley. It is the perfect place for a romantic evening, celebration, or just a simple night out to dine with good company.
Express Café Hungry but want to get back to the action fast? Enjoy a fresh pizza or a burger. Our award-winning chili is always a flavorful favorite. And for you night owls, deli sandwiches, desserts, and other choices are available.
Fernbridge Cafe & Coffee Barn
623 Fernbridge Dr, Fortuna, CA 95540
DINING
1Asia’s Best, 727 S Fortuna Blvd, (707) 682-6006
2 Aztec Grill, 875 Main St. (inside Chevron), (707) 725-4269
3Bella Italia, 1875 Riverwalk Dr., (707) 725-1600
4Bob’s Footlongs, 505 12th St., (707) 725-2016
5Burger King, 925 S. Fortuna Blvd., (707) 725-1706
36Smokin Barrels BBQ, 1095 S. Fortuna Blvd., (707) 725-9100
37Starbucks, 1095 S. Fortuna Blvd., (707) 726-7870
38Subway, 741 S. Fortuna Blvd., (707) 725-6218
39Taco Loco, 955 Main St., (707) 725-5546
40Trish’s Out of the Way Café, 2865 School Street, (707) 726-7885
34Safeway Deli, 701 S. Fortuna Blvd., (707) 725-5104
Double D Steakhouse Eel River Brewery
Photos by Amy Kumler
Lodging
Fortuna has several lodging options for any budget. Check into the luxury boutique Redwood Riverwalk Hotel, where you are a stone’s throw from Fortuna’s Riverwalk. This dog-friendly hotel also features an indoor swimming pool. The ever-reliable Comfort Inn and Suites, Best Western Country Inn, Fortuna Redwood Inn, and Super 8 by Wyndham are clean, hospitable, and conveniently located.
Brought along your RV or trailer? Set up camp at Riverwalk RV Park, which is near the Eel River and within walking distance of local eateries.
BEAR RIVER CASINO RESORT
11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, CA
Call for rates (800) 761-2327
bearrivercasino.com
Just a short drive North from Fortuna, Bear River Casino Resort offers you premier entertainment, relaxation, and recreation. Enjoy exciting gaming action in our casino, delicious dining options in any of our three dining outlets, and luxurious guest rooms.
Be sure to take a photo with “The Guardian” Bear, the tallest bear sculpture in California standing at 17 feet just outside our main hotel
entrance when you visit. Share your photos on social media using #TheGuardianBearatBRCR.
After you have wined, dined, and won, it’s time to relax in comfort in our 4-Star Hotel. Our 104 luxurious guest rooms offer everything from affordable mountain view rooms to upscale executive suites. Sweet dreams come easy as you fall asleep on a premium pillowtop mattress. Enjoy high-speed internet, large HD flat screen TV, and microwave and refrigerator are also standard. Designed to be your home away from home – you can also take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, hot soak in the whirlpool, or get your morning workout in at our fitness center.
Traveling for business? Our full-service business center with computer, printer, and wi-fi connectivity provides a place for you to take care of business so you can get back to playing!
BEST WESTERN COUNTRY INN
2021 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-6822 or (800) 679-7511 bestwestern.com
Affordable luxury accommodations including King Bed, Jacuzzi, or Double Queen Suites, Best
Western Inns on the North Coast are dedicated to cleanliness and comfort. All rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, ironing board, and hairdryer. Most rooms are non-smoking and there are designated pet rooms. Services and amenities include work desks, dedicated breakfast room, guest laundry facility, heated indoor and outdoor pool and spa, first run inroom movies and DVD players, and more!!
COMFORT INN and SUITES
1583 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-7025 or (800) 228-5150
choicehotels.com
Indoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, and meeting facilities. The Comfort Inn Hotel has interior corridors and an elevator. Large 2-room family suites are available. Some rooms include a great view of the Eel River and rolling hills. Just 20 minutes to beaches. Restaurants within walking distance. Amenities include continental breakfast, guest laundromat, microwave, modem lines in rooms, in room movies, indoor pool, radio, refrigerator, safe deposit box, cable television, and more!
The Redwood Hotel Facebook
Comfort Inn Facebook
FORTUNA REDWOOD INN
819 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-5136
Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Fortuna, Fortuna Redwood Inn is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its budget friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Fortuna Redwood Inn makes it easy to enjoy the best of Fortuna.
You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer air conditioning and a refrigerator, and you can stay connected during your stay as Fortuna Redwood Inn offers guests free Wi-Fi.
The motel features a 24-hour front desk. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
REDWOOD RIVERWALK HOTEL
1859 Alamar Way, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-5500 or (800) 483-9446 theredwoodhotel.com
On the iconic Redwood Highway (Hwy 101) and near giant trees, rugged California coast and national parks, we saw an opportunity to create a sense of place. In Humboldt County almost all franchises are represented and there was no hotel to check into and continue your redwood experience. We changed that! As your independent hotel choice in Fortuna, we strive to give “boutique hotel” service and exceptional hospitality.
Our central location serves as the ideal base camp to visit the many state parks and enjoy other outdoor activities in Humboldt County. We think of hospitality as friends taking care of friends. You can expect a small-scale, independent hotel that offers an experience with a proud sense of place.
RIVERWALK
RV PARK and CAMPGROUND
2189 Riverwalk Dr., Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (800) 705-5359 or (707) 725-3359 riverwalkrvpark.com
The Riverwalk RV Park and Campground lies nestled by the side of the beautiful Eel River. Stands of picturesque giant Sequoia
Redwood forests fill the surrounding hillsides. Immaculately maintained grounds and facilities add to the beauty and relaxed atmosphere of our park. The friendly management and staff help to make this a perfect base to visit the surrounding areas of The Redwood Coast. Enjoy camping and lodging in the redwood forest. Our services for RV campers include free high-speed wireless internet, power, water, sanitation, 60+ Cable TV channels, shower facilities, seasonal pool, year-round spa, and more.
Log Cabin Rentals. Sleeps 4 or 6. Guests in our camping cabins share the amenities of the exceptionally clean restrooms and camping kitchen facilities, with the campground. All cabins include: a front porch swing, electricity, heater, small table and chair, beds. (Bring your own bedding.) Conveniently located near each cabin: a water faucet, your own picnic table, and BBQ stand.
6 RIVERS MOTEL
531 S Fortuna Blvd, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-1181
Located close to fuel, restaurants, and shopping, 6 Rivers offers family rooms, free wi-fi, and friendly staff.
SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM
1805 Alamar Way, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-2888 or (800) 800-8000 wyndhamhotels.com
All Super 8 Motels offer consistently clean and friendly accommodations and services. Enjoy a scrumptious complimentary breakfast that includes freshly brewed coffee, pastries, cereals, and more. If you are traveling on business, catch up on pending work at our business center that is well-equipped with free Wi-Fi and a computer. During your stay we are sure that you will find that one of our rooms will satisfy your corporate requirements or leisure needs. We have various room types available for you to choose from. This Super 8 is a great place to stay and enjoy Redwood Coast lodging.
TRAVEL INN
275 12th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
Call for rates (707) 725-6993
Located in Sunny Fortuna, just 20 miles north of the Avenue of the Giants and only minutes away from the Victorian Village of Ferndale. We have 25 guest rooms, all with telephone and cable/satellite television, and our friendly and helpful staff provide clean and well cared for accommodations. Groups welcome, ask for Travel Inn group bookings and group travel packages, a deal for group travel, or a group travel discount. The Travel Inn is also the perfect place to hold a corporate event such as team building, sales meetings, board of director meetings, or just corporate hospitality.
Best Western Facebook
EVENT VENUES & PLANNING
Overlooking the scenic Eel River, River Lodge offers an exceptional setting for meetings, celebrations, and special events. With more than 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space across beautifully appointed rooms, the venue can accommodate groups from 2 to 350 guests banquet-style, or up to 450 in theater-style seating.
All rooms feature newly installed, state-of-theart multimedia presentation systems, making River Lodge ideal for both business and social gatherings. From conferences and weddings to reunions, banquets, and performances, the award-winning River Lodge Conference Center is designed to host events of all sizes. A full commercial kitchen is also available for rentals. For more information, call (707) 725-7527.
Fortuna River Lodge Photo courtesy of Carol Niles Photography
The Monday Club boasts a small stage, excellent acoustics, and a charming setting. The Monday Club is the perfect event venue for baby and bridal showers, small weddings, birthdays, memorial services, meetings, musical performances, and more. For information, call (707) 725-7572.
The Gene Lucas Community Center is located adjacent to Newburg Park. This 22,000 squarefoot facility provides an event space and houses the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Paso o Paso, the McLean Foundation offices, and others. For information, call (707) 725-1722.
Veterans Memorial Building
1426 Main Street
Fortuna Veteran’s Memorial Building hosts Walker Bailey American Legion Post 205 and VFW Post 2207. The building is also available for rental for events. For rental information, call (707) 725-4480.
Firemen’s Pavilion
5 Park Street
Located inside Rohner Park, the Fireman’s Pavilion is available for large events, weddings, receptions, basketball games, and craft fairs. For rental information, call (707) 725-7620.
ACCOMMODATIONS
See Lodging options on pages 20-21.
FLOWERS
Garcia’s Florist, 1741 Main Street, garciasflorist.com, (707) 725-6792
Gene Lucas Community Center Photo by Mary Bullwinkel
Fortuna Monday Club
Veterans Memorial Building
Community Guide
Area Code is 707 unless otherwise noted.
ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
Eel River Freemasons
Eel River Empire Lodge #147 was founded in 1861. The mission of the lodge is to encourage personal growth and improve the lives of others, guided by the principles of their fraternity: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. For more information, please call (707) 725-2335.
Fortuna Garden Club
The Garden Club is dedicated to beautifying Fortuna. They have sponsored parade floats, hosted tea parties, assisted victims of the 1964 flood, put in landscaping at the River Lodge, City Hall, and the Fortuna Chamber, held garden contests, and organized Junior and High School gardening programs. Their volunteers lovingly maintain all of the flower beds in Downtown, host potlucks and picnics, put on the Annual Daffodil Show and Holiday Home Tour and Tea, plant trees on Arbor Day, and much more! The Fortuna Garden Club meets at 1:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Monday Club, 610 Main Street. For information, attend an upcoming meeting or visit facebook.com/ FortunaGardenClub.
Kiwanis Club
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. For information, visit fortunakiwanis.com.
Native Sons of the Golden West
Native Sons are 18 years of age and older and committed to making their community a better place while preserving the great heritage of California. Being a Native Son is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community and exercising the precepts of Friendship, Loyalty, and Charity while interacting with friends. For more information, visit nsgw.org
Rotary International
Organization of businesses and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary is an international organization with a strong community presence. Fortuna is home to two rotary clubs – Fortuna Sunrise and Fortuna Noon. For information, visit fortunarotary.org or fortunasunriserotary.org.
Eel River. Photo by Katy Roe
Soroptimists of the Eel River Valley
A driven group of professional women dedicated to helping women and children in the community. They spend volunteer time and money as well as organize community projects and fundraisers for opportunities such as: scholarships, education, or even lending a hand through their sisterhood. For information, contact sieelrivervalley@outlook.com.
SHOPPING
Van Duzen River Grange #517
5250 CA-36, Carlotta, CA
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2207
1426 Main St. Fortuna (707) 725-4480
https://fortunalegion205.org/
Fortuna’s retail stores, building suppliers, and professional services make it an important shopping place for Northern Humboldt. Four main shopping areas include Downtown Fortuna, Redwood Village Shopping Center, Mid-Towne Plaza, and Strongs Creek Plaza, which features boutiques, professional services, restaurants, bars, groceries, coffee houses, pharmacies, antique stores, thrift stores, banks, a post office, and City Hall. Be sure to dip into The Fortuna Farmhouse for locally made gifts, products and refilling station or Haute Hoarder for your Vintage trends. For unique upcycled finds check out The Shire Fortuna, Redwood Thrift, Cuddly Bear Thrift, Miranda’s Rescue, Found in Fortuna or Tabitha’s Place. For elegant rings, necklaces, and more be sure to stop in Ferndale Jewelers or, Humboldt Legacy Jewelers Are you a book lover? Visit The Buff alo Book Club located at 726 13th St Suite B you will find new
and used books for all ages. Look no further for all your camping and sporting good needs at Sport ‘n’ Cycle. Find your next gem at Chapman’s Gem & Mineral Shop or visit their museum for a unique collection of prehistoric fossils and gems. Located four miles south of Fortuna off the 101.
Walker Bailey American Legion Post 205
1426 Main St. Fortuna (707) 725-4480
Continued on next page
https://fortunalegion205.org/ Sport N Cycle
Downtown Fortuna. Photo courtesy of Mary Bullwinkel.
The Shire Fortuna
The Fortuna Farmhouse 1122 Main St.
Continued from previous page
HEALTH CARE
Fortuna is home to a variety of private practice medical professionals in the fields of dentistry, orthodontia, chiropractic, massage therapy, behavioral health, and pediatrics.
Redwood Memorial Hospital
3300 Renner Dr, (707) 725-3361
Located in the heart of Fortuna, Redwood Memorial Hospital is a full-service, 25-bed critical access hospital that features a 24-hour emergency room and OB/GYN services.
Fortuna Open Door
Community Health Center
3750 Rohnerville Rd, (707) 725-4477
A state- of-the-art, 32,000 square-foot facility that provides medical, dental, tele-medicine, and behavioral health services. The Health Center has a total of 30 medical exam rooms, 7 dental operatories, a diagnostic laboratory, a medication dispensary, and much more. There are also independent physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, physical therapy, and counseling services for all your health needs.
Humboldt NeuroHealth Therapeutic Services
3429 Renner Dr, (707) 296-9295
humboldtneurohealth.org
Humboldt NeuroHealth specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, and neurological disorders for children and adults.
Redwoods Rural Health Center
930 S. Fortuna Blvd, (707) 353-2162
Redwoods Rural Health Center was estab-
lished in 1976 as a healthcare provider focused on delivering responsive, preventive, high quality primary health care services, through a variety of healing disciplines, to all people without regard to social or economic status.
Fortuna Family Medical Group
874 Main Street, (707) 725-3334
Nestled in the heart of Redwood Country, Fortuna Family Medical Group is one of a very few privately owned medical practices in Humboldt County. First opened in 1948, FFMG provides a lifestyle focused, spiritually based model of medical practice.
HELPFUL CONTACTS
Area Code is 707 unless otherwise noted.
ANIMAL/VET CARE SERVICE
Barky Dogz Bath House, (707) 725-7902
Critters Without Litters, 309 Fernbridge Dr. (707) 682-6366
Deb’s Bark Avenue Grooming, (707) 726-9111
Fortuna Veterinary Group, (707) 725-6131
Love N Suds Grooming, (707) 725-6900
Whiskers City Boarding, 1257 Riverwalk Dr. (707) 682-6030
Ancient Redwoods Resort, 28101 Avenue of the Giants, Redcrest, (707) 722-1910
Redcrest Resort & Gift Shop, 26459 Avenue of the Giants, Redcrest, (707) 722-4208
Riverwalk RV Park, 2189 Riverwalk Dr, (707) 725-3359
SERVICES (other)
Humboldt Domestic Violence, (707) 443-6042
SCHOOLS
Fortuna Elementary School District
Fortuna Junior Academy, (707) 725-2988
Fortuna Middle School, (707) 725-2293
Linell K. Walker Elementary School, (707) 725-2519
Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary School, (707) 725-4688
Redwood Preparatory Charter School, (707) 682-6149
Toddy Thomas Elementary School, (707) 725-5197
Fortuna Union High School District
Academy of the Redwoods, (707) 476-4577
East High School, (707) 725-4461 x3021
Fortuna Union High School, (707) 725-2244
New Life Christian School, (707) 725-9136
Colleges
College of the Redwoods, (707) 476-4100
Cal Poly Humboldt University, (707) 826-3011
TRASH/RECYCLING SERVICES
Recology, 965 Riverwalk Drive, (707) 725-5156
Hambro Recycling, 591 Main St. (707) 954-3418
WIRELESS SERVICE
Verizon Wireless, (800) 922-0204
New Trend Wireless, 1095 S. Fortuna Bl, (707) 726-7782
AT&T, (866) 597-0927
US Cellular, (888) 944-9400
Continued on next page
Community guide
Continued from previous page
HIGHER LEARNING
Cal Poly Humboldt 1 Harpst St, Arcata, CA 95521 (866) 850-9556 humboldt.edu
Cal Poly Humboldt sits on the North Coast, where the redwoods and Pacific Ocean meet. As the third polytechnic in the state and first in Northern California, we emphasize STEM and have a strong foundation in liberal arts. Still, we’re more than a university. We’re part of a distinct place that inspires how and what we teach. We’ve also added several new high-demand programs that are designed to meet the needs of California’s workforce. Not surprisingly, we’re consistently ranked among the best public schools in the West, according to U.S. News & World Report. Faculty, students, and researchers are grappling with today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. And they’re making an impact here, in the state, and beyond. Here, our diverse students learn outside the classroom. They learn from the forests and ocean, and from the rich cultures of the region. It’s no wonder Cal Poly Humboldt has become a leader in natural resources and sciences. And our thriving liberal arts programs are integral to our interdisciplinary approach because we believe they’re essential in developing the critical thinking skills and creativity that are needed more than ever.
What really makes us stand apart is our curriculum, which is approached through a lens of sustainability and social justice, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives from groups who have gone unheard. Amplifying these voices isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the Humboldt educational experience that uplifts our students who, in turn, will uplift others in their professions and communities after graduation.
Cal Poly Humboldt campus and students. Photos courtesy of Cal Poly Humboldt
College of the Redwoods
7351 Thompkins Hill Rd., Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 476-4197 redwoods.edu
"A Hidden Gem, Up in the Trees," with towering redwoods across the campus and a redwood forest as a backdrop, College of the Redwoods (CR) has one of the most stunning campuses in the country.
And if you’re looking for value, CR is unparalleled. We offer low costs, small class sizes and exceptional, accomplished faculty who work hard to connect with students and to connect students to their potential.
We award Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees as well as a wide variety of career technical certificates for vocational and professional development. CR is an accredited, two-year institution that has articulation agreements with major four-year universities and we are committed to the success of each student.
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity among students, faculty, and staff. We partner with the community to contribute to the economic vitality and lifelong learning needs of our service area. We continually assess student learning and institutional performance which leads directly to the continuous improvement of our curriculum, programs and services.
College of the Redwoods is dedicated to our mission enabling all students to experience an educational journey that is intellectually, socially, and personally transformative. We inspire participatory citizenship grounded in critical thinking and an engaged student body.
Continued on next page
unless otherwise noted.
College of the Redwoods campus and students. Photo courtesy of College of the Redwoods Area Code is 707
Continued from previous page
SOCIAL & SENIOR SERVICES
Area 1 Agency on Aging
434 Seventh St, Eureka, CA 95501, a1aa.org
Helps seniors find community resources and publishes the Senior Information Guide, a categorized phone and internet directory of programs and services relating to seniors. For information, call (707) 273-3659.
Breast and GYN Health Project
987 Eighth St, Arcata, CA 95521, hcbhp.org
Community resource of support and education for those facing a breast health concern, gynecologic cancer concern, or a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer. For information, call (707) 825-8345.
Fortuna Adventist Community Services
2331 Rohnerville Rd, Fortuna, CA 95540 fortunaacs.com
Serving the Eel River Valley, provides info on community resources and operates a thrift store, community garden, clothing closet, and
food pantry. Bilingual staff available. For information, call (707) 725-1166.
Fortuna Family Resource Center
2089 Newburg Rd, Fortuna, CA 95540
sfe-fesdca.schoolloop.com/frc
Services and/or referrals include food assistance, health services, student and family support, counseling, clothing vouchers, tutoring, playgroups, free internet/fax, computer, community events and activities and job support. For information, call (707) 725-9082.
Fortuna Rehabilitation Center 2321 Newburg Rd, Fortuna, CA 95540 fortunarehabwc.com
Offering short-term and long-term care with programs that include various forms of therapy including Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy. High quality, 24-hour nursing care. They also provide bereavement support for families with a local hospice agency. For information, call (707) 725-4467.
Fortuna Senior Bus 5 Park St, Fortuna, CA 95540
Reservation and dispatcher-based system, which means you call dispatchers to schedule the times you need the bus.
Buses servicing seniors and persons with disabilities (disability under 50 with doctor’s note) $2.50/ride or 15 trips for $22.50. For information, call (707) 725-7625.
Fortuna Senior Center
3800 Rohnerville Rd, Ste. B, Fortuna, CA 95540, fortunasenior.org
Links seniors with health and fitness, educational, social, recreational, financial, legal, and other necessary service organizations, primarily in the immediate Fortuna area. Most are free of charge. For information, call (707) 726-9203. Humboldt Literacy Project 922 N St., Fortuna, CA 95540, facebook.com/HumboldtLiteracyProject
Teaching adults the literacy skills they need on the job, at home, and in the community. For information, call (707) 725-0655.
Humboldt Senior Resource Center
1910 California St, Eureka, CA 95501 humsenior.org
This licensed, therapeutic day program offers comprehensive care, activities, health monitoring, therapies, social services, meals, and transportation for adults age 18 and older with chronic conditions or disabilities. The program is designed to help participants stay mentally and physically active, reduce isolation, improve or maintain their health, and prevent decline of their abilities. Locations in Eureka and Fortuna. For information, call (707) 443-9747.
Lutheran Home for the Aging (707) 725-5923
www.lutheranhomeofhumboldtcounty.com
Sequoia Springs Senior Living (707) 726-0111
www.sequoiasprings-sl.com/
Visiting Angels
1719 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540 visitingangels.com/eureka/home
A national network of elder care agencies committed to providing families with the best possible in-home care. Serving Fortuna and Eureka. For information, please call (707) 725-3611.
Wood Street Chapel Foster Closet 1649 Wood St., Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-5507
A small dairy community just north of Fortuna, Loleta offers family entertainment at Bear River Family Entertainment Center, horseback riding, hang gliding at Table Bluff, and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Antique Show - One of the largest antique shows in Northern California..
