Humboldt County, it needs no introduction (but we’re going to do it anyway). The unofficial Cannabis capital of California, there’s not a Cannabis enthusiast alive who hasn’t heard of it. Comprised of 4,052 square-miles of mostly rural landscapes including mountains, redwood forests, and of course a beautiful 100+ miles of coastline, it’s a bucolic paradise. But while its reputation precedes it, it’s not all about the weed, man.

Originally inhabited by a variety of native tribes, the area that was to become Humboldt County was first visited by Europeans in 1775 when the Spanish landed on what would become the coastal town of Trinidad. It wasn’t until 1850 however, that Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne christened the port of Humboldt Bay, naming it after Alexander von Humboldt, the explorer and naturalist. Humboldt county was incorporated in 1853.

Modern Humboldt County and its Cannabis association was a result of a “hippie migration” during the 1960s. Drawn in by cheap property and a desire to live off the land, the counterculture settled into an agrarian life, growing Cannabis alongside their food crops. While they didn’t originally intend to grow Cannabis commercially, President Nixon’s “War on Drugs” ramped up demand for cannabis, and Humboldt pot farmers began to fill that demand. US trade embargoes against Mexico and the active destruction of Mexico’s Cannabis farms by the US government depleted the supply of cannabis nationwide. Though Colombia was quick to pick up the slack in supply, Humboldt County became the hotbed of Cannabis cultivation in California, and a new economy was born.

While Humboldt County gets the bulk of the recognition, it’s part of a larger tri-county Cannabis culture made up of Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt counties. Dubbed the “Emerald Triangle,” the region at one time produced over 70% of non-imported Cannabis consumed in the US.

But as we said, it’s not all about weed. Humboldt County is full of fun for outdoor types, artisans, and history buffs.

Even if you’re visiting the region to sample some Cannabis culture, chances are you’re going to want to do more than toke up in your Airbnb. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find some Cannabis and non-Cannabis things to do and see.

Cannabis Attractions

We wouldn’t be Growers Network without talking about Cannabis. For the enthusiast or the cannacurious, there are a multitude of weed-themed activities: farm and dispensary tours, cooking with Cannabis classes, Cannabis Spa treatments, and more. Humboldt Cannabis Tours will even pick you up anywhere in the world in a private jet and drop you into the heart of the Emerald Triangle for a customized visit.

Other Attractions

Humboldt County has some of the most beautiful natural spots in the world. The region is home to 40% of the country’s old growth redwood forests. Parks in the area include:

1. Redwood National Park
2. Six Rivers National Forest
3. Shasta-Trinity National Forest

And if the forest isn’t your thing, you can go whale watching by boat or from the cliffs of the pristine northern California coast. Additionally, there are kayak tours, harbor boat rides, and even an oyster tour. Not the outdoor type? You can also check out the Loleta Cheese Factory tour or take a haunted history tour in Eureka, the county seat of Humboldt.

So as you can see, Humboldt County has a rich history and a lot to offer whether you're interested in Cannabis, beautiful natural sites, or even cheese. But wait! I almost forgot the best part of Humboldt! Did you know that Canna Cribs episode 5 features Humboldt’s own Honeydew Farms? You do now. Look for it next week, but until then, check out the trailer!

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