The Sinkyone Indians, who lived in this region for thousands of years, had relatively little impact on the redwood forest. They were hunters and gatherers for whom salmon and tanoak acorns were staples. Redwood planks were used for housing. Redwood root fibers were used for basket making. Redwood logs were used to make canoes. As elsewhere in California, the gold rush changed their way of life forever.

Beginning in 1850, many non-native people began to pass through and settle in the area. They established homesteads, built railroads, and developed large-scale logging operations to harvest the trees.

In 1917, the organizers of the Save-the- Redwoods League visited the area and saw that the magnificent redwood forests of this area would be lost within a few years unless something was done to save them. Their concern and foresight led to the creation of the League in 1918. Through their efforts, the first acres were purchased, legislation was established that led to the development of a statewide system of parks, and the first state park bond act provided $6 million in matching funds for the acquisition of additional redwood forest lands.

Today, Humboldt Redwoods State Park includes more than 52,000 acres offering magnificent groves of old growth coast redwoods. The park offers: more than 100 miles of hiking trails; fishing canoeing and Swimming in the Eel River; family, group, horse, bicycle and backpack camps; a visitor center with exhibits and bookstore; scenic drives; and seasonal interpretive programs such as campfires, nature walks, and Junior Ranger programs.