Native Attractions that Preserve and Celebrate Native American Heritage in Del Norte County, California

Native Attractions for Enjoying Pure Northern California Nature

(Del Norte County, California) Visit the ancestral lands of the Tolowa and Yurok People in Northern California for an action-packed travel itinerary teeming with indigenous-owned attractions and businesses that are as unique as the region itself. Visitors will learn about the Native American heritage of the area as well as the four federally recognized tribes – Elk Valley Rancheria, Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Yurok Tribe – that have called Del Norte County home since time immemorial.

ANNUAL EVENTS

There are two Native American festivals not to miss in Del Norte County. Both festivals invite the public to learn more about their culture. The annual Klamath Salmon Festival honors the annual salmon run every August in Klamath, California. The Klamath and Smith Rivers are the top salmon and steelhead fishing rivers in the U.S. The festival features traditionally cooked salmon dinners, a highly-competitive stick game competition, a fun run, and Native American art and activities for the kids. Dee-ni’ Day is the celebration of Tolowa People and their culture. The full day celebration is held in Smith River, California happening the first Saturday following Labor Day by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. The event features traditionally prepared sand bread, a regalia showcase, many cultural demonstrations including an Indigenous art show, vendors and competitive games like shell dice and stick games, and horseshoes to win cash prizes.

ATTRACTIONS, LODGING & THINGS TO DO

Redwood National Park Trails with Native Heritage in Del Norte County:

Hiouchi Trail: The Hiouchi Trail “Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm” translated to high status stream/river trail in the Tolowa language is a short trail, near the Hiouchi Fire Station, located on the ancestral land of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. This bike and dog-friendly trail is roughly one-mile and is a safe way to walk from scenic Highway 199 to access Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park and its phenomenal redwood groves. This trail was made possible by a partnership between the National Park and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation.

Grove of Titans Trail: This 3.4 mile trail offers a profound hiking experience to see some of the largest known coastal redwood trees on the planet. Delve into the ancient stories of this land by following the award-winning interpretive signs that are in the native Tolowa language.

NEW Elk Viewing Trail Opening Spring 2026: Elk Valley Rancheria, located in Crescent City, is opening a wildlife hiking trail experience to view herds of majestic Roosevelt elk. The nature trails take you through lush prairies and coastal redwood forests to elk viewing platforms and picnic areas, plus there will be accessible trail access for those with mobility issues.

Dine with Elk: Gaze at elk while you lunch. The floor to ceiling windows at Warriors Bar & Grill restaurant, located within Elk Valley Casino, provide the perfect wildlife viewing experience from your table.

Elk Valley Casino: This casino in Crescent City has over 300 slots, bingo and card games. The casino hosts regular live music and entertainment at the on-site Betty Green Event Center which can hold up to 300 people.

NEW Tolowa Cultural Trail Opening April 25, 2026: The Tolowa Cultural Trail will be opening at Crescent City’s Beachfront Park in January 2026 to serve as a memorial as well as share and preserve the cultural heritage of the Taa-la-wa-dee-ni’. The Pebble Mosaic is a public art installation that tells the story of the Taa-laa-wa-dee-ni’ before European invasion and after. Visitors are encouraged to follow the path of the Tolowa Cultural Trail to learn more. Learn more.

Bre’s Boutique: Breanna Richards, a member of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, owns and operates a trendy boho-ish boutique in downtown Crescent City. Shop for the latest in denim, wispy dresses or style your own custom trucker hat from Bre’s hat bar with clever patches, baubles and all kinds of girly goodness.

Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Howonquet Village and Resort: Located at the mouth of the Smith River, Howonquet Village and Resort has easy river access to launch your kayaks, canoes or stand up paddleboards. Stay over in one of their riverfront vacation rentals. They also have a gathering hall for large group events, weddings and family reunions.

Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel: Perched along the Pacific Ocean in Smith River, the 71-room hotel and casino boasts Blackjack tables, slots, spacious luxurious rooms (with ocean views), a burger bar, restaurant and lounge, plus a geothermal pool and hot tub. Host a corporate event in one of their state-of-the-art meeting rooms. The adjacent Fuel Mart is a good stop for coffee and to pick up souvenirs at the gift shop.

Blue Creek Guide Service: Pergish Carlson is a Yurok tribe member who has been operating a fishing guide service on the Klamath River since 2004. Learn more.

Morgan Clayburn’s Guide Service: As a member of the Yurok tribe, Morgan offers guided fishing trips by boat on the Klamath River for families and individuals.

Paul’s Famous Smoked Salmon: If you get skunked after a day of fishing, head here for freshly smoked salmon on-site as well as other gourmet snacks.

Redwood Hotel & Casino: Enjoy gaming or a hearty meal at the Abalone Bar & Grill after a day of hiking at nearby Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park only five miles away. The hotel’s premium linens, comfy beds and high-end touches will ensure you get a good night’s rest.

Klamath Jet Boat Tours: Take an exhilarating 45-mile tour that takes you to the mouth of the Klamath River where it meets the Pacific Ocean followed by an upriver adventure filled with wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and thrilling splashes. Tours operate seasonally from late spring through September.

Look for the once extinct California condor soaring overhead while you explore Del Norte County. The Yurok Tribe has been instrumental in reintroducing the condor (prey-go-neesh in Yurok). Watch the condor cam!

NEW Glamping on the Klamath River at Redwood RV Park: New glamping tents along the Klamath river – wake up to the river! Pitch your tent or bring the RV to this riverfront campground and RV park in Klamath. Rent a boat slip for river cruising and fishing on the Klamath.

Redwood Yurok Canoe Tours: Paddle the Klamath River in a hand-carved redwood canoe while learning of Yurok lore and watching for local wildlife. This one-of-a-kind tour was recently named by Sunset Magazine as one of the “Best Adventure Trips in the West” and awarded a 2025 travel award. Tours available from late spring through September.

Historic Requa Inn: Built in 1914, the historic inn overlooks the Klamath River and is famous for its delicious breakfast as well as 14 en-suite rooms each with their own unique decor. Many rooms feature clawfoot tubs and tasteful antiques while a porch overlooking the river and large cozy fireplace in the lounge are ideal spots for quiet days inside reading, sipping wine and playing board games. If you need more space, rent the Requa House up the road which has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Requa Inn is open to the public for breakfast. Learn more.

Riverside RV Park: Recently updated, this RV park is conveniently located next Paul’s Famous Smoked Salmon and the popular Klamath Jet Boat Tours. Learn more.

Drive the Yurok Scenic Byways: The Yurok Scenic Byways exist within the ancestral territory of the Yurok. The route extends along Highway 101 from Del Norte Coast Redwood National & State Park’s Damnation Creek area south to Prairie Creek Redwood National & State Park and beyond. Follow the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, south of Klamath, to visit Fern Canyon, Big Tree, Freshwater Lagoon and Stone Lagoon. View the map.

Learn About Northern California Tribes at these Local Museums

Visit Yurok Country Visitor Center: The visitor center features an extraordinary collection on display, including locally made jewelry, art and baskets available for purchase. The museum also tells the story of the undamming of the Klamath River, a groundbreaking, multi-decade initiative spearheaded by tribal communities to restore the Klamath River and rebuild populations of salmon and steelhead.

The Museum at Elk Valley Rancheria: Located in the tribal administration building, this museum includes a beautiful exhibit of clothing, baskets, artifacts and more. Open daily 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.

The End of the Trail Collection at Trees of Mystery: This free attraction inside the Trees of Mystery gift shop displays an impressive personal collection of California Native history by Marylee Thompson Smith that opened in 1968.

Del Norte Historical Society Museum: Located in downtown Crescent City, the Tolowa/Yurok room features an impressive collection of local Native American artifacts, including one of the premier collections of baskets in Northern California. Open year-round and special tours can be arranged.

About Visit Del Norte County
Visit Del Norte County is the official brand of the Crescent City-Del Norte County Visitor Bureau which serves as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting tourism within Del Norte County, California — including the communities, lodging and attractions within Crescent City, Smith River, Klamath, Hiouchi and Gasquet. To learn more, request a visitor guide, or to plan your vacation, go to www.VisitDelNorteCounty.com.

PRESS CONTACTS

Lynnette Braillard 541-350-0594, hello@visitdelnortecounty.com

Cindy Vosburg 707-464-3174, director@delnorte.org

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