About the Area

Stroll Ferndale's historic Main Street district to explore antique shops, galleries, one-of-a-kind specialty shops and studios. All are within walking distance of The Shaw House Inn.
This picturesque village is also perfect for a bicycle ride, especially with a picnic basket. Or take a river tour with a wildlife expert.
Only a few blocks away, you can surround yourself in the solitude of a closed canopy forest with a nature hike in Russ Park, Ferndale's 110 acre bird sanctuary.
A visit to nearby redwood forests is the rejuvenation your soul seeks. Sit and soak it in, or go fly fishing, or canoeing. A short drive takes you to the black sand beaches of the Lost Coast where you can observe majestic, native eagles and experience the beauty and mystique of the world's edge.
Whatever you choose, remember to bring your camera!
After a day of exploration, return to the Inn for afternoon tea and a hot soak in your claw-foot tub, or relax in one of our beautifully decorated parlors.
Stroll to town for a candlelight dinner at one of Ferndale's fine restaurants. Finish with an evening of theater, or wander back to the Inn to relax with a book and a glass of wine by the warmth of the fire, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the Shaw House.
Links to Other Activities



- Current Events — The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce provides this page of what's happening in and around Ferndale.
- Victorian shops and galleries along Main Street
- The Ferndale Museum (corner of Shaw and 3rd Street), open Wed. - Sat. 11am-4pm, Sun. 1-4pm (open Tues., June-Sept.) 786-4466
- The Ferndale Repertory Theatre which was established in 1972 is Humboldt County's oldest and largest performing arts organization, producing six to ten productions annually.
- Bear River Casino
- Redwoods, parks, beaches and more: many choices both north and south, for hiking, beach combing, nature walks and more. Ask one of our staff to suggest the best itinerary for your schedule and interests.
- Redwood Ecology is a website where you can learn more about the Redwood forests. The Times-Standard describes the website: "The new site features interactive pages that allows users to explore old-growth forests, from banana slugs to Roosevelt elk and demonstrates how each member of the redwood community works together."
- Headwaters Forest — he world famous grove is just a short drive from Ferndale. Here are several links for you to explore regarding the recently saved old growth redwoods:
- BLM's Arcata Field Office Site — Information fact sheet regarding the transfer of the Headwaters Forest into public land.
- Headwaters Forest Coalition &mdash View an interactive tour of the forest and learn about the animals that call the forest home such as the marbled murrelet.
- San Francisco Chronicle Article about Headwaters Forest
Link to Visitor Guides
- California's Redwood Coast — The official website of the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Official California Tourism Guide