Crescent City - California

Crescent City, California

Beautifully-situated on the northern California coast, this small city of 8,000 is about 20 miles south of the Oregon border. It is blessed with lush redwood forests, kept green by the annual average rainfall of 75 inches which makes it a very wet place. The climate is moderated by the proximity of the ocean, and features warm summers and cool winters.

The Crescent City Lighthouse, also called Battery Point Lighthouse, has stood since 1855, undergoing various repairs and upgrades. In 1964, it was strong enough to withstand a tsunami which resulted from a 9.2 magnitude earthquake, a record for the northern hemisphere. At high tide, the lighthouse is located on an island, but low tide reveals the attached spit which can be reached by a walk over the rocky beach.

A rich offshore fishing grounds supports a thriving fishing industry in Del Norte County of which Crescent City is the principal centre. Smith River is California's largest wild river system with whitewater stretches, gorges and waterfalls and forest trails along the river offering glimpses of the river.

Seal colonies are visible on the beaches near the city, a source of amusement for tourists and townsfolk. The Northcoast Marine Mammal Centre, located in a city park, is concerned with the rescue of seals and sea lions as well as the large mammals, dolphins, porpoises and whales. These animals have sustained damage from human and commercial activity. The centre is dependent on donations and provides rescue and rehabilitation for the marine mammals of the northern California coast.

recently (2009) cited as one of the prettiest towns in America (Times-Standard newspaper)
Battery Point Lighthouse
Pelican State Beach
Beach Front Park which includes the Northcoast Marine Mammal Centre
Lake Earl State Wildlife Area
Redwood National Park, with California's largest redwoods
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Forest
Del Norte County Historical Museum
Smith and Klamath Rivers
Smith River National Recreation Area
river rafting adventures
fishing in Smith River
Ocean World