Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
State Park · Leggett, California
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area lies in northern Mendocino County beside Highway 101, a mile or two from Leggett, and it is among the first big redwood stops for drivers heading north from the Bay Area. The South Fork of the Eel River runs through the park, cutting pools and gravel bars below stands of old-growth and second-growth redwoods. The best-known tree is the Miles Standish Tree, a giant, fire-scarred redwood reached on a short loop - confirm the trail length and whether a seasonal footbridge is in place, because the river must be crossed to reach the far bank. A campground sits among the trees - confirm size and booking rules. Summers are hot and dry inland, so the river pools draw swimmers, while fog and cool air belong to the coast, not here. In winter the river runs high and fast and steelhead come upstream - confirm. Highway 101 noise reaches parts of the park. Richardson Grove State Park is a separate place to the north. Plan on half a day for the tree and a swim, or a night if you camp.
69000 US-101, Leggett, California, 95585, United States
Day use runs from about sunrise to sunset, and the campground has its own check-in and check-out times, normally booked ahead through the California State Parks reservation system - confirm both. A pay station or ranger collects the day-use fee, which is around 8 dollars a vehicle; confirm the current amount. The seasonal footbridge across the Eel River is only in place in the dry months, so access to the far bank and the big tree changes with the calendar and with storms. Winter floods can close riverside areas, and summer fire danger can restrict stoves and fires. Check the State Parks page and local road notices on the day you go.
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