On the Eel River, 2 miles south of Garberville, the 26-acre Benbow Lake exists when a seasonal dam forms the lake during summer, but current budget cuts and environmental concerns have prevented this from happening in recent years.
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
North Coast & Redwoods
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.53 MILES
Along Hwy 101, 53,000-acre Humboldt Redwoods State Park protects some of the world's oldest redwoods and has three-quarters of the world's tallest 100…
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
25.5 MILES
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…
3.17 MILES
Fifteen miles to the north of Leggett, and bisected by the Eel River, serene Richardson Grove occupies 2000 acres of virgin forest. Many trees are over…
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
12.75 MILES
Lose yourself under giant redwoods. You will also find river swimming and fishing, as well as 9 miles of hiking trails in virgin and second-growth…
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree Park
14.85 MILES
Fold in your mirrors and inch forward, then cool off in the uber-kitcschy gift shop.
14.49 MILES
It's not the greatest of the drive thru tree options in these parts (more of a large slit in the tree), but if you want a snap to impress the folks back…
Nearby North Coast & Redwoods attractions
1. Richardson Grove State Park
3.17 MILES
Fifteen miles to the north of Leggett, and bisected by the Eel River, serene Richardson Grove occupies 2000 acres of virgin forest. Many trees are over…
2. Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
12.75 MILES
Lose yourself under giant redwoods. You will also find river swimming and fishing, as well as 9 miles of hiking trails in virgin and second-growth…
14.49 MILES
It's not the greatest of the drive thru tree options in these parts (more of a large slit in the tree), but if you want a snap to impress the folks back…
4. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree Park
14.85 MILES
Fold in your mirrors and inch forward, then cool off in the uber-kitcschy gift shop.
5. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
17.53 MILES
Along Hwy 101, 53,000-acre Humboldt Redwoods State Park protects some of the world's oldest redwoods and has three-quarters of the world's tallest 100…
6. Westport-Union Landing State Beach
25.5 MILES
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…