Del Norte County

Del Norte County is an administrative region in the far northwest of California, on the Oregon border and along the Pacific coast. The area includes dense coastal forests, several large river valleys, and a narrow strip of sandy beaches washed by cold ocean water.

The region was created in 1857 from parts of Klamath County during the California Gold Rush, when settlers and prospectors came to the northwest coast. Crescent City was established as the administrative seat and served as a port for transporting timber and minerals.

The Tolowa and other indigenous peoples used the coast and rivers for fishing and trade over thousands of years. Their descendants still hold traditional ceremonies at sacred sites along the Smith River today.

Most public facilities are located in Crescent City, while rural areas are often difficult to reach and have few paved roads. When traveling into remote forest areas, check weather conditions and road status in advance.

The coast is one of the foggiest zones in the entire western United States, with thick fog almost every summer day. This fog nourishes the coast redwoods and creates an almost fairy-tale landscape when walking through the forests.

Location: California

Inception: 1857

Capital city: Crescent City

Shares border with: Curry County, Humboldt County, Josephine County, Siskiyou County

Website: http://co.del-norte.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 41.74000,-123.96000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:36