Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area

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General Information

Standish-Hikcey Recreation Area is a relatively small park located in Northern California, west of the large Mendocino Forest, and just east of the Pacific Ocean coastline to the west.

There are a number of popular recreational activities at the park such as camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and swimming on the Eel River.

Trailheads

We currently do not have any record of trailheads in this park.

Routes and Trails You Can Travel

We currently do not have any record of good routes in this park.

Hiking

Hiking at the park changes with conditions. The Eel River is prone to become overfilled with water during the rain seasons. When that happens, the water spills over to the trails, making many patches of the trails impossible to pass. If you plan to hike here during late Fall, Winter, or early Spring, it is a good idea to call the park and inquire about availability of the trails and whether there are any closures.

Trails

One very popular trail at the park among fans of Redwood trees is the Grove Trail which leads through patches of remaining redwood trees.

There are two other popular trails at the park: Big Tree Trail which is a 2-mile loop, and Mill Creek Trails which is a 6 mile loop.

Climate and Weather

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Northern California does not have all seasons. Instead, the climate is shaped largely by the Pacific Ocean which brings in winds, fog, and ever-changing weather. If you are hiking or camping in the park, dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing to changing weather conditions.

Summer months are dry season in the area and there isn't much rain. But late Fall, Winter, and early Spring tend to have lots of rainfall, so make sure you are prepared for that.

History

The Standish-Hickey was originally meant to be a campground only. The area was acquired as a campground by the Save-the-Redwoods League in 1922. Over time, there were additional patches of land that were added to Standish-Hickey. A substantial addition was made in the late 1950s, when the park gained about 500 acres which were donated by the Standish family.

Earlier during the 20th century and during the late 19th, this area was part of the general gold rush, which happened nearly all over what is now the west part of Northern California. After the gold rush, there was a rush to cut down the amazing redwood trees and sell them as building materials. Many saw mills were created throughout the area.

The park gets its name from Edward Ritter Hickey, son of a local mill worker who died of influenza while caring for the victims of the epidemic of 1918.

Wildlife

Thanks for the Eel River that runs through Standish-Hickey, the area is popular for fishing of Steelhead and Salmon.

Birds

Trees

The park is home to the Captain Miles Standish Tree, a 225-foot tall, 13-feet-in-diameter giant redwood tree, estimated to be 1,200 years old. The tree is named after the Standish family, who along with the Hickey family, donated much of the land that today makes up the park.

Flowers

Other Plants

Camping Possibilities

The area was originally designated as a campground only.

Other Information

Parking

Driving Directions

The park is accessible via Highway 101, 1.5 miles north of Leggett, CA.

Park Map