Incredible 300-Mile Northern California Coastal Trail Approved for Development

A brand new 300-mile trail from the San Francisco Bay to the Humboldt Bay was approved with a 12-0 vote in the Senate Transportation and Housing committee last week. Senator Mike McGuire created the bill that will transform a train track through the beautiful and diverse North Coast into the Great Redwood Trail.

The trail will begin on the north side of the San Francisco Bay and will go through Napa’s wine country before heading up to the Redwood forest area. It will continue along the banks of the Russian and Eel Rivers and on up the the panoramic Humboldt Bay.

“This is truly an incredible piece of earth. And SB 1029 sets the stage to turn this over 300 mile long beleaguered train track into a stunning, world-renowned trail that will benefit locals and visitors alike and be a boon to rural community economies,” Senator Mike McGuire said.

Not only will the trail be a great addition to Northern California’s already vast outdoor experience but it will also provide a boom for the economies of the towns along the trail.

California outdoor recreation is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Golden State’s economy. It generates over $92 billion a year here in California, is responsible for nearly 700,000 jobs with over $30 billion in wages, and brings over $6 billion in tax revenues back to state and local communities.

“There are areas of this line that have barely had any human eyes on it in 20 years – the incredible Eel River Canyon will be the crown jewel of this trail, as it parallels the Eel River through wilderness and wonder and breaks out into the redwoods of Humboldt County,” Senator McGuire said. “The Great Redwood Trail will wind through these scenic landscapes and connect folks with ancient redwoods, state parks and numerous local trails.”

While there are years of planning, community meetings and work ahead, the Great Redwood Trail is gaining momentum.