Preserving Humboldt County’s Timber History Since 1977
Ancient forests. Iron giants. Incredible stories. Showcasing Humboldt’s logging legacy.
Our mission is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate Humboldt County’s timber heritage.
Discover Northern California
Humboldt County’s history is intertwined with the history of timber and the redwoods. The first European settlers came north for the riches of the gold rush but found gold in the massive trees instead.
William Carson’s business partner, John Dolbeer, invented the steam donkey right here in our local woods in 1881, which replaced animal power to pull logs in from the woods. It was the first steam powered mechanization in the woods and is heralded as the beginning of the modern timber industry.
Ride the Rails
See those old railroad tracks around the bay? Timber Heritage Association has been hosting Crew Car Speeder rides for the public on the GRTA railroad corridor since 2009.
Ready to take the next step?
At the Timber Heritage Association (THA), we are all volunteers, and there are opportunities for all levels of skill and experience. Whether you're most comfortable contributing time to help preserve historic artifacts, donating to support our ongoing initiatives, or energy to engage and organize with the community to spread awareness.
As a nonprofit organization, THA relies on and deeply appreciates the dedicated volunteers and members who support our mission and help us persevere this legacy.
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