Humboldt County
Much of the land in the area is owned by the federal government, and in 1970, more than 60,000 acres (240 km²) were designated the King Range National Conservation Area.
Because of the rugged and remote location, the small towns of Shelter Cove, Whitethorn and Petrolia are popular with those looking for quiet respite. The area is known for its black sand beaches, which get their color from the significant tectonic activity of one continental and two oceanic plates meeting just offshore:
A common misconception about this black sand beach is that it is volcanic in origin. Actually, the sand comes from the dark colored sandstone called greywacke and an older compressed shale. —Black Sands Beach Head Tourist Information Placard,Read more about this topic: Lost Coast
Famous quotes containing the words humboldt and/or county:
“Freedom is but the possibility of a various and indefinite activity; while government, or the exercise of dominion, is a single, yet real activity. The longing for freedom, therefore, is at first only too frequently suggested by the deep-felt consciousness of its absence.”
—Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt (1767–1835)
“But I would say to my fellows, once for all, As long as possible live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)