Along the northern coast of California, a hidden gem sits on the picturesque coast. Those that frequent these parts claim that Shelter Cove combines the some of the finest salmon fishing with the most pure area of the Northern California coastline. In addition, Shelter Cove has what some consider the best of weather conditions.

Located in Humboldt County, this hidden getaway of Northern California is the majestic Shelter Cove. Due to it’s location on the “lost coast”, many people drive right by it on their journey near the Avenue of the Giants. Visitors to the area are so taken with the beauty of the Redwoods that they often overlook the gorgeous black sand beaches on the coast of the Shelter Cove.

Dotted along the giant Redwoods are tacky tourist shops selling everything from post cards to hand carved wooden sculptures. While you’re encouraged to stop at any and all of these tourist destinations, the coast here is a very different animal itself. During the winder, this is windcheater and wetsuit territory, although the sun shines from a clear blue sky. October is just about the best month of the year to venture north, gloriously fog and tourist-free. Once you have made the commitment to drive the 23 winding miles along the lost coast to Shelter Cove, you will always come back however.

Shelter Cove has long been a layover for the highly discriminating private sailor and the commercial salmon fisherman alike. It is well known to the locals that the salmon fishing in Shelter Cove is some of the finest in the worlds. There are a slew of boat charters available to take you out for a fun-filled day of salmon fishing on the crisp clean waters of the Pacific. Even if you don’t catch any salmon, which is very unlikely at Shelter Cove, you can always enjoy your day on the boat viewing the cliffs and beaches from afar. If you have a preference for seafood, don’t limit yourself to salmon fishing in Shelter Cove. Another favorite found on the lost coast are Abalone.  At the end of the day you can see many fishermen, dipping under the sea to Abalone dive along the shores of Shelter Cove.

April 1^st is the official opening day of abalone season in northern California’s Shelter Cove. It's the first opportunity in four months for enthusiasts to pamper a need to spend an hour or more kayaking or diving in often cool coastal waters in hopes of returning to the Tides Inn at Shelter Cove with a few abalones and a good story or two. On a typical in season weekend, they'll be out there by the hundreds; on opening weekend, that number quickly reaches into the thousands. Staying at the Shelter Coves’ Tides Inn is a less hectic vacation destination during the abalone season.

You don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy Shelter Cove though. One of the best parts of Shelter Cove is that it is relatively unknown. The portion of the Northern California coast that Shelter Cove is located on is virtually undisturbed. You can sit back and relax on the black sand beaches and enjoy the sun. Enjoy the views on the coast, or go for a drive down the scenic Avenue of the Giants and see the amazing Redwoods. Many of these trees are hundreds of years old. If you’ve never been to Northern California before, you can always take a day trip to the more populated areas near by.