Standish-Hickey Park Highlights Redwood Access

The park's name honors two families: the Hickeys, who donated the initial 40 acres in 1922 in memory of their son Edward, a lumberman who died caring for victims of the 1918 flu epidemic, and the descendants of Pilgrim Captain Miles Standish, who added 500 acres in the late 1950s. Subsequent donations from the Save the Redwoods League have expanded the park to its current size of over 1,000 acres. One of the park's main attractions is the Captain Miles Standish Tree, an old-growth redwood estimated to be over 1,200 years old. This towering tree stands at 225 feet and has a diameter of 13 feet. It bears scars from past efforts to chop it down and the effects of a 1947 fire. Standish-Hickey offers about 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through second-growth forests, steep canyon bluffs, and pockets of old-growth redwoods. The Grove Trail provides access to one of the last remaining stands of virgin redwood in the area. During the summer, seasonal bridges are installed, allowing access to more trails and campsites on the west bank of the Eel River. The South Fork of the Eel River, which runs through the park for two miles, is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The park features one of the North Coast's best swimming holes. The river is part of the third-largest river system in California and is designated as "wild and scenic" by both state and federal governments. In 2011, Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area was proposed for closure due to budget cuts. Dedicated volunteers from local groups like the Mendocino Area Parks Association and Team Standish worked to maintain the park and keep it open. Their efforts, along with support from the Save the Redwoods League, helped secure funding for critical projects, including the reinstallation of a seasonal bridge in 2013 after a three-year absence.