Explore the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove in Benbow Valley
Photo: Julia Morgan Redwood Grove
Step into history at the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove, a hidden gem in Humboldt County, California, where towering redwoods meet remarkable architecture. Just minutes from the iconic Benbow Inn, this estate offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, local history, and the legacy of Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect.
A Historic Valley and the Benbow Legacy
Entrance to Benbow Lake (Photo Credit: Diane Purdy Arnold)
Benbow Valley has been a hub of innovation and charm since the early 1900s. In 1922, the Benbow family purchased over 1,200 acres, including the land that would become the Benbow Inn. Originally planned as a sheep ranch and “Dude Ranch” retreat for wealthy visitors, the vision shifted to a resort hotel thanks to investor Margaret Stewart, who recognized the valley’s potential. The Hotel Benbow, opened in 1926, quickly became a destination for celebrities, socialites, and politicians seeking seclusion and scenic beauty.
Julia Morgan: Pioneer Architect
Photo: Julia Morgan
For her private estate within the resort, Stewart commissioned her friend and fellow sorority sister, Julia Morgan. Born in 1872, Morgan broke barriers in a male-dominated field, becoming the first woman to earn a civil engineering degree from UC Berkeley, the first woman admitted to Paris’ École des Beaux-Arts, and the first woman licensed as an architect in California. Over her career, she designed over 700 buildings, including the Hearst Castle, Mills College’s El Campanil, and numerous YWCAs and private residences across California.
The estate reflects Julia Morgan’s thoughtful blend of English Tudor Revival architecture with Arts and Crafts influences, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding redwood landscape.
Visiting the Redwood Grove
Photo: Kylie Lane Photography
Sculpting Artist: Marc Kolp
During a visit to the Redwood Grove, guests may experience:
Guided tours highlighting Julia Morgan’s life and work, the Benbow family history, and the estate’s architectural details.
A scenic redwood path leading through the grove to the orchard and gardens.
Unique art installations, including the River Angel, a chainsaw-carved sculpture by Marc Kolp created from a giant fir tree.
Stories of early 20th-century Humboldt County, including transportation, ranching, and resort life.
Tours typically last 1–2 hours, depending on questions and conversation, and offer a rare chance to step back in time while enjoying the peaceful beauty of Northern California’s redwoods.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or nature lover, the Julia Morgan Redwood Grove is a must-see destination in Benbow Valley. Experience the legacy of a pioneering architect, a visionary family, and the serene landscapes of Humboldt County.
Book your tour todayand discover the story behind one of California’s most historic estates.