Fieldbrook, CA

Fieldbrook sits quietly in the redwood hills about seven miles northeast of Arcata, offering a peaceful escape that still feels close to town. With fewer than a thousand residents, it is the kind of neighborhood where people have acreage for gardens or horses, and kids attend the local elementary school. The small Fieldbrook Market and community winery serve as casual gathering spots, making it easy to get to know neighbors even with plenty of elbow room between properties.

ATTRfrom the NPS Archive: http://photo.itc.nps.gov/storage/images/redw/redw-Full.00001.html / Public domain

Because it rests slightly inland along the Mad River valley, Fieldbrook often catches warmer afternoon sunshine when the coast is buried in fog. Commuters have an easy 15-minute drive into Arcata or McKinleyville, which makes it popular for anyone working in town who wants a wooded retreat to come home to. If you want tall trees, quiet backroads, and a friendly countryside setting, Fieldbrook is well worth a look.