Fortuna is a city on the northeast shore of the Eel River, approximately 9 miles (14 km) from where it enters the Pacific Ocean, and is on U.S. Route 101 in west-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 12,516 at the 2020 census, up from 11,926 at the 2000 census.
Chapman's Gem, Mineral Shop & Museum holds the largest known collection of petrified palms, as well as an ultraviolet room for viewing phosphorescent minerals. In the shop, visitors can purchase rocks, gems, shells, art, jewelry and other collectables starting as low as $1.
The Headwaters Forest Reserve is a group of old growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) groves, comprising about 7472acre. There are two public trails in the Reserve. The Elk River Trail winds along the South Fork Elk River for 3 miles, followed by a 2-mile ascent to a short loop through an old-growth redwood forest.
