Even if you’re just passing through, don’t miss the chance to visit the busy mill town of Samoa, across the bay from Eureka but easily reachable via the Hwy-255 bridge. Follow the signs past the piles of logs and belching mill chimneys to the unique Samoa Cookhouse (707/442-1659), built at the turn of the 20th century by the Louisiana Pacific lumber company, which still owns most of the peninsula. Inside the cookhouse, which is packed with logging memorabilia, take a seat at one of the 20-foot-long tables (redwood, of course, covered in checkered oilcloth) and dig into the family-style feast. There are no menus, just huge platters of food at ridiculously low prices.
