Virgin River / Humboldt County

 

I just finished the sixth season of Virgin River on Netflix. 

The series in question is set in a town located in Humboldt County, California, which is nearby. It first gained attention in my local news seven years ago. However, it was later announced that the filming would take place in British Columbia instead of California. The reasons for this decision have been a topic of discussion with the locals. 

The images presented here depict Humboldt County, highlighting its natural beauty and features, rather than representing the fictional town of Virgin River.

Humboldt County

The Far Northern California region has captivated many individuals due to its diverse landscapes. As far back as I can remember, I always sought out movies, books, and television shows that focus on this area, as I find them particularly entertaining. My personal connection enhances the experience of seeing the region depicted in media, as it allows for the recognition of familiar scenery. 

During the series' viewing, various fictional towns are referenced—and then some real towns, including my own town and Hayfork, which is located in Trinity County, along with Hyampon, Willow Creek, and McKinleyville. A significant portion of the scenery resembles that of Trinity County, leading to speculation about whether Virgin River was trying to depict features of the Eel River or Mad River.

Oh what does it matter? 

It's a fictional town anyway!

Eureka is the largest town in the area, with a population of approximately 26,000. In contrast, most of the surrounding towns have significantly smaller populations, ranging between 150 and 1,500 inhabitants. Humboldt never used to be a wealthy area—not until it gained a State University and, of course, the Green Rush of the 1990s. 

Humboldt County has a long history of cannabis cultivation, dating back to the 1960s. During this period, hippies were drawn to the area discovered affordable land and began to establish a vibrant eclectic community.   

The residents invested their resources to establish infrastructure, including clinics, radio stations, fire departments, newspapers, environmental movements, schoolhouses, and community centers. 

Humboldt boasts an ideal microclimate for agriculture, characterized by rolling fogs, fertile soil, and unspoiled watersheds that are particularly well-suited for farming and cannabis cultivation. At that time, cannabis was primarily grown for personal or medicinal use rather than a cash crop, providing a locally sourced alternative to imported cannabis.

Many counties in Northern California, including Shasta, have encountered challenges related to illegal cannabis cultivation. Following the legalization of cannabis, which was supported by California voters, the government implemented regulations and taxes on the industry. These measures disproportionately affected small businesses, allowing larger operations and foreign investors to dominate the market. As a result, cannabis became a highly profitable industry, but the prices of products also increased significantly. When faced with high prices, consumers often seek alternative sources for cannabis, leading to a rise in demand for illegal products.

And that is when the cartels came in - actually, they've been here for a long time, but more came and brazenly started up their illegal businesses. Instead of the State going after these Cartels - they looked the other way - their crimes went unpunished and ignored. 

The state had a problem on its hands. The cartels grow in our state and national parks, using and polluting our waters with pesticides, and there are turf wars. It used to be that you didn't want to drive in these areas at night—or get lost while hiking and backpacking—you could stumble on something that could cost you. 

Where the Redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean! 

Back to Virgin River -

I initially watched the first season of the show but wasn't fully convinced, leading me to stop watching. I felt that it didn't accurately represent the area it was set in.  A couple of months later, I came across the series again and decided to give it another chance while my husband was napping as he had never shown interest in it. I found that while I could tolerate some episodes, there were others that I enjoyed. This prompted me to continue watching an episode daily in the afternoons until I finished the series last week. Now, I find myself looking forward to the release of season seven.

Go Figure.

The portrayal of small towns in media often romanticizes their charm and idyllic lifestyles. However, the reality for many residents in Humboldt County is quite different. Beyond the two key industries of cannabis and fishing, the county faces significant economic challenges and is classified as a poorer area. The decision to film outside of Humboldt County may have been influenced by the strict regulations imposed on the film industry in California. Or there were personal safety concerns. It's the wild wild west in those mountains!  Nonetheless, it would have been beneficial for this picturesque region to receive national recognition, potentially boosting tourism and presenting a more positive narrative to the public.

Do you watch Virgin River? 

Who is your favorite character? 

Until Next time, 

Debby