About Us
Adventure's Edge was started in 1970 by two outdoor enthusiasts who were drawn to the area by its natural beauty and by the local college, Humboldt State University.
They stayed because the Northcoast offered a wealth of opportunities for fun in the ocean and rivers , in the forests and on the mountains. They settled here because the town of Arcata possessed the qualities of "community" -- sharing, giving, growing, being responsible and supportive -- that encouraged them to establish roots.
Originally the business was called Arcata Transit Authority. The focus was on human-powered outdoor activities such as backpacking, bicycling, paddling and crosss-country skiing. Unfortunately a national bus company opened a storefront in the building across the street and there was some confusion.
So Adventure's Edge came into being. And the activities morphed and developed with the times. Mountain bikes became the ride of choice for many in the 1990's. Fiberglass kayaks were usurped by polymer-molded vessels. Big-wall climbing transitioned into sport climbing and bouldering. External-framed backpacking became internal-frame backpacking became fastpacking.
Adventure's Edge mirrors the facets of the Northcoast and of our home. We are a diverse lot. We hike the trails of the world. We bike the roads and singletrack that wind through redwoods. We paddle the wild rivers of Northwestern California. We climb at Smith, Red Rocks, Moonstone Beach. We like to have fun in the outdoors. We like to share our enjoyment and passion for the outdoors with others.
We want future generations to experience the gifts that our parents bequeathed us: the fresh breeze of sea air that slides through the ports of bike helmets, the soft warm sunlight of a shaded redwood grove, the scintillating splash of Trinity River gorges where salmon and kayakers flow in opposite directions.
Sure, we want to sell you something but we hope we provide you with more than a piece of gear. We hope you come back with a story of the most beautiful sunset over Thompson Peak. We want to hear of your first eskimo roll under duress. We want to share the excitement of the redpoint, the powder, the drop-off. Whether your adventures lead you to Borneo to explore caves or to Trinity Lake for the first overnight camp-out you share with your four-year old, Adventure's Edge wants you to enjoy your journey.