We like to delve into the history of places we visit. I always wonder how places get their names. When I first began to research "Orick," I thought it probably came from the English first name and surname "Orick," meaning "from the ancient oak tree." But it actually comes from the Yurok "Oreq," the name of the Indian village that used to be on the approximate site of today's town of Orick.
In the 1850s, prospectors first came to this area, hunting for gold. Later, Orick became a logging town.
Now, there are several motels and restaurants, a grocery store, and a gas station, all along Highway 101. There are a number of gift stores, and unusual statues made of wood or burl decorating the side of the road in front of the shops.