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ОглавлениеHUMBOLDT COUNTY
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The steep cliffs and forests of Redwood National Park dominate the landscape in northern Humboldt County. The southern portion of the county is also characterized by steep ridges rising sharply from the ocean. On the west coast of the continental U.S., Humboldt County’s Cape Mendocino extends farther west into the Pacific than any other land area. Between these two rugged areas are the low-lying areas around Humboldt Bay and the fertile deltas at the mouths of the Mad and Eel Rivers. Many of the county’s urban services are found in the communities between Trinidad and Fortuna, including the county’s largest towns of Arcata and Eureka.
Hike a wilderness coast
The 35-mile-long “Lost Coast” in the southern part of Humboldt County is California’s largest coastal roadless area, without a shoreline road of any kind. Much of the area lies within the King Range National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Hiking and camping are possible along the Lost Coast Trail as well as on numerous inland trails and at road-accessible campgrounds that include Horse Mountain Creek Campground and Tolkan Campground.
Explore the redwood forest
Majestic coast redwood trees, the tallest living things on the planet, are protected at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The park, along with Redwood National Park and redwood parks in neighboring Del Norte County, has been designated as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. The groves in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park have never been logged, and the redwoods that tower over visitors are up to 2,000 years old.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Also growing in the park’s moist climate are stands of huge Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce, along with colorful rhododendrons and azaleas. Fern Canyon’s walls are draped with five-finger, deer, lady, sword, and chain ferns.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has some 75 miles of trails, rated in difficulty from “very easy” to “strenuous.” Several trails are accessible to those with limited mobility, including the Big Tree Trail and Prairie Creek Trail; the Revelation Trail has guide ropes and Braille signs for use by visually impaired visitors. Some trails are accessible to bicyclists and equestrians. Horseback tours through old-growth forest in Redwood National Park are offered by Redwood Creek Buckarettes at Orick; call: 707-499-2943. Scenic drives through redwood forest include three-mile-long unpaved Cal-Barrel Rd. and eight-mile-long unpaved Davison Rd., which leads to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon (trailers prohibited; observe posted vehicle size limitations). In the southern part of Humboldt County, Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Richardson Grove State Park also contain ancient redwood groves and offer hiking and camping opportunities.
Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Go fishing
Shore fishing is possible all along the beaches of the North and South Spits bordering Humboldt Bay, and pier fishing is possible at the bay’s Del Norte Street Pier. At Hookton Slough in the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, game fish include sharks, rays, jack smelt, greenling, starry flounder, English sole, and halibut. Party and charter boats for sportfishing trips depart Woodley Island Marina and King Salmon in pursuit of salmon, halibut, tuna, and rockfish. Trailered boats can be launched at the Samoa Bridge Launching Facility, Eureka Public Marina, and Fields Landing County Park.
Go boating or hunting
Stone Lagoon and Big Lagoon provide sheltered waters that are ideal for paddling a kayak or canoe. Launch a small boat at Big Lagoon County Park or at the visitor center at Stone Lagoon. At both locations Zak’s Kayaks rents equipment and provides guided tours; call: 707-498-1130.
Along the shore of Arcata Bay is the Mad River Slough Wildlife Area, reached off Samoa Blvd. west of Hwy. 101. The Fay Slough Wildlife Area is on the southeast edge of Arcata Bay; turn off northbound Hwy. 101 at Harper Motors, then turn left. Both areas offer hunting and wildlife observation, with day use only, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; call: 707-445-6493.
Visit a historic town
Ferndale is notable for its 19th-century Victorian character. Along Main Street are antique stores, gift shops, art galleries, and eating establishments. The Ferndale Museum at 3rd and Shaw streets exhibits historic farming and logging equipment, along with a fully functional blacksmith shop. Open Wed.–Sat., 11 AM–4 PM and Sun., 1 PM–4 PM, plus Tues., 11 AM–4 PM from June 1–Sept. 30; closed during Jan. Call: 707-786-4466.
Arcata is home to Humboldt State University’s Natural History Museum at 1315 G St., which displays fossils of prehistoric animals, sea-shells, California butterflies and other insects, and much more, with hands-on exhibits for kids. The museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 AM–5 PM; fee for entry. Call: 707-826-4479. Arcata also hosts the Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival, held annually in April to celebrate the marbled godwit and other birds of the redwoods, bays, and mudflats. The festival offers field trips, workshops, and boat excursions, with opportunities for visitors to see rare bird species such as the marbled murrelet and spotted owl. See: www.godwitdays.org.
In the town of Trinidad is Humboldt State University’s Marine Laboratory, which has a wheelchair-accessible visitor area with an aquarium and touch tanks. The laboratory is at 570 Ewing St.; open Mon.–Fri., 9 AM–4:30 PM, and also on weekends except during the summer, noon–4 PM; call: 707-826-3671.
Old Town Eureka, extending from C to M streets, between the bay and 3rd St., includes many fine Victorian buildings. The most-photographed of all is probably the Carson Mansion at 2nd and M streets; the massive redwood building features ironwork, stained glass, turrets, and out-sized ornamentation in a variety of styles. Now a private club, the mansion is not open to the public.
Eureka’s attractions include the Clarke Historical Museum at 240 E St., with an excellent collection of baskets and implements from the Wiyot, Yurok, Karuk, Hupa, and other California Native American tribes; call: 707-443-1947. The Morris Graves Museum of Art is located at 636 F St.; call: 707-442-0278. Free Thursday night concerts are held on summer evenings at the foot of C St., and a farmers market is held in Old Town on Tues., 10 AM–1 PM, June–October. The Sequoia Park and Zoo at 3414 W St. is a pleasant small zoo in a forest of redwood trees, with a visitor center, gift shop, paved paths, and picnic tables; call: 707-442-6552.
Woodley Island Marina, viewed from Eureka Boardwalk
Humboldt County
Northern Humboldt County
PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS STATE PARK: W. of Hwy. 101, 5.5 mi. N. of Orick. Magnificent old-growth redwood groves and numerous visitor facilities. Campgrounds are at Elk Prairie and Gold Bluffs Beach; hike-in campsites also available. Visitor center with interpretive displays, bookshop, and self-guided nature trail. For park information, call: 707-465-7335.
▪ Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway has roadside pull-outs and paths into the forest
▪ Over 70 miles of trails, some open to bicyclists
▪ Roosevelt elk browse in Elk Prairie
FERN CANYON: End of Davison Rd., 8 mi. from Hwy. 101. Narrow canyon with 50-foot sheer walls covered with ferns. Gravel parking lot; flat quarter-mile-long trail into the canyon. Davison Rd. is unpaved and bumpy. Trailers prohibited; observe posted vehicle size limitations.
▪ A 4.5-mile-long trail to Fern Canyon starts at Elk Prairie and leads through the forested Murrelet State Wilderness area
GOLD BLUFFS BEACH: On Davison Rd., 6 mi. W. of Hwy. 101. Broad beach, uninterrupted by rocks or seastacks. The campground is exposed to sea breezes but is backed by forest and meadows where Roosevelt elk graze. There are 25 tent or RV campsites among low sandy dunes; RVs up to 24 feet long and 8 feet wide can be accommodated. No trailers allowed on Davison Road. There are rest-rooms, firepits, showers, and wheelchair-accessible campsites. Leashed dogs restricted to designated areas. Additional hike-in campsites available; inquire at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park visitor center.
ELK PRAIRIE CAMPGROUND: Off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, 5.5 mi. N. of Orick. Seventy-five tent or RV sites in an old-growth redwood forest; some sites are wheelchair accessible. Showers available. Hike or bike sites are within the campground. For camping reservations, call: 1-800-444-7275.
▪ Elk Prairie Campground includes a day-use picnic area
▪ Ranger-led walks
▪ Junior ranger programs
▪ Campfire programs
▪ The 1.4-mile-long Elk Prairie Trail offers possible views of browsing Roosevelt elk
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK: Along the coast from Crescent Beach in Del Norte Co. to Freshwater Lagoon in Humboldt Co. and inland along Redwood Creek. Redwood National Park adjoins Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. The areas are managed jointly as Redwood National and State Parks. See: www.nps.gov/redw.
Roosevelt elk browse in Elk Meadow off Davison Rd.; picnic area available. The 2.5-milelong Trillium Falls Trail leads through dense forest. Off Bald Hills Rd. are old-growth redwoods at Lady Bird Johnson Grove (1.5-mile loop trail) and Tall Trees Grove (first-come, first-served permits available at Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center for private vehicle access to the Tall Trees trailhead). Camping is permitted at scattered hike-in sites along Redwood Creek; inquire at the visitor center.
Humboldt County
Redwood Creek to Big Lagoon
ORICK BEACH ACCESS: End of Hufford Rd. off Hwy. 101, 1.5 mi. N.W. of Orick. Turn west on Hufford Rd. and bear left to reach the mouth of Redwood Creek. Campers and trailers not recommended. No facilities.
THOMAS H. KUCHEL VISITOR CENTER: W. of Hwy. 101, 2 mi. S.W. of Orick. Exhibits are about the resources of Redwood National Park; bookshop. A boardwalk leads along the Redwood Creek estuary. Open year round, 9 AM–5 PM (4 PM during winter). For information, call: 707-465-7765.
▪ Summertime ranger presentations and walks
REDWOOD CREEK BEACH PICNIC AREA: W. of Hwy. 101, 2 mi. S.W. of Orick. Picnic tables and barbecue grills separated from the sandy beach by low dunes. Leashed dogs OK in the picnic area and on the beach but not in the dunes.
▪ California Coastal Trail runs south along the sand
▪ Walk north on the sand some two miles to Mussel Point
FRESHWATER LAGOON: E. of Hwy. 101, 3 mi. S. of Orick. West of Hwy. 101 are dunes and a long sandy beach with roadside parking, for day use only. Leashed dogs OK on the sandspit. East of Hwy. 101 at the north end is a boat ramp with access to Freshwater Lagoon.
▪ Fish for rainbow trout, surf perch, catfish, and largemouth bass
STONE LAGOON: W. of Hwy. 101, 5 mi. S. of Orick. Part of Humboldt Lagoons State Park. Visitor center off Hwy. 101 on the east side of Stone Lagoon; six boat-in campsites are on the opposite side of the lagoon.
▪ Visitor center offers kayak rentals and tours; call: 707-498-1130
▪ Turn off Hwy. 101 at the north end of the lagoon to reach an ocean beach
▪ California Coastal Trail runs along the beach west of the lagoon
DRY LAGOON: W. of Hwy. 101, 6.5 mi. S. of Orick. Turn west off Hwy. 101 at the sign for Humboldt Lagoons State Park to reach an ocean beach scattered with driftwood. Six environmental campsites are nearby; for access, inquire in person at Patrick’s Point State Park or call: 707-677-3570.
▪ Elk Country RV Resort and Campground on Hwy. 101 at the little red schoolhouse (707-488-2181) offers a trout-fishing lake, horseback riding, and browsing Roosevelt elk in the meadow
BIG LAGOON COUNTY PARK: Off Hwy. 101, 8 mi. N. of Trinidad. Turn west off Hwy. 101 on Big Lagoon Park Rd.; jog left then right to Big Lagoon. Sandy ocean beach; 25 tent campsites nearby. Fee for day use and camping. Call: 707-445-7651.
▪ Boat ramp and dock in Big Lagoon
▪ California Coastal Trail runs along the beach
▪ Beachcombing
▪ Fishing
Humboldt County
Patrick’s Point/Trinidad
PATRICK’S POINT STATE PARK: Patrick’s Point Dr. off Hwy. 101, 5.3 mi. N. of Trinidad. Very well appointed park, with picnic areas, miles of hiking trails, rocky shoreline, and old-growth Sitka spruce forest. Some of the 124 campsites are wheelchair accessible; hike or bike sites also available. A reconstructed Yurok village known as Sumêg, with traditional style family nouses and sweat house, is within the state park. Local Yuroks continue to use the village to pass on cultural traditions to their youth and to share them with the public. A nearby Native American garden contains plants used by the Yuroks for medicines, baskets, and other purposes. Visitor center has exhibits, maps, and information. For park information, call: 707-677-3570.
▪ Summertime campfire programs are offered
▪ The Rim Trail follows a route along the ocean bluff
▪ Agate Beach has tidepools
TRINIDAD STATE BEACH: Off Stagecoach Rd., N. of Main St., Trinidad. Day-use facility with two separate parking areas. The College Cove parking area is one mile north of Trinidad; the sandy cove beach is sheltered by Elk Head, accessible by trail. Other trails run south through dense forest to Trinidad Beach, where there is a second parking lot. Restrooms are not wheelchair accessible.
▪ Flatiron Rock off Trinidad Beach supports a large breeding colony of common murres
TRINIDAD HEAD: S.W. of town of Trinidad. A loop trail leads around the 362-foot-high rock. Not accessible from the trail is a lighthouse, in continuous operation since 1871; the light was automated in the 1970s. Park at the foot of Lighthouse Rd.; sandy ocean beach is adjacent.
TRINIDAD HARBOR: W. end of Edwards St., Trinidad. Pier with adjacent restaurant overlooking the harbor; beach boat launch and small marine railway for launching small boats.
▪ Inquire at the snack shop about ocean fishing trips
AXEL LINDGREN MEMORIAL STAIRS: Foot of Trinity St. at Edwards St., Trinidad. A memorial to fishermen lost at sea is on the bluff. Steep wooden staircase, without railings, leads to Old Home Beach. Beach also accessible via trail from the end of Wagner St. and from the end of Parker Creek Road.
LUFFENHOLTZ BEACH AND COUNTY PARK: Scenic Dr., 2 mi. S. of Trinidad. Pullout with path to beach, and a separate parking lot 100 yards south with shoreline access. Camel Rock is offshore. Call: 707-445-7651.
▪ Tidepools
HOUDA POINT ACCESS: Scenic Dr., 2.3 mi. S. of Trinidad. Steep stairs to two sandy beaches separated by a promontory. Roadside parking.
▪ Surfing
▪ Cliffs and sea caves
MOONSTONE COUNTY PARK: Off Scenic Dr., 3 mi. S. of Trinidad. Beautiful sandy beach beneath forested slopes at the Little River mouth; unpaved parking at beach level.
▪ Surfing
▪ Bodyboarding
▪ Wading
▪ Clamming
Humboldt County
Arcata Area
LITTLE RIVER STATE BEACH: W. of Hwy. 101 at Crannell Rd. exit, 8.5 mi. N. of Arcata. Very wide beach and extensive dunes between Moonstone County Park and Clam Beach County Park; paths start at the frontage road. Call: 707-677-3570.
CLAM BEACH COUNTY PARK: W. of Hwy. 101, 7.5 mi. N. of Arcata. Day use and camping, with tent and RV sites. Camp host available; no reservations taken. Fee for camping. Observe seasonal restrictions on dogs due to western snowy plover habitat. Call: 707-445-7651.
▪ Fishing
▪ Clamming
▪ Horseback riding
MCKINLEYVILLE VISTA POINT: Hwy. 101, 6.5 mi. S. of Trinidad, southbound only. Panoramic views of Clam Beach and the Mad River mouth.
MAD RIVER BLUFFS PARK: End of Hitter Rd., W. ofHwy. 101. Trails through pine forest, with scenic overlooks. Short trail to bluff from end of Hiller Rd. is wheelchair accessible. There is no access to Hiller Rd. from Hwy. 101; instead, approach from Central Avenue.
HAMMOND TRAIL: W. of Hwy. 101, from Clam Beach to the Mad River, McKinleyville. More than five miles of multi-use trail, mostly separate from roads. Park at the north end of Letz Ave., at the end of Murray Rd., or at the old railroad bridge off Mad River Rd.; restrooms and additional parking are at Hiller Park on Hiller Road.
▪ Horseback riding
▪ Much of the trail is wheelchair accessible, although a few segments are steep
MAD RIVER BEACH COUNTY PARK: End of Mad River Rd., W. of Hwy. 101. Two separate parking lots; one has picnic tables, a boat ramp with access to the Mad River, and non-wheelchair-accessible restrooms. The other parking area is next to the sandy ocean beach. Call: 707-445-7651.
ARCATA MARSH AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: 569 South G St., Arcata. There are extensive marshes, sloughs, and five miles of hiking and bicycling trails. The visitor center is open Tues.–Sun., 9 AM–5 PM, and Mon., 1–5 PM; closed major holidays. Call: 707-826-2359.
▪ Marsh tours start at the visitor center every Sat., 2 PM
▪ Guided birding walks start at the south end of I St., Sat, 8:30 AM
▪ Nearby concrete boat ramp at the south end of I St.; the bay is very shallow and boat access is available only at tides higher than +3.0 ft. above mean lower low water
EUREKA KOA: 4050 N. Hwy. 101, 2 mi. S. of Arcata. Privately operated campground offers RV campsites (many with hookups), tent sites, and cabins (pets allowed). Swimming pool, hot tub, volleyball, snack bar, and bicycle rentals. Call: 707-822-4243.
Humboldt County
North Spit Humboldt Bay
MA-LE’L DUNES NORTH: Young Ln. off Hwy. 255, Manila. Take right fork off Young Ln. to parking area. Picnic area; trails along a saltmarsh and through dunes to the ocean. Trails open daily, one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset; road open Friday–Monday Wheelchair users may need assistance. Dogs, horses, and off-highway vehicle use not allowed. Cooperatively managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management; call: 707-733-5406 or 707-825-2300. The Lanphere Dunes, farther north, are open to public access only through special permit or guided walks; call: 707-444-1397.
Keep in Mind
Guided nature walks take place at several locations on Humboldt Bay’s North Spit; see calendar at www.friendsofthedunes.org or call: 707-444-1397.
MA-LE’L DUNES SOUTH: Young Ln. off Hwy. 255, Manila. Take left fork of Young Ln. to parking area. Wheelchair users may need assistance. Trails open one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Call: 707-733-5406 or 707-825-2300.
▪ Equestrian trails and horse trailer parking
HUMBOLDT COASTAL NATURE CENTER: Stamps Ln. off Hwy. 255, Manila. Trails open during daylight hours; interpretive center open Sat., 10 AM–4 PM, and other days as staff are available. Call: 707-444-1397.
MANILA COMMUNITY PARK: N. end of Victor Blvd., Manila. Neighborhood park; bay access.
MANILA DUNES RECREATION AREA: 1611 Peninsula Dr., W. of Hwy. 255, Manila. Loose sand trails to the beach are located next to the Manila Community Center.
▪ Dogs allowed under voice control
▪ Equestrian trails
HUMBOLDT BAY MARITIME MUSEUM: Adjacent to Samoa Cookhouse, Cookhouse Rd., Samoa. Nautical models, photos, and other materials related to maritime history. Open Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 11 AM–4 PM; call: 707-444-9440.
▪ Bay cruises on the Madaket; call: 707-445-1910
ACCESSWAYS TO OCEAN BEACH: New Navy Base Rd., S. of Hwy. 255 intersection. Pedestrian beach access at Samoa Beach, the U.S.S. Milwaukee Marker, and the “T” intersection opposite Bay Street. Vehicles not allowed on this part of the beach.
SAMOA DUNES RECREATION AREA: S. end of New Navy Base Rd., North Spit. Trails for off-road vehicles and motorcycles; picnic tables and fire rings. No water available. Open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Call: 707-825-2300. Beach access by trail only to Eureka Dunes Protected Area, north of Samoa Dunes Recreation Area.
▪ Fishing on the jetty, but use caution as waves sometimes break over it
▪ Large-wave surfing spot near the jetty
SAMOA BOAT RAMP COUNTY PARK: New Navy Base Rd., 4.4 mi. S. of Hwy. 255 intersection. Campsites for 25 RVs plus tent sites, coin-operated showers, and boat ramp. Fee for camping. Call: 707-445-7651.
Humboldt County
Eureka
EUREKA SLOUGH BOAT RAMP: E. end of 3rd St. off Hwy. 101, Eureka. Small concrete public ramp for hand-launching of boats, behind the Target store. Difficult access at low tide.
SAMOA BRIDGE LAUNCHING FACILITY: Waterfront Dr., under the Samoa Bridge, Eureka. Launch ramp for trailered or small boats beneath the Hwy. 255 bridge. Waterfront park with paths extends west to L Street.
WOODLEY ISLAND MARINA: Off Hwy. 255, Eureka. Woodley Island is part nature preserve and part marina, shared between recreational and commercial boats. There are 237 berths, guest slips, one- and two-ton boat hoists, and sewage pumpout facilities. No boat ramp, but canoes and kayaks can be launched. Call: 707-443-0801.
▪ Sportfishing charters
▪ Kayak and standup paddle-board rentals at Humboats; call: 707-443-5157
EUREKA BOARDWALK: Waterfront from C St. to F St., Eureka. Pedestrian esplanade overlooks the water and the Woodley Island Marina. At the foot of C St. is a fisherman’s terminal; for seasonal harbor cruises on the Madaket call: 707-445-1910. Old Town attractions are nearby.
EUREKA PUBLIC MARINA: Waterfront Dr., Eureka. Waterfront Dr., along with 2nd St. and Railroad Ave., extends along Eureka’s bayfront from Old Town to the Del Norte St. Pier. Public marina has berths for 140 vessels, fish cleaning station, and paved paths along the water. The Wharfinger Building is used for community events. Call: 707-268-1973.
▪ Boat ramp open 24 hours; no fee
▪ Fishing access at the end of Commercial St., when vessels not berthed there
DEL NORTE STREET PIER: Foot of Del Norte St., off Hwy. 101, Eureka. Public fishing pier; picnic tables and views of the waterfront. Trail opposite Railroad Ave. extends south through Palco Marsh to Bayshore Mall parking area, at the end of Bayshore Way off Hwy. 101.
FORT HUMBOLDT STATE HISTORIC PARK: 3431 Fort Ave., off Hwy. 101, Eureka. Exhibits about the history of this 19th century military post; the Native American Wiyot, Hupa, and Yurok peoples; and the logging industry. Museum and paths are generally wheelchair accessible. Picnic areas have views of Humboldt Bay. Open daily, 8 AM–5 PM; call: 707-445-6567.
ELK RIVER ACCESS AREA: From W. end of Truesdale St. to Pound Rd., W. of Hwy. 101, Eureka. Parking, picnic area, and restrooms are at the end of Truesdale St. near the mouth of the Elk River. The multi-use Hikshari’ Trail leads south past the end of Hilfiker Ln., where there is additional parking, and through the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary. Inland of Hwy. 101 is the Elk River Wildlife Area; take Elk River Rd. east. Call: 707-445-6493.
EUREKA SLOUGH/DEAD MOUSE MARSH: E. end of Park St., Eureka. Trails lead along dikes through saltmarsh and freshwater marsh; good birding.
Humboldt County
South Spit Humboldt Bay
KING SALMON: Off Buhne Dr., W. of Hwy. 101, 1 mi. N. of Fields Landing. Sandy bay beach and dunes are west of Buhne Dr.; public access continues along the shoreline from west of the former powerplant to the old railroad tracks. RV and trailer camping and fishing and marina services available at two privately operated facilities, Johnny’s Marina and RV Park (707-442-2284) and E-Z Landing Mobile Home Park (707-442-1118).
FIELDS LANDING COUNTY PARK: Foot of Railroad Ave., Fields Landing. Concrete boat ramp, picnic tables, and restrooms. Kayaks can be launched here.
HUMBOLDT BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: Humboldt South Bay, W. of Hwy. 101. Use the Hookton Rd. exit off Hwy. 101. West of the highway take Ranch Rd. to the visitor center; open daily except federal holidays, 8 AM–5 PM. Call: 707-733-5406.
▪ Shorebird Loop Trail, less than two miles long, starts at the visitor center
▪ Waterfowl hunting seasonally by permit only
▪ Hookton Slough Unit, off Hookton Rd., has trails and non-motorized boat launch
EEL RIVER WILDLIFE AREA/OCEAN RANCH UNIT: Table Bluff Rd. off Hookton Rd., W. of Hwy. 101, Loleta. Wildlife viewing and waterfowl, coot, and snipe hunting; seasonal closures in effect. Day use only; managed by the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Call: 707-445-6493.
TABLE BLUFF: End of Table Bluff Rd. off Hookton Rd., 5 mi. W. of Hwy. 101, Loleta. High bluff offers spectacular views of Humboldt Bay, the South Spit, and the ocean. The Lighthouse Ranch property on the bluff has picnic tables. Roadside parking.
MIKE THOMPSON WILDLIFE AREA/SOUTH SPIT: End of Table Bluff Rd. off Hookton Rd., 5 mi. W. of Hwy. 101, Loleta. Long sandy beach and dune field, with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms at both ends of the spit. Pedestrian paths to the beach are spaced along the spit. The area is open one hour before sunrise; the gate is locked one hour after sunset. No camping allowed. Dogs must be leashed from Mar. 1–Sept. 15. Call: 707-825-2300.
▪ Off-road vehicles allowed on beach waveslope only via designated access corridors, with seasonal closures during western snowy plover breeding season, March–September
▪ Fishing at the jetty, but use caution; waves can be dangerously large
▪ Seasonal waterfowl hunting on east side of South Jetty Road
Humboldt County
Eel River Valley South
EEL RIVER WILDLIFE AREA/CANNIBAL ISLAND UNIT: W. end of Cannibal Island Rd., 4 mi. from Loleta. Hunting and wildlife viewing; seasonal closures in effect. Managed by the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; call: 707-445-6493.
EEL RIVER AND DELTA: W. of Hwy. 101 at Fernbridge. A maze of river channels and sloughs, suited for kayaking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation. Signs and facilities are scarce; private farmlands are all around.
▪ North of the river, Pedrazzini Boat Ramp for small boats is off Cannibal Island Road
▪ South of the river, public river access is available at the ends of Camp Weott and Dillon roads and from Tappendorf Ln. and Sandy Prairie Rd. near Fortuna
CRAB COUNTY PARK: W. end of Cannibal Island Rd., 4 mi. from Loleta. Paths lead along the water for fishing, equestrian use, and wildlife viewing; harbor seals haul out on the spit across the channel. Due to sometimes turbulent water, kayak launching may be better at Pedrazzini Boat Ramp upstream. Call: 707-445-7651.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS CAMPGROUND: 5th St. between Van Ness and Arlington avenues, Ferndale. Up to 100 RV sites plus grassy area for tent campers. Electrical and water hookups, showers; no picnic tables. First-come, first-served except during the county fair in August; call: 707-786-9511.
SOUNDING SEAS/EEL RIVER ESTUARY PRESERVE: Shoreline N. of Centerville Beach County Park. Two-and-a-half miles of ocean beach and dunes. Hike north along the sand from Centerville Beach County Park; no off-highway vehicle use. Managed by The Wildlands Conservancy; for docent-led hikes, call: 707-672-4725 or 707-672-4724.
CENTERVILLE BEACH COUNTY PARK: Centerville Rd., 5 mi. W. of Ferndale. Wide sandy beach; steep beach and riptides make swimming inadvisable. Day use only; call: 707-445-7651.
▪ Fishing for surfperch or smelt
▪ Off-highway vehicles allowed on waveslope only, with seasonal closures March–September
FLEENER CREEK BEACH TRAIL: Centerville Rd., 6 mi. S.W. of Ferndale. Blufftop gravel parking area; steep half-mile trail to a sandy beach. Open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Call: 707-825-2300.
GUTHRIE CREEK BEACH TRAIL: Centerville Rd., 8 mi. S.W. of Ferndale. A mile-long trail leads to the mouth of Guthrie Creek on a narrow sandy beach backed by high cliffs. Call: 707-825-2300.
MATTOLE ROAD: Singley Creek to McNutt Gulch. An eight-mile stretch of road borders the shoreline. Beaches, dunes, and rocky areas accessible at three locations: one mile, two miles, and three miles south of Singley Creek, and also on the north side of Russell Chambers Bridge across McNutt Gulch, where there is a gap in the fence. The path at McNutt Gulch is 20 feet wide; the others are 50 feet wide. Private property is adjacent; do not trespass. Limited shoulder parking.
Humboldt County
Mattole River and King Range
MATTOLE RIVER AND BEACH: W. end of Lighthouse Rd., 5 mi. W. of Petrolia. At the end of the paved road, 14 tent or trailer campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water.
PUNTA GORDA LIGHTHOUSE: 3 mi. S. of Mattole River Beach on Lost Coast Trail. An out-and-back hike on the Lost Coast Trail from Mattole Beach to the lighthouse, 3.6 miles each way; check tide table in advance and carry water.
A.W. WAY COUNTY PARK: Mattole Rd., 6 mi. S.E. of Petrolia. Thirty campsites by the Mattole River; picnic tables, firepits, and running water.
KING RANGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA: Mattole River Beach to S. of Shelter Cove. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 68,000 acres, much of it wilderness. Over 80 miles of hiking trails, many of them steep, from peaks down to ocean level. Most roads not suitable for trailers; some require four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Lost Coast Trail runs the length of the shoreline and connects to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. A map in hand is essential; visit the King Range visitor center on Shelter Cove Rd. one mile west of Thorn Junction, or call: 707-986-5400.
Camping allowed at developed campgrounds and on BLM public lands, except where specifically closed, such as at Shelter Cove; check signs or BLM maps. Permits (no-fee) required for all overnight use of the back country, including the Lost Coast Trail. Permits available at self-service boxes at trailheads and the King Range visitor center. Special recreation use permits required for all organized commercial and non-commercial trips.
▪ For guided summertime hikes, call: 707-986-5415
▪ For hunting regulations, check with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (707-445-6493)
LOST COAST TRAIL: From Mattole River Beach to Black Sands Beach, Shelter Cove. A 24.8-mile trail offering a true wilderness experience along the beach. Many hikers start at Mattole River Beach, with prevailing northwest winds at their backs. Punta Gorda and two trail segments of several miles each are impassable at high tide; check trailhead signs and consult a tide table in advance. Campers bring tents or use driftwood shelters; be prepared for changeable weather. A few private cabins lie along the route; do not trespass.
▪ For shuttle services between trailheads, call Lost Coast Shuttle (707-986-7437) or Lost Coast Adventure Tours (707-986-9895)
Keep in Mind
Stream water must be purified for drinking
Food and scented items must be stored overnight in bear-resistant canisters
Note fire restrictions
Dogs allowed on leash in developed campgrounds; under voice control elsewhere
HORSE MOUNTAIN CREEK CAMPGROUND: KingPeak Rd., 3.6 mi. N. of Shelter Cove Road. Campground on a ridge and accessible by road; picnic tables and fire rings.
TOLKAN CAMPGROUND: King Peak Rd., 6.5 mi. N. of Shelter Cove Road. On a ridge and accessible by road; picnic tables and fire rings. Campground has potable water and wheelchair access; near the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail.
Humboldt County
Shelter Cove
BLACK SANDS BEACH: N. end of Beach Rd., Shelter Cove. Main parking area with rest-rooms is high on the bluff; a drop-off-only area is part-way down the steep slope. Black Sands Beach is the southern terminus of the Lost Coast Trail. About four miles north, the trail is not passable at high tide; plan accordingly. A bulletin board at the trailhead describes the Lost Coast Trail segments where high water limits access. Dogs OK, but the rocky beach can be hard on paws. For information on Black Sands Beach, the King Range, or the Lost Coast Trail, call: 707-986-5400.
LITTLE BLACK SANDS BEACH: W. end of Dolphin Dr., Shelter Cove. Overlook at the edge of a black sand beach; no facilities. Use caution, as the bluff is heavily eroded.
ABALONE POINT: Lower Pacific Dr., Shelter Cove. Picnic area west of Upper Pacific Drive. Interpretive panels describe the geology of the area.
▪ Dramatic views of the Lost Coast
SEAL ROCK: Lower Pacific Dr., Shelter Cove. Small blufftop park with picnic tables and interpretive panels. No beach access.
▪ Migrating gray whales may be spotted, November–early May
MAL COOMBS PARK: Lower Pacific Dr., Shelter Cove. The park near Point Delgada is marked by the old Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, built in 1868 and later moved here from its original location some 35 miles to the north. Picnic tables; stairs to rocky beach.
SHELTER COVE: W. end of Shelter Cove Rd., 21.1 mi. from old Hwy. 101 (Business Route) in Redway. Take Briceland-Thorn Rd. west from Redway a distance of 12 miles to Thorn Junction. At the junction take the right fork, Shelter Cove Rd., which continues to the coast as a steep and winding but paved roadway. The King Range National Conservation Area visitor center is on Shelter Cove Rd. one mile from Thorn Junction; open weekdays, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; call: 707-986-5400. A large color map and guide to the King Range is for sale; information also available on backpacker shuttle services.
▪ Shelter Cove is a residential community at Point Delgada surrounded by the King Range National Conservation Area. Upper and Lower Pacific drives form a loop; at the south end of the loop is the main cove, with a boat launch area. Mario’s Marina complex on the 100-foot-high bluff includes boat launching service and facilities, motel, and restaurant; call: 707-986-7595. Additional lodging facilities and services are available at Shelter Cove.
▪ Shelter Cove Campground and Deli is opposite Mario’s Marina
▪ Outcast Sportfishing (707-986-9842) and Shelter Cove Sport Fishing (707-923-1668) arrange trips for salmon, halibut, rockfish, albacore, and more
▪ The Lost Coast Surf Shack is located on the bluff overlooking the cove
▪ A daylight airstrip is surrounded by a nine-hole golf course (707-986-7447)
Trillium Falls Trail, Redwood National Park
Redwood Creek Beach Picnic Area
Path to Axel Lindgren Memorial Stairs
Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary
North Spit jetty, Humboldt Bay
Truesdale Vista near Elk River mouth
Eel River Wildlife Area, Ocean Ranch Unit
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area/South Spit
