Arcata, California
For the best trails and outdoor activities, Arcata, California is a top destination. The Arcata Community Forest Trail is a must-visit for hikers, featuring a 7.5-mile loop through redwood forests, complete with scenic views of the city and bay. The trail offers moderate difficulty, perfect for those seeking a bit of a challenge. The Mad River Beach County Park, near Arcata, is another outdoor adventure spot. Here, you can enjoy bird watching, picnicking, and fishing along the sandy shores of the Mad River. For those interested in rock formations, head to Fickle Hill, where you can find a variety of unique geological features. These are just a few of the best outdoor activities in and near Arcata, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Arcata
-
Trinidad, California
Explore Luffenholtz Beach Park
On a road trip with a friend in July of 2019, this beach came recommended to us. The tidepools, rocks cutting into the sea, and photography opportunities made it a spectacular stop. There are stairs down to the beach and we were the only ones at the park. If I remember correctly, it’s quite a n...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Hike Trinidad Head
4.81.5 mi / 300 ft gainPark in the large parking lot at Trinidad Beach. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot. The loop trail can be hiked in either direction.The trail is half dirt singletrack, half paved switchbacks, and climbs steadily to the top of Trinidad Head. The view of the ocean and California ...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Watch a Sunset at College Cove Beach
5.00.25 miFollow the trail leading from the end of the parking lot down onto the beach. From the parking lot to the beach the walk is about a quarter of a mile, with a slight decrease in elevation as you move down to the beach. To get to the beach, take 72B off of Highway 101 and turn west onto Main Stree...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Strawberry Rock Trail
5.02.99 mi / 505 ft gainTo get there: From the south, take the Trinidad exit, from which you will take a slight left/ go straight onto Trinidad Frontage rd. From The north, get off at the Trinidad exit, cross under the freeway, and take a left on Trinidad Frontage rd. Once on Trinidad Frontage rd, go straight to the end...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Patrick's Point Trail
5.00.21 mi / 92 ft gainPatrick's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.Read more -
Trinidad, California
Wedding Rock Trail
5.00.23 mi / 85 ft gainWedding Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Trinidad, California.Read more -
Orick, California
Hike Lyons Ranch
4 miThis is really a dirt road that is gated off from Bald Hills Road. The trail head parking can fit about 6 cars but seldom do people venture out this way. After all, the attraction of Redwood National Park is the redwoods but this high prairie is definitely worth exploring.The walk to the ranch is...Read more -
Orick, California
Tall Trees Grove, Redwood Creek, Emerald Ridge Loop
4.44.41 mi / 1043 ft gainDay 1: Check with the Rangers station before heading up for best camping opportunities. Assuming you've checked with the rangers for approval...if there are openings, off of the main road, there are side streets with access to the beaches. Pull into one of these areas and drive down as far as you...Read more -
Humboldt County, California
Hike to Tall Trees Grove, Redwood NP
5.03.9 mi / 690 ft gainNOTE: You need a permit, albeit free, to do this hike.First, you'll need to go to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center just off Highway 101 south of Orick, CA. Once there, write down your license plate number and go up to the counter and ask one of the rangers for a permit for Tall Trees Access Ro...Read more -
Humboldt County, California
Hike the Emerald Ridge - Redwood Creek Loop
6 mi / 900 ft gainThis loop begins at the Tall Trees Trailhead. To access this parking area, you must have a permit that you can obtain from the Kuchel ranger station. The gate is locked. When you get the permit, the ranger will also give you the combination to the gate. Once you drive through, close the gate ...Read more -
Orick, California
Drive Bald Hills Road in Redwood National and State Parks
3.0Driving the Bald Hills Road was a totally unexpected treat when I visited Redwood National and State Parks. We only had a day to spend there on a week long California road trip but I was so glad that we made the decision to drive the road while visiting.While I came expecting, and was glad to exp...Read more -
Orick, California
Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood NP
4.01.35 mi / 92 ft gainThis hike starts in the parking lot of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Picnic Area. As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway ...Read more -
Orick, California
Trillium Falls
2.68 mi / 469 ft gainTrillium Falls trail is a nice little hike through a second growth and old growth redwood forest. The trail is lined with sweet smelling ferns and has plenty of shade the entire route. This would be good for a midday hike in summer. The trail starts from the Elk Meadows Day Use parking area. St...Read more -
Orick, California
Gold Bluffs & Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop
20.19 mi / 1759 ft gainThis classic cycling loop is a great way to experience a variety of scenery and riding surfaces in The Prairie Creek Redwoods. It also allows you to visit Gold Bluffs Beach and the famous Fern Canyon without the otherwise required parking permit which needs to be acquired in advance. The route he...Read more -
Orick, California
Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods
4.1Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located in Orick, CA about 50 miles North of Eureka, Ca and 25 miles South of Crescent City, CA. Take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway exit off of Highway 101. Along this road there is a prairie where wild Roosevelt Elk can be spotted. They are wild so keep y...Read more -
Orick, California
Prairie Creek Redwoods Loop
5.019.42 mi / 2799 ft gainThis is the itinerary for our 3 day backpacking trip at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in early May. The original plan was to backpack Redwood Creek Trail in Redwood National Park. A couple issues stopped us from doing that: The water level was too high in May and multiple Park Rangers warne...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Arcata
Bluff Creek Trail
Fish Lake Campground
Overview
Fish Lake Campground lies on the shore of its namesake at the northwestern edge of Six Rivers National Forest. Lily pads thrive ...
Orleans, California
Pearch Creek Campground
Overview
Pearch Creek Campground lies just north of the small town of Orleans in the Klamath river valley of the Six Rivers National Fore...
Forks of Salmon, California
Nordheimer Group Sites
Overview
Nordheimer Group Sites sit near the Salmon River in the expansive Klamath National Forest of northern California. Visitors enjoy...
Somes Bar, California
Oak Bottom Campground
Overview
THIS IS NOT OAK BOTTOM CAMPROUND AT WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA!!! CALL 530-359-2269 FOR INFO.
Oak Bottom Campground i...
