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
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Orick, California
Cal Barrel Road
5.03.93 mi / 883 ft gainCal Barrel Road is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Orick, California.Read more -
Orick, California
Camp at Gold Bluff Beach
5.0Located at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the access road to this beach is a dirt road through the redwoods. Once you arrive to the beach area there is a park booth. The charge to overnight is $35 per day. Can also pay a day use fee which is less. The campground is situated some 200 yards fro...Read more -
Orick, California
Hike the Friendship Ridge Trail loop via the Coastal Trail
3.08 mi / 1500 ft gainThis loop hikes starts at the Fern Canyon Trailhead. To get to Fern Canyon, drive to the end of Davison Rd, also known as Gold Bluff Beach road. There is a pay station at the entrance to the road ($8 in 2015). After heavy rain, the road may be impassable for passenger cars. From the parking a...Read more -
Orick, California
Fern Canyon
4.41.12 mi / 269 ft gainFern Canyon is located within Gold Bluffs Beach at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park located some 45 miles south of Crescent City, CA. Entrance to the beach area is located on Davidson Rd off the US-101 in Orick, CA. You will need to drive for about 6 miles on the dirt road at the turn of Davidso...Read more -
Orick, California
Hike the James Irvine Miner's Ridge Loop, Redwood National Forest
4.512 mi / 1350 ft gainWhat is known as the "James Irvine Miner's Ridge Loop" is actually a combination of trails that creates a loop in the Redwood Forest. For only being around 12 miles round trip, it is an easy way to see the diverse scenery in one hike. In a nutshell, on this hike you get some of the best features:...Read more -
Ferndale, California
Night Photography at Devil's Gate, Lost Coast
This section of the Lost Coast resides in between Capetown and Petrolia, CA. Entering "Lost Coast California" into Google Maps or a GPS should take you to the road you will need to be on. About 2 miles south of the Location marker the GPS gives you, just past Durr Creek, you should arrive at Devi...Read more -
Redcrest, California
Hike through the Founder's Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
5.01.3 miThe Founder's Grove is easily accessed from Highway 101 in northern California. The grove is also on the Avenue of the Giants Scenic Highway. This area, named after the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, is flat and has a relatively open understory making it one of the most picturesque gro...Read more -
Humboldt County, California
Hike the Humboldt Redwoods River Trail
3.4 mi / 450 ft gainYou probably won't find as many people along this trail (which I like!) as it's unmarked and sits just south of Rockefeller Loop which draws a good number of visitors, primarily because it has the tallest trees (also definitely worth a visit!). The River Trail is a relatively short, flat hike wit...Read more -
Humboldt County, California
Hike the Rockefeller Forest Loop
0.7 mi / 20 ft gainFrom the Avenue of the Giants turn west onto Mattole Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the Rockefeller Forest trailhead.Rockefeller Forest is a less well known grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It's distance from the main road shelters the forest from traffic noise. The trail is wide and smooth, ...Read more -
Petrolia, California
The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
4.825.05 mi / 653 ft gainThis is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thru-hike on the northern part of California's coast. To accomplish this hike, you'll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. It's recommended that you drop one car at the Shelter Cove Trailhead (40.0455053,-124.0778196) and either use one of t...Read more -
Klamath, California
Hike to the Klamath River Outlook
3.01 mi / 500 ft gainFun drive on Requa Road off 101 takes you to a great little outlook. Take the trail descent down to the beach or connect with the CA Coastal trails for a three or four mile jaunt to either Hidden Beach or Lagoon Creek Beach. This spot is a local gem with minimal visitors. It also offers a likely ...Read more -
Klamath, California
Hike the Yurok Loop Trail
4.01 mi / 20 ft gainThe Yurok Loop Trail is a small loop on the northern end of the growing California Coastal Trail. This family-friendly hike starts at a picturesque lagoon near False Klamath Cove before crossing a bridge and entering the Sitka spruce forest. From the trail junction, you have the choice of passin...Read more -
Garberville, California
King's Peak via Lightning Trailhead
5.04.79 mi / 1942 ft gainKing's Peak is the tallest peak in the King Range, the home of the famous and spectacular "Lost Coast". At an elevation of 4,000' and less than 3 miles from the ocean, King's Peak provides stunning views in all directions: of canyons, beaches, foggy valleys, and the many greenhouses that dot the ...Read more -
Klamath, California
Relax at False Klamath Cove
4.0Wilson Beach in False Klamath Cove is a small but scenic spot in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Surrounded by thick forest, the dark gray sandy beach is scattered with driftwood, interesting rocks formations, and tide pools. The small free parking area has picnic tables and is a popular spo...Read more
