The first 3 miles follow a narrow stream corridor of public land that
parallels the South Fork Elk River. The first mile is paved and accessible for
those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owner’s control) are
allowed on the first 3 miles. The last 2 miles wind beneath a closed tree
canopy, ending at a small old-growth redwood grove. Please stay on the trail
to avoid trespassing and to protect the area’s natural resources.

Distance: It is 5 miles to the old-growth and about a mile through the old
growth loop, for a total 10.5-mile trip.

Difficulty: The first 3 miles traverse moderate terrain adjacent to the river.
The remaining 2 miles are moderately strenuous. Plan 1 to 2 hours for the
first 3 miles, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the last 2 miles.

The first 3 miles follow a narrow stream corridor of public land that parallels the South Fork Elk River. The first mile is paved and accessible for those with limited mobility. Bicycles and dogs (under owner’s control) are allowed on the first 3 miles. The last 2 miles wind beneath a closed tree canopy, ending at a small old-growth redwood grove. Please stay on the trail to avoid trespassing and to protect the area’s natural resources.

Distance: It is 5 miles to the old-growth and about a mile through the old growth loop, for a total 10.5-mile trip.

Difficulty: The first 3 miles traverse moderate terrain adjacent to the river. The remaining 2 miles are moderately strenuous. Plan 1 to 2 hours for the first 3 miles, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the last 2 miles.

Bird's eye view of the park

Elk River Trailhead

_“Tens of thousands of geese blackened the sky during seasonal migrations,
their rhythmic honking punctuating the long V-shaped formations that swirled
onto the marshes. So many foods to sustain the people: salmon, surf fish,
clams, mud hens, elk and deer, acorns, Indian potatoes, huckleberries, hazel
nuts and more, enough to host many tribes at the annual World Renewal Dances
and to preserve and set aside for the lean winter months. Wiyot people lived
in balance with this bounty, never taking more than needed and tending to the
needs of the plants and animals. They wintered over in villages of split
redwood plank houses built along the shores of**Wigi** (Humboldt Bay)…” _
excerpted from a piece by Lynnika Butler at https://www.wiyot.us

The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Castle Rock
National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 1971, to conserve precious
habitat for the great diversity of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians,
invertebrates, and plants that occur along the Pacific Coast of northern
California.

The refuge has several different units totaling almost 5,000 acres. These
units consist of a mosaic of mudflats, estuarine eelgrass meadows, saltmarsh,
brackish marsh, seasonally flooded freshwater wetlands, riparian wetlands,
streams, coastal dunes, and forest, creating a unique complexity and
interconnected landscape. These habitats support more than 450 species of
plants, over 316 species of birds, and 40 species of mammals. The majority of
birds use the refuge as a stopover where they rest and replenish energy
reserves. Others spend winter here, and some use the refuge for breeding and
nesting. The wetlands around Humboldt Bay are critical to over half a million
shorebirds during spring migration and have been designated a Western
Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of Hemispheric Importance.

More than 50% of the Pacific brant goose (Black Brant) population refuels on
the eelgrass meadows growing in the shallow parts of Humboldt Bay. The refuge
also provides habitat for approximately 100 species of fish and marine
invertebrates, many of which contribute to sport and commercial fisheries,
including steelhead, coho and chinook salmon, and Dungeness crab.

The Lanphere and Ma-le’l Dunes Units of the refuge have been designated a
National Natural Landmark as they represent one of the most diverse and
highest quality remnants of coastal dunes habitat in the Northern Pacific
Border Biophysiographic Region.

The southern Humboldt Bay units of the refuge were previously a vast extension
of saltmarsh and home of the Wiyot people. After the arrival of the European-
American pioneers in the late 1800s, the land was dredged and rapidly
converted into agricultural lands, destroying over 90% of the original
saltmarsh. In 1971, the first portions of salt marsh and mudflat were acquired
to protect coastal habitats for wildlife. In 1988, more land was acquired,
creating the southern Humboldt Bay units.

Today, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge manages about 5,000 acres
including the bay area, Ma-le’l and Lanphere Dunes. Despite the historical
disturbance in Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, years of hard work and
dedication have restored and created new types of habitats for wildlife,
making this land functional for a wide variety of species.

First Native American occupation in the northwest California records from at
least 8,000 years ago, that is subdivided into three time periods, the Borax
Lake Pattern, the Willits Pattern, and the Gunther Pattern. There are
approximately 45 formally recorded cultural resource sites in the Humboldt Bay
NWR. An exact count is impossible to ascertain at this time because many of
the recorded sites have not been field checked since the creation of the
refuge so their location with respect to the boundary of the refuge is not
well understood. Furthermore, only a small fraction of the refuge has been
specifically inspected for cultural resources.

“Tens of thousands of geese blackened the sky during seasonal migrations, their rhythmic honking punctuating the long V-shaped formations that swirled onto the marshes. So many foods to sustain the people: salmon, surf fish, clams, mud hens, elk and deer, acorns, Indian potatoes, huckleberries, hazel nuts and more, enough to host many tribes at the annual World Renewal Dances and to preserve and set aside for the lean winter months. Wiyot people lived in balance with this bounty, never taking more than needed and tending to the needs of the plants and animals. They wintered over in villages of split redwood plank houses built along the shores of Wigi (Humboldt Bay)…”  excerpted from a piece by Lynnika Butler at  <a href="https://www.wiyot.us/" rel="nofollow">https://www.wiyot.us</a>   The Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 1971, to conserve precious habitat for the great diversity of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants that occur along the Pacific Coast of northern California.The refuge has several different units totaling almost 5,000 acres. These units consist of a mosaic of mudflats, estuarine eelgrass meadows, saltmarsh, brackish marsh, seasonally flooded freshwater wetlands, riparian wetlands, streams, coastal dunes, and forest, creating a unique complexity and interconnected landscape. These habitats support more than 450 species of plants, over 316 species of birds, and 40 species of mammals. The majority of birds use the refuge as a stopover where they rest and replenish energy reserves. Others spend winter here, and some use the refuge for breeding and nesting. The wetlands around Humboldt Bay are critical to over half a million shorebirds during spring migration and have been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of Hemispheric Importance.   More than 50% of the Pacific brant goose (Black Brant) population refuels on the eelgrass meadows growing in the shallow parts of Humboldt Bay. The refuge also provides habitat for approximately 100 species of fish and marine invertebrates, many of which contribute to sport and commercial fisheries, including steelhead, coho and chinook salmon, and Dungeness crab. The Lanphere and Ma-le’l Dunes Units of the refuge have been designated a National Natural Landmark as they represent one of the most diverse and highest quality remnants of coastal dunes habitat in the Northern Pacific Border Biophysiographic Region.The southern Humboldt Bay units of the refuge were previously a vast extension of saltmarsh and home of the Wiyot people. After the arrival of the European-American pioneers in the late 1800s, the land was dredged and rapidly converted into agricultural lands, destroying over 90% of the original saltmarsh. In 1971, the first portions of salt marsh and mudflat were acquired to protect coastal habitats for wildlife. In 1988, more land was acquired, creating the southern Humboldt Bay units.Today, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge manages about 5,000 acres including the bay area, Ma-le’l and Lanphere Dunes. Despite the historical disturbance in Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, years of hard work and dedication have restored and created new types of habitats for wildlife, making this land functional for a wide variety of species. First Native American occupation in the northwest California records from at least 8,000 years ago, that is subdivided into three time periods, the Borax Lake Pattern, the Willits Pattern, and the Gunther Pattern. There are approximately 45 formally recorded cultural resource sites in the Humboldt Bay NWR. An exact count is impossible to ascertain at this time because many of the recorded sites have not been field checked since the creation of the refuge so their location with respect to the boundary of the refuge is not well understood. Furthermore, only a small fraction of the refuge has been specifically inspected for cultural resources.

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve (Reserve) was established in 1999
after a decade-long grassroots effort to protect the world's last unprotected,
intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystem. Several threatened species call
the Reserve home, including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl, and the
marbled murrelet. Deep in the heart of the Headwaters, old-growth forest is
the beginnings or headwaters of the South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek.
This is how the area got its name. The Reserve is managed by the BLM in
partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The 7,472-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve (Reserve) was established in 1999 after a decade-long grassroots effort to protect the world's last unprotected, intact, old-growth redwood forest ecosystem. Several threatened species call the Reserve home, including coho salmon, the northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. Deep in the heart of the Headwaters, old-growth forest is the beginnings or headwaters of the South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek. This is how the area got its name. The Reserve is managed by the BLM in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Headwaters Forest Reserve

The Salmon Pass Trail (south end) is accessible for guided hikes only. Guided
hikes can be scheduled between May 15 and November 15 (weather permitting) by
requesting a tour online at the Headwaters Forest Preserve website or by
contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300.

The first mile passes through a young to mid-aged forest with views of
restored watershed areas. The next 2 miles ascend through the old-growth
redwood forest with a view across Salmon Creek to the largest stand of
Douglas-fir within the Reserve. The trail then loops back as it descends
through the old-growth.

Distance and difficulty: This 2 1/2 mile hike is considered moderately
strenuous and takes 3 to 4 hours.

The Salmon Pass Trail (south end) is accessible for guided hikes only. Guided hikes can be scheduled between May 15 and November 15 (weather permitting) by requesting a tour online at the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/headwaters-forest-reserve" rel="nofollow">Headwaters Forest Preserve website</a> or by contacting the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300. 
 
The first mile passes through a young to mid-aged forest with views of restored watershed areas. The next 2 miles ascend through the old-growth redwood forest with a view across Salmon Creek to the largest stand of Douglas-fir within the Reserve. The trail then loops back as it descends through the old-growth. 
 
Distance and difficulty: This 2 1/2 mile hike is considered moderately strenuous and takes 3 to 4 hours.

Salmon Pass Trailhead

Fort Humboldt SHP

## Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

Welcome to the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. As a visitor to this 300 acre park
you may take advantage of a wide variety of recreational activities, including
hiking, surfing, fishing, sightseeing, beachcombing, off-highway vehicle (OHV)
use, picnicking, and birdwatching (you can view and print a long checklist of
birds seen in this area). Due to the vast array of activities, it is important
to respect the rights of other visitors as you enjoy your time. When walking
in the recreation area please be aware of OHV riding areas.

Currently there are no seasonal restrictions or fees charged for recreation
use at Samoa Dunes.

The following information will acquaint you with some of the resource values
and recreational opportunities in the area. Enjoy your visit!

##  Off-Highway Vehicle Use

All riding trails are open to all OHV vehicle types.

Facilities include an unloading ramp, restroom, tables, cooking grills and a
scenic overlook. . From the staging area, riders have easy access to 140 acres
of "open" terrain, containing numerous trails, a one-way track, a 4x4 rock
crawling course, and the beach strand. An additional 75-acre riding area known
as Eureka Dunes is open to OHV use and extends about 1 mile north of the park.
The rest of the beach and dunes along the peninsula are closed to vehicle use,
except by special permit from the county.

The following partial list of regulations and tips should help OHV users and
other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of these public lands.

  * ATV riders must wear protective helmets.
  * Observe posted signs. Fenced areas mark sensitive wildlife and plant habitat, and are "closed" to vehicle use. The "open" riding areas are also posted and those on foot should be aware of their locations.
  * All vehicles must be registered and a green sticker or license plate clearly displayed.
  * Motorcycles must be equipped with an approved spark arrester and muffler that meets noise standards.
  * Flags are required on all OHV's in this recreation area for visibility and safety.
  * Consult a tidetable booklet.
  * Please respect private property.

<h2>Samoa Dunes Recreation Area</h2> 
Welcome to the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. As a visitor to this 300 acre park you may take advantage of a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, surfing, fishing, sightseeing, beachcombing, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, picnicking, and birdwatching (you can view and print a long checklist of birds seen in this area). Due to the vast array of activities, it is important to respect the rights of other visitors as you enjoy your time. When walking in the recreation area please be aware of OHV riding areas.

Currently there are no seasonal restrictions or fees charged for recreation use at Samoa Dunes.

The following information will acquaint you with some of the resource values and recreational opportunities in the area. Enjoy your visit!

<h2> Off-Highway Vehicle Use</h2>

All riding trails are open to all OHV vehicle types.

Facilities include an unloading ramp, restroom, tables, cooking grills and a scenic overlook. . From the staging area, riders have easy access to 140 acres of "open" terrain, containing numerous trails, a one-way track, a 4x4 rock crawling course, and the beach strand. An additional 75-acre riding area known as Eureka Dunes is open to OHV use and extends about 1 mile north of the park. The rest of the beach and dunes along the peninsula are closed to vehicle use, except by special permit from the county.

The following partial list of regulations and tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of these public lands.

<ul>
 <li>ATV riders must wear protective helmets.</li>
 <li>Observe posted signs. Fenced areas mark sensitive wildlife and plant habitat, and are "closed" to vehicle use. The "open" riding areas are also posted and those on foot should be aware of their locations.</li>
 <li>All vehicles must be registered and a green sticker or license plate clearly displayed.</li>
 <li>Motorcycles must be equipped with an approved spark arrester and muffler that meets noise standards.</li>
 <li>Flags are required on all OHV's in this recreation area for visibility and safety.</li>
 <li><a href="https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9418767&legacy=1" rel="nofollow">Consult a tidetable booklet.</a></li>
 <li>Please respect private property.</li>
</ul>

Image of off-highway vehicles on the beach.

Samoa Dunes OHV Area

Image of off-highway vthe beach.ehicles on

Samoa Dunes

### Notice: Hunting and target shooting are prohibited at the Lost Coast
Headlands.

## Overview

The Lost Coast Headlands are located along the coastal bluffs south of the
mouth of the Eel River, approximately 280 miles north of San Francisco, 25
miles south of Eureka, and 6 miles west of Ferndale. The 463 acres of public
land provide seasonal beach access and include grasslands with scattered
patches of forest and portions of the Fleener Creek and Guthrie Creek
watersheds. The northern point of California's Lost Coast is a place of
rolling mountains and windswept coastal bluffs crumbling onto narrow beaches.
The area is hard to beat if you are looking for quiet recreational pursuits.
Lost Coast Headlands offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching,
wildflower viewing, and beachcombing.

<h3>Notice: Hunting and target shooting are prohibited at the Lost Coast Headlands.</h3><h2>Overview</h2>The Lost Coast Headlands are located along the coastal bluffs south of the mouth of the Eel River, approximately 280 miles north of San Francisco, 25 miles south of Eureka, and 6 miles west of Ferndale. The 463 acres of public land provide seasonal beach access and include grasslands with scattered patches of forest and portions of the Fleener Creek and Guthrie Creek watersheds. The northern point of California's Lost Coast is a place of rolling mountains and windswept coastal bluffs crumbling onto narrow beaches. The area is hard to beat if you are looking for quiet recreational pursuits. Lost Coast Headlands offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, wildflower viewing, and beachcombing.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/28330206382/in/photolist-MCBYcP-KcMzfP-KarHmb-RpAmf8-LFcBUw-Eg8PjB-LFcCGy-KgQuwW-JoeJbU-KgQutu-KgQuAU-JoeJ8N-KcKHQP-KgQuRJ-KgQuHs-JoeJ6U-DP1EK7-DipwMw-DP1EFQ-EdNTDj-M1C42j-Kyp5nd-26AnZTu-26Ao1fm-ME7154-UGma3N" title="Lost Coast Headlands" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8725/28330206382_b3356d9cf9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Lost Coast Headlands"></a>

Elk River Trailhead

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Headwaters Forest Reserve

Salmon Pass Trailhead

Fort Humboldt SHP

Samoa Dunes

Lost Coast Headlands

Azalea SNR

Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP