Fleener Creek Beach
A one-and-a-half-mile-long beach backed by bluffs is situated north of the mouth of Fleener Creek.
- Location: Centerville Rd Ferndale
- Phone: 707-825-2300
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Birdwatching
- Amenities: Trails, Toilets, Picnic Tables, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
Big Flat on the Lost Coast Trail
A backpacking stop along The Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt County.
- Location: Smith Etter Rd Honeydew
- Activities:Backpacking, Camping, Beachcombing
- Amenities: Wilderness Campsites, Creek, Driftwood, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Free backcountry permits issued at trailheads
Dead Man’s Beach
A spring and fall surfing spot in the Humboldt County resort town of Shelter Cove.
- Location: 183 Cove Point E Whitethorn
- Activities: Surfing, Beachcombing, Fishing
- Amenities: Restrooms At Boat Launch
- Pet Policy: Pets allowed
- Fees: Free parking
Little Black Sands Beach
The beach is made up of two coves covered in dark pebbly volcanic sand and is shielded by huge rocks at the beginning, middle, and end.
- Location: 257 Dolphin Dr. Whitethorn
- Activities: Whale Watching, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Picnic Tables
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Free parking
Jones Beach
An environmental tent campsite along the Lost Coast Trail.
- Location: Briceland Thorn Rd Whitethorn
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Camping
- Amenities: Wilderness Campsites, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Fee for parking
Needle Rock Beach
- Location: Briceland Thorn Rd Whitethorn
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Camping
- Amenities: Rock Arch, Environmental Campsites, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Fee for parking
Spanish Flat on the Lost Coast Trail
A coastal backpacking camp along The Lost Coast Trail in Humboldt County.
- Location:
- Telegraph Ridge Rd Honeydew
- Activities: Beachcombing, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking
- Amenities: Wilderness Campsites
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Free backcountry permits issued at trailheads
Trinidad Head Beach
Known as Pier Beach, located on Trinidad Bay below the huge rocky point called Trinidad Head in the town of Trinidad. It’s two beaches in one with a beach on both sides of a smaller rocky point called Little Head and an adjacent pier in the harbour of Trinidad Bay.
- Location: 1 Bay St Trinidad
- Activities: Hiking, Tidepooling, Boating
- Amenities: Trails, Pier, Lighthouse, Views, Tide Pools, Restrooms, Boat Launch
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
Old Home Beach (Indian Beach)
A narrow beach on Trinidad Bay in the small town of Trinidad.
- Location: Trinity St and Edwards St Trinidad
- Activities: Beach Exploration, Photography
- Amenities: Lighthouse, Benches, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed
- Fees: Free parking
Palmer’s Point at Patrick’s Point State Park
Palmer’s Point is the southern beach access at Patrick’s Point State Park north of the town of Trinidad. Government maps have labeled this beach as Cannonball Beach for years, but the state park has the entire area signed for Palmer’s Point.
- Location: Palmer’s Point at Patrick’s Point State Park
- Address: 4150 Patricks Point Dr. Trinidad
- Activities: Tidepooling, Camping, Picnicking, Whale Watching
- Amenities: Campground, Tide Pools, Trails, Picnic Tables, BBQ
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach or trails
- Fees: Fee for parking and camping
Wedding Rock at Patrick’s Point State Park
A major landmark on the large rocky headland that makes up Patrick’s Point at Patrick’s Point State Park.
- Location: 4150 Patricks Point Dr. Trinidad
- Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Photography, Weddings
- Amenities: Trails, Ocean Overlooks, Campgrounds
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed
- Fees: Fee for parking and camping
Moonstone Beach County Park
The beach is popular with surfers and also with families that can play safely in the slow river current.
- Location: 100 Moonstone Beach Rd Trinidad
- Activities: Surfing, Beachcombing, Equestrian Use, Sea Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Tidepooling
- Amenities: Restaurant, Toilets, Caves, River, Tide Pools
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
Wheeler Beach
A hike-in only beach located near Wheeler Camp in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park along the North Mendocino Coast.
- Location:Briceland Thorn Rd Whitethorn
- Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Equestrian Use
- Amenities: Wilderness Campsites, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Fee for parking
Martin Creek Beach
The most hidden beach in Northern California.
- Location: Stagecoach Road Trinidad
- Activities: Beach Exploration, Fishing, Hiking, Photography
- Amenities: Rock Arch, Seastacks, Tide Pools, Driftwood, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed
- Fees: Limited free shoulder parking spots
Centerville Beach County Park
Centerville was named the best beach by local newspaper readers. It is 9 miles of secluded, beautiful beach with sandstone cliffs and lots of wildlife. An occasional migrating mother whale may swim to her baby in April and May.
- Location: 5 miles west of Ferndale on Centerville Rd.
- Activities: Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Beach Driving, Bonfires
- Amenities: Toilets, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
- Phone: (707) 445-7651
Clam Beach County Park
Small site with only nine tent spaces and 9 RV spaces. The camping area includes restroom toilets and cold water.
- Location: Clam Beach Dr. McKinleyville, CA 95519
- Directions: 7 1/2 miles north of Arcata (near McKinleyville) off HWY 101 (exit Clam Beach Park off-ramp).
- Activities: Camping, Beach Fires, Clam Digging, Biking, Surfing, Equestrian Use, Bonfires
- Amenities: Campground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Free day-use parking, fees for camping
- Phone number: (707) 445-7651
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
Samoa Beach is the long strand of beach on the ocean side of the Samoa Peninsula near Eureka.
- Location: 95 New Navy Base Rd Samoa, CA 95564
- Activities: Fishing, Birdwatching, Hiking, Surfing, OHV, Hiking, Camping
- Amenities: Off-Highway Vehicle Area, Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Dunes, RV Campground, Boat Launch
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash if under voice control
- Fees: No fees are required
- Phone number: (707) 825-2300
Trinidad State Beach
A state beach 20 miles north of Eureka in Humboldt County, California.
- Location: Lighthouse Rd and Bay St Trinidad, CA 95570
- Activities: Hiking, Photography, Birdwatching, Surfing, Kayaking
- Amenities: Restrooms, Trails, Picnic Tables
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free parking
- Phone number: (707) 677-3570
Moonstone Beach
Moonstone beach lives up to its namesake, which is so named due to the shiny gemstones found throughout the area. Though these gems aren’t worth much, they’re a sight to behold.
- Location: 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr. Cambria, CA 93428
- Activities: Rockhounding, Beach Walking, Beachcombing, Walking
- Amenities: Boardwalk, Accessible Features, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach, leashed dogs ok on the boardwalk
- Fees: Free parking along Moonstone Beach Drive
Agate Beach
This beautiful beach at Patrick’s Point State Park is wide and free of driftwood. Strong rip tides make the water dangerous, but it’s a great place for beachcombing or contemplating Mother Nature’s power.
- Location: 4150 Patricks Point Dr. Trinidad, CA 95570
- Activities: Hiking, Rockhounding, Beachcombing, Camping, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Agates, Trails, Campgrounds, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach or trails
- Fees: Parking fee, camping
Gold Bluffs Beach State Park
A remote beach in northern Humboldt County. This long sandy beach is great for walking, beachcombing, and birdwatching.
- Location: Gold Bluffs Beach Rd Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Camping, Fishing, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Campground, Trails, Toilets, Picnic Tables, Driftwood, Dunes, Elk
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on-leash in designated areas
- Fees: Fee for day-use parking and camping
Baker Beach
aka “Baker’s,” is a secluded cove beach just south of Trinidad in Humboldt County. It’s mostly a local beach, and because of the secluded location, it is frequented by the clothing-optional crowd.
- Location: 1237 Scenic Dr. Trinidad
- Activities: Beach Exploration
- Amenities: No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed
- Fees: Free shoulder parking spaces
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Black Sands Beach
This beach has unusual black sand. A south-facing dark sand beach below the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
- Location: Conzelman Rd Sausalito, CA 94965
- Activities: Hiking, Photography, Beach Exploration, Fishing
- Amenities: Restrooms, Trails, Viewpoint
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed
- Fees: Free parking
*Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
College Cove Beach
One of the finest beaches in North California. It is separated from the main state beach by “The Portal,” a natural arch through the rocks. Due to its quiet location, College Cove is a natural beach.
- Location: 585 Stagecoach Rd Trinidad, CA 95570
- Activities: Hiking, Photography, Sunbathing
- Amenities: Trails, Views, Rock Arch, Toilets, Picnic Tables
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Luffenholtz Beach
Luffenholtz Beach County Park is only a short drive south on Trinidad Scenic Drive from town. A popular feature at the park is a scenic overlook perched on a rocky point.
- Location: 1639 Trinidad Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570
- Activities: Picnicking, Beach Fires, Photography
- Amenities: Scenic Overlook, Picnic Tables, Creek
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Friends of the Dunes Beach
Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization with a visitor center, hiking trails, and beach access on Samoa Peninsula. The Humboldt Coastal Nature Center at Friends of the Dunes is open to the public, but consult their website for specific days and times.
- Location: 220 Stamps Lane Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing
- Amenities: Nature Center, Dunes, Restrooms, Trails, Seashells
- Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach but must be leashed on trails
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Lanphere Dunes
This 150-acre beach has wide open space and trails within the dunes. It’s a fun place to explore in a pretty low-key area. There are also some viewing points from the top on some of the dunes.
- Location: Young Ln and Vera Linda Ln Arcata, CA 9552
- Activities: Guided Tours
- Amenities: Dunes, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed
- Fees: Free parking but only with a permit
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Ma-le’l Dunes – North Unit
Ma-le’l Dunes is a part of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is managed through the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area. Different agencies own these north and south dunes, so they have different rules. The Ma-le’l Dunes South Unit (owned by BLM) is open to hiking, horseback riding, and dog walking.
- Location: Young Ln and Vera Linda Ln Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Trails, Dunes, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Seashells, Accessible Features
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed
- Fees: Free parking, but the gate is only open Friday – Monday
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Ma-le’l Dunes – South Unit
Ma-le’l Dunes on Samoa Peninsula is a Bureau of Land Management property open to the public daily during daylight hours. This land is part of the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area, which includes this BLM land and a portion of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Area.
- Location: Young Ln and Vera Linda Ln Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Hiking, Equestrian Use, Beachcombing, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Dunes, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Seashells, Trails
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Mad River Beach County Park
Mad River Beach County Park is where Mad River approaches the ocean a couple of miles south of the actual river mouth. This location provides great ocean beach access and a safe, protected boat launch area on the Mad River. Kayakers, canoeists, boaters, and SUPers can put onto the river from a lot located on the right just before the road ends at the beach.
- Location: 1 Mad River Rd Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Beach Walking, Equestrian Use, Bonfires, Beachcombing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating, Fishing, Biking, Birdwatching
- Amenities: Boat Launch, Dunes, Restrooms
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Free parking at both lots
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Manila Dunes Recreation Area
This 150-acre beach has wide open space and trails within the dunes. It’s a fun place to explore in a pretty low-key area. There are also some viewing points from the top on some of the dunes.
- Location: 1611 Peninsula Dr. Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Beachcombing, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Dunes, Restrooms, Seashells
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Centerville Beach County Park
This park gives access to a long sandy beach that stretches from the parking area north to the mouth of the Eel River. Behind the beach is a mixture of farmlands, meandering sloughs, and marshy wetlands. This is a great place to go beachcombing and bird-watching.
- Location: Centerville Rd Ferndale, CA 95536
- Activities: Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Beach Driving, Bonfires
- Amenities: Toilets, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Guthrie Creek Beach
An off-the-beaten-path destination near Eureka. It’s a little-known sandy strip with a creek sometimes flowing through the driftwood and sand to meet the Pacific Ocean.
- Location:
- 8028 Centerville Rd Ferndale, CA 95536
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Birdwatching
- Amenities: Trails, Toilet, Creek, Driftwood, Fossils
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Crab County Park Beach
Crab County Park is a small Humboldt County Park with beach access at the mouth of the Eel River. This location is a tidal flat on the inside of the river estuary, and it is protected from the ocean waves by dunes on a sandy spit that is part of the Eel River Wildlife Area.
- Location: Cannibal Island Rd Loleta, CA 95551
- Activities: Birdwatching, Equestrian Use, Bonfires, Canoeing, Kayaking
- Amenities: Driftwood, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Eel River Wildlife Area
Eel River Wildlife Area includes a long expanse of beach between the Eel River and the south end of Humboldt Bay near Eureka. The California State Department of Fish and Game manages this remote land for fishing, hunting, birding, and wildlife watching.
- Location: Table Bluff Rd and South Spit Rd Loleta, CA 95551
- Activities: Birdwatching, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Hunting, Beachcombing, Beach Driving, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Picnic Tables, BBQs, Restrooms, Dunes
- Pet Policy: Dogs are allowed on leash. During hunting season, dogs can be off-leash when hunting.
- Fees: No fees are required
* Note: This clothing-optional beach
Mal Coombs Park
Home of the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, is a beautiful park right on the Pacific Ocean. Because of its rocky design, it’s more for adventure-seeking people looking to explore the tidepools, cool formations, and wildlife.
- Location: 1176 Lower Pacific Dr. Whitethorn
- Activities: Lighthouse Tours, Whale Watching, Tidepooling, Camping
- Amenities: Lighthouse, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Tide Pools, Campground
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed
- Fees: Free parking
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is on the Humboldt Bay Estuary south of Eureka. This refuge protects bird and other wildlife habitats and allows public access to recreation. A hiking trail called the Shorebird Loop Trail starts from the visitor center for bird-watching and wildlife observation.
- Location: 1020 Ranch Rd Loleta, CA 95551
- Activities: Hiking, Birdwatching, Hunting, Canoeing, Kayaking
- Amenities: Visitor Center, Restrooms, Trails, Non-motorized Boat Launch
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed in the refuge
- Fees: Free parking and no entrance fees
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit Humboldt Bay
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit Humboldt Bay, is the wordy official name for the long beach on the sandy spit south of the entrance to Humboldt Bay near Eureka. There are three parking areas and two vehicle access routes along South Spit Road for beachcombers to access this huge expanse of beach. Cars and horses are allowed on the beach but not on the dunes. Driving on the beach is only allowed on the wave slope, and four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.
- Location: South Jetty Rd Loleta, CA 95551
- Activities: Fishing, Hunting, Beach Driving, Equestrian Use, Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Dunes, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Restrooms
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash from March through September 15 and off-leash the rest of the year
- Fees: No fees are required
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Table Bluff County Park Beach
Table Bluff County Park has beach access south of Humboldt Bay and west of the small town of Loleta. South of the parking lot is the Eel River Wildlife Area, and north is the Mike Thompson South Spit Wildlife Area. Eel River and South Spit Wildlife Areas include long stretches of uninterrupted beaches popular with fishermen and horseback riders.
- Location: 5086 Table Bluff Rd Loleta, CA 95551
- Activities: Fishing, Equestrian Use, Paragliding, Hang Gliding, Hiking, Beachcombing, Beach Walking, Beach Driving
- Amenities: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Historical Lighthouse Site, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Clam Beach County Park
Clam Beach is a Humboldt County Park just off Redwood Highway 101 near the city of McKinleyville. The beach is named for the plentiful razor clams you can dig for. Take the N Central Ave Exit off Highway 101 north of McKinleyville and turn west to get there.
- Location: Clam Beach Dr. McKinleyville, CA 95519
- Activities: Camping, Beach Fires, Clam Digging, Biking, Surfing, Equestrian Use, Bonfires
- Amenities: Campground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Free day-use parking, camping fees
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Little River State Beach
A long wide sandy beach and dunes just south of the Little River mouth near Trinidad. The beach is a sandy walk through the dunes from the parking area. It’s a remote beach that doesn’t get as many visitors as nearby beaches. Clam Beach County Park has a larger day-use parking lot just south of here and farther south is the county-run campground for Clam Beach.
- Location: Clam Beach Dr McKinleyville, CA 95519
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Clam Digging
- Amenities: Dunes, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed in the dunes or on the beach
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Mad River Beach County Park in Arcata, California
Mad River Beach County Park is located where Mad River approaches the ocean a couple of miles south of the actual river mouth. This location provides great ocean beach access and a safe, protected boat launch area on the Mad River. Kayakers, canoeists, boaters, and SUPers can put in onto the river from a lot located on the right just before the road ends at the beach.
- Location: 1 Mad River Rd Arcata, CA 95521
- Activities: Beach Walking, Equestrian Use, Bonfires, Beachcombing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating, Fishing, Biking, Birdwatching
- Amenities: Boat Launch, Dunes, Restrooms
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Free parking at both lots
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Carruthers Cove Beach in Orick, California
Carruthers Cove is the northernmost beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and all of Humboldt County. This is a scenic area with driftwood at the back of the beach and a creek, Johnson Creek, that pools up in the sand. It requires a one-mile hike down the Carruthers Cove Trail to reach this secluded spot.
- Location: Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy and Coastal Dr. Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Beach Exploration
- Amenities: Trails, Driftwood, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the trail
- Fees: No dogs allowed on the trail
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Fern Canyon Beach
Day-Use Area is at the north end of Gold Bluffs Beach where Fern Canyon opens up to the Pacific Ocean in northern Humboldt County. The Fern Canyon Loop Trail, with high fern-covered canyon walls, is a real highlight and makes a memorable hike from the beach parking area. This trailhead has longer hiking and backpacking options and even mountain biking options.
- Location: Gold Bluffs Beach Rd Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Beachcombing, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Birdwatching, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Fern-Covered Canyon, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Driftwood, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on trails
- Fees: Fee for day-use and camping
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Freshwater Lagoon Beach
Freshwater Lagoon is the northernmost of four separate lagoons in Humboldt Lagoons State Park, but the ocean beach side of Freshwater Lagoon is situated within the boundary of Redwood National Park.
- Location: Highway 101 Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Birdwatching, Swimming, Beach Walking, Hiking
- Amenities: Lake, Boat Launch, Rock Arch
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash on the beach, but not in the dunes
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Dry Lagoon Beach
Dry Lagoon is mostly a marshy wetland that is best for bird-watching.
- Location: Redwood Hwy and McDonald Creek Rd Trinidad
- Activities: Fishing, Birdwatching, Hiking, Camping
- Amenities: Walk-in Campground, Picnic Tables, Trails, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees: Free day-use parking
Orick Fishing Access Beach
The Orick Fishing Access is a parking area on the north side of the Redwood Creek mouth near the town of Orick. It is located on Redwood National Park property, but it’s little-known beach access. At the beach,, endless piles of drift logs and several large rocks cast shadows on the gray sand.
- Location: Hufford Rd Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Fishing, Beachcombing, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Driftwood, Creek, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash, but leashes not enforced here
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Ossagon Creek Trail & Beach
Ossagon Creek Beach is the northernmost beach in the Gold Bluffs Area near Orick, CA. It’s remote, with a wide sandy beach, dunes, creek wetlands, and humongous rocks that you can climb on. There’s also a beach campground for hikers and beach bicyclists traveling on the California Coastal Trail, which follows Gold Bluffs Beach and the Ossagon Creek Trail.
- Location: Newton B Drury Scenic Pkwy Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Beach Exploration
- Amenities: Trails, Beach Rocks
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the trails
- Fees: Free parking at trailhead
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Redwood Creek Picnic Area Beach
Redwood Creek Beach is located at the mouth of Redwood Creek about two miles south of the town of Orick in northern Humboldt County. This day-use picnic area is part of Redwood National Park and has a large parking area, clean facilities, and access to a sandy driftwood-covered beach.
- Location: Highway 101 Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Picnicking, Beachcombing, Swimming, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Park Visitor Center, Accessible Trails, Boardwalk, Creek
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on-leash in designated areas
- Fees: No fees required
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Stone Lagoon Beach
Stone Lagoon is a long wide sand bar that separates the Pacific Ocean and Stone Lagoon. The lagoon is a large open body of water in the shoreline forest between the towns of Orick and Trinidad.
- Location: 15336 Highway 101 Orick, CA 95555
- Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Boating, Swimming, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Lake, Boat-in Campground, Picnic Tables, Restrooms At Visitor Center, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash on the beach, but not in the dunes
- Fees: Free parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Cape Mendocino Beach
Cape Mendocino is the westernmost point in Humboldt County and the entire state of California. There is a huge haystack-shaped rock offshore at the point that is so large it is considered an island. Sugarloaf Island, as it is called, is visible from Mattole Road, which gets you about as close to the point as possible.
- Location: Mattole Rd Petrolia, CA 95558
- Activities: Beach Exploration, Beachcombing
- Amenities: Lighthouse Historical Site, Driftwood, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash on the beach, but not in the dunes
- Fees: Free parking along Mattole Road
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Mattole River Beach
Mattole Beach is at the sandy mouth of the Mattole River at the north end of King Range National Conservation Area. This remote area is reached via a long winding drive down Mattole Road from either Weott (east) or Ferndale (north).
- Location: 3750 Lighthouse Rd Petrolia, CA 95558
- Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Beachcombing, Camping
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails, Campground, Driftwood, River
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Free day-use parking, camping fees
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Mattole Road Beaches
There are many unnamed beaches along the remote Mattole Road near the town of Petrolia in Humboldt County. These beaches are seldom visited. Access to them isn’t obvious, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Location: 21797 Mattole Rd Petrolia, CA 95558
- Activities: Beachcombing, Photography, Beach Walking, Beach Exploration
- Amenities: Driftwood, Rock Arch, Sea Stacks, No Facilities
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed
- Fees: Free shoulder parking
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Punta Gorda Lighthouse
Along the Humboldt County Coast is nearly a four-mile walk on the beach from the Mattole River Beach parking area. The beach trail is part of The Lost Coast Trail backpacking route in King Range National Conservation Area.
- Location: 3750 Lighthouse Rd Petrolia, CA 95558
- Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Beachcombing, Wildlife Watching
- Amenities: Lighthouse, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Free parking, and free backcountry permits issued at the trailhead
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Big Lagoon County Park Beach
The ocean beach is a long sandy bar that holds back the Pacific Ocean from Big Lagoon.
- Location: Redwood Hwy and Big Lagoon Park Rd Trinidad
- Activities: Fishing, Sailing, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Swimming, Bonfires, Camping, Beach Walking
- Amenities: Campground, Lake, Restrooms, Boat Launch, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Driftwood, Agates
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash on the wave slope and on-leash on dry sand
- Fees: Parking fee, camping
Houda Point Beach
A photogenic spot a couple of miles south of Trinidad.
- Location: Scenic Dr. Trinidad
- Activities: Picnicking, Surfing, Photography
- Amenities: Picnic Tables, Trails, Driftwood
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed off-leash
- Fees: Free parking
Abalone Point
A broad flat grass and wildflower-covered bluff on the west side of the small town of Shelter Cove. Unfortunately, there isn’t a beach here. But this spot has big rocks where seals and sea lions sometimes hang out, making it a fun spot to stop and take pictures. Abalone Point is exposed to the windy, damp weather of this rugged part of the Humboldt County Coast.
- Location: 408 Lower Pacific Dr. Whitethorn, CA 95589
- Activities: Wildlife Watching, Whale Watching, Birdwatching
- Amenities: Picnic Tables
- Pet Policy: Dogs allowed in the park
- Fees: No fees are required
* Note: This is a clothing-optional beach
Bear Harbor Beach
A small south-facing beach in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. This is a tough and secluded area, but worth it if you’re looking for the most rad camping experience.
- Location: Briceland Thorn Rd Whitethorn
- Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Camping
- Amenities: Wilderness Campsites, Trails
- Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees: Fee for Parking
Explore Humboldt:
Events & Organizations:
