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    Arcata Community Forest

    4.8 (36 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Arcata Community Forest Photos

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    Bridge
    Amy K.

    Great place to take your dog. I came here with my husband and two dogs. They were totally into it. You are transported into another world. The pictures posted don't do it justice. From the city to the forest in two steps. Everything inside is green. Even the air seems green. Truly an emerald forest. To get there, you drive through the neighborhood near Humboldt University. There is a small parking area with less than 10 spaces. The sign recommends you back in since its along the street. We walked through and came out on the other side in a playground. So strange to have a forest in the middle of normal life. Reminded me of the movie "Troll."

    Neal E.

    I had the opportunity to hike one of the trails located inside of the Arcata Community Forest - during a recent vacation to the Arcata/Eureka, CA area! To access the Arcata Community Forest - you enter "Redwood Park" and drive up to the parking lot - where there are interpretive signs and such - leading into the Forest. I hiked a fairly steep trail from the parking lot up into the woods - then worked my way back down the same trail! Impressive natural resource for a local community! Beautiful! If I lived in the area, I'd be exploring the entire forest! #ArcataCommunityForest

    Randy E.

    Beautiful place to take a hike along the trails. Tranquil Just a short drive up the hill to a small parking area.

    Lunch!
    Stefani T.

    Back in the day, I wanted to go to school here. What I hadn't discovered at the time was this incredible slice of heaven next door . After picking up some lunch, we thought it might be nice to have it here. On our way to an opening with grass, we came upon a magnificent tree stump, begging for us to stay. And so we did. We ate and marveled at our surroundings. Lunch rocked. Highly recommended

    Trees
    A S.

    Wow this place was beautiful. I love how easy it was so get to and park. I will definitely visit again. It is well cared for.no trash or debris. This place is so peaceful.

    Virg B.

    This is a gem! Beautiful clean trails huge redwood canopies... and greenery all around! I'm so glad we came here!

    Marie S.

    A great way to see some redwoods without having to make the drive to see THE Redwoods (although these trees are much younger - 75 to 100 years old). Worth making a drive through if you have time

    Disc golf!
    Christigale F.

    A hop and a skip from town. Highly recommend for a quick (or lengthy) trek if in the Arcata area. Locals and visitors alike frequent this gem. Several entrances to access the forest making this a favorite among locals who want variety and some change of scenery in their local nature hike. Heavily shaded underneath the tree canopies and several degrees cooler than outside the park so bring layers. We came in winter so it was just a bit brisk and we were dressed appropriately. A true escape from town with not a sound of traffic, which you wouldn't believe given the proximity. A few groups playing disc golf throughout the park but you only saw them for moments before they disappeared again due to the complex terrain. I could get lost here, in the best way possible. If you're into shinrin yoku (Japanese for forest bathing) this is an excellent and easily accessible spot for this area.

    Spectacular mt biking
    Deserie D.

    This place can transport you, it's amazing. It's a place with miles of trails winding all around breathtaking terrain. In the years I've been visiting the forest it's completely quiet except on 4/20 u can hear faint drumming & celebration in the background. The trails are designated for walking, biking & horseback riding. It's butts up against humboldt state uni so there are some people aimlessly & deliriously wondering around trying to get through the student grind. I usually bike here, it's got a great rhythm of flowing hills & just when u think u can't go any further there a small flat to catch your breath. This is a fantastic place to improve your biking & take risks because if u do fall the ground is mushy & full of soft fluffy ferns. There is some bird watching, frogs, slugs, & I've heard of the occasional big cats.

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    2 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Beautiful hiking with well-marked trails, close to town. Dog-friendly. Parking was easy on the two days we hiked here. Highly recommended!

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    11 years ago

    Bigger than you'd think and who doesn't love redwoods!? Seems unsafe tho. It's been taken over by hsu trash, a real bummer.

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    Ask the Community - Arcata Community Forest

    Review Highlights - Arcata Community Forest

    On our way to an opening with grass, we came upon a magnificent tree stump, begging for us to stay.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Redwood National & State Parks - Fungi

    Redwood National & State Parks

    4.8(123 reviews)
    55.2 km

    Beautiful scenery…read more There are so many different areas to go and see. All in different cities. The Redwood National Forest spans over a great distance. I drove from San Francisco. To see everything, I had to stay in a hotel overnight. With the exception of driving through carved out tress, all the sites are free. Driving through trees was $15 at each of the 3 sites I visited. There are several rest stop areas while driving to and from there.

    Like so many people have told me, hiking through the Redwoods cannot be described but rather…read moreexperienced. I got to experience this for myself, as my husband and I are on a road trip from LA to NorCal and beyond for a combo work trip for him, and 50th bday spent in nature for me. We stopped in to the Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center and spoke with a friendly park ranger that gave us a map and suggested a hike for us. We stopped in another visitor center (Prairie Creek), where we spoke with another friendly ranger that gave us the more rugged option of said hike. The hike was absolutely beautiful, with Redwoods that go up, up, up. And all around the ground level are so many types of fern, lichen, moss, mushrooms, and other dense forest growth. We did a 3.5 mile hike, which was a great work out, and so scenic. But, my words will do it no justice. Go for yourself and experience it. And remember, leave no trace and pack it in pack it out. Long Live our National Parks!!!

    Photos
    Redwood National & State Parks
    Redwood National & State Parks
    Redwood National & State Parks - Dense old-growth woods. Absolutely amazing!

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    Dense old-growth woods. Absolutely amazing!

    Mad River Beach

    Mad River Beach

    4.2(22 reviews)
    8.4 km

    So. Many. SAND DOLLARS!! It's mind blowing - every few feet there's another one, and another one,…read moreand another one!! And this is probably the first California beach I've ever had all to myself! I think I saw 1-2 other people and that was it...fantastic!! I visited in March as part of my Redwoods trip...it's easy to get to along the Redwoods Coast - highly recommend if you're in the area. It was cloudy, cold, and windy - but that made it even more gorgeous! Very cozy...I loved it! The colors were dramatic and waves were angry - such a mood!! To get to the beach, you have to walk over a stretch of sand dunes dotted with clumps of beach grass. And then it's wide open beach after that. Lots of shorebirds, sand dollars, and shells to keep you occupied. There are looming mountains off in the distance. So photogenic! There's a small-ish parking lot (I didn't see any bathrooms) with a gate that indicates the entrance to the beach walk. Before you get to the parking lot, there's a yellow sort of gate area that they close at a certain time every evening - there are plenty of signs to tell you what time it closes and don't get caught behind it after hours or you'll have to call the cops and get towed! Apparently, down the other road to the right of the gate takes you to a boat ramp and horse staging area. Be sure to make a stop at the nearby Mad River Bridge too - you can miss it!! Totally worth it - especially since you're already in the area (see my bridge review - it has a cool history and views)!

    This beach hold many memories of bon fire nights with friends along with star gazing nights…read more Beware this beach is open sunrise to sunset so make sure to park outside the fenced area if you want to stay after closing. Also be careful when waking in the areas where folks have bon fires by the beach, there are many sharp objects such as construction nails and such especially since people prefer to use wood pallets for bon fires. Back in the day there way no fenced area so it was fairly easy to stumble on rocks or sharp grass back to the car especially if a friend had too much to drink. Once in awhile you will see dark objects bobbing their heads in the water. Don't be too alarmed it might be a seal. I wasn't sure at first but I made sure to zoom in on my camera ;-)

    Photos
    Mad River Beach
    Mad River Beach - Lots of sand dollars!

    Lots of sand dollars!

    Mad River Beach - Butterfly flowers?

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    Butterfly flowers?

    Azalea State Natural Reserve - Tall majestic trees stand sentinels over the meandering trail.

    Azalea State Natural Reserve

    4.3(4 reviews)
    5.4 km

    The Azalea State Natural Reserve is an area protecting Azalea plant species…read more.. From their web site: "A reserve for western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale). Each spring, a profusion of pink and white blossoms scents the air. There is a picnic area available. Plan to visit in April and May when azaleas are in bloom." http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=420 So you want to plan your visit in the April/May time frame - if you want to have a chance of experiencing the Azaleas when they are in bloom. Other times, of the year, it's a nice, peaceful place for a hike! #AzaleaStateNaturalReserve

    This small state reserve in northern Humboldt county, off the 101, just below McKinleyville. Off…read moreNorth Bank Road, just about a mile or so down on the left hand side(north) of the blacktop. Is one of the top flower watching destinations in California. This state maintained reserve is loaded with western azaleas, and in the springtime it becomes alive with color and fragrance. Because of the temperate climate, blooms can be found year around. Walking trails are literally covered with pink and white blossoms from late April to June (depending on the weather) and the scent of these beautiful trees flowers can be smelled from yards away, lofting through the air - you find yourself lost in a maze of trails with millions of blooms all around. This unassuming little park is really a very amazing place to walk, look, relax and enjoy nature. There are picnic areas, and a couple different maintained low to medium grade walking trails - also a paved parking area. There is also a trail that crosses the roadway and leads into the far side of this cool place. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset, year around. There are no dogs allowed in this fragile natural reserve, so please leave your fur friend at home or in the car. This natural state reserve, is one of the best places for blooms in the springtime in the entire state - and well worth the effort. A true 5 star gem on the north coast. 00154

    Photos
    Azalea State Natural Reserve - And another trail across the road...

    And another trail across the road...

    Azalea State Natural Reserve
    Azalea State Natural Reserve - Western azaleas even in the winter...

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    Western azaleas even in the winter...

    Arcata Community Forest - parks - Updated May 2026

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