The Fay Slough Wildlife Area is an area managed and protected by the California Department of Fish…read more& Game. Access to it is right off of U.S. 101 Northbound - next to a car dealership. From the CADF&G web site: "The 484-acre Fay Slough Wildlife Area is previously grazed land that has been restored to coastal and seasonal wetlands. Riparian woodlands occur along the eastern and southern edges of the area, and are dominated by red alder and willows. Many species of resident and migratory songbirds utilize this habitat, as well as egrets, herons and various raptors. There are also many species of reptiles and amphibians that occur is the area, including northern red-legged frogs, pacific chorus frogs, northwest salamanders, and newts." #FaySloughWildlifeArea

Right off the 101 at the mid-city motor world exit. This natural wildlife area directly across from…read morethe bay on the east side of the highway, provides some of the best area outside of the marsh for migratory bird watching. The area is level and relatively flat easy walking, and the slough and wetlands around it provide the perfect habitat for viewing and watching some great seasonal travelers as well as the areas natives. As you exit, there is a small amount a flat parking spaces at the trail head, park and walk in - usually easy access as not many people stop at this cool sanctuary. The trail way is easy walking, hiking, biking and only maybe a mile into the slough and wetlands. There are birds everywhere. I stop by here when I get the chance on cool mornings as it makes for some great viewing. This Wildlife Conservation Board property is well worth the stop and most don't - an easy walking trail with lots open area for birding, hiking, running and biking. the area is open from dawn to dust daily. 4 Stars. 00206

This place is such a beautiful place to go hiking, to take your four legged friend, or to go…read morehorseback riding. There are the Ma-le'l Dunes North and the Me-le'l Dunes South, both of which have lots of different trails. We hiked around in the the sand dunes on a trail that led to the beach and it was a beautiful hike. It was nice to hang out on the beach and watch the waves. You can walk along the beach and it's nice that there isn't many people around. We also hiked up the dunes to where the spruce trees met the forest. It was fascinating to see trees in the sand and where the dunes and the forest meet up close. This was such a fun place to explore! There is plenty of parking. There is a bathroom near where you park and doggy bags. Please bring your own doggy bags and leave no trace! This is a beautiful place worth exploring!

We went to the South dunes. North dunes was closed…read more It was pretty nice where my kids rolled around the sand. Unable to sled down with a cardboard box though.

This is one of my favorite weekend escapes! I love the song-filled landscape and how it changes…read moreseason to season. You can count on observing numerous species of birds, buzzing insects, rabbits, fox and sometimes even otters. The ears eye is continuously enjoying and roving for familiar and unfamiliar sounds. The area is surrounded by Humboldt's waterways, which also makes up scenic treasures. There are trails, benches, and picnic tables to enjoy, and an educational center. It's a lovely and safe place to explore.

We squeezed in a trip here on the last day of our Redwood vacation, stopping by at 4 PM on a…read moreFriday. We quickly found out it would have to be a short trip: signs warned us that gates would be closed at 5 PM and if you are not out by then - oh well. We still got in a short walk, enough to know this is a beautiful refuge for local wildlife. Lots of flowers in mid-June. Alas, not too many birds, but morning visits would probably be different. However, needless to say, with this strict time deadline hanging over our heads our walk could not be extensive! The visitor center looked nice, but it is only open limited days/hours - in spite of the fact that numerous workers could be seen in the center. Beautiful site but don't make the assumption that - unlike almost any other park -it is open until dusk!

This spot is a nice place to go on runs, walks, watch sunsets, do school research, attend field…read moretrips, and so do much more. Especially if you are here you will be able to find various unique birds by going bird watching after all the interpretative center is an area to educate yourself with the wildlife that habitat themselves in the am nearby areas of the marsh. I do have fond memories of going on field trips here and checking out the area where the urine disposal goes. Sounds gross, I know but believe it or not it was highly educational. Apparently the only plant that can pass into our intestines and still reproduce is the tomato seed. It was quite the sight to see. Many small plants were growing in what looked like a cross between a small green house and a gated barn. Surprisingly it didn't smell terrible outside. I do want to warn people from going to late in this marsh people not only can you run into interesting folks but also interesting bugs, critters and animals the darker it becomes. Overall, keep your eyes peeled and senses heightened because EVERY SINGLE TIME we always discover or see something new we didn't see before ^_*

We were staying nearby this place while in town. We decided to take our dogs for a walk and it was…read moresuch a relaxing place to go. Nice trails to walk. Several people were around walking, jogging, and bike riding. Definitely know why the locals enjoy this place for a variety of reason. There was also maps in several places to ensure you didn't get lost!

Pretty cool trail. Tucked up in a community forest plenty of insects, birds, trees, and greenery :pread more

GREEN DIAMOND TRAIL Found this trail on YELP, located at the…read moreedge of town using their map. Started at an open gate onto a dirt road through a massive Redwood forest. This trail has no signage...so a gps mind is helpful. I used the go out, out and out and find a way back plan. Lots of crisscrossing dirt roads, found some new, hard to follow, barely there single tracks, dead-ends, a small jump park and some super fun but short runs. Unfortunately it was muddy and I should actually have stayed off some of them but I was in a controlled state of lost. It was late afternoon and you would get into these shoots/gullies that got dark fast so I made a premature turn back on a brutal up hill. My STRAVA map gives me a much better look at the layout now. It's a new trail system with potential for growth. There is a small trash problem that has the neighborhood on edge...so pack it out! Skill level- medium , fun level- high. .

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 ;-)

It's a cloistered beach in Trinidad well worth the climb down the rickety wooden steps and yes, a…read morebit of a ladder, below what's left of the lighthouse memorial. Sure, they don't make it easy to get to, but most things worth seeing are, don't you think? Waiting for the marine laboratory to open down the street, I was alone exploring the rocky terrain on the silky sand amid the early morning mist. I believe they're changing the name to Old Home Beach to be more politically correct. Regardless the calming location provided meditative pleasures. RELATED - Lost on the Lost Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2A1YVjy

Hike to a Sea Stack Sheltered Cove…read more This is a hidden beauty but worth the hike to experience. Take the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse stairs down to the beach or via Parker Creek Trail (off of the end of Parker Creek Drive). There is no parking lot or facilities so be prepared to hike a ways from your car and pack your trash out with you. Spectacular views (see pictures) of Trinidad Head, Trinidad harbor, the sea stacks and rugged cliffs surround you. At low tide you can wonder out on some of the rocks and see tiny marine creatures in their home. Driftwood and smaller rocks are plentiful, making decent wind shelters to relax and ponder the sea. Once the site of the ancient Tsurai Indian village the surrounding lands are still considered sacred and should be respected as such.

Long drive down a dirt road passing idyllic little dairy farms, for some reason called Cannibal Rd…read more right after the sleepy little town of Loleta. The beach was very small and littered with the smoldering remnants of bonfires with discarded car seats and beer cans. Maybe if you venture out to Cock Robin Island there's better swimming. We saw people racing on ATVs in the distance. Felt surreally post apocalyptic with the smell of fennel, salt air and charred wood.

Really cool Humboldt County Park! Day-use area with access to Eel River estuary, No fee, Day-use…read moreonly Limited parking. Easy access to the beach great place to have a campfire. No bathrooms. No facilities at all. Great place to run your dog or kids!