Many people love to see the historical lighthouses that dot the coast of Northern California. One of these is the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, a replica of the still functioning Trinidad Head Lighthouse that sits atop a cliff on nearby Trinidad Head. Many visitors, and even some locals, think that the memorial is the actual operational lighthouse. That one, however, is open to … [Read more...]
#83 – Moonstone & Luffenholz Beaches
Moonstone Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Humboldt County, and for good reason. In the summer, the ocean produces 3- to 5-ft. swells, often going to 20 ft. in the winter. A wide beach break provides ample room for surfers to ride, and this stretch of ocean is great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. But Moonstone Beach is not just for surfers. A … [Read more...]
#84 – Big Lagoon County Park
Big Lagoon is formed by a long sand spit that separates it from the Pacific Ocean. The spit is actually a continuation of Agate Beach, and a premier beachcombing location. Here the determined walker can find a profound solitude amid the elements, not to mention agates, jade, jasper, chalcedony and other wave-tumbled stones. Big Lagoon County Park is located at the south end … [Read more...]
#85 – Kayaking Trinidad
Trinidad’s coastline is beautiful when viewed from the beach, but it’s even more impressive from the water as you paddle among seastacks and out into Trinidad Bay. As Trinidad Head juts out into the ocean it shelters the bay from incoming swells and waves, creating safe harbor for kayakers and recreational boaters. There are miles of gorgeous coastline to investigate in … [Read more...]
#86 – Trinidad State Beach
One of the most popular and spectacular beaches in Humboldt County, Trinidad State Beach is a rock-strewn, mile-long expanse of sandy beach that stretches from Trinidad Head north to Elk Head. The southern portion of the beach is easily accessible from the parking lot located at the beach’s edge by Bay Street and Lighthouse Road, just off Edwards Street. Kid-friendly and … [Read more...]
#87 – Tide-Pooling
The best time for tide-pooling is during spring tides (“spring” in the sense of “jump,” not the season), those that happen every two weeks when there is a full moon or a new moon and the gravitational effects of the moon and the sun complement each other. These have the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Plan your trip to the tide pools for half an hour to an hour … [Read more...]
#88 – Patrick’s Point State Park
Patrick’s Point State Park is located in the heart of Redwood Country. If you love to experience spectacular panoramas, rocky cliffs, great hiking trails and sandy beaches, you won’t want to pass up this wonderful opportunity. Six miles of scenic hiking trails thread through the park where acres of dense forest stretch over an ocean headland. Stroll under a canopy of spruce, … [Read more...]
#89 – Agate Beach
At Patrick’s Point State Park there are great trails, great views and Agate Beach, a wonderfully pebbly beach made for agate hunting. This beach is covered with wave-polished semi-precious stones. While not as valuable as precious stones, agates can still be used to make jewelry as well as projectile points, carvings, and various other items. If the long walk down to Agate … [Read more...]
#90 – Sumeg Village
Today, members of the Yurok Tribe live in modern houses and have modern-day lifestyles. However, many of the nearly 5,000 enrolled members of California’s largest Indian Tribe also work to preserve the traditions of their heritage. Sumeg Village is one place where local Yuroks share their culture with the public. “Sumeg” is the place name of an old Yurok seasonal fishing camp … [Read more...]