Humboldt has the right beach for you. Each has its own charms, but all come with the same warning: Sneaker waves are called that for a reason. Best to keep an eye on the Pacific Ocean no matter where you roam. For those who like a stroll, Clam Beach (1100 Clam Beach Drive south day use lot; north day use lot 1 mile north) lets you chat with your friends as you cover approximately 1.5 miles of flat sand. The best part? Clam Beach has an ADA rubber mat that runs through the dunes to the beach, with strips to park wheelchairs so everyone can watch the glorious sunset and ocean or laugh at dogs playing in the surf (they are allowed off leash here if under voice control). You might even see passing horses. The mat path is accessible through the north parking lot. The south parking lot leads to a boardwalk through the Strawberry Creek wetlands (expanded by a few industrious beavers before they moved on). Day use parking lots are locked at sunset, with time posted as it changes with the seasons. You can park on Clam Beach Drive until midnight if the moonlight beckons.
Credit: Photo by Mark Larson
If you are up for more of a challenge, head to Luffenholtz Beach (1639 Scenic Drive, Trinidad; parking lot at Tepona Point, with stair access just north by parking pullout). This gem is nestled in the rocky coast between McKinleyville and Trinidad, just north of Houda Point. Check out Tepona Point, which overlooks Luffenholtz Beach from above so you can see the beauty that waits for you. Discover the secluded strip of coarse sand at the bottom of steep stairs (without railings) that wind through rocks and vegetation. This is a wild place, with creatures feasting in tidal pools at low tide, dangerous waves at high tide (not recommended), and kimuk (Soulatluk for whale) sightings during migration. Photographers cherish the stunning sunsets backdropping Trinidad Head. Before you leave, turn and sit at the top of the stairs. You might see a few Brandt’s Cormorants diving into the waves looking for their next meal. Take care: Scenic Drive is narrow, has intermittent gravel portions and is traveled by gawking drivers and bicyclists. You will soon see why they gawk. Spectacular.
Credit: Photo by Mark Larson
Perhaps you prefer a more varied landscape. The 937-acre Ma-le’l Dunes (South Unit, Vera Linda Lane, Arcata; Bureau of Land Management, 707-825-2300; North Unit, North Ma-le’l Dunes Road, Arcata; Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 707-733-5406) has salt marshes and paths winding up and down through tall trees. And wadulh, of course (Soulatluk for sand dunes). These treasured coastal dunes have an ecosystem all their own, earning it its National Natural Landmark status. The road to the North Unit is open Friday through Monday, and although the gate is locked Tuesday through Thursday, you can still visit by hiking 3/4 mile. The road is a section of the aptly named Tsoutsgish Trail that leads to the banks of Baduwa’t/Mad River Slough. Bring your binoculars for tsoutsgish (birds). Only pedestrians are allowed in the North Unit to protect secluded wildlife habitat that is part of the National Natural Landmark. The 206-acre South Unit welcomes dogs and horses, but please keep them on designated trails and the waveslope to protect delicate dune habitat.
This article appears in Humboldt Insider Spring/Summer 2026.