All Along the Humboldt Bay Trail 

Everyone — whether walking, rolling, running or riding — should check out the newly completed Humboldt Bay Trail segment between Eureka and Arcata. The paved, ADA-accessible, multi-use trail allows all types and skill levels of recreational non-motorized trail users to enjoy the flat, sea-level stretch with great views of Humboldt Bay, easy access and parking points. 

The 6.5-mile trail between Arcata and Eureka is a dramatic improvement in safety and experience from the previous option next to traffic in the U.S. Highway 101 corridor. Given trail access points (see below), there’s no longer any need to get on the highway, and the trail has only one stop sign for cross traffic entering Bracut Industrial Park.

In just a few months, it’s already become popular with bicyclists, walkers, runners, roller skaters, rollerbladers, skateboarders and users of e-powered wheelchairs. Most of its layout runs along the Humboldt Bay shoreline between the old out of service railroad tracks and the highway, except for a 1-mile stretch on top of the Brainard levee that loops around shuttered Green Diamond lumber mill buildings. While there you can enjoy the views of the bay away from traffic noise next to four benches and interpretive signs.

Those looking for a longer ride can take advantage of the Humboldt Bay Trail for approximately 14 miles between Eureka’s Humboldt Hill and the trail’s end at Larson Park in Arcata. From there, easy road connections lead you to the Hammond Trail bridge trailhead in the Arcata Bottoms and onward through McKinleyville until you reach scenic Clam Beach. To the south from the Humboldt Bay Trail connection at the Eureka Slough railroad bridge in Eureka, a continuous trail runs south along Humboldt Bay on the Waterfront Trail and the Hikshari’ Trail segments past the Herrick Avenue Park and Ride lot and ends near the bottom of Humboldt Hill.

Mileage

It’s roughly 6.5 miles one way from the Eureka Waterfront Trail connection at Eureka Slough railroad bridge near Target to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary area (no vehicle parking available in between). 

Highlights

• Excellent conditions on the well-constructed, well-marked, paved trail.

• Benches, interpretative signs about the history and ecosystem of the area, views of Humboldt Bay and little road noise on the 1-mile Brainard levee portion with its backdoor views of the Green Diamond (formerly California Redwood Co.) mill site.

• Access to the Arcata Marsh trails and Wildlife Interpretive Center or Eureka Waterfront Trail.

Keep in mind:

• Currently no parking access next to the trail anywhere between Eureka and Arcata – do not park at Bracut Industrial Park. 

• No potable water or toilet access on the trail between Target in Eureka and the outdoor toilet at the Arcata Marsh parking lot at the foot of I Street (or the restroom at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center at 569 South G St. when it’s open). There is a public restroom along the Waterfront Trail not far to the west of Target under the Samoa Bridge.

Access points and parking suggestions for out-and-back trips 

Starting in Eureka 

Option 1: After parking near the Target store (coffee and restrooms inside), access the Humboldt Bay Trail South via the newly painted Kaleidoscope Crossing Bridge, which is a refurbished railroad bridge over the Eureka Slough. 

Option 2: Park at the Adorni Center/Halvorsen Park lot (1201 Waterfront Drive) and head north along the Waterfront Trail past the public restrooms under the Samoa Bridge to the Humboldt Bay Trail South to Arcata.

Starting in Arcata

Option 1: Turn south from Samoa Boulevard onto South G Street and park in the large parking lot for Arcata Marsh trails and the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center at 569 South G St. (restrooms during operating hours, Mondays 1 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and onward to the nearby Humboldt Bay Trail.  

Option 2: Turn south from Samoa Boulevard onto South I Street and drive to the dead end and the large parking area (portable toilet located here) and follow the marsh trails to the nearby Humboldt Bay Trail to Eureka.

The Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center has a free trail map and brochure in English and Spanish, a bookstore, bird checklists, interactive exhibits, a wildflower garden and a log of recent bird sightings. A beach wheelchair is available for checkout upon request. The center is closed on major holidays. For more information, call (707) 826-2359.

For one-way trips

Consider parking in either city, completing the trail and then riding a Humboldt Transit Authority/Redwood Transit System back to your vehicle. The buses are equipped with bike racks.

Starting in Arcata, park near the Arcata bus stop at Fifth and G streets, and walk/ride/roll on South G Street to the Humboldt Bay Trail. Once in Eureka, you can catch a northbound bus to Arcata on Fifth Street at U, O, K, H or D streets. 

Starting in Eureka, park near a bus stop on Fourth Street at B, H, L or O streets. Once you’ve completed the trail to Arcata, take the bus at H and Sixth streets back to Eureka. You can upload a Redwood Transit System bus schedule at hta.org.

Preparation and safety

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or helmet, and dress in layers (it can be cold and windy at times next to the bay). Pack a charged cell phone and first aid in case of blisters. If you’re doing the trail by yourself, let someone know your plans and expected return time. If you’re rolling on the trail, stay to the right and then slow down as you pass others on their left side. If walking, always stay to the right and stay alert for anyone passing you on the left.

Give back if you can

The Volunteer Trail Stewards program of the Humboldt Trails Council (humtrails.org) coordinates volunteers to provide support to public agencies and land trusts with building and maintaining trails. You can also contribute to the continued development of the Humboldt Bay Trail and its maintenance through the Humboldt Area Foundation’s portal at hafoundation.org. 

This article appears in Humboldt Insider Winter 2026.