Eureka Waterfront Trail

Bike, walk, rollerblade, stroll or paddle among coastal willow patches, sand dune systems, saltmarsh and riverine habitat.

Northern California's Eureka Waterfront Trail is located along the shore of Humboldt Bay, stretching 6.5 miles from the former Elk River Park & Ride (Herrick Ave. Exit off Hwy 101 South Eureka) toTydd Street on the eastern edge of the city.

It provides walkers and bikers with a safe and convenient way to access the city’s waterfront and Old Town. A highlight of the trail is the boardwalk spanning the salt marsh behind Blue Ox Millworks. It offers views of the bay, Eureka slough, and mountains.

Interpretive signs dot the trail, highlighting aspects of the area's natural and cultural history in addition to trail and watertrail map information. Topics cover marsh reconstruction, migrant and vagrant bird species in the willow patches, Humboldt Bay geology, railroad history, Wiyot village life, Elk River sandspit formation and marine life, dune plant ecology, and plant and animal identification.    

Another short but popular section of the route, known as the Hikshari’ Trail, runs behind the Bayshore Mall and through the Elk River Access Area. This 1.5-mile section follows the river, offering views of the water, coastal willows, and sand dunes. Many trailside benches are available to take it all in. Along the way, be sure to stop at the interpretive signs to learn about the surrounding habitats and history of the area.

The Eureka Waterfront Trail is also part of a larger project being developed by Humboldt County called the Humboldt Bay Trail, which will span 13 miles and connect Eureka with Arcata.
Parking and Trail Access

ACCESS POINTS:

Herrick Ave Park & Ride
Hilfiker Ln.  West of Broadway
Foot of Truesdale St.
No. Bayshore Mall Parking Lot
Foot of Del Norte St.
Foot of "C" St.
Samoa Bridge Boat launch off Waterfront Dr.
Behind Target
Tydd St.


**Parking lots are available on the northern end of the trail at Truesdale Avenue (just south of Bayshore Mall), on Hilfiker Lane, and at the south end of the trail at Pound Road.



Audubon guided birdwalks every 3rd Sunday at 9am.  Meet at parking lot at foot of West Del Norte Street. Birds will be scoped here at the public dock. Then attendees will drive to the Hikshari' trail at Truesdale Street and bird along the trail to the Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary.

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