Kayak & Rafting

California's North Coast region offers some of the finest kayaking & rafting opportunities in the west. Bring your own or rent gear from one of our outfitters. The multitude of waterways (bays, lagoons, rivers, estuaries and coastline) contain plenty of choices for the first time paddler or wilderness-paddling fanatic alike. 

Where to Kayak in Humboldt County & Boat Launches



Humboldt Bay
Large parts of the Bay are included within the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and it's a prime spot for bird watching and observing marine life.  Although appearing very large on the map, large parts of the Bay are mud flats, and eel grass beds. All tidally influenced so bring your tide book!  Boaters should always be aware that tides, wind, and weather change rapidly on Humboldt Bay.   

Mad River Slough/Humboldt Bay
Northern Humboldt Bay into Mad River Slough is where the Mad River was diverted into Humboldt Bay during the logging heydays. It is a very tranquil place to bird watch. Point of Access: Mad River Slough Boat Ramp located at the northern end of Manila.

Hookton Slough/Humboldt Bay
Part of the Humboldt National Wildlife Refuge, it is a tidal slough 1.5 miles out along the south edge of Humboldt Bay including freshwater marsh, mudflats and open water. Look for herons and egrets as well as shorebirds, waterfowl, harbor seals, Cinnamon Teal, White-tailed Kite, American Avocet, and Brant. Using the waterways gains access to areas often obscured from the main trail. Point of Access: Hookton Rd. Boat Ramp.

Eel River Estuary
This area is rich in wildlife, a great place to get up close to many of the animals that frequent this tidal region on the Eel River Slough and Cockrobin Island area. Point of Access: End of Cannibal Rd., Loleta.

Trinidad Harbor and Pier
The Trinidad area is one of the most spectacular and pristine segments of the California coast, and has been established as a California Coastal National Monument Gateway with a beach launch for small boats and kayaks. Sea kayaking on Trinidad Bay offers participants the opportunity to explore the unique rock formations, kelp beds, seal colonies and migratory sea birds.

Humboldt Lagoons
Big Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, and Freshwater Lagoon offer wildlife viewing, camping, picnicking, fishing, agate hunting, driftwood collecting and feature a boat ramp for small boats, kayaks, sail boats and wind surfers. While exploring the Big Lagoon/Maple Creek Estuary, participants can see river otters, elk, deer, migratory birds and much more.

Trinity River
During the summer an hour's drive due east of Arcata via Hwy 299 will bring you to the warm, sunny mountain town of Willow Creek and the cool clear waters of the Trinity River. The Trinity River is well known for its rafting and kayaking opportunities. Take a guided tour or rent an inflatable raft or kayak to complete your own trip down the river.


GUIDED TOURS
Bigfoot Adventure Academy
Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board instruction and tours on Humboldt Bay, Trinidad Bay and Big Lagoon. 844.926.6566

Bigfoot Rafting Company
Running North Coast rivers for several decades, Bigfoot Rafting is the largest and most experienced river outfitter operating in the Klamath-Trinity region. Guided trips, multi-day camp-outs and class IV and V Wilderness trips. You can also rent inflatable kayaks, rafts, inner tubes and gear. Big Flat, CA 530-623-1113.

Humboats Kayak Adventures  
Rentals, guided tours and instruction. Humboats waterfront location at picturesque Woodley Island Marina features the only dockside kayak rental facility on the redwood coast. Located on Dock A.  707-443-5157

Kayak Trinidad
Kayak Trinidad offers a variety of options for all levels of paddler. From our paddlesports specialty store in town, to kayak & paddleboard rentals at Big Lagoon, beginner friendly lessons and whale & wildlife tours of Trinidad Bay, to advanced instruction & coastal exploration, we can help you achieve your goals. 707-329-0085

Six Rivers Rafting
Six Rivers Rafting provides the highest quality experience on the rivers in Shasta-Trinity & Klamath National Forest. They offer guided whitewater trips (class II-V), scenic wilderness trips, multi-day trips, gourmet dinner trips and Kayak lessons. 707-599-4221


LOCAL SUPPLIERS
Adventure's Edge
650 10th Street
Arcata, CA 95521
707-822-4673

125 W. Fifth Street
Eureka, CA  95501
707-445-1711

Kayak Trinidad
322 Main Street (retail store)
Trinidad, CA 95570
707-329-0085

1148 Big Lagoon Park Rd (rentals)
Trinidad, CA 95570
707-329-0085

Pacific Outfitters
1600 Fifth Street
Eureka, CA 95501
707-443-6328