Vacation Guide
Quietly Located Between Everything
10 minutes • ACV Airport
7 minutes • Arcata
15 minutes • Trinidad
20–45 minutes • Ancient Redwoods
• Trinidad State Beach
Easy Access. Dog Friendly.
In your GPS, type in "Seascape Restaurant" and it'll take you there, and when you get down the hill, you’ll see the beach on your right with the big parking lot facing it. The mountain/hill adjacent to this lot is called Trinidad Head - it is a loop walk with a nice incline - maybe an hourish long.
The other end of the parking lot is the Seascape Restaurant, a traditional seafood/pier vibe for fish and chips, etc. There is a little beach there, too.
• Redwood National and State Parks
Prairie Creek....So many hikes here! Dogs aren’t allowed. Talk to the visitor center to get the one that fits your ability and time allowance.
We love the Ossagon trail - it takes you down to the ocean and maybe it's like two hours or so total? But there are countless amazing ones! Our friend, Desi's faves are Hope Creek Loop and Brown Creek Loop - both have some elevation to deal with. His favorite flat trail is Prairie Creek Trail.
Elk can often be spotted on your drive there.
Keep in mind there are no good places to eat past Trinidad except for a gas station type market in Orick near the park, so eat good before you head out and/or grab some snacks to take with you.
On your way back home in the evening you could grab pizza at Headies in Trinidad (slices can be picked up on the spot, but order in advance for a whole pie). There is also the Seascape in Trinidad where you could get clam chowder or other traditional coastal meals - last I checked they closed after lunch. If you’re feeling a little more fancy/pricey but worth it - keep in mind fancy in Humboldt allows for hiking attire or prom dresses - you can do Larrupin Cafe (you might need a reservation here) located just minutes north of Trinidad.
• Hammond Trail
It’s literally right outside our door!
The Hammond Trail is a 5.5 mile multi-use segment of the California Coastal Trail in Humboldt County.
The Hammond Trail provides adventure, history and beautiful vistas as it undulates along the Northern California coastline and stretches from the Arcata Bottoms northward to Clam Beach County Park just north of McKinleyville.
Starting from the southern trailhead, at the Mad River Bridge (we are north of this bridge by a ten minute walk), your adventure of the historic Hammond Trail begins. You cross the Mad River pedestrian bridge overlooking the Mad River, where you are likely to see marine wildlife, such as seals and sea otters. Many bird species, including cormorants, grebes, herons, ducks and Aleutian geese, endangered until recently, also frequent the area.
Directly beyond the river the trail winds between coastal pastures partially protected by the coastal dunes to the west. You ascend a short hill into the western fringe of McKinleyville, an unincorporated town with a population of 15,000 people. The trail continues through residential neighborhoods to Hiller Park where you can take a restroom break, enjoy extra hiking trails, and a dog park.
Beyond Hiller Park the trail tunnels through a beautiful thick overgrowth of mixed conifer forest before opening up to spectacular bluff-side views of the Mad River and Pacific Ocean. Take a seat on a bench or continue on the trail to the Murray Road picnic area or Widow White Creek recreational loop trail. The Widow White Creek loop trail leads you north along the bluff then down along the creek and connects you back to the paved trail north of Murray Road near Highway 101. From the picnic area, the trail shares traffic with Murray Road for about 0.25 mile before turning north toward Widow White Creek.
The Hammond Trail north of Widow White Creek boasts more spectacular bluff overlooks and the Mad River Vista Point at Highway 101 before you descend a steep gravel grade to sea level. A short, paved section crosses Strawberry Creek just before the trail end at Clam Beach County Park. The trail can be accessed every day of the year and is pet and family friendly.
Trail Quick Facts
Length: 5.5 miles
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, gravel
Trail End Points: Clam Beach County Park and Mad River Bridge on Mad River Road
• Mad River
One of our favorite walks from the house!
This is perfect if you want to do a short, easy walk from the house. In less than ten minutes you'll be on an ADA trail, party developed and part-wild that meanders along the Mad River.
Directions:
1. Turn right out of the gate.
2. Turn left when you get to the stop sign on School Road.
3. Walk toward the ocean, on School Road and after a few blocks it'll dish you right into the trail entrance, where School meets Ocean Drive.
4. It’s that easy - Enjoy!
• College Cove Beach
When the north wind is blowing, you will find a sheltered beach at College Cove. Epic spot. Dog friendly.
It's a steep walk down, but there are stairs to use. Our most photographed vista is from this trail overlooking College Cove.
As is common sense these days, don't leave valuables in your car.
Put this address in your GPS
585 Stagecoach Rd
Trinidad, CA 95570
When you arrive, park in the right hand parking area and enter the trail. After about five or so minutes of walking, there will be steps down on the left side. Feel free to ask, "Where's College Cove?" if you think you've missed them. If you don't take the left down, the trail is beautiful and dead ends in another breathtaking spot with a wide view of the ocean and sometimes sea lions - this spot is called Elk Head.
• Cal-Barrel Road
Only place in the Prairie Creek National and State Park forest here that you can take a dog!!!!!
It's a road so you're walking on gravel, but I’ve only seen a vehicle on it once. You’re amidst the giants! It doesn't have that quiet forest floor involved, but if you have your dog with you, it's a great choice to still get to be in the old growth forest.
• Hiller Park
A 15 minute walk from our house! Dog friendly. Kid friendly. There is a dog park here, a park for kids, and magical coastal bluff trails that can take you down to the Mad River where you might see otters, herons, and all kinds of birds.
Directions:
1. Walk out the gate and turn right
2. Follow the trail and in fifteen minutes (by foot) you'll be at Hiller Park.
• Mad River Hammond Bridge and Ocean Walk
This is a 10 minute walk from the house.
Directions:
1. Take a left out of the gate.
2. I usually go to the middle of the bridge, look around, and come back home. A 30ish minute walk round trip.
*Once in a while there's a weirdo at the dead end because it's isolated - so I don't go after dark - but have never had a problem.
NOTE:
If you cross the bridge and turn right you can walk to the Mad River (actually the Pacific Ocean, but they call it Mad River Beach) in another 20 - 30 minutes. It will dead end at the beach. It's a narrow, country road with traffic being people going to the beach. It's a relaxing walk, but you do need to stay alert for occasional cars. The walk takes you by cows and along the river. Lots of birds and wildlife.
• Scenic Drive to Trinidad
If you go to Trinidad, take this route!
Instead of taking the Trinidad exit which is what a GPS will tell you to do, take the beautiful route - only 10 minutes longer.
Directions from the house:
1. 101 North
2. Westhaven Exit
3. Left @ stop sign
4. Right @ stop sign
5. Enjoy the drive and views - you’re on the scenic drive to Trinidad!
Take it slow. Sometimes it’s one way traffic. Many outlooks/pull outs.
It will end in the town of Trinidad.
• Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center
There are paved and gravel trails around the marsh that are accessible and dog friendly (on leash). People like to take sunset photos here. One of the top birder locations in California. Several entrances/places to park. Nearby is the Redwood Curtain brewery that has the South G Kitchen (great food) and games you can play there, too while you're hanging out.
• Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market
One of the best things about living here is all of the local farmers.
Check out the farmers market on the Arcata Plaza, Saturdays from 9 AM till the early afternoon and enjoy live music, food, flowers, plants, happiness.
• Renata's Crêperie (Arcata)
Breakfast and lunch.
It’s cute and it’s delicious. It can be busy so get there a little early to get your name on the list.
https://www.renatascreperie.com
• Phatsy Kline's Parlor Lounge (Eureka)
Old Town, Eureka.
A Historic Victorian recently restored and revamped on the inside. Owned by some cool cat locals. It feels like New Orleans inside and has specialty drinks/cocktails and fun small plates
.
• Fiesta Grill & Cantina (Arcata)
Located about 9 minutes away south, we usually get the fish burrito and margarita with tajin.
• Wildflower Café and Bakery (Arcata)
Longtime vegetarian and vegan restaurant.
• Café Marina & Woodley's Bar (Eureka)
I like sitting outside on the patio at the Marina and enjoying the relaxing vibe of the boats at the dock and walking around the boat area after we eat. Traditional foods (not farm to table).
• Japanese Restaurant (Arcata - McKinleyville)
There are actually three sushi places we go to. The closest, in McKinleyville is called Umami, but in Arcata you can go to Tomo or The Sushi Spot and they are super duper close to each other so if one is booked up you can walk some steps and try the other.
• The Bigfoot Taproom (McKinleyville)
1. We like this place because it’s five minutes away.
2. It’s a taproom - they have a big selection of beer and some cider.
3. They have rotating food trucks so check their website to see what food they are offering.
4. In the summer, they have an outdoor area, often with live music.
5. You can bring your dog in!!!
• Larrupin' Cafe (Trinidad)
This restaurant is great for a few reasons.
-If you're already exploring the redwoods/beach in Prairie Creek State Park or in Trinidad then it's conveniently located for while you're up in that area as you drive home to Krishna’s Garden.
- It's a bit pricey, but unlike a lot of pricey places, I think it's worth it. Free appetizer plate (homemade bread), quality service, fresh ingredients, and cozy, unique atmosphere (a legendary spot to eat for the area's special occasions.)
- You can come as you are, whether that is in hiking boots from the day's adventures or dressed up for prom; it's uniquely Humboldt in that regard where there is a range of people showing up and dining.
• Ferndale
My mom's favorite town. About 25 minute drive south of our house.
Nestled between the California Redwoods and fabled Lost Coast, the Victorian village of Ferndale is a hidden oasis of small town charm, spectacular architecture, and enchanting natural beauty. It's a fusion of old-fashioned Americana (lots of pastures and cows!) and modern quirkiness.
We love the Ferndale Pizza Factory (it's an Italian restaurant) and have heard that Tuya's Mexican is good (no liquor license). No Brand Burger Bar is is one of our favs. O, and for coffee/pastries - Mind's Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge!
Centerville beach is also there. Go through town on Main Street and turn right onto Centerville Road and it will wind along pastures and homes and after about 10 minutes you'll be at the beach. In town there is also a neat old cemetery with a trail.
There’s a cool, old cemetery in town, too.
• Humboldt Bike Rental (McKinleyville)
This person is located in the neighborhood!
We heard from guests that he keeps immaculate care of his electric bikes (doesn't do kayaks anymore) and is super nice!
