Hammond Coastal Trail:
California
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Description:
Undulating along the Northern California coastline, the 5.5 mile Hammond Trail provides adventure, history, and beautiful vistas. Constructed along a portion of the abandoned Little River and Hammond Railroad properties, the railroad line once extended from Humboldt Bay to the town of Crannell. Today it represents a beautiful, well-used segment of the California Coastal Trail.
Start at the southern trailhead, close to the Mad River Bridge, where the excitement of the historic Hammond Trail begins. You cross the river on a 1942 steel truss bridge which replaced a wooden covered bridge built by Dolbeer and Carson Lumber Co. in 1905. The current bridge was brought in from Coos Bay.
The bridge crest provides a magnificent overlook of the Mad River, where you are likely to see marine wildlife like seals and sea otters. Many bird species, including cormorants, grebes, herons, ducks, and the Aleutian goose, endangered until recently, also frequent the area. Directly beyond the river you enter a bottoms habitat-sub-sea level agriculture and grazing land partially protected by the coastal dune lands to the west. You ascend a short but steep hill into the western fringe of McKinleyville, an unincorporated town of 13,000. Stop by Roger's Market for a cool drink and some fresh, locally picked mushrooms before heading to Hiller Park for some extra hiking and a restroom break.
Beyond the park the trail tunnels through a beautiful thick overgrowth of flora before opening up to spectacular bluff side views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a seat on a bench or continue on to the newest segment of the Hammond Trail, a paved section fusing the once separated northern and southern sections into one dream ride. This new road-side section shares traffic with Murray Rd. for about a quarter mile before turning toward Widow White Creek and a beautiful dune loop foot path.
The Hammond Coastal Trail north of Widow White Creek boasts more spectacular bluff overlooks before descending down a steep gravel grade to sea level. Lesser advanced riders typically walk this section, which allows plenty of room for passers. A short, smooth section crosses Strawberry Creek just before the trail terminates at Calm Beach County Park. Turn around and ride back to the bridge or arrange to be picked up. The trail can be ridden every day of the year, although the area often experiences rain in the winter months.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the southern trailhead, take Highway 101 to the CA-200/Central Avenue/Turner Road exit in McKinleyville. Make a slight left after exiting onto CA-200/Central Avene. Continue for 1.1 miles, and turn left (west) onto School Road. After 1 mile, turn left on Fischer Road and follow signs to Mad River Beach for 0.2 miles. Parking lot is on the left.
To reach the northern trailhead, take Highway 101 to the North Central Avenue exit north of McKinleyville. Continue for 0.2 miles, and turn left onto Central Avenue. Continue for about 200 feet on Clam Beach Drive. A parking lot is at the end of the road.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail can be used year-round.
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Hammond - Contiguous
By yooperjb in November, 2007
The Hammond is now a break-free trail with the Southern and Northern sections fused. Traveling mostly on a freshly paved asphalt trail, the new section does include a small distance on a lightly trafficked road. New signs have been placed along the trail to help users navigate the section as well. Photos and downloadable data of the new section should be posted shortly.
Watch out for the cow piles!
By Kay & Bill <>< in August, 2005
"August 1st: We accessed the trail at the South end as it starts up the bridge approach. The view from bridge was great. Other than the bridge, the only hill of any size came immediately after leaving the bridge ramp and passing 6 million cows waiting to be milked. The farmer let them loose on the trail right just as we passed. We made it up the steep hill in record time as the cows were heading for the barn! On the way back – cow plop city! The rest of the paved trail is a pleasant ride through nice neighborhoods and past palatial homes. The paving ends at the beach but continues on as hard-paced gravel."
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