Northern California's Eureka Waterfront Trail is located along the shore of Humboldt Bay, stretching 6.5 miles from the former Eureka Holmes Lumber Mill site to Tydd 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.
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 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.
Beautiful walk from Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center to Freshwater Slough and back. About 3 miles round trip. Fun bridges. Old train trestle. Great signage of natural and cultural history. Vista/picnic bump outs with landscape art including metalworks benches and castes of Wiyot stools like the ones in the Humboldt State University Native Forum breezeway.
This is a wonderful trail ! Next to the northern trailhead is a restaurant, and other retail in just walking distance. The trail itself is very peaceful with wonderful views of waterways. Many artistic benches are along the trail, as well as numerous bike racks for locking your bike. Some areas of the trail are shaded with trees, and other areas are more open. Lots of folks enjoying the trail from children to adults. I like the informative signs along the trail educating users about the history, and ecosystem! A must visit trail in Eureka!
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