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The Humboldt Bay Trail is a network of multiuse paved paths connecting the communities around Humboldt Bay. Providing a seamless trail route between central Arcata and southern Eureka, the Humboldt Bay Trail includes Humboldt Bay Trail North, Humboldt Bay Trail South and the Eureka Waterfront Trail. Heading south from Arcata, the 15-mile trail parallels US-101//Redwood Highway as it curves around the east side Bay through multiple communities to Eureka.
About the Route
Starting at the northern end of the route, the Humboldt Bay Trail North begins at the Arcata Skate Park at the intersection of Foster Avenue and Sunset Avenue and continues south past Samoa Boulevard for 4.5 miles. This path is what is known as a rail-with-trail, because it shares the right-of-way of the adjacent track railroad.
The trail is an ADA-accessible, multiuse paved path that runs through the City of Arcata's right-of-way (ROW). From its northern end by the intersection of Foster Avenue and Sunset Avenue, the trail passes through Shay Park to Alliance Road and heads southeast along the east side of Alliance Road. Shay Park has hiking trails, a vibrant mural, and basketball courts. Arcata's Creamery District is a special arts and commerce district in the area surrounding site of the former California Central Creamery.
After about a quarter mile, short paths on the east side of the street provide access to the dead-ends of L Street and 14th Street. Here the trail crosses Alliance Road and heads through Arcata's Creamery District. With a ribbon of grass and the occasional tree on either side, the trail is a green highlight as it passes behind local businesses and residential homes. Lampposts illuminate the route.
A good portion of the route runs through the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. In a demonstration of environmental engineering the marsh acts as the area's innovative wastewater treatment facility, even as it provides a vibrant ecosystem supporting abundant wetland flora and fauna. Make sure to stop by the Marsh Interpretive Center if you’re new, there is lots to learn about the marsh.
Heading south along the bay's eastern shore, the 4-mile Humboldt Bay Trail South section parallels US-101 through Bracut towards Eureka. Curving around the southern end of the bay, the trail crosses the Eureka Slough Bridge, a former railroad bridge transformed into a pedestrian/cyclist bridge.
Crossing the bridge, the route becomes the Eureka Waterfront Trail. The Eureka Waterfront Trail traces the shorelines of the Elk River and Humboldt Bay for 6.5 miles.
Connections
The Humboldt Bay Trail is part of regional Great Redwood Trail and the state-wide California Coastal Trail.
While there is no designated parking area in the northern part of the trail, you can park at Larson Park near the trails north end. The park is located at the end of Eye Street and you can use the sidewalk on Jay St and then cross Sunset Ave to access the start point of the trail.
Parking is also available near the northern end of the trail in a lot at Shay Park (1301 Foster Ave). There are also two bus stops near the park. The bus stop on Foster Ave is right next to the park and the other is just around the corner on Alliance Road.
The closest parking to the southern portion of the trail can be found at South I St. in the marsh. There are a number of other parking points in this area, including two along South G St, but you will have to take the marsh other trails to connect to the Humboldt Bay Trail North.
Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
As of 7/9/25, the Humboldt bay trail has been extended to connect to the Eureka waterfront trail. We started at the Larson Park parking lot and headed south. It took about 10 minutes to get through the city part of Arcata with many street crossings. After that, it was clear sailing all the way to Eureka. We turned back at 10 miles but I believe the trail connects to the waterfront trail. Great ride.
This trail is heavily used, mainly in sections by walkers but lesser so by through bicyclists and runners. hard to maintain an average speed due to street crossings and foot traffic, but hard to beat the ocean views toward the northern end of the trail and the pastoral feel toward the southern terminus!
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