Just Dune It

Explore the Ma-le'l Sand Dunes Outside of Eureka

Miles of epic sand dunes seem like something you're more likely to find in the desert than on Northern California's lush redwood coast. Surprise! One of the most spectacular expanses of sand-scape you’ll ever see is in Humboldt County, just minutes by car from Old Town Eureka. The Ma-le’l Dunes North are part of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge: 260 acres of forest, dune, and salt marsh. They're reached only by hiking in from the parking area.

The short journey to the dunes takes you through a diverse habitat of lichen-draped forest and lush wetlands. You’ll be exploring an ancient area of land used by the Wiyot people for hunting and gathering (Wiyot people today are actively helping to protect this precious landscape). From the parking area, follow the Tsoutsgish Trail with the forest on one side and the Mad River Slough on the other. Within about a quarter mile, take the Dap Loop Trail (signed) and follow it out to the dunes, a massive area of open sand and, in all likelihood, no people … just footprints. You may feel like you’re walking on another planet.

Technically you are on the Hout Trail, and flag markers help for navigation; but a rule of thumb is head straight, out to the grassy, wind-sculpted foredunes decked in coastal wildflowers. Spur trails meander all the way to the beach for more dramatic scenery of the Pacific and its moody waters. Return the way you came, or traverse south directly across the dunes to the Kimuk Trail to make a lollipop loop of about 3 miles. Been there, dune that!

Here's a map to the parking area of Ma-le'l Dunes North. Pick up an area map and get trail information at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. They have all the beta on the surrounding area and dunes. Also, you can only access the parking area for the Ma-le’l Dunes North from Friday to Monday. Tuesday through Thursday the access road is closed. No dogs.

STAY & EAT: Eureka has a great old town with lots of good dining options, including Lost Coast Brewery (the Fogcutter Double IPA is a must-try). Here's more lodging information and planning.

SCENIC DRIVE BONUS: About an hour south of Eureka take the scenic route into the heart of Humboldt County! The Avenue of the Giants goes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park for nearly 32 marvelous miles. There are multiple places to pull off for hikes and explorations in redwood groves. Do not miss Founder’s Grove, where a 0.5-mile walk takes you around to some of the most impressive trees on earth, including the Dyerville Giant, a fallen behemoth and ancient relic that’s 362 feet in length, and weighs about 1,000,000 pounds. Yowza!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View