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. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View