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Lacks Creek Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Lacks Creek Management Area

Located along the California coast, not far from Redwood National Park, the Lacks Creek Management Area is a wonderful place to get in touch with nature, view wildlife, or enjoy many recreational activities. The area is only about 15 miles inland from the coast, and 8,673 acres of the space are under BLM management.

Sites like the Lacks Creek Management Area are protected by the Bureau of Land Management in order to preserve their natural beauty and offer visitors a way to enjoy natural areas. The Lacks Creek Management Area offers some dispersed camping, among other recreational activity options. To find more BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Patrick’s Point Rim Trail

This gorgeous trail offers views of the coast and is a wonderful location for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lyons Ranch Trail

Located in Redwood National Park, this trail winds through the historic Lyons Ranch and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 3.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bald Hills Road

Despite its name, this road is most commonly used as a hiking or mountain biking trail, and backpackers can set up camp along the trail.

Length: 31.7 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

This trail in Redwood National Park loops through groves of redwoods.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wedding Rock Trail

This short trail offers incredible views and also provides opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts.

Length: 0.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Big Lagoon is one of the area’s most popular fishing locations. Although it’s next to the ocean, this area is freshwater, and anglers can catch trout and steelhead. Black Lake is another fantastic option for trout fishing. The Eel River is also one of the most popular locations for fishing. During particular seasons, salmon are common, and trout are common throughout the year.

Climbing

California’s northern coast offers incredible rock climbing opportunities. Sue-meg State Park features more than 50 traditional, sport, top rope, bouldering, and aid routes. The area known as Land of the Lost near Horse Mountain provides 118 climbing routes. Most are sport routes, but there are also traditional, top rope, and bouldering options. Cold Springs features 80 traditional, sport, top rope, and bouldering routes and problems.

Wildlife Viewing

The Lacks Creek Management Area is itself a fantastic place to view wildlife, but there are also many locations in Redwood National Park and the national forests around the area to spot different birds and other wild animals. Common species include elk, California sea lions, salamanders, bald eagles, deer, beavers, chipmunks, and raccoons.

Picnicking

Sequoia Park in Eureka, one of the closest towns to the Lacks Creek Management Area, is a fantastic option for picnicking. The park has shaded picnic tables and grills. Halvorsen Park also offers shaded picnic tables and provides views of the water.

Horseback Riding

Many of the trails in the Lacks Creek Management Area are shared use, meaning they can be used by hikers, mountain bikers, or horseback riders. Check the trails ahead of time and obey the signage to make sure the path ahead is suitable for equestrians.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Fantastic BLM RV camping is available at the East Fork Campground. There are vault toilets, and the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Clam Beach County Park also offers excellent RV camping. There are 13 sites, including two accessible sites. Restrooms are available, but campers can only stay for a maximum of three nights. The Tish Tang Campground also offers scenic camping options, and bathrooms are available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Samoa Dunes, where visitors can set up a dispersed site. Visitors can also enjoy dispersed camping at the Redwood Creek Dispersed Camping area.

RV Rentals Near Lacks Creek Management Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lacks Creek Management Area BLM trip

The Lacks Creek Management Area is relatively remote, and although the roads in are usually quite passable for regular vehicles, they can be damaged by storms. To check the conditions of the roads before you head out, call the Arcata Field Office. Before you leave for your adventure, it’s also a good idea to let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to return. Carry plenty of water, food, and first aid supplies with you.

The management area is surrounded by private land timber holdings. Always respect private property and stay within the bounds of the management area unless you have express permission to cross onto the property.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

"Leave No Trace" practices are designed to protect camping areas, hiking trails, and wilderness areas. For example, picking up any litter you see and disposing of all trash properly or taking it with you when you leave can protect the landscape and local wildlife. Remember that Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are shared spaces, so it’s important to keep your noise levels down. If you’re enjoying dispersed camping, set up your site at least 200 feet away from any natural water sources. When washing dishes, bring water away from streams or rivers, use biodegradable soap, and scatter the dishwater when you have finished.