What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Sequoia Park Loop
A perfect option for anyone looking to view the area’s famous forests, this loop trail is also a great way to spot wildlife.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Hikshari’ Trail
This trail in Eureka, one of the closest towns to the Ma-le’l Dunes, offers beautiful views and wonderful bird-watching opportunities.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Northridge Trail Loop
Located in the nearby McKay Community Forest, this trail is popular for both hiking and horseback riding.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fort Humboldt Exhibits Trail
Although it’s short, this trail in Fort Humboldt State Historic Park is one of the area’s most interesting, and visitors will pass by exhibits regarding the area’s native peoples, their sacred sites, and the location’s importance to the logging industry.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fay Slough Wildlife Area Trail
The trail is relatively secluded and is one of the best ways to spot native and migratory birds.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
The nearby Trinity River is a fantastic option for fishing, and anglers can either fish from the shore or use a drift boat. Trout and salmon are some of the most common catches. Which type of salmon is available depends on the season. Anglers can also fish in Humboldt or Arcata Bay. Salmon, lingcod, and perch are common catches.
Climbing
The area around the Ma-le’l Dunes is very popular with rock climbers, and climbing enthusiasts can find many routes in a variety of styles and difficulties. For example, Moonstone Beach offers 45 traditional, sport, top rope, and bouldering routes. The area known as the Hayfork Haven features 22 routes in those four styles, and Castle Rock offers 23 traditional, sport, and top rope routes.
Wildlife Viewing
The Ma-le’l Dunes and the surrounding Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge are both fantastic for spotting wildlife. Visitors can spot a range of animals, including shrews, sea lions, foxes, raccoons, and treefrogs. Birds are also common, and visitors might see burrowing owls, sparrows, blackbirds, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds.
Picnicking
Sequoia Park is a fantastic option for nearby picnicking. The park provides picnic tables, a gazebo, grills, and access to nearby hiking trails. Freshwater Park also provides picnic tables and grills, and a swimming hole is available during the summer months.
