Trinidad

Luffenholz Beach, photo by David Kaftal

87 Moonstone & Luffenholz Beaches Moonstone Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Humboldt County, and for good reason. In the summer, the ocean produces 3- to 5-ft. swells, often going to 20 ft. in the winter. A wide beach break provides ample room for surfers to ride, and this stretch of ocean is great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

But Moonstone Beach is not just for surfers. A wide, pristine beach, towering redwoods, sheer 100-ft. cliffs and waves crashing against dozens of sea stacks make this a remarkably scenic spot that all visitors can enjoy. You may see whales, dolphins, seals, cormorants, pelicans and ospreys. You can comb the beach for treasures, go fishing, climb the rocks, explore caves, ride a horse along the surf or play in the Little River where it enters the ocean. The view at this beach is absolutely spectacular. WHERE: North of McKinleyville off Hwy 101 at the Westhaven exit. MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

Luffenholz Beach, just north of Moonstone Beach, is one of Humboldt County’s most exciting secret spots. It runs along a rocky cove with some of the best tide pools anywhere. It also offers a sandy beach, huge boulders, a year-round creek and stunning views of Trinidad Bay. Glorious on sunny days, dramatic when it storms, and hauntingly mysterious the rest of the time, it provides a unique experience each time you visit.

Located on Scenic Drive between Trinidad and Westhaven-Moonstone, look for the small pull-off area where visitors can park. Nearby is a picnic table. About 200 ft. to the north is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach near Luffenholz Creek. Have fun exploring the shore, but keep an eye on the tide to avoid getting stranded if you venture too far out at low tide.

West of the parking area is another set of stairs and a narrow footpath with strategically-placed handrails. They will take you to a wonderful vantage point above the beach with panoramic views that sweep from Trinidad Head in the north to Houda Point and Camel Rock in the south. Take care with children and dogs, however — there are a few spots with no railings and long drops, so keep everyone well away from the edge. Map Key WHERE: 2 miles south of Trinidad, just off Scenic Drive. MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

1 Patrick’s Point Inn 2 Sounds of the Sea

RV Park

3 Trinidad Inn 4 The Emerald Forest 5 Ocean Grove Lodge 6 Trinidad Art Gallery 7 Trinidad Bay Eatery 8 Moonstone Crossing Winery Tasting Room

88 Big Lagoon County Park Big Lagoon is formed by a long sand spit that separates it from the Pacific Ocean. The spit is actually a continuation of Agate Beach, and a premier beachcombing location. Here the determined walker can find a profound solitude amid the elements, not to mention agates, jade, jasper, chalcedony and other wave-tumbled stones.

Big Lagoon County Park is located at the south end of Big Lagoon. It offers 25 campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and flush toilets. Several of the campsites are right on the lagoon, offering increased privacy and great views. Camping is first come, first served, and dogs are permitted for a small extra fee. Firewood is usually available to be purchased from the camp host, and campers are permitted to gather driftwood to burn. For the daytime visitor there is a nominal day use fee.

Big Lagoon is popular with kayakers and wind-surfers, and is a favorite fishing spot for cutthroat trout. The shore is easily accessible for small boat launching. WHERE: 7 miles north of Trinidad. Take Hwy 101 to Big Lagoon Park Road and follow the signs. MORE INFO: Humboldt County Parks, 707-445-7651, HumboldtGov.org/1429/Parks-Trails

89 Sue-Meg State Park Sue-Meg State Park is located in the heart of Redwood Country. If you love to experience spectacular panoramas, rocky cliffs, great hiking trails and sandy beaches, you won’t want to pass up this wonderful opportunity.

Six miles of scenic hiking trails thread through the park where acres of dense forest stretch over an ocean headland. Stroll under a canopy of spruce, hemlock, pine, fir and red alder trees. Wildflower meadows offer spectacular vistas. The Rim Trail, which follows an old Indian path over the park’s rocky promontories, provides views of the coast and serves as a great lookout for whale-watching.

Popular activities here include strolling along the broad beaches and exploring tide pools, casting a fishing line, searching for driftwood, spotting whales and sea lions, and gazing at magnificent sunsets. Short, steep hikes will take you to the tops of Ceremonial Rock and Lookout Rock, while coastal hikes will take you to Wedding Rock and Sue-Meg, offering breathtaking ocean vistas. History buffs will enjoy the re-created Yurok Village with its traditional Native American family houses, sweat lodge, changing houses, redwood canoe and dance house. There is also a native plant garden with species of local flora including seasonal flowers and berries to explore.

Reservations are recommended for camping, 800-444-7275 or ReserveAmerica.com. There are also three group picnic areas. WHERE: 25 miles north of Eureka off Hwy 101. MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

90 Sumêg Village Today, members of the Yurok Tribe live in modern houses and have modern-day lifestyles. However, many of the nearly 5,000 enrolled members of California’s largest Indian Tribe also work to preserve the traditions of their heritage. Sumeg Village is one place where local Yuroks share their culture with the public. “Sumêg” is the place name of an old Yurok seasonal fishing camp that was located at Abalone Point on the ocean, within what is now SueMeg State Park. The Yurok went there during the summer to fish and harvest mussels, as well as catch sea lions and other game.

The reconstructed Sumêg Village is a living example of a centuries-old Yurok village. Built by Yurok people using traditional materials, the village consists of traditional family-style plank houses made of split redwood, an underground sweat house (much like a modern-day sauna), two redwood dugout canoes and a brush dance pit where ceremonial dances are performed. Adjacent to the village is a native plant garden, which has plants used by the Yuroks for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, as well as for weaving baskets and for food.

You can tour the village for free daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Stop at the park’s Visitor Center for a schedule of special Yurok events, such as day-long dance ceremonies and the annual Sumeg Village Day, which celebrates the Yurok culture through traditional arts, crafts and storytelling. WHERE: At Sue-Meg State Park, 6 miles north of Trinidad. MORE INFO: 707-677-3570, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

91 Agate Beach At Sue-Meg State Park there are great trails, great views and Agate Beach, a wonderfully pebbly beach made for agate hunting. This beach is covered with wave-polished semi-precious stones. While not as valuable as precious stones, agates can still be used to make jewelry as well as projectile points, carvings, and various other items. If the long walk down to Agate Beach from the Sue-Meg bluffs and back up again seems too much like work, there’s an easier alternate route: you can go to Big Lagoon and access the lower end of Agate Beach by walking south along the water’s edge from the Big Lagoon parking lot.

If new to agate hunting, the first characteristic to look for is translucence. The quartz nature of agate allows light to penetrate a short distance into the surface, producing a soft glow. Along with shades of red, brown and orange, the translucent optical quality gives the agate its distinctive appearance. What most people particularly look for in agates are their patterns, such as the parallel or concentric lines called banding. Fortunately most beach agates have been wavetumbled enough to expose their patterns.

While agate hunting draws many beachcombers to the North Coast, chasing surf and skipping rocks seem to be irresistible pleasures for kids playing at this beach. Always be cautious when near the surf, for those beautiful waves can be dangerous, with sudden wave surges or “sneaker waves” that have been known to pull people out to sea. “Never turn your back to the ocean” is good advice for agate hunters.

For best results in the hunt, look for agates where the waves have washed away much of the fine sand, exposing mostly pebbles. In a few hours, you can usually find a handful of beautiful agates in many varieties. For best results, time your activity to low tide. WHERE: At Sue-Meg State Park, 6 miles north of Trinidad.

• On CA’s magical North Coast! On CA’s magical North Coast! • 21 Clean Cabins with Wi-Fi (Fully Furnished, 12 are Dog-Friendly) • 45 RV and 30 Tent Sites 45 RV and 30 Tent Sites ž Cozy Cabins in the Redwoods ž Picnic Area ž Pond ž Gift Shop ž Restaurant ž Kitchens