RATING |
|
 |
DISTANCE |
|
2.25 miles round-trip |
HIKING TIME |
|
1 hour |
ELEVATION GAIN |
|
Negligible |
HIGH POINT |
|
50 feet |
EFFORT |
|
Easy Walk |
BEST SEASON |
|
Year-round |
PERMITS/CONTACT |
|
Redwood National and State Parks, |
MAPS |
|
Redwood National and State Parks |
NOTES |
|
Dogs prohibited; interpretive brochure |
Great bird-watching opportunities, dramatic sea stacks, and a scenic beach complete with crashing waves are the highlights of this hike.
From Crescent City, drive south on U.S. 101 for approximately 14 miles. Turn right at the sign for Lagoon Creek Fishing Access/Picnic Area. The trail begins on the northwest (ocean) side of the parking lot. (Coming from the south, the trailhead is located 6 miles north of Klamath.)
Everybody likes walking along a beach at the end of a day, watching the waves come in and the sun dip into the water. But few enjoy facing the gale-force winds that attack the coast on so many days in Northern California. That’s what makes the semiprotected Yurok Loop a great little trail, especially when combined with a short section of the Coastal Trail that leads to spectacular Hidden Beach.
Begin hiking at the northwest end of the Lagoon Creek parking lot. You’ll cross a bridge and then head north toward the ocean. The Yurok Loop is an interpretive trail with numbered posts keyed to its brochure, which is usually available from a box at the bridge. Pick up a brochure and you’ll learn about the Yurok Indians who once lived here. The trail is an ancient Yurok Indian pathway leading south along the sea bluffs, alternating between oak and alder forest and open, grassy areas. Capturing your attention are the views of driftwood-laden False Klamath Cove to the north and massive False Klamath Rock to the west. At 209 feet tall, this huge rocky outcrop dwarfs all the other sea stacks in the area. The Yurok Indians used to dig for the bulbs of brodiaea plants (called “Indian potatoes”) by this rock.
Stay to the right when the trail forks at the sign for the Coastal Trail, saving the second part of the Yurok Loop for your return. Ramble along the Coastal Trail, a forested, fern-lined route. In 0.5 mile of mostly level walking, you’ll meet up with the spur trail to Hidden Beach. Follow it to the right for 100 yards to reach a classic Northern California stretch of sand, complete with jagged sea stacks, mighty waves, and driftwood of all shapes and sizes. Pull out your binoculars; seabirds such as cormorants, pigeon guillemots, brown pelicans, and common murres can often be seen resting on the sea stacks. Hidden Beach is prime for sunset-watching, but you might want to carry a flashlight in case it gets dark sooner than you expect.
Jagged offshore outcrops add drama to the shoreline at Hidden Beach.
For your return from the beach, head back the way you came on the Coastal Trail. This time turn right and walk the other side of the Yurok Loop, descending through a tunnel-like canopy of alders.
When you return to the parking lot, be sure to explore around the freshwater pond on Lagoon Creek. It’s covered with big yellow pond lilies and happy waterbirds, including ducks, egrets, and herons. The pond is also popular with trout fishermen.
From Hidden Beach, you can continue south on the Coastal Trail. The path leads another 3 miles to Klamath Overlook.
