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YUROK LOOP & |
DISTANCE: 2.2 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 1 hour
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: easy
On this often wind-battered coast, the semi-protected Yurok Loop is a great walk, especially when combined with a section of Coastal Trail leading to Hidden Beach.
Begin at the northwest end of the Lagoon Creek parking lot. You’ll cross a bridge and then head north (right). The loop is an interpretive trail with posts keyed to its brochure, usually available from a box at the bridge. An ancient Yurok pathway, the trail passes through oaks, alders, and open areas. Native Americans dug for brodiaea plant bulbs (“Indian potatoes”) in this region. Note the views of driftwood-laden False Klamath Cove to the north and massive False Klamath Rock to the west.
Stay right when the trail forks with Coastal Trail. In a half mile of mostly level walking along Coastal Trail, you’ll meet the spur trail to Hidden Beach. Follow it to the right for 100 yards to a stretch of sand perfect for sunset-watching. Bring a flashlight in case it gets dark.
After visiting Hidden Beach, head back on Coastal Trail. Turn right and walk the other side of Yurok Loop, descending through an alder canopy. At the parking lot, spend some time observing the freshwater pond on Lagoon Creek, which is often covered with waterfowl.
From Klamath, take U.S. 101 north for 6.0 miles. Turn left at the sign for Lagoon Creek Fishing Access. The trail begins on the west (ocean) side of the parking lot. (Coming from the north, the trailhead is 14 miles south of Crescent City.).
