The best running trails in Humboldt County

Just 30 miles north of Eureka, Sue-meg State Park stretches across a forested headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Though only one square mile in size, the park is packed with natural beauty and cultural discovery. A stroll around its perimeter reveals agate-strewn beaches, vibrant tidepools, and lush coastal forest, with chances to spot seals, sea lions, and even migrating whales. Deeper within, visitors can explore a native plant garden, stop by the visitor center, or walk through a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village. Three scenic campgrounds offer peaceful spots to picnic or spend the night beneath the stars. In summer, guests can attend traditional ceremonies at Sumêg Village or join guided hikes led by docents and naturalists. Whether you're here for wildlife, history, or solitude, Sue-meg offers something remarkable around every corner.

Arcata Marsh was once a landfill and lumber mill site, now it's a mix of wetlands and walking trails, great for birdwatching or just clearing your head. You’ll spot egrets, ducks, maybe even an otter if you’re lucky. The trails are flat and easy, and the Interpretive Center adds a nice touch if you want to learn more. The sanctuary is open daily from 4 a.m. to one hour after sunset, and leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Big Trees is probably the most popular place within Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and with good reason, as it is home to "Giant Tree" once recognized as the tallest of the Coastal Redwoods. From here you can take a number of trails to fit you schedule, ability, and fitness level. Anything from a quick 5 minute top to 20+ mile overnight trips can be had from here.

Set on the edge of second growth redwood forest and an open meadows, Albee Creek Campground is a popular spot for exploring the area. It opens for the season in May and is often booked out, so be sure to make your reservations early. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30998

The Plaza, with its lawns and flowerbeds, is the social and commercial center of Arcata. Charming shops selling locally handcrafted goods, sporting goods, boutiques, and restaurants line the Plaza and the streets beyond. Arcata is a college town with particularly interesting bookstores and coffeehouses. Stop at Arcata Artisans on the Plaza. Don't miss Jacoby's Storehouse. This restored historic building features shops and a delightful central area where you can sit, enjoy an ice cream cone or a snack, and relax.

The Founders Tree Coast Redwood stands in Founders Grove, not far from Avenue of the Giants, and marks a worthwhile story. There is 1.3 miles of trail, but the main attraction is located near the parking lot. The nature of the area makes the word hiking more appropriate than hiking. The place is quite crowded in July and August but has its charm that makes it difficult to miss this time of year. The circular hiking trail requires your attention so that you don't leave it. But absolutely worth it because you are surrounded by giant trees. Fallen trees give you a sense of dimension, from root to top.

The Founders' Grove is the most visited grove in Humboldt Redwoods and a major redwood attraction on the North Shore. It's popular because it's conveniently (perhaps too conveniently) located right next to Highway 101 on the Avenue of the Giants, and it's truly an extraordinary sight. The grove is perhaps most notable for its sheer size. From most locations on the Loop Trail, the large redwoods stretch as far as you can see in every direction. No other lowland grove feels so expansive. Located on an exceptionally large floodplain at the junction of two rivers, the grove is protected from storms by 3,000-foot mountains to the west, but is still immersed in the summer fog that flows up the Eel River Valley. As a result, the grove has many huge trees, which, combined with its large area and openness, make it one of the most impressive there is; it truly is quintessential Redwood Grove.

This bridge will be dismantled in the fall and not rebuilt until spring. Once dismantled, you can only cross the river when the water level is low. The trail north of Bull Creek was closed in September 2023. The reason for this and an indication of when it will reopen were not available. Otherwise it would have been more attractive to do a circular route and return on the north side of the river.