Beachcombing with Bravo on the Redwood Coast

Humboldt County’s 100-mile-long Redwood Coast is a misty and majestic slice of California that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list. While redwood trees are the stars, the beaches are magnificent—and on many of them, your four-legged friend can romp free within the wave slope. Time your visit to arrive at low tide to stay within regulations—and watch out, especially in winter, for sleeper waves powerful enough to pull you and your furry friend from shore.

From south to north, Humboldt’s leash-free beaches include Centerville Beach County Park, a miles-long, middle-of-nowhere strand near the Victorian village of Ferndale; Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, 300 acres of dunes near Eureka; and beautiful Mad River County Park near the college town of Arcata. A must for hikers is Clam Beach, situated at the end of the five-mile Hammond Coastal Trail leading to the town of Arcata. Moonstone Beach is another local favorite, featuring gorgeous vistas and a calm lagoon where many dogs like to take a dip. Great for beachcombing (agates and moonstone are among the treasures to be found here) is Big Lagoon County Park, situated on a wooded peninsula just north of Patrick’s Point State Park.

Don’t skip Redwood National Park, a top attraction on the Redwood Coast, just because its dirt trails are off-limits to canines. There’s lots to see out the window on a scenic drive, and when it comes time to stretch legs, it’s good to know that leashed dogs are permitted on the Endert’s Beach trail, the beach adjacent to the information center and along Crescent Beach.