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Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

1020 Ranch Rd · Loleta, CA

Why you should go…

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects salt marsh, mudflats and grassland along the bay's south end, a critical stopover for migrating shorebirds, brant and other waterfowl. A visitor center and network of easy trails make it accessible for casual birdwatchers as well as serious listers. Winter and spring migration bring the largest concentrations of birds.

  • #birdwatching
  • #wetlands
  • #wildlife-refuge
  • #hiking

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Nightlife
    Local Gem

    Bear River Casino Resort

    Free

    A Humboldt County casino resort near Eureka with slot machines, table games, a hotel, and a bowling alley.

    3.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Chapman's Gem and Mineral

    Free

    Rock, gem and fossil shop with an attached free museum of minerals and petrified wood on Highway 101.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fortuna

    Free

    Small Humboldt County city near California's Redwood parks, promoted as a base for lodging, dining, and shopping while visiting the redwoods.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Trinidad State Beach

    Free

    A cove beach below a working lighthouse in one of the Redwood Coast's most photogenic fishing villages.

    26 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Sue-meg State Park

    Under $25

    A rugged headland park, formerly Patrick's Point, with tide pools, sea-lion overlooks and a re-created Yurok village.

    31 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Six Rivers Rafting

    $50+

    Guided whitewater rafting and kayak trips on the Trinity, Klamath and Salmon Rivers in far northern California.

    35 mi awayMore like this