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Arcata Community Forest

4.8 (36 reviews)
Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Reviews With Photos

Bridge
Amy K.

Great place to take your dog. I came here with my husband and two dogs. They were totally into it. You are transported into another world. The pictures posted don't do it justice. From the city to the forest in two steps. Everything inside is green. Even the air seems green. Truly an emerald forest. To get there, you drive through the neighborhood near Humboldt University. There is a small parking area with less than 10 spaces. The sign recommends you back in since its along the street. We walked through and came out on the other side in a playground. So strange to have a forest in the middle of normal life. Reminded me of the movie "Troll."

Neal E.

I had the opportunity to hike one of the trails located inside of the Arcata Community Forest - during a recent vacation to the Arcata/Eureka, CA area! To access the Arcata Community Forest - you enter "Redwood Park" and drive up to the parking lot - where there are interpretive signs and such - leading into the Forest. I hiked a fairly steep trail from the parking lot up into the woods - then worked my way back down the same trail! Impressive natural resource for a local community! Beautiful! If I lived in the area, I'd be exploring the entire forest! #ArcataCommunityForest

Randy E.

Beautiful place to take a hike along the trails. Tranquil Just a short drive up the hill to a small parking area.

Lunch!
Stefani T.

Back in the day, I wanted to go to school here. What I hadn't discovered at the time was this incredible slice of heaven next door . After picking up some lunch, we thought it might be nice to have it here. On our way to an opening with grass, we came upon a magnificent tree stump, begging for us to stay. And so we did. We ate and marveled at our surroundings. Lunch rocked. Highly recommended

Trees
A S.

Wow this place was beautiful. I love how easy it was so get to and park. I will definitely visit again. It is well cared for.no trash or debris. This place is so peaceful.

Virg B.

This is a gem! Beautiful clean trails huge redwood canopies... and greenery all around! I'm so glad we came here!

Marie S.

A great way to see some redwoods without having to make the drive to see THE Redwoods (although these trees are much younger - 75 to 100 years old). Worth making a drive through if you have time

Disc golf!
Christigale F.

A hop and a skip from town. Highly recommend for a quick (or lengthy) trek if in the Arcata area. Locals and visitors alike frequent this gem. Several entrances to access the forest making this a favorite among locals who want variety and some change of scenery in their local nature hike. Heavily shaded underneath the tree canopies and several degrees cooler than outside the park so bring layers. We came in winter so it was just a bit brisk and we were dressed appropriately. A true escape from town with not a sound of traffic, which you wouldn't believe given the proximity. A few groups playing disc golf throughout the park but you only saw them for moments before they disappeared again due to the complex terrain. I could get lost here, in the best way possible. If you're into shinrin yoku (Japanese for forest bathing) this is an excellent and easily accessible spot for this area.

Spectacular mt biking
Deserie D.

This place can transport you, it's amazing. It's a place with miles of trails winding all around breathtaking terrain. In the years I've been visiting the forest it's completely quiet except on 4/20 u can hear faint drumming & celebration in the background. The trails are designated for walking, biking & horseback riding. It's butts up against humboldt state uni so there are some people aimlessly & deliriously wondering around trying to get through the student grind. I usually bike here, it's got a great rhythm of flowing hills & just when u think u can't go any further there a small flat to catch your breath. This is a fantastic place to improve your biking & take risks because if u do fall the ground is mushy & full of soft fluffy ferns. There is some bird watching, frogs, slugs, & I've heard of the occasional big cats.

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2 years ago

Beautiful hiking with well-marked trails, close to town. Dog-friendly. Parking was easy on the two days we hiked here. Highly recommended!

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11 years ago

Bigger than you'd think and who doesn't love redwoods!? Seems unsafe tho. It's been taken over by hsu trash, a real bummer.

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Ask the Community - Arcata Community Forest

Review Highlights - Arcata Community Forest

On our way to an opening with grass, we came upon a magnificent tree stump, begging for us to stay.

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The Redwood Sky Walk - 05.24.25

The Redwood Sky Walk

(43 reviews)

Most importantly: wheelchair friendly for 85-90% of the skywalk! Wide enough ramps up and a turn…read morearound section* (cuts out the suspension bridge with more flexibility that likely wouldn't allow for a wheelchair*) The skywalk is unlike any experience you'll ever have. People come from all over the world to experience this, I'm fortunate enough it's my "backyard" so to speak. The amount of science and engineering that went into making this is next level. (So is the upkeep which is so interesting to watch if you happen to be there when routine maintenance is needed) Several feet above the forest floor you get a perspective unlike anything else Ive taken siblings, cousins, friends and their kids, and honestly anyone who wants to come with me I love the zoo, I love the skywalk. I'm practically an unofficial tour guide

While we were passing through Eureka we decided to stop by the Sequoia Zoo, which included the…read moreRedwood Skywalk. We are AZA members so when showing our membership we got in for half price. The Redwood Sky walk is located in the back left side of the zoo, it is a self guided tour. The skywalk slowly increases over 100 ft above the beautiful forest floor below and is about a 1/4 mile walk. I am afraid of heights, but felt safe walking along the trail. Most of the walk is over the park nextdoor to the zoo, as you are looking down from high above and you can see tiny people & dogs walking the trails below it was so cool. We could also see the bears in the zoo from high up in the trees, we had a better view of them than could see them below on the zoo trail. Be sure to look up at the majestic redwood trees along the trail, and when on the platforms you can touch the redwoods, and learn alittle about them with the information boards. It was an amazing experience, being so high up in the Redwood trees. It was Breathtaking and beautiful. I felt safe walking the trail as they had guardrails that go along the trail and was pretty good width across for people to walk by. People who are nervous of the wooden suspension bridges that move when others walking on them can walk about half way through trail before reaching these bridges and walk back the way they came. We will always remember this trip to Eureka, and cannot wait to bring our granddaughter here next time. Enjoy your adventure!

Redwood National & State Parks - Fungi

Redwood National & State Parks

(124 reviews)

You had me at tallest trees in the world…read more Visiting this park feels like stepping into an ancient, enchanted realm where towering trees hush the wind and misty trails invite quiet awe. It's humbling, cinematic, and deeply restorative. Here's what makes this experience unforgettable: Home to the tallest trees on the planet, some stretching 370 feet and have stood for more than 2,000 years. Walking among them feels surreal, like wandering through a cathedral built by nature. Filtered sunlight, moss-draped trunks, and the scent of damp earth create a sensory-rich almost spiritual atmosphere. Fern Canyon is a must, a lush gorge with 50-foot walls blanketed in prehistoric ferns, famously featured in Jurassic Park. Other trails range from gentle strolls to challenging backcountry hikes, revealing old-growth forests, and coastal bluffs. The park isn't just forests. It embraces the northern California coast, with driftwood-strewn beaches and many areas remain quiet, offering a rare kind of solitude. Fun facts: best time to visit is Summer for best weather and accessibility, and there's no entrance fee. If you're drawn to places that blend grandeur with intimacy this park will linger long after you've left.

Like so many people have told me, hiking through the Redwoods cannot be described but rather…read moreexperienced. I got to experience this for myself, as my husband and I are on a road trip from LA to NorCal and beyond for a combo work trip for him, and 50th bday spent in nature for me. We stopped in to the Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center and spoke with a friendly park ranger that gave us a map and suggested a hike for us. We stopped in another visitor center (Prairie Creek), where we spoke with another friendly ranger that gave us the more rugged option of said hike. The hike was absolutely beautiful, with Redwoods that go up, up, up. And all around the ground level are so many types of fern, lichen, moss, mushrooms, and other dense forest growth. We did a 3.5 mile hike, which was a great work out, and so scenic. But, my words will do it no justice. Go for yourself and experience it. And remember, leave no trace and pack it in pack it out. Long Live our National Parks!!!

Mad River Beach - Parking area

Mad River Beach

(22 reviews)

So. Many. SAND DOLLARS!! It's mind blowing - every few feet there's another one, and another one,…read moreand another one!! And this is probably the first California beach I've ever had all to myself! I think I saw 1-2 other people and that was it...fantastic!! I visited in March as part of my Redwoods trip...it's easy to get to along the Redwoods Coast - highly recommend if you're in the area. It was cloudy, cold, and windy - but that made it even more gorgeous! Very cozy...I loved it! The colors were dramatic and waves were angry - such a mood!! To get to the beach, you have to walk over a stretch of sand dunes dotted with clumps of beach grass. And then it's wide open beach after that. Lots of shorebirds, sand dollars, and shells to keep you occupied. There are looming mountains off in the distance. So photogenic! There's a small-ish parking lot (I didn't see any bathrooms) with a gate that indicates the entrance to the beach walk. Before you get to the parking lot, there's a yellow sort of gate area that they close at a certain time every evening - there are plenty of signs to tell you what time it closes and don't get caught behind it after hours or you'll have to call the cops and get towed! Apparently, down the other road to the right of the gate takes you to a boat ramp and horse staging area. Be sure to make a stop at the nearby Mad River Bridge too - you can miss it!! Totally worth it - especially since you're already in the area (see my bridge review - it has a cool history and views)!

This beach hold many memories of bon fire nights with friends along with star gazing nights…read more Beware this beach is open sunrise to sunset so make sure to park outside the fenced area if you want to stay after closing. Also be careful when waking in the areas where folks have bon fires by the beach, there are many sharp objects such as construction nails and such especially since people prefer to use wood pallets for bon fires. Back in the day there way no fenced area so it was fairly easy to stumble on rocks or sharp grass back to the car especially if a friend had too much to drink. Once in awhile you will see dark objects bobbing their heads in the water. Don't be too alarmed it might be a seal. I wasn't sure at first but I made sure to zoom in on my camera ;-)

Azalea State Natural Reserve - Tall majestic trees stand sentinels over the meandering trail.

Azalea State Natural Reserve

(4 reviews)

The Azalea State Natural Reserve is an area protecting Azalea plant species…read more.. From their web site: "A reserve for western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale). Each spring, a profusion of pink and white blossoms scents the air. There is a picnic area available. Plan to visit in April and May when azaleas are in bloom." http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=420 So you want to plan your visit in the April/May time frame - if you want to have a chance of experiencing the Azaleas when they are in bloom. Other times, of the year, it's a nice, peaceful place for a hike! #AzaleaStateNaturalReserve

This small state reserve in northern Humboldt county, off the 101, just below McKinleyville. Off…read moreNorth Bank Road, just about a mile or so down on the left hand side(north) of the blacktop. Is one of the top flower watching destinations in California. This state maintained reserve is loaded with western azaleas, and in the springtime it becomes alive with color and fragrance. Because of the temperate climate, blooms can be found year around. Walking trails are literally covered with pink and white blossoms from late April to June (depending on the weather) and the scent of these beautiful trees flowers can be smelled from yards away, lofting through the air - you find yourself lost in a maze of trails with millions of blooms all around. This unassuming little park is really a very amazing place to walk, look, relax and enjoy nature. There are picnic areas, and a couple different maintained low to medium grade walking trails - also a paved parking area. There is also a trail that crosses the roadway and leads into the far side of this cool place. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset, year around. There are no dogs allowed in this fragile natural reserve, so please leave your fur friend at home or in the car. This natural state reserve, is one of the best places for blooms in the springtime in the entire state - and well worth the effort. A true 5 star gem on the north coast. 00154

Arcata Community Forest - parks - Updated May 2026

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