Eureka Waterfront Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

This generally flat trail travels from Tydd Street near the Eureka Slough to the Elk River at the south. There are frequent access points and interpretive signs along the route.

Starting at Tydd Street, the drop gently down toward the future junction with the Bay to Zoo Trail and to the Eureka Slough. Pass under US-101 and continue beside the slough. There is a small amount of parking behind Target for the trail and an unpowered boat launch.

Travel inland along the old railroad grade, then around the back of the Blue Ox Millworks on a long boardwalk. There is an access point at the end of Y Street for this section, which is a highlight of the trail. Continue around to where the slough meets Humboldt Bay and follow the edge through Halvorsen Park.

Pass under CA-255 and the marina on Woodley Island is visible. Access with parking, bathrooms, and a motorized boat launch are all available here.

The purpose built trail stops and the trail follows sidewalks past the Adorni Recreation Center and along the Eureka Boardwalk. Follow Waterfront Drive past the public marina, then continue on Railroad Avenue.

The separate bike trail starts again before the Del Norte Pier. This is another parking and access point. The Samoa Dunes and north jetty are visible across the bay. Keep to the paved trail through the Eureka Marsh or take the gravel marsh trail as an option that reconnects at the far end on dirt. Continue along the bike path and some short road sections behind the Bayshore Mall. There is parking behind the mall to access the trail.

Keep going south to an access with parking and picnic tables on A Street. This is the start of the Hikshari' Trail section, another highlight of the trail. The Elk River sandspit stretches out on the far side of the water while the trail follows the old railroad grade. The sandspit is accessible by following the tracks as the trail turns away from them. Continue along the paved trail to the final access point at the park and ride at the end of Herrick Avenue.

All along the way, remnants of Eureka's past are visible. Interpretive signs highlight some of these as well as the wildlife that is often visible from the trail. To learn more, try the Redwood EdVentures Quest for the north section or the south section. Artistic benches provide a little levity.