01
Best overall pick
Burlington River Access, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Avenue Of The Giants Near Myers Flat • Calm South Fork Eel River Beach • Local Favorite For Easy River Time
A short walk from the park visitor center brings you to a broad gravel bar with mellow current and classic redwood views.
This is the go‑to “beach” for many Myers Flat regulars: close by, easy to find, and usually calm enough for a relaxed swim or wade on hot summer days. The wide river bar gives plenty of room to spread out, skip rocks, or launch a float without feeling crowded. It’s an ideal first stop if you’re staying along the Avenue of the Giants and just want straightforward water access without a long drive.
02
Closest low-key escape
Gould Bar, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
North Of Myers Flat Along Avenue Of The Giants • Quiet Riverside Bar • Best For Peaceful Swims
A less-busy South Fork Eel River bar with clear water, big sky, and a mellow, tucked-away feel.
Gould Bar is a favorite if you like your beach time quiet and low-frills, with nothing but the sound of the river and the wind in the trees. The access road drops you close to a long gravel bar where you can walk upstream or down to find your own little pocket of shoreline. It’s a great pick for a late-afternoon dip after a day of redwood hikes when you’d rather avoid the crowds around the main park hubs.
03
Best with a campground nearby
Hidden Springs River Access
South Of Myers Flat Near Hidden Springs • Shaded Campground Swimming Beach • Best For Campers And Families
A short trail from the campground leads down to a sheltered bend in the river with a sandy-gravel shoreline and plenty of afternoon shade.
If you’re based at Hidden Springs, this is the easiest way to work a swim into your day without getting in the car. The river here tends to feel a bit more enclosed, with tree cover and a gentle curve that keeps the current manageable in typical summer conditions. Between the campground amenities up the hill and the easy walk back to your site, it’s especially convenient for families or anyone planning lazy, multi-trip beach days.
04
Most dramatic coastline
Black Sands Beach, Shelter Cove
Lost Coast West Of Myers Flat • Wild Pacific Black-Sand Beach • Best For Big Scenery And Long Walks
This long sweep of dark volcanic sand backed by steep bluffs delivers the classic Lost Coast experience within a scenic drive of the redwoods.
Black Sands Beach is the payoff for the winding drive out to Shelter Cove: vast ocean views, thundering surf, and a sense of isolation that feels a world away from Highway 101. It’s better suited to walking, tidepool wandering, and photography than casual swimming, as the waves and currents can be powerful. Plan extra time to explore in both directions from the main access point and watch how the light changes on the cliffs and sea stacks through the day.
05
Best for oceanfront picnics
Shelter Cove Beach (The Cove)
Harbor Area In Shelter Cove • Sheltered Cove Beach • Great For Picnics And Tidepooling
Tucked below town, this small cove offers easier ocean access, a more protected feel, and a mix of sand, cobbles, and tidepools.
Down by the boat ramp and harbor, Shelter Cove’s main in-town beach feels more intimate and approachable than the open stretches of the Lost Coast. At lower tides you can wander around rock outcrops, peer into tidepools, and watch fishing boats come and go. It’s a nice choice if you want Pacific views and salt air with shorter walks, nearby food options, and a bit more structure than the wilder beaches to the north.