Myrtletown • best hiking

5 Best Hiking Trails & Places To Hike Near Myrtletown California

Tucked between Humboldt Bay and the redwood-covered hills, Myrtletown is perfectly positioned for short strolls and all-day hikes. Within a quick drive you can wander shady city forests, trace the edge of the bay, or roam wild coastal dunes. These five picks highlight where locals actually go when they want a dose of trail time close to home. Use them as a starting point, then branch out as you get to know the area.

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01 Best overall pick

Sequoia Park Forest Trails

East Eureka Hillside • Shady Redwood City Park • Easy After-Work Escape

A network of mellow dirt paths looping through second-growth redwoods just minutes from Myrtletown.

Sequoia Park is where locals go when they want a quick redwood fix without committing to an all-day drive. Short, interconnected trails let you stitch together anything from a 20-minute leg-stretcher to a relaxed hour-long wander, with plenty of benches and bridges to pause and listen to the creek. It’s ideal if you want forest atmosphere, kid-friendly grades, and an easy parking situation right in Eureka.

02 Best for longer hikes

Arcata Community Forest

Arcata Hills Above Downtown • Steep, Lush Redwood Forest Network • Best For Longer Cardio Hikes

Miles of signed trails wind through damp, mossy redwood slopes with enough elevation to get your heart rate up.

Arcata Community Forest feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to town, with big trees, soft tread, and a tangle of numbered routes. You can keep it simple on the wider main trails or duck onto narrower singletrack for more climbing and a quieter feel. Start from the main park entrance above Arcata for the classic loop options and a nice post-hike coffee or meal in town afterward.

03 Most accessible option

Eureka Waterfront Trail

Along The Eureka Waterfront • Paved Bayfront Multi-Use Path • Laid-Back All-Ages Option

A mostly flat, paved path tracing Humboldt Bay with constant water views and plenty of spots to turn around.

The Eureka Waterfront Trail is perfect when you want a straightforward out-and-back walk with big bay scenery and no navigation required. Expect tidal mudflats, working harbor views, birdlife, and the occasional sea lion or harbor seal if you pay attention. It’s a strong choice for strollers, bikes mixed with walkers, or visitors easing into the local landscape on their first day in town.

04 Best for birdwatching

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Hookton Slough Trail

South Of Eureka Near Loleta • Wetlands And Bayview Nature Trail • Best For Birdwatchers And Mellow Strolls

A mostly level loop and spur system through marshes and along the bay, with viewing platforms and constant wildlife.

Hookton Slough Trail is about the rhythm of the tides and the birdlife more than racking up miles. Well-maintained gravel and boardwalk sections make it accessible, while interpretive signs and viewing blinds slow you down in a good way. Go at high tide for mirrored water views or on a calm winter day when migratory waterfowl crowd the marshes and the light over the bay is at its best.

05 Best coastal escape

Humboldt Coastal Nature Center & Dunes Trails

Manila Dunes North Of Myrtletown • Coastal Dune And Beach Ramble • Best For Sunset And Ocean Views

Short sandy paths weave through grass-topped dunes to a wide, often windswept beach with big-sky Pacific views.

The trails around the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center give you that classic North Coast mix of dunes, scrub, and surf in an easy-to-navigate package. Expect soft sand underfoot, rolling terrain, and a sense of openness that feels very different from the inland forests. It shines at golden hour, when you can climb a taller dune, watch the light drop over the ocean, and still be back in Myrtletown in time for dinner.