The Arcata Community Forest is managed by the City of Arcata as a working forest, selectively and sustainably logged to generate revenue. As the redwood forest most accessible to most of Humboldt County’s residents, it is frequently used by hikers, runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and horse riders. Its 11-mile network of trails and service roads offers a wide variety of routes; the one presented here circumnavigates the forest. ACF trails have both numbers and names but only the numbers are shown on trail markers and used here.
Arcata Environmental Services Department : 707-822-8184
I’m wondering about your inclusion of trail 17 in this hike. Admittedly it’s been 2 or 3 years since DH and I braved 17, but I remember it as being highly technical with some pretty hairy spots, and Dennis has admitted to it not getting any maintenance for too many years.
“Technical”? We are talking about hiking here, not bicycling, right? Yeah, it’s steep, but it’s still just a hiking trail. 17 can be bypassed by turning left instead of right on 12 and then right on 7 and left on 11.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with the terminology. I’ll get it. 🙂
It’s steep, washed out and not maintained at all. But, DH and I will be trying it again soon, so we’ll see if I’m mis-remembering.
On March 11, Trail #4 was closed but the closure wasn’t posted until about 100 yards in from #9. Also, the Park Dr. gate was still closed at 9:00!