Despite its quasi-urban setting, the Eureka Waterfront feels remarkably wild in places. It starts near the mouth of the Elk River, the Humboldt Bay watershed’s largest stream, on the new and very popular Hikshari’ Trail and follows the river before heading down the bay-shore. It passes a wide variety of habitats, including estuary, willow thickets, pastures, wetlands, bay, and dunes, and offers excellent birding opportunities; a spotting scope will make the birding, if not the hiking, more rewarding. The unpaved portions of the route present a rather challenging mix of loose gravel, cobbles, rocks, sand, and train tracks. Spur trails offer numerous opportunities to explore.
The Eureka Waterfront Trail: webmaster@ci.eureka.ca.gov, 707-441-4241 (City of Eureka Parks & Recreation Department)
North Coast Rail Authority: ncra.hiedy@sbcglobal.net, 707-463-3280
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (Humboldt Division)
Humboldt County Public Works Department: 707-445-7652
This winter’s storms made walking the tracks considerably more challenging! If you want to work on your balance, this might be the place!