Have fun searching for sea creatures in tidal pools, marvel at rugged sea stacks and watch the wild surf at this small cove.
Take a break from exploring the enchanting forests of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park to visit the picturesque Enderts Beach. When the tide is out this a great place to come with the family and stretch your legs while walking on the soft sand. Visit Enderts Beach to spot seabirds and marine animals and watch glorious sunsets from a nearby viewpoint.
Driftwood from the Pacific Ocean washes up on the beach and creates an interesting foreground for taking photographs of the coastline. Kick off your shoes and go for a run along the seashore, bring a kite to fly or sit with a book at the base of the cliffs framing the beach.
When there’s a big swell, surfers descend upon the beach to ride the powerful waves. Spend time inspecting the various formations of the cove’s rocks.
One of the best times to be here is at low tide, when natural pools appear. Examine these pockets of water for sea anemones, sea urchins and starfish. Migrating gray whales pass the beach between December and January, March and April. Keep watch for gulls and ospreys, among other bird species.
Reach the beach by biking or driving alongside sprawling green fields via the Enderts Beach Road to Crescent Beach Overlook. The overlook affords more great views of the Del Norte Coast region and is particularly impressive at sunset. The end of the road marks the start of the Last Chance Section of the California Coastal Trail. Walk for 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to Nickel Creek Camp and then descend a short track to Enderts Beach.
The trail to Enderts Beach is located a 10-minute drive south from Crescent City. Parking is free at the trailhead and overlook. Heavy rain sometimes causes mudslides and the closure of the trails. Check the current situation at the Redwood National and State Parks’ visitor centers or websites.
