Yurok Loop Trial is a short, family-friendly walking route at the southern tip of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. It brings you up close to lush green foliage and affords extraordinary views of the pounding Pacific surf of False Klamath Cove. Plan a day to visit Yurok Loop Trail and bring food to eat at the designated picnic area.
The trail is just 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) long and features a low elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages. It takes its name from the Yurok tribespeople, who have lived in this area of California for centuries. Follow the natural path as its cuts through sections of thick spruce and Douglas fir forests. Trees on each side of the path converge at their highest points to form a canopy and create a natural tunnel.
At the western point of the trail it opens out onto a grassy area that overlooks False Klamath Cove. Look along the shoreline of Lagoon Creek Beach and spot two giant sea stacks, called False Klamath Rock and Wilson Rock. The beach is accessible, if you’d like to feel the sand between your toes, paddle in the water and take photos of the driftwood that often lands here after storms. Surfers come to ride Pacific Ocean waves.
The rugged cliffs and sea stacks of the cove provide a natural habitat for numerous seabirds to breed and nest. Spot brown pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots and surf scoters.
Finish your visit at Lagoon Creek Picnic Ground, set on the banks of Lagoon Pond. Here you’ll find information boards with facts about the flora and fauna found around the trail.
Yurok Loop Trail is a 20-minute drive south of Crescent City and 30 minutes by car to the north of Orick. A large parking area at the trailhead is free to access.
Nearby is Trees of Mystery, an outdoor attraction with examples of giant redwoods and a cable car ride.
