Hammond Coastal Trail is one of the best places to bike, hike, jog, or ride a horse in Humboldt County. Part of the California Coastal Trail, it is more than five miles long, stretching north from Arcata to Clam Beach County Park in McKinleyville. The trail lies along what was originally a railroad track built in the early 1900s for transporting redwood logs from the Little River area to the Hammond Lumber Mill on Samoa Spit. As a result of the railroad, the asphalt and crushed stone trail is quite level, which makes it an excellent place for several exercise options.
There are two distinct sections of the trail. The southern part is a 3-mile-long paved path stretching from the Mad River Bridge, through Hiller Park, to Widow White Creek in McKinleyville. It provides amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mad River. The northern section of the trail is mostly paved and leads from North Letz Avenue to Clam Beach County Park. Here you can see spectacular vistas of the ocean and Trinidad Head from sea level or the high bluffs. There are also plenty of places to access the beach.
WHERE: Take the Hwy 101 Giuntoli Lane, exit 2 miles north of Arcata, then head west on Janes Road to Mad River Beach. Or, from the McKinleyville end, take the Murray or School Road exit.
MORE INFO: 707-445-7651, TrailLink.com/trail/hammond-trail
