Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
A walk on the beach at Samoa Dunes and the DOLOS at the end of the North Jetty
The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, once a seasonal food-gathering site for the Wiyote Indians and later, during World War II, a Coast Guard surveillance outpost, is now a multi-recreational park that attracts not only OHV enthusiasts, but also hikers, surfers, beachcombers and fishing enthusiasts from throughout the region. This is also access to the north jetty (see dolos in pic). Link to BLM site map
Activities:
- Hiking - beachcombing
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Surfing
- Picnic
- Off-Highway Vehicle use in specified area
- Boating - Adjacent to the Samoa Boat ramp
Several stages of dune formations may be seen in the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. For more information on dune formation and a short history of the dunes, follow this link.
Birds:
Look out beyond the ocean waves for brown pelicans and Brandt's cormorants. Northern harriers can often be seen as they glide in and out of willow thickets in the small freshwater wetlands. The willow thickets are home to song sparrows and savanna sparrows. The wetlands attract great blue herons and ducks.
OHV: Facilities include an unloading ramp, restroom, tables, cooking grills and a scenic overlook, easy access to 140 acres of "open" terrain, containing numerous trails and the beach strand. And an additional new 75-acre riding area that extends about 1 mile north of the park.
The rest of the beach and dunes along the peninsula are closed to vehicle use, except by special permit from the county.
Nearby:
- Samoa Boat Ramp and RV campsite
- Samoa Cookhouse - As the last surviving cookhouse of the west, all meals are still served "lumber camp" style
- Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum
Directions: From U.S. Highway 101 at Eureka, take Highway 255 across the Samoa Bridge. Turn south (left) onto New Navy Base Road. Drive about four miles to parking area.
From Arcata, take Samoa Blvd. west then south until it intersects with the Samoa Bridge, then follow above directions.