Coastal Trail: Lagoon Creek

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Access this trail from the DeMartin Beach Picnic Area or the Wilson Creek Day Use Area. This trail can be used in combination with others for many out-and-back options or it can be shuttled by leaving another vehicle somewhere along the route. The end of the trail is accessible by car off Requa Road/Patrick J Murphy Memorial Drive.

Head south, parallel to the 101 for three-quarters of a mile until the first bend in the trail heading right (west) toward the bluff. Heading straight on the Coastal Trail: Lagoon Creek to Parking Lot connector would bring you to the Lagoon Creek Day Use Area, another spot with parking and picnic tables.

Continue past the Yurok Loop Trail and enjoy this more secluded section of trail as it departs from the 101 along the coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for whale spouts!

After ~1.8 miles, you'll arrive at the junction with the Hidden Beach Trail. This marks the start of the first bluff climb. There are three distinct climbs on this trail and they each get successively larger, this being the smallest. The second climb comes immediately on the other side as the trail starts to gain some elevation above the shoreline.

After the second climb, you'll begin your final traverse and climb toward the mouth of the Klamath River. This has become a popular destination for anglers and surfers alike, with beautiful coastal scenes often shrouded in fog.

Look for the overlook and picnic area around 4.5 miles from the start, which can be an amazing spot for a snack when the weather cooperates. From here, the trail drops to the beach where you can soak your feet and recharge if you decide to go for the longer, out-and-back option.

Be on the lookout for deer, pelicans, sea lions, otters, and whales.