How you can appreciate
and enjoy these lands
The 11,000-acre Tolowa Coast is publicly owned and managed cooperatively by California State Parks, California Department of Fish and Game, and Del Norte County for permanent protection of its cultural and natural resources and for public access. Please be respectful. Stewardship of these precious assets is the responsibility of everyone who visits. By understanding your impacts and following these guidelines for enjoying the area safely and sensitively, you will enjoy your visit and help preserve its timeless beauty and traditions.
Pets: To minimize disturbance and harm to native wildlife, dogs are allowed only on designated trails and on a six- foot leash at all times.
Horses and Bicycles: Several miles of gravel roads and trails throughout the Tolowa Coast are excellent for horseback riding and biking. Durable tires are advised. Exercise caution when approaching and passing others. Berry-picking: Is for personal consumption only. Many animals and birds rely on the ripened fruit.
Litter: Trash is unsightly and hazardous to wildlife, and can attract predators of threatened and endangered species. Waste containers are few. Please pack out your trash, and recycle.
Tide pools: Intertidal life of the Tolowa Coast is extremely sensitive and protected by law. Use caution around tide pools. Rocks are slippery. Please watch where you walk to avoid stepping on or disturbing tide pool creatures.
Sneaker waves: Always keep young children close by, and never turn your back on the ocean. Rogue or sneaker waves drown someone on a north coast beach every year.
Hunting: Waterfowl hunting season in the Lake Earl Wildlife Area is mid- October to late January; special hunting events occur in spring and fall. Prime hunting times are dawn and dusk.
Rules and regulations for public use
In addition, you must observe these specific rules
when visiting or recreating:
Tolowa Dunes State Park
Dogs and horses are allowed on designated trails only, as shown on trailhead signs.
Overnight camping is allowed in designated camp areas only.
Picking and removal of flowers, plants, and mushrooms is prohibited.
The removal of downed wood, including driftwood, is prohibited.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use is strictly prohibited. Only street-legal vehicles are allowed on the beach wave slope (wetted sand) north of Kellogg Road from sunrise to sunset. The speed limit on the wave slope is 15 mph.
Lake Earl Wildlife Area
All boats, kayaks, canoes, and water vessels are prohibited from traveling in restricted areas on the lagoon. Areas are posted.
Licensed hunters with firearms or archery equipment must hunt only within the 100 feet of land along the shoreline and/or from the water surface.
Possession and use of rifles and pistols is prohibited.
Retrieval dogs are allowed off-leash in the Lake Earl Wildlife Area during hunting season.
Point St. George Heritage Area
A Del Norte County permit is required and must be displayed for fishing and driftwood collection on the beach at the Point St. George Heritage Area.
A fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Game is required for any type of surf fishing from shore including netfishing and/or the gathering of clams, mussels, crab, or shellfish from the beach or tidal areas.