What's Fun to Do?
With a mild maritime climate, the Tolowa Coast area offers an exciting array of recreational opportunities for outdoor and nature enthusiasts year round. Thirty-miles of hiking trails transverse Tolowa Dunes State Park, the Lake Earl Wildlife Area, and Point St. George through vegetated dunes, seaside bluffs, meadows, and coastal forests with many of the trails designated for bicycling and/or horseback riding. Eleven-miles of undeveloped shoreline beckon to beachcombers, anglers, and picnickers. Spotting a seal, sea lion, dolphin, or even a migrating gray whale just beyond the surf is a common occurrence.
Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Lake Earl lagoon has recorded an astounding 300+ bird species—ducks, waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, hawks, owls, and even bald eagles—and is renowned as a bird watcher's paradise. The largest coastal lagoon on the west coast outside of Alaska, Lake Earl offers great fishing for coastal cutthroat trout and hosts a waterfowl-hunting season from mid-October through January. On calm days, its clear cool waters give a welcome respite from fast-paced living for those who enjoy paddling canoes and kayaks. Wind-surfers and kite-boarders favor the open water on windy days.
Displays of wildflowers and blooming native shrubs delight the senses in spring and early summer while frogs call from the many hidden dune ponds and wetted places. Even during the winter rainy season from October to May, many clear sunny days continue to invite visitors to the Tolowa Coast beach and trails.
During the summer monthsfrom June through August, visitors can attend guided walks and hikes every Sunday. Sponsored by the North Coast Redwood Interpretive Association and Tolowa Dunes Stewards, an assortment of bird watching, dune ecology, and native plant walks, and Tolowa cultural programs are offered. Check www.ncria.org for a complete schedule of summer events.