Visit Us

Visit all the different units of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge!  From wetlands to dunes there is much to explore. Go to Locations for site specific information.

The Salmon Creek Unit/Shorebird Loop Trail is open 7 days a week, 8am to 5pm,  except federal holidays

The Richard J. Guadagno Visitor Center located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta

Hours are:

Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm.

Open intermittently on weekdays. Call 707-733-5406

Related Documents

HumboldtGB_2021-web_508.pdf

Humboldt Bay NWR General Brochure with Map

Other Facilities in the Complex

Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge is located eighty miles north of Humboldt Bay and about a half mile offshore from Crescent City, California. Castle Rock is only 14 acres in size, but is critical to the survival of several hundred thousand seabirds each year and also serves as an important haul out (resting site) for marine mammals, including harbor seals, northern elephant seals and California and Steller sea lions.

Rules and Policies

While visiting Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, please remember that

WILDLIFE COMES FIRST! 

The following regulations have been established to reduce disturbance to wildlife, protect both visitors and wildlife, and enhance opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Locations

Salmon Creek Unit -Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, Visitor Center and Shorebird Loop Trail
1020 Ranch RoadLoleta,CA95551-9633

The Salmon Creek Unit/Shorebird Loop Trail is open 7 days a week, 8am to 5pm, except federal holidays

The Richard J. Guadagno Visitor Center is located at 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta

Visitor Center Hours are:

Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm.

Open intermittently on weekdays. Call 707-733-5406

The Shorebird Loop Trail (1.7 miles roundtrip) is a level gravel trail that begins at the Visitor Center and features, an observation gazebo, wetland deck, elevated platform, benches and interpretive panels. The trail passes along seasonal freshwater wetlands, eventually leading to a permanent brackish pond and the eastern edge of Hookton Slough. Look for swallows and sparrows, listen for the marsh wren or secretive Virginia rail and keep an eye skyward for raptors like peregrine falcon and bald eagle.

To reduce disturbance to habitats, wildlife and wildlife viewing opportunities

Please - No Pets - No Bicycles - No Jogging - No Horses

Driving Directions

Take Exit 696 off Highway 101. If northbound turn left and go west over the overpass and take the first right, then follow the entrance road north and west ~1.3 miles to the Headquarters. If southbound turn right and then immediately left onto the entrance road and proceed ~1.3 miles north and west to the Headquarters.

Hours
Salmon Creek Unit - Headquarters, Visitor Center and Shorebird Loop Trail
7 days a week, except federal holidays
8am to 5pm
Hookton Slough Unit

A popular vista point along Hookton Slough of Humboldt Bay including an accessible 3 mile out and back trail along the edge of the bay and a non-motorized boat launch. 

To reduce disturbance to habitats, wildlife and wildlife viewing opportunities

Please - No Pets - No Bicycles - No Jogging - No Horses

Driving Directions

Take exit 696 off Highway 101

Northbound, turn left and go west over the overpass and take a right on Hookton Road. Follow west approximately 1 mile to the turnoff on your right.

Southbound, go straight ahead from the offramp stop sign. Follow west approximately 1 mile to the turnoff on your right.

Hours
Hookton Slough Unit Parking, Trail & Non-motorized Boat Launch
7 days a week, except federal holidays
8am to Sunset
Ma-le'l Dunes Unit

The Ma-le'l Dunes offers a range of recreational opportunities that allow visitors to experience a diverse and dynamic coastal landscape of forests and salt marshes, sand dunes and beaches. ​

The refuge cooperatively manages the Ma-le’l Dunes with the Bureau of Land Management

Ma-le'l Dunes North (Ma-le’l Dunes Unit) is part of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - United States Fish & Wildlife Service. Trail access is limited to pedestrians only.

Due to the nature of the habitat, many of the trails at the Ma-le'l Dunes are not suitable for individuals with mobility concerns. There are steep unstable sand surfaces, narrow uneven footpaths and steep irregular steps without handrails. Please keep this in mind when planning a visit to the dunes.

To reduce disturbance to habitats, wildlife and wildlife viewing opportunities

Please - No Pets - No Bicycles - No Jogging - No Horses

The entrance road to Ma-le’l North is closed to vehicles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in order to provide visitors with a "wilderness ' experience. Pedestrians may walk in 7 days a week.

Driving Directions

From Highway 255

Turn west onto Young Lane. At the T, turn right, follow signs to Ma-le'l North.The parking area is approximate 3/4 mile up the road.  Remember, the road is only open to vehicles Friday through Monday. Pedestrians may walk in 7 days a week

Hours
Ma-le'l Dunes Unit Trailhead
Open 7 days a week. The road is only open to vehicles Friday through Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Lanphere Dunes Unit - Access by permit only
6800 Lanphere RoadArcata,CA95521

The Lanphere and Ma-le'l Dunes make up the largest and best quality sand dune ecosystem representing coastal dunes from this area. Remarkably undisturbed, yet easily accessible, containing an outstanding variety of dune habitats and associated wetlands. These habitats contain virtually all the species of vascular plants of dune sytems, plus a number of rare species. The site is very scenic and affords visitors an inspiring view of a natural coastal ecosystem.

Because of the fragile nature of dune habitats, the Lanphere Dunes Unit is accessible by permit or guided tour only.

To obtain a permit visitors must first attend a guided tour. Contact Friends of the Dunes (707) 444-1397 for a guided tour schedule

Due to the nature of the habitat, many of the trails at the Lanphere Dunes are not suitable for individuals with mobility concerns. There are steep unstable sand surfaces, narrow uneven footpaths and steep irregular steps without handrails. Please keep this in mind when planning a visit to the dunes.

To reduce disturbance to habitats, wildlife and wildlife viewing opportunities

Please - No Pets - No Bicycles - No Jogging - No Horses

Hours
Lanphere Dunes Unit - Access by permit only
7 days a week, except federal holidays
Sunrise to Sunset