Hiking

The Shorebird Loop Trail (1.7 miles roundtrip) is open during Visitor Center hours. This level gravel trail begins at the Visitor Center and features an observation kiosk and interpretive panels (see refuge map--478K pdf). 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 sora rail, and keep an eye skyward for raptors like the peregrine falcon and bald eagle.

To the southwest of the Visitor Center is the Hookton Slough Unit (see refuge map--478K pdf). This unit is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Hookton Slough Trail (1.5 miles one way) starts at the Hookton Slough Unit parking area and follows the west bank of Hookton Slough out and back. The trail is level, gravel-based, and has interpretive panels.

For a completely different experience, there are approximately 5 miles of trails that wind through the  diverse dune ecosystem at the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area west of Arcata (see Dune Units map).

Restrooms are available at all refuge units with trails.

Guided walks
Free guided walks are offered at Humboldt Bay NWR:

• Salmon Creek Unit (68K pdf): 2nd Sunday; 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month; 9am
• Lanphere Dunes (126K pdf): 1st Saturday; 10am - 12:30pm
• Ma-le'l Dunes (126K pdf: 4th Sunday; 10am - 12:30pm

For information on these and other special events, please call (707) 733-5406. Friends of the Dunes leads dune walks.