provided by
Tolowa Dunes State Park takes in some of the finest wetlands habitat on California's northern coast. An ancient sand dune complex that has evolved into several distinct ecological communities, Tolowa Dunes encompasses ocean beach, river, open and vegetated sand dunes, wooded ridges, and wetlands. A diverse assortment of birds, animals and plant life thrive here, and the area serves as an important stopover on the Pacific flyway for thousands of migrating ducks, geese and swans. The Smith River is a good place for salmon and steelhead fishing, and cutthroat trout can be taken at Lake Earl.
The basic amenities are provided for campers at a primitive campground with six walk-in sites behind a LOCKED gate. Please call ahead for access.
Getting There
2 miles north of Crescent City.
From Crescent City CA take Northcrest Dr. north off of HWY. 101. Access roads are Old Mill Rd. off Northcrest Dr. and further along Northcrest Dr. (which becomes Lake Earl Dr.) turn left on Lower Lake Rd. to Kellogg or Pala Roads.
2 miles north of Crescent City.
From Crescent City CA take Northcrest Dr. north off of HWY. 101. Access roads are Old Mill Rd. off Northcrest Dr. and further along Northcrest Dr. (which becomes Lake Earl Dr.) turn left on Lower Lake Rd. to Kellogg or Pala Roads.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer days range from the 60s to 70s. Nights are in the 40s.
Winter days range from the 40s to 60s. Nights are in the 30s.
Rainfall average is about 60" to 80" per year, falling mostly between November and May.
Summer days range from the 60s to 70s. Nights are in the 40s.
Winter days range from the 40s to 60s. Nights are in the 30s.
Rainfall average is about 60" to 80" per year, falling mostly between November and May.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open year-round.
Day-use is open from sunrise to sunset.
Campground is open all year.
Telephone: 707-465-2145
The park is open year-round.
Day-use is open from sunrise to sunset.
Campground is open all year.
Telephone: 707-465-2145
About the Park
The Lake Earl area offers an array of opportunities for the nature enthusiast. Hundreds of species of birds including the rare Canada Aleutian goose and the Peregrine falcon can be seen in the forests and wetlands. Deer, coyote and raccoons may be spotted along the many miles of trails that traverse the park.
Great displays of wildflowers can bee seen in the spring and early summer. Marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals can be spotted along the coast; gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. Salmon and steelhead are seasonal in the Smith River, cutthroat trout and Starry flounder are in Lakes Earl and Tolowa, and bass and crappie are in Dead Lake.
The Tolowa people were the most recent Native Americans to occupy the area. The natural resources of the area were very important aspect of the Tolowa's economic and political way of life.
The Lake Earl area offers an array of opportunities for the nature enthusiast. Hundreds of species of birds including the rare Canada Aleutian goose and the Peregrine falcon can be seen in the forests and wetlands. Deer, coyote and raccoons may be spotted along the many miles of trails that traverse the park.
Great displays of wildflowers can bee seen in the spring and early summer. Marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals can be spotted along the coast; gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. Salmon and steelhead are seasonal in the Smith River, cutthroat trout and Starry flounder are in Lakes Earl and Tolowa, and bass and crappie are in Dead Lake.
The Tolowa people were the most recent Native Americans to occupy the area. The natural resources of the area were very important aspect of the Tolowa's economic and political way of life.
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Nearby Community Trips
New bike on rowdy creek ttail
Didn't make it all the way to Boy Scout Tree...ran out of daylight. Trip track is one way.
