Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge may be found on Humboldt Bay, located on the North Coast of California close to Eureka and Arcata. Northwestern California’s coastline is home to the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which can be found on Humboldt Bay itself.

The primary goal of the refuge is to preserve and improve the wetland habitats used by migrating water birds that pass through the bay area. These species include black brant, swans, ducks, geese, and other waterfowl numbering in the tens of thousands.

The eelgrass beds in the Bay area are crucial stopovers for brant on their way back to their Arctic breeding sites in the spring. The refuge grasslands are also a vital habitat for the tens of thousands of Canadian geese that winter in the Aleutian Islands.

The establishment of this refuge, like many others in the system, was motivated by the realization that some regions were crucial to the continuation of avian migration and other forms of wildlife.

Biking At Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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The Headwaters Forest Reserve is a great place to go biking if you’re a fan of the outdoors. Cyclists can ride the three miles down the Elk River Corridor Trail from the Elk River parking area to the marked turnaround point.

Staying on the trail is a must for all riders. For mountain biking, the surrounding Six Rivers National Forest offers hundreds of kilometres of roads and trails to explore. On this ride, you’ll encounter broad meadows and pine forests interspersed with rugged, rocky trails.

Watch Birds At Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Many types of birds can be seen flying over the BLM land, making Headwaters Forest Reserve a popular destination for ornithologists and casual bird watchers. Photographic opportunities abound with the abundance of birds in the many park locations.

Common birds like thrushes, chickadees, and woodpeckers, as well as endangered ones like the Great Spotted Owl of the North and the Marbled Murrelet, are among those you’re guaranteed to encounter in the park.

Hiking At Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Elk River Trail and Salmon Pass Trail are the two paths that hikers can choose from within Headwaters Forest Reserve. Three miles of the Elk River Trail follow the river’s south fork, and another two miles climb through a grove of ancient redwoods. Look out for interpretative plaques detailing the history of Falk along the first mile of this path while you stroll.

Hunting At Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

While the Headwaters Forest Reserve is a no-hunt zone, it is in this area that the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge may be found, only to the reserve’s northwest, making it accessible to hunting enthusiasts.

You must have the proper licenses and adhere to the State’s hunting restrictions. Snipe, geese, coots, ducks, and waterfowl can be hunted in the preserve. Using trained retrievers can help hunters avoid losing too many birds. Go no trace of your presence by not littering when you go.

Fishing At Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Those interested in fishing should take advantage of a trip to Headwaters Forest Reserve because of how close you are to the Eel River, which flows through some beautiful redwood forests. In the river, you can catch fish, including steelhead, rainbow trout, and salmon.

The river is home to these, which are officially recognized as endangered. As a result, anglers should be informed of open seasons, closed seasons, and fishing laws, as the river is sometimes closed to fishing.

Address: 1020 Ranch Rd, Loleta, CA 95551, United States

Open–Closes: 8 am-5 pm

Phone Number: +1 707-733-5406

Email: denise_seeger@fws.gov

Area: 16.19 km²

Established: 1971

Management: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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