Welcome to the serene coastal haven at Little River State Beach. It is located at the mouth of Little River, five miles south of Trinidad and 13 miles north of Eureka in Humboldt County, California. This expansive 152‑acre beach reserve stretches along Highway 101, offering tranquil dunes, broad shoreline, and freshwater estuary views—a peaceful escape on the rugged Northern California coast.
What Makes Little River State Beach Unique
Little River State Beach stands out for its broad sandy swath. It is backed by coastal dunes and bordered by the Little River estuary. Its natural setting provides diverse habitats—tide‑wet dunes, river mouth wetlands, and offshore meadows—supporting shorebirds, estuarine wildlife, surf fishers and windsurfers year‑round. It’s a quiet, undeveloped gem far from crowds.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏖️ Beach Access & Swimming
The wide sandy beach slopes gently into cool Pacific waters—ideal for wading and beachcombing. Although there are no lifeguards, it’s a popular spot for casual swimmers and families. The river mouth creates calm backwater edges suitable for children to play.
🏄 Surfing & Windsurfing
Steady coastal swells and onshore winds make this stretch a popular destination for surfers and windsurfers. Rentals are available nearby, while experienced water‑sport enthusiasts frequently visit year‑round.
🎣 Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
Anglers target surfperch and native species along the shore, casting near the river mouth. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting sandpipers, terns, and herons, and occasional river otter sightings add to the coastal charm.
🚶 Hiking & Estuary Boardwalk
A short trail from the parking lot traverses the dunes and skirts the Little River estuary—great for coastal hikes and wildlife photography. Nearby Clam Beach County Park connects via a seamless trail network, perfect for extended walks.
🧺 Picnic Areas & Restrooms
Day‑use areas include shaded picnic tables, fire rings, drinking fountains, and vault toilets near the beach access trail—ideal for relaxed lunch breaks or peaceful sunset gatherings.
🚗 Parking & Trails
A free, paved parking lot off Clam Beach Drive accommodates cars and small trailers. Bike racks near the lot encourage pedal-and-walk visits, while a gravel path leads visitors to dunes and river mouth views.
🔭 Ranger-Led & Interpretive Programs
Seasonal interpretive signage and ranger‑led tidewater and estuary walks offer insights into local ecology, coastal geology, and habitat restoration efforts—check the park calendar for scheduled events.
🏐 Sports & Recreation
On‑beach volleyball courts appear seasonally and are popular with families and beachgoers. The wide shore also invites kite flying and casual Frisbee games.
Visitor Tips
- Day‑Use Hours & Fees: Open dawn to dusk; parking is free and no entrance pass is required.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed on dunes and trails, but not in sensitive estuary areas.
- Facilities: Vault toilets available; no showers or RV hookups.
- Water Safety: Watch for cold currents and river mouth rip undercurrents. No lifeguards on duty.
- Tidepooling & Fishing: Fish and wildlife watchers should avoid disturbing estuary habitat.
- Windsurf & Surf Safety: Always monitor weather—winds can shift rapidly.
- Closure Alerts: Occasional storm‑induced closures; check park’s incident page before visiting.
- Leave No Trace: No firewood collection—use provided fire rings and carry out all trash.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Early summer mornings bring low tides exposing the broad estuary sandflats—ideal for birdwatching and tidepool discoveries. Paddle a kayak into the river mouth at sunrise to spy river otters and shorebirds. Afterward, stroll the wetlands trail into Clam Beach County Park for a longer shoreline wander. Finish your day with a picnic at sunset on the dunes—wind whipping the grasses adds a wild California moment you won’t forget.