Sue-meg State Park is perched on the rugged Redwood Coast near Trinidad, California. It is a coastal sanctuary where ancient Yurok traditions meet towering spruce groves. Dramatic Pacific vistas also converge here, creating a compact but unforgettable setting.
What Makes This Park Unique
Sue-meg (pronounced “soo-may”) was formerly known as Patrick’s Point State Park. It was renamed in 2021 to honor its original Indigenous name. The change reflects a renewed dedication to cultural recognition. The park spans just one square mile yet features an extraordinary blend of coastal ecosystems and cultural stewardship. From sea stacks and tidepools to towering redwoods and the restored Sumêg (Yurok) Village, Sue-meg is where natural beauty meets living history.
Top Activities and Amenities
Hiking Trails & Coastal Access
More than six miles of trails weave through forest, meadows, and coastal bluffs. The Rim Trail sweeps along seaside cliffs, offering opportunities to spot seals, sea lions, and migrating whales in late spring and summer. For those seeking rugged coastal solitude, steep spur trails lead down to beaches rich in agates, jasper, and jade. Agate Beach, acclaimed for its gem-studded sands, lies a half-mile from Agate Campground.
Sumêg Village & Interpretive Programs
A short walk from the visitor center brings you to the reconstructed Sumêg Village. It is complete with traditional redwood plank houses, a dance house, sweathouse, and native plant garden. The village was built in collaboration with the Yurok community. In summer, the park hosts ceremonial gatherings and docent-led interpretive walks that bring cultural context and tribal voices to center stage.
Campsites & Group Facilities
Sue-meg offers multiple overnight options. These include three family campgrounds, a hike/bike loop, and a large group site at Beach Creek. This site accommodates up to 120 people. It features a covered cook shelter, hot showers, and communal fire facilities. Each site includes essentials such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.
Visitor Center & Educational Outreach
The visitor center is accessible near the park entrance. It houses interpretive exhibits and a native plant garden. Helpful park staff or volunteers are ready to share insights. Educational programs, interactive maps, and event schedules make every visit enriched and context-sensitive.
Wildlife Watching & Natural Highlights
Coastal vistas and lush spruce-redwood forest combine here with seasonal wildflower blooms. Visitors often glimpse deer, seabirds, and marine mammals. Tidepools at Palmer’s Point offer close encounters with marine life. Be cautious of sleeper waves. Tread lightly to protect these delicate ecosystems.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Vehicle day-use fee is $8. Group day use is $100; annual park passes are accepted. longest stay capped at 15 days per year.
- Campsites and group site reservations open six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.
- Pets are allowed in the park—but not on trails, beaches, or inside buildings.
- Some trail sections—such as part of the Palmers Point trail—may be closed due to erosion; check alerts before arrival.
- Accessible segments are available on the Rim Trail and Ceremonial Rock trail; steep terrain limits access elsewhere.
- Bring layers. The northern California coast is often cool and foggy, even in summer. Coastal hikes may feel damp or chilly.
- Collecting stones, shells, or artifacts is prohibited to protect natural and cultural resources.
Local insight: For a peaceful start, begin your hike on the Rim Trail at dawn. The fog lifts slowly over the spruce-clad cliffs. This reveals whale spouts and sea spray in golden light. In spring, visitors may stroll among wildflowers along the forested paths. They can also join a Yurok-led walk through Sumêg Village. This offers a chance to witness ancestral stories and resilience. When the tide retreats, Agate Beach becomes an open-air treasure hunt—lucky finders may pocket a beautiful agate, but remember to leave most in place to maintain this living coastal jewel. Sue-meg may be small, but its soul—rooted in deep tradition and wild beauty—leaves a mark that lasts.