This 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 two primitive campgrounds, including a ride-in horse
camp and six walk-in sites.
Location/ Directions
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.
Lake Earl, CA Latitude/Longitude: 41.8258 / -124.1875
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
Summer days range from the 60's to 70's (degrees fahrenheit). Nights are in the
40's.
Winter days range from the 40's to 60s (degrees fahrenheig). Nights are in the
30's.
Rainfall average is about 60" to 80" per year, falling mostly between November
and May.
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.
Telephone:
707-465-2145
Operating
Hours:
Open year-round.
Day use sunrise to sunset.
Campground open all year.
Address:
1375 Elk Valley Road
Crescent City, CA 95531 |
