Sand Hill Loop Trail

Tolowa Dunes State Park, California

Sand Hill Loop Trail takes hikers through heavily forested dunes and open meadows of Tolowa Dunes State Park to a beach located in a remote section of Pelican Bay. This beach extends for five miles from Point Saint George to the mouth of Smith River. Most of the beach is in Tolowa Dunes State Park.

The beach is located less than a mile from the parking area and hikers have the opportunity to see a distinct transition in plant communities from meadows and deeply forested dunes near the trailhead that give away to grass covered dunes near the beach. There is vegetation along the entire route to the beach except on the trail where foot traffic has exposed the sandy identity of the forested dunes. It is a short walk to the beach but the sand makes this hike a little more strenuous than what is found on other trails the area. This is the characteristic condition of trail throughout the entire three mile loop.

Directions

From Crescent City, drive north on Highway 101 and turn left on Northcrest Drive. Follow this road for about a mile and a half and look for Old Mill Road on the left (about a half mile past the intersection with Washington Boulevard). Follow Old Mill Road for about a mile and a half to the headquarters office. The road forks. Take the right fork for 300 feet to the parking area for Old Mill Loop to Lake Earl. Take the left fork for half a mile to the trailhead for the Sand Hill Loop Trail to the beach.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...