Tolowa Dunes State Park

Tolowa Dunes State Park encompasses about five miles of beaches, vegetated dunes and coastal lagoon land between Crescent City and the mouth of the Smith River. State Park lands adjoin with lands of the Lake Earl Wildlife Area to make a diversified environment of beaches, grass covered dunes, dense coastal rain forest, lagoons and open meadows.

Trails

Sand Hill Loop Old Mill Loop Lake Earl Lagoon Trail

Directions

For travelers on Highway 199, the safest way to get to the Sand Hill and Old Mill Loops is to take Highway 101 south to Washington Street, the first off-ramp. Turn right and go to the first stop light (Northcrest Drive) and turn right. Drive a half mile and turn left on Old Mill Road. Follow the pavement for 1.6 miles to the Headquarters building on the right. The road forks. Go right 300 feet to the Old Mill Loop trailhead and left for half a mile to the Sand Hill Loop trailhead.

CAUTION: If you decide to go to Tolowa Dunes State Park via Elk Valley Road (the exit from Highway 199 for north bound traffic on Highway 101) be aware that Highway 101 is a freeway at the point where Elk Valley Road crosses. Summer traffic can be very congested and fast moving. If you decide to take this route to Lake Earl Drive, use extreme caution when crossing Highway 101. It is safer to drive to the Washington off ramp and take Northcrest to Tolowa Dunes State Park.

Map of Tolowa Dunes State Park and Lake Earl Wildlive Area

The green area on the map indicates the combined lands of Tolowa Dunes State Park and Lake Earl Wild Life Area. All hiking trails are within the State Park except the Lake Earl Lagoon Trail located along the east shore of Lake Earl on land administered by the California Department of Fish and Game. This map is a generalized sketch intended for orientation to the public lands in the Tolowa Dunes and Lake Earl area. A published map is recommended if you want to have a more accurate depiction of pubic and private land boundaries.

Map of the Old Mill Loop Trail, Tolowa Dunes State Park, Highway 101, Crescent City, northwest California Klamath Mountain coast

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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...