Agate Beach is littered with semi-precious stones, and seems to stretch beyond the limits of our vision. This table makes a fine rest spot after the steep climb up from the beach. | Photo by Jett Williams

#ExploreHumboldt: Patrick’s Point

Patrick's Point offers multiple options for beach-lovers at an affordable price.
Translate

Patrick’s Point offers multiple options for beach-lovers at an affordable price

This week’s #ExploreHumboldt column covers a fan favorite, the majestic and expansive Patrick’s Point. This one-square-mile State Park features some of the best beach spots around and is a perfect destination for a daytime picnic, sunset beach run or weekend camping trip.

As a state park, Patrick’s Point includes amenities that we have not seen in previous #ExploreHumboldt entries. These include bathrooms with running water, clearly marked trailheads with accurate mileage, picnic tables with BBQ grills and over 120 overnight camping spots.

Because of its State Park status, Patrick’s Point has well-maintained and clearly-marked trails with mileage indicators. | Photo by Jett Williams

However, these benefits come at a cost. There is a $8 vehicle fee, with no student discount. The litany of areas to explore and the overall quality of the experience make it worth the price of admission. You should leave a couple hours of time minimum to to fully experience the park and get your money’s worth.

Patrick’s Point also features several “Hike n’ Bike” campsites. Those who bike or hike into the park benefit from free admission as well as their own area with campsites reserved for non-car users. These sites include all the features of a car site, with a location closer to the best points of interest.

The view looking north from Wedding Rock is one of the most spectacular in the park. The beach access trail can be seen in the bottom left corner. | Photo by Jett Williams

To get to Patrick’s Point, take Hwy 101 north past Trinidad, and take the ‘Patrick’s Point’ exit. Turn left, and continue until you see signs for the park. Alternatively, you can drive to Trinidad and bike along Stagecoach Road, turning left onto Patrick’s Point drive before arriving at the park. This way, you get a bit of extra exploration in, while avoiding the $8 vehicle fee.

If you want to see everything, it’s worth bringing some hiking shoes and a day pack to walk the length of the park. There are a ton of different spots to visit at Patrick’s Point, so I’ll quickly go over some of my favorites.

Sea Anemones are easily found at the tidepools near Palmer’s Point during low tide. Tide tables are available online and at the park’s entrance. | Photo by Jett Williams

A network of trails connects the different points of interest spread throughout the park. Plan to hike at least a couple of miles if you want to see everything. Most of the main rim trail is fairly flat and some sections are wheelchair-accessible. However, the access trails that take you to most of the prominent locations are very steep, as they often run straight up and down the steep coastal hills.

Wedding Rock is the most spectacular point in the park. This massive rock structure juts up from the coastline, providing stellar views of the surrounding rough coastline. The park’s original caretaker was married there in the early 1900s, and Wedding Rock has been home to several weddings every year since.

Sumeg Village is a recreated Yurok village, built by the local tribe with modern tools and traditional materials and practices. The village is used by the tribe for cultural traditions and features two redwood canoes, a sweat room and a native plant garden, also maintained by the tribe.

Sumeg Village provides a nice spot for quiet reflection. The area was built with traditional Yurok techniques by the local tribe, and is still used today for rituals and ceremonies. | Photo by Jett Williams

The Agate Beach is another location worth your time. This expansive stretch of coastline seems to span as far as the eye can see, with a pristine beach of light sand and naturally-occurring agate stones.

When visiting Patrick’s Point, remember that swimming in the frigid North Coast waters is highly discouraged. The undertow is strong, and sweeper waves can catch unattentive visitors off-guard. Dogs are allowed, on-leash only, but are not permitted on trails or beaches. Also, refrain from picking the local mushrooms and wildflowers. They have a hard enough time surviving without being plucked by the unaware.

After a long school week, we all need a bit of calm reflection and relaxation. Carve out at least an afternoon later this week or this weekend to visit our closest state park, and don’t forget to keep exploring!

Share This Post

More Stories

Nina G uses comedy to start conversations

During the virtual comedy event held by the SDRC, Nina Ghiselli tells her story and emphasizes the importance of student disability resources within schools.

It’s not just the Capitol Police

As the world watched from their televisions on January 6, we witnessed scenes unfold before our eyes that were, to many, unimaginable: supporters of President Trump swarmed the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building, then proceeded to break in and

The San Jose State University Football Team Comes to Humboldt

On a day’s notice from administration, the SJSU football team spends a week and a half in Humboldt practicing because their county did not allow it. Students react to their presence on campus in the midst of a pandemic. Directed

Homelessness in Humboldt, CA

This is the first trailer of a homeless documentary created by HSU students. We have spent months filming and will continue to film throughout the next year. Follow the heartbreaking stories of the homeless community around Humboldt county and the

Thrifty Arcata

Taking a tour of the local thrift shops in Arcata during the COVID-19 pandemic. Directed and produced by Skylar Gaven.

House Plants Generate Peace and Meaning During the Pandemic

Three different people with the same love for plants! House plants have become quite popular these days especially since we’re all basically stuck inside during the pandemic. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but these beautiful green oxygen-makers provide more

Prop 22 represents political favoritism of money over workers’ rights

California’s passing of proposition 22 on Nov. 5 represents a frustrating history of workers’ rights being trampled by the overwhelming influence of greed in politics.  This proposition forces app-based workers to be classified as independent contractors, rather than employees. This

Remembering Evelyn Andrews 10 months after her passing

By Katelyn Dendas It has been 10 months since my friend, teammate and freshman year dorm mate, Evelyn Andrews, passed away. I don’t remember what the grief counselor said or what transpired after that Monday, but I do remember arriving

Protestors seek to defund HSUPD

Two local, activist organizations work together to stage a sit-in against Humboldt State’s police department.

Getting stuck on the Trump train

Writer Anthony Aragon details his experience of accidentally joining a pro-Trump car rally.

Justin Turner exposes the World Series to COVID-19

Justin Turner didn’t need to be the story in the wake of the Dodgers’ first World Series victory in 32 years. Instead here we are, wondering what sort of, if any, punishment Major League Baseball will decide to hand down

Four more years of fear

News Editor Carlos Holguin explains why he is worried about the next four years.

Dismal democracy

The Lumberjack editorial staff comments on America’s flawed electoral system As the world watches the United States 2020 election results, waiting for our pseudodemocratic process to churn out a new president, historically unprecedented voting methods misrepresents the reported Election Day

The Mario triple pack invokes a nostalgia attack

When I was a child, the first video game system I owned was a Nintendo 64. Among the games I played was Super Mario 64. I played it all the time and when I wasn’t playing it, I was lying

Women’s lacrosse drops their competitive season

Greta Roberts, president and player of Humboldt State University’s women’s lacrosse team, made the decision with her coach and teammates to cancel the upcoming spring season. The team decided that not being able to recruit in the fall would be

Dobby’s proposition opinions

Haven’t voted yet? Well, you’re running out of time. Here’s a quick rundown of California’s propositions on the ballot this year

Corporations buy out propositions

In a series of general and misleading advertisements, corporate backers of Propositions 22 and 23 show their grubby hands

CDOR continues virtually

The Campus and Community Dialogue On Race returns covering global justice for Black Lives.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Local food management practices of the Tolowa Dee-ni, Yurok and other indigenous peoples.

Humboldt State Admin attempts to discredit the Lumberjack

***A Lumberjack editorial represents both the majority opinion of the student newspaper’s editorial board, nine editors, as well as the overwhelming majority of Humboldt State University’s student body. Collectively, an editorial echos, embodies and advocates for community beliefs.*** Insensitive communications

Music of the Moment 6

21 Savage and Metro Boomin drop a classic with “Savage Mode II”

Spartans arrive at HSU despite campus concerns

***Editor’s note: SJSU football program was tested in congruence with Mountain West conference guidelines*** The Spartans have arrived and this time they’re not carrying spears or shields. Instead the San Jose State football team stepped onto the Humboldt State campus

Music of the Moment 5

After shooting Megan Thee Stallion, Tory Lanez cancels himself

Welcome to the Twilight Zone

Comparisons between episodes of the classic TV show The Twilight Zone and our own dismal reality

Music of the Moment 4

YoungBoy Never Broke Again dodges the sophomore slump with his new album “Top.”

Self-Care Cuts

Changing your hair to change your life

HSU Seaweed Farm sets sail

The first commercially-approved seaweed farm in California will be on the map.

Music of the Moment 3

For better or worse, Big Sean is likely gone for good.

More Layers, More Protection?

Humboldt State demands double masking on campus, does more layers equal more protection?

The Ethnic Studies Bill is a Blessing

Ethnic Studies will thankfully become mandatory for all California State University students – as it should be.

The Complex Interface of Humans and Wildfires

How fire suppression is a mixed bag in Humboldt County Every fire season, blankets of smoke roll over Humboldt County. Here on the coast, that’s as close to wildfires as some of us get. But our practice of fire suppression

Defund HSU’s Police Department

Incidents of racism from the former UPD Chief, past examples of excessive force from current officers and a shrinking university budget.

How Not To Be Bitten By A Kitten

Please prepare to be prey Congratulations, a baby feline has recently come into your life. If they’re anywhere from 2-18 months, they bite. They see you as prey. Because you are prey. You always have been. You always will be.

Graduating Into Uncharted Waters

HSU graduates attempt to navigate a world turned upside-down by COVID-19 In May, Humboldt State University graduated hundreds of students, as it does every year. Unlike past years, graduates didn’t get to shake hands with their respective dean and receive

HSU Cultural Center Budget Slashed

Associated Students leaves student body devastated after significant reductions in cultural center’s budget.

All aboard the plague ship

Unprecedented times are met with normalized behavior, HSU puts students and community members at higher risk after reopening campus and student housing.

Music of the Moment

The hip-hop community rallies behind the Black Lives Matter Movement

Inside the Immune System

How the body uses multiple levels of defense against foreign intruders

Catcalling Can’t Continue

Verbal harassment toward women is about control and the assertion of gender discrimination

Major League Marijuana

Why I don’t think marijuana is everything it’s cracked up to be in baseball

Pigs Compost on Campus

CCAT tries to reduce HSU’s food waste footprint through new pig program