Yurok Loop & Hidden Beach Trail

One of the hidden gems I discovered during my time on the coast of Northern California, was the Yurok Loop and Hidden Beach trails. After two weeks of enduring 100-degree heat and running away from fires that were ravaging the state, the cool and cloudy coast was a nice reprieve.

15 miles south Crescent city, this trail is just off the 101 and features endless greenery through the forest with glimpses of beautiful scenery and beach access. Just 2.3 miles long and roughly 150 feet of elevation gain, this hike is for anyone no matter their skill level.

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The hike starts off under a canopy tunnel of trees and crossing a short wooden bridge. The vibrant hues of green ferns and moss-covered towering trees reminded me so much of my trip to Olympic National Park, which makes sense given that some of the same flora and fauna – such as Douglas fir and Sitka spruce – grow in this area. Despite being part of Redwoods National Park, the trail didn’t boast any redwoods that I could see.

The single-track dirt trail winds through some tall bush-hedges then opens up to a driftwood boneyard on the right with a view of the ocean beyond.

Soon you’ll come to a fork in the trail with a sign. Take the right side for the Yurok Loop/Coastal Trail. This section of the Yurok Loop is part of the Coastal Trail which runs 70 miles along the coast through the national park. The trail will begin to gently slope upwards.

The trail opens up to a viewpoint offering dramatic views of the craggy rock islands anchored amongst the ocean waves. Look to the north to see the 101 as it curves along Wilson Creek Beach and False Klamath Cove.

The hike continues in this manner, switching between densely packed forest and sneak peaks of the ocean along rugged cliffs.

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About one mile in there will be another intersection in a grove of packed trees.  At the intersection take the righthand trail down through another tunnel of trees and this will spit you out on the secluded cove of Hidden Beach.

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Stroll the shore, explore the boulders, or try build a shelter out of driftwood. Once you’ve finished take the same trail back to the main Coastal trail.  

From here, you can continue on south for four miles to Klamath River Overlook. Otherwise turn around the way you came, heading north on the Coastal Trail until you reach the fork for the Yurok Loop. Take the righthand side again and this part of the trail leads you slightly away from the coast and through more green foliage for the remainder of the loop.

The loop will take you back to the first intersection with the sign and from there it’s the short walk back to the parking lot. With its rainy atmosphere, bountiful green vegetation, and jagged cliffs this hike is fun, easy and reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. And if you love the PNW as much as I do, you’ll be a fan of this adventure.