Hike the Dead Lake Trail

Summary:

There is no sign at the trailhead, but there is clearly only one trail leading out from the parking lot. The trail starts as a gravel road and takes you through a flat grassy area. After about ½ mile the trail becomes wooded and the path splits. Turn left here (through a small opening in the fence) following the sign for Dead Lake and Dunes. This is where the path takes you through a beautiful wooded area. A variety of trees, ferns and other foliage make this section of the hike cool and shady with intermittent pockets of sunlight. The trail will then come to an intersection where the trail splits again, you will continue to the right. There is a sign here, the left trail reads DL Dunes and the sign pointing right is for Dead Lake. (The Lake part of the sign is missing) After this right turn, head uphill through woods and trees with great view of the lake on the right. Soon you will come to a gentle rise in the trail followed by a spectacular view of the dunes. Turn left here and continue on a narrow sandy trail with woods to your left and dunes on the right. Continue walking alongside the dunes and back into the woods. Soon the trail brings you back to the DL Dunes and Lake intersection. Make a right and follow the path back the way you came..

Best Seasons:

This trail is great any season. In the winter and spring months, parts of the trail may be wet and marshy.

Brief History:

This area is named after the Tolowa; the most recent Native Americans who lived in this area and thrived on its natural resources.

Trailhead:

Travel north on Highway 101 through Crescent City, bear left on Northcrest Drive. If you are traveling south you will turn right onto Northcrest Drive. Follow Northcrest Drive for about a half mile to Old Mill Road. Turn left and drive a mile to Sand Hill Road, turn left and continue a short distance to a circular parking lot at the end of the road.

For more on the Tolowa Dunes, click here.

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