Best Family Friendly Beaches In Orick

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4.2

Fern Canyon Beach

United States, California, Orick

Fern Canyon Beach, located at the north end of Gold Bluffs Beach in Orick, California, is a stunning natural gem within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This beach is uniquely defined by the dramatic Fern Canyon, where steep canyon walls covered with lush, green ferns soar 50 to 80 feet high, creating a magical and shaded environment. The canyon is carved by Home Creek, which gently flows through the canyon floor, offering a scenic and tranquil experience. With its moist, fern-covered walls that sparkle with thousands of droplets in sunlight, Fern Canyon Beach offers a captivating blend of coastal and forest environments that attract nature lovers and hikers alike.
Visitors access the canyon via an easy, level loop trail about a mile long, providing a family-friendly hike through a fairy-tale like setting. The beach area at the canyon’s mouth offers a peaceful oceanfront experience with sandy shores bordered by driftwood. Visitors should note that a day-use permit is required from mid-May to mid-September due to high visitor volume, ensuring controlled access to preserve the fragile environment. The remote location, accessed by a scenic drive on Gold Bluffs Beach Road, brings an adventurous vibe, rewarding visitors with a blend of rainforest and coastal beauty that is rare in California.
The vibe at Fern Canyon Beach is serene and enchanting, with opportunities to explore diverse landscapes in one visit. It’s a favored destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, offering a quiet refuge immersed in natural wonder far from urban bustle.

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Stone Lagoon Beach

United States, California, Orick

Located in the town of Orick, Stone Lagoon Beach is a long and wide beach situated in front of Stone Lagoon. Stone Lagoon is a very large lagoon that is a part of a shoreline forest between Orick and the city of Trinidad – and is a well-known destination for lake boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Stone Lagoon Beach is managed by a state park named Humboldt Lagoons State Park that also has a visitor center and bookstore at the southern end of Stone Lagoon.

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4.05

Gold Bluffs Beach

United States, California, Orick

Located along the northern portion of Humboldt County shoreline, Gold Bluffs Beach is a large beach with light brown sand and sparse vegetation. This beach is situated below oceanfront bluffs and is a part of a state park named Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. As an interesting fact, the beach was named "Gold Bluffs" as deposits of gold were discovered in the area around the beach in the 19th century. However, efforts to mine gold from the area around the beach were abandoned due to the difficulty in separating the sand. Gold Bluffs Beach does not have lifeguards.

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Redwood Inlet Beach

United States, California, Orick

Redwood Inlet Beach, located in Orick, California, is a stunning coastal destination nestled near Redwood National and State Parks. This approximately 1-mile-long beach offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility amidst nature. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including the majestic Roosevelt elk, and offers numerous hiking trails and scenic spots like Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach.

The beach itself is part of a larger ecosystem that includes nearby lagoons and forests, providing a diverse range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply exploring the unique redwood forests. Orick, the nearby town, hosts events like the Orick Rodeo and offers a glimpse into Native American culture through events at nearby Sue-Meg State Park.

The combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes Redwood Inlet Beach an appealing destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.