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Overview
Located to the west of Loleta, Mike Thompson Wildlife Area – South Spit Humboldt Bay – also known as South Spit Beach – is a long beach with brown sand. This beach is a part of a state-protected wildlife area named Mike Thompson Wildlife Area.
Amenities
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay does not have lifeguards, but it offers many amenities including picnic tables and restrooms. Dogs are allowed on leash from March 1ST to September 15th and off-leash for the rest of the year.
Activities
Mike Thompson Wildlife Area – South Spit Humboldt Bay offers many activities including wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, beachcombing, and beach driving. Water activities like surfing and swimming are highly unsafe in the water here because the water near this beach has extremely dangerous currents. If you are planning to fish in the water near South Spit Humboldt Bay, please make sure to follow the local fishing regulations. You can also view many kinds of birds and animals in the area around the beach including waterfowl, ospreys, porcupines, ravens, foxes, shorebirds, and waders. If you are planning to drive on this beach, please make sure that you stay on the wave slope and limit your vehicle speed to 15 miles per hour. In addition, we also recommend driving on this beach during low tide and with a four-wheeler vehicle as driving here can be extremely difficult during high tide. In addition, a designated waterfowl hunting area is available for use in this part of the refuge during hunting season from October to January.
Parking
Getting to Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay is easy - take the Hookton Road exit from United States Highway 101 and follow Hookton Road towards the west. Hookton Road will merge into Table Bluff Road, which will eventually lead to South Jetty Road. The free parking lot is situated just near the point where South Jetty Road takes a slight right turn before continuing north along Humboldt Bay. From this parking lot, you can easily walk to the beach via a hiking trail.
Attractions
There are many attractions near Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a federally protected wildlife area that offers many activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, canoeing, and kayaking. Humboldt Botanical Garden has a wide and interesting variety of flowering plants including sunset gold, candy flower, pink crevice alumroot, rose glow, and Japanese barberry.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay. Angelina Woodfired Kitchen is a popular restaurant that has an outdoor dining area and offers amazing breakfast dishes and delicious American cuisine. Ivanhoe Hotel, Restaurant & Saloon is a popular restaurant that offers fresh local seafood including smoked salmon and clam chowder.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Gingerbread Mansion Inn offers fantastic Instagram-worthy views of the Eel River and also offers many amenities including a hot tub, a spa, a sauna, a garden with a sitting area, and complimentary breakfast & afternoon tea. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Hydrangea Inn which offers many amenities including a tennis court, a hot tub, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast.
Amenities
Barbecue
Dogs
Fire Pits
Restrooms
Activities
Bike Paths
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Rentals
Bikes
Fishing Boats
Food
Access
Car Access
Parking - Free
Parking - Street
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Fishing, Hiking, Surfing.
Does Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Mike Thompson Wildlife Area - South Spit Humboldt Bay good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.
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