Freshwater Lagoon Beach

Located to the north of Trinidad, Freshwater Lagoon Beach is a large beach with light brown sand. This beach is situated between a lagoon known as Freshwater Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. This beach is also a part of two protected areas - Humboldt Lagoons State Park and Redwood National Park. The area around the beach has sand dunes. A natural rocky archway is also present near the southern end of this beach. This beach is separated from the neighboring Stone Lagoon Beach by a large natural rocky fin. Freshwater Lagoon Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities except a boat launch for Freshwater Lagoon, so plan your trip accordingly. Dogs on leash are allowed on Freshwater Lagoon Beach. 

Freshwater Lagoon Beach offers many fun activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, fishing, swimming, and boating. If you are planning to engage in aquatic recreational activities in the water near Freshwater Lagoon Beach, we recommend doing so in Freshwater Lagoon as the Pacific Ocean water near the beach has dangerous currents, extremely strong waves, and cold temperatures. In addition, Freshwater Lagoon is also popular among kayakers as it is generally sheltered from winds, making it relatively calmer than other lagoons present in Humboldt Lagoons State Park.  Depending on the time of the year, you can see many kinds of animals in the Pacific Ocean near this beach including seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. If you like birdwatching, you can view many kinds of migratory birds around Freshwater Lagoon Beach. Freshwater Lagoon is also home to many varieties of fish including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bass, and catfish - this makes the lagoon an amazing fishing spot. However, if you are planning to fish in Freshwater Lagoon, please make sure that you follow the local fishing regulations. Redwood Creek National Park’s Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center is also present near Freshwater Lagoon Beach and offers interesting interpretive exhibits. Humboldt Lagoon State Park also has interesting hiking trails which you can use to explore the state park’s vibrant landscape. In addition, you can view many kinds of animals in this state park including bobcats, black bears, and elks.

Getting to Freshwater Lagoon Beach is easy - the beach is situated along United States Highway 101. A free parking lot for the beach is also present along the highway. However, we recommend being careful while accessing the Freshwater Lagoon from this beach as the United States Highway 101 passes between the beach and the Freshwater Lagoon.

There are many attractions near Freshwater Lagoon Beach within a 30-minute drive. Patrick’s Point State Park is spread over one square mile. The park has hiking trails that offer a unique insight into the vibrant coastal biodiversity of Humboldt County. In addition, the state park also has a visitor center, a campground (which accommodates both tents and RVs), a native plant garden, and a reconstructed Native American Yurok village (known as the Sumêg Village). The Sumêg Village also organizes interesting Native American cultural ceremonies which offer a unique and memorable insight into the culture and beliefs of the local indigenous people. As an interesting fact, portions of the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park were filmed in this state park. Trinidad Museum offers interesting exhibitions that offer a unique insight into Trinidad’s vibrant history. The museum also has a wide collection of Native American artifacts. In addition, the museum premises also have a native plant garden and a seasonal pond. The museum also hosts many interesting events throughout the year including lectures and discussions. If you are looking for another attraction near Freshwater Lagoon Beach, Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse was built in the late 1940s and is a replica of another nearby lighthouse named Trinidad Head Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1871. The Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse also has an original Fresnel lens dating back to the 19th century, which was previously installed in the Trinidad Head Lighthouse. The Trinidad Civic Club organizes an annual ceremony on the lighthouse premises on Memorial Day to commemorate the lives of people who have died or have been buried at sea. 

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Freshwater Lagoon Beach within a 30-minute drive. The Larrupin’ Cafe is an upscale restaurant which serves outstanding New American cuisine. Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery offers amazing breakfast dishes, seafood, salad, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Freshwater Lagoon Beach, the modestly priced Beachcomber Cafe offers delicious breakfast dishes, English muffins, sandwiches, salads, and soups.

If you are looking for a hotel near Freshwater Lagoon Beach, there are many great nearby options within a 30-minute drive. Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast Hotel offers a homely ambiance. In addition, the hotel offers many amenities including a complimentary breakfast and shuttle facility from a nearby airport. A more affordable hotel is the Turtle Rocks Oceanfront Inn which has communal decks for guests including a two-tier whale watching area with seats. In addition, the hotel also offers complimentary breakfast, desserts during afternoons, and coffee/tea and snacks throughout the day.  If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Freshwater Lagoon Beach, the 2-Star Emerald Forest Cabins & RV offers accommodation in exquisite cabins. The hotel also offers many amenities including bike rentals, a playground and horseshoe pits, a video arcade, a store, and a laundry room.