Ma-le'l Dunes
Manila, CA
Ma-le'l Dunes protects one of the largest stretches of undisturbed dune habitat on Humboldt Bay's North Spit, with north and south access points off Young Lane leading through dune grass to a long, wild beach. No vehicles are allowed past the parking areas, which keeps this quieter than the more developed dune areas nearby.
A genuinely wild, undeveloped stretch of dunes this close to Eureka is rare, though the lack of vehicle access and shade means it takes real effort to reach the beach itself.
How we score beachesBring water and sun protection, the walk through the dunes to the beach is longer than it looks from the parking area and there's no shade.
Free parking is available at both the north and south access points off Young Lane.
Trails cross the dune habitat from parking to the beach; expect soft sand and no paved route.
Wind picks up regularly on this exposed spit, especially in the afternoon, and water stays cold year round.
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