Copyright: Bureau of Land Management
Arcata BLM-Kaluna Cliff View
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Description - Located in Northwest California, the Arcata Field Office administers approximately 200,000 acres of public land including the 60,000-acre King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) and the 7,400-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve. The King Range NCA is comprised of extremely steep and rocky terrain that extends to the beach, thus forcing coastal highway (combined Highways 1 and 101) about 30 miles inland from the King Range. The remote region is known as California's Lost Coast, accessed by only a few back roads. Headwaters Forest Reserve contains the headwaters of Salmon Creek, portions of the South Fork Elk River watershed and the entire Little South Fork Elk River watershed. Approximately 3,000 acres of the Reserve is old-growth forest that does not contain roads. The remaining 4,400 acres is covered by previously logged forests of various ages.
Attractions
- The Arcata BLM Field Office invites visitors to this rugged and wild area of Northwest California. More than 800 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish make their homes on California's BLM lands, either year-round or seasonally. The Lost Coast Wilderness Area boasts 35 miles of coastline within the King Range National Conservation Area (NCA) offering homes to more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds. Near the south end of the NCA, good marine wildlife viewing includes seals, sea lions, tidepool life, and California gray whales. Mattole Recreation Site is another premier viewing area located at the northern tip of the NCA where the Mattole River meets the Pacific Ocean. Backcountry travel and semi-developed camping opportunities wait throughout the area west of US 101 at Redway or Garberville. The rugged landscape features ocean and mountain terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to 2,000 feet to the highest peak, 4,087 feet (King Peak). Many of the access roads are steep, winding, narrow, and dirt surface that are sometimes impassable during wet weather. Large trailers and RVs not recommended. Semi-developed campgrounds in the area afford tent and trailer camping. Features range from creekside, scenic campsites at Honeydew Campground to Nadelos Campground where visitors camp several feet from their vehicles. Several campgrounds offer facilities that are designed for the physically impaired. All campgrounds are pack-in, pack-out. Hiking and backpacking are extremely popular pursuits. The Lost Coast Trail is the most popular hike in the King Range NCA offering one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the United States. Wildlife is abundant offering sights of black-tailed deer and black bear amid the Douglas fir forests and chaparral coastline. Kelp beds and offshore rocks are rich with shorebirds, seals and sea lions. Two threatened species, the peregrine falcon and the spotted owl make their home here. Hikers are afforded the opportunity to continue on the Lost Coast Trail into the redwood groves and fern clad glens of the Sinkyone State Park Wilderness. King's Crest Trail is another popular trail tendering a gradual climb through chaparral and forest to the summit of King's Peak (4,087 feet). The view from the top is incredible, with the Pacific Ocean a stones throw in front and endless stretches of wooded mountains to the east. The peaks of the Trinity Alps are within view, snow capped for much of the year. Rattlesnake Ridge Trail is recommended only for adventurous backpackers who don't mind some bushwhacking and stream crossings. Much of the area is accessible all year affording hiking, surfing, beachcombing, seasonal hunting and exploring. View firsthand Falk Historic Logging Town where an Ohioan named Noah Falk dreamed of those western gold mines only to be lured by the "redwood gold" of the North Coast. When traveling the area you will find that many of the facilities are kept to minimum. This is to preserve the area's rustic and semi-primitive qualities.
Recreation - Recreation is this area includes camping, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, backpacking, surfing, and nature and cultural exploration. Climate - Summers are generally mild. Fog is often encountered near the coastline, with sunny, warmer weather more common inland in the foothills. Winters are generally cool with considerable precipitation. Wear layers of clothing to accommodate cool to warm temperatures and good walking shoes. Rain protection should be included at any time of year. Location -
The Arcata Field Office is located along the northern coast of California encompassing the counties of Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino.
LAT: 40.8665166
LONG: -124.0828396
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