Tolowa Dunes State Park & Lake Earl Wildlife Area

North Coast & Redwoods


Two miles north of Crescent City, this state park and wildlife area encompasses 10,000 acres of wetlands, dunes, meadows and two lakes, Lake Earl and Lake Tolowa. This major stopover on the Pacific Flyway route brings over 250 species of birds here. Listen for the whistling, warbling chorus. On land, look for coyotes and deer, angle for trout, or hike or ride 20 miles of trails; at sea, spot whales, seals and sea lions.

The park and wildlife area are a patchwork of lands administered by California State Parks and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The DFG focuses on single-species management, hunting and fishing; the State Parks’ focus is on ecodiversity and recreation. You might be hiking a vast expanse of pristine dunes, then suddenly hear a shotgun or a whining 4WD. Strict regulations limit where and when you can hunt and drive; trails are clearly marked.

To get here from Crescent City, take Northcrest Dr north off of Hwy101 which becomes Lake Earl Dr. Turn left on Lower Lake Rd to Kellogg Rd which leads to the park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Coast & Redwoods attractions

1. Beachfront Park

7.94 MILES

Between B and H Sts, this park has a harborside beach with no large waves, making it perfect for little ones. Further east on Front St, near I St, you’ll…

2. North Coast Marine Mammal Center

8.01 MILES

Just east of Battery Point, this is the ecologically minded foil to the garish Ocean World nearby. The clinic treats injured seals and sea lions, then…

3. Crescent Harbor Gallery

8.19 MILES

Run as a non-profit cooperative, around 25 local artists exhibit at this large gallery in the harbor area.

4. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

8.23 MILES

The northernmost park, Jedediah Smith is 9 miles northeast of Crescent City (via Hwy 101 north to Hwy 199 east). The redwood stands are so thick that few…

5. Battery Point Lighthouse

8.25 MILES

This New England-style lighthouse dating to 1856 still operates on a tiny, rocky island that you can easily reach at low tide. Walking around outside is…

6. Pelican State Beach

9.06 MILES

This secluded sandy beach with sweeping ocean views is California's northern-most state beach and right on the Oregon border. The beach can be windy so is…

7. Chetco Valley Historical Society Museum

11.49 MILES

Once a stagecoach stop, the 1857 Blake House is now home to this museum. Stop in to see a quilt from 1844, an old Native American cedar canoe and an iron…

8. Chetco Community Public Library

13.44 MILES

A samurai sword that belonged to the Japanese pilot who bombed Mt Emily (behind the city) during WWII is displayed in Brookings' library.