Humboldt Lagoons State Park
California State Park

Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Trinidad, CA
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Mountain Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Surfing
  • Whale Watching
  • Kayaking
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Humboldt Lagoons State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
37–61 °F46–69 °F39–69 °F36–54 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Orick Prairie Creek Park, 10 mi away, elevation 160 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated March 2026

Humboldt Lagoons State Park is a public state park in California near Trinidad in Humboldt County. Spanning 2,256 acres and established in 1931, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

StateCalifornia
Nearest CityTrinidad
CountyHumboldt
Park Size2,256 acres
Established1931
Google Rating⭐ 4.6/5 (550 reviews)
AccessibilityYes. See parks.ca.gov website for specific accessibility details.

Location & Getting There

Humboldt Lagoons State Park is located near Trinidad, California. The park’s coordinates are 41.2306, -124.1028.

Things to Do

California state parks span an extraordinary range of landscapes — from ancient redwood forests and rugged Pacific coastline to Mojave Desert dunes and Sierra Nevada alpine meadows. Depending on the park, visitors can enjoy hiking through old-growth groves, swimming and surfing along miles of wild beaches, camping beneath towering sequoias, kayaking coastal sea caves, mountain biking oak-studded foothills, fishing in alpine lakes, rock climbing granite formations, and wildlife watching for everything from elephant seals to California condors. Many parks also preserve important cultural and historic sites, including Native American heritage areas, Gold Rush-era settlements, and Spanish mission ruins.

Best Time to Visit

California’s parks are a year-round destination, though the ideal season depends on the region. Coastal parks enjoy mild weather from spring through fall, with summer fog keeping temperatures comfortable along the central and northern coast. Desert parks like Anza-Borrego are best visited October through April — summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. Mountain parks in the Sierra Nevada are most accessible June through October, when snow melts and trails open. Spring (March–May) brings wildflower super blooms in the southern deserts. Fall offers warm days, thinner crowds statewide, and stunning foliage at higher elevations. Winter is the quiet season at most parks and brings excellent whale watching along the coast.

Visitor Tips

Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle: purchasing an annual pass ($125) is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks. Camping reservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months in advance — popular coastal campgrounds book within minutes of opening. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many parks, so download maps and directions before you leave. Bring layers: California’s microclimates can shift dramatically even within a single park. Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads but not on most trails or beaches in state parks.

Explore More California State Parks

Humboldt Lagoons State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Humboldt Lagoons State Park — 2,280 acres along the North Coast — preserves several coastal lagoons: Big Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, and Freshwater Lagoon. These bar-built lagoons — separated from the Pacific by sand spits — provide critical habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Roosevelt elk graze in adjacent meadows. River otters fish the lagoons. Osprey dive for fish. Tufted puffins (rare) may be spotted offshore.

Nearby Attractions

Patrick’s Point SP — adjacent — has sea stacks and a reconstructed Yurok village. Trinidad — 5 miles south — has the lighthouse and fishing harbor. Prairie Creek Redwoods SP — 10 miles north — has Roosevelt elk and Fern Canyon. Redwood NP — surrounding — has the tallest trees on Earth.

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Redwood State Park is a short drive away, and Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area is a short drive away.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
Leash rule statewide rule
Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.

Are dogs allowed at Humboldt Lagoons State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Park Location

Trinidad, CA

Plan your gear for Humboldt Lagoons State Park

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