The centerpiece of the Lake Earl Wildlife Area is the Lake Earl Coastal Lagoon, which is the largest coastal lagoon on the continental West Coast outside of Alaska. The Wildlife Area encompasses 5,000 acres with an edge perimeter of 60 miles. It is part of a vast dunes and wetlands complex that includes the surrounding Tolowa Dunes State Park, located on the Pacific Flyway where 317 species of birds have been recorded.

The Lake Earl Wildlife Area provides forage and nesting habitat for numerous species of duck and waterfowl, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Tundra Swan, and hosts the only coastal nesting area for the Western Grebe. Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and Osprey nest in trees in the immediate area. Large flocks of shorebirds and coastal birds rest and forage along the beach and lake shore seasonally.

The Wildlife Area is managed by the California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG).

Recreational Opportunities

Summer
-Ten miles of trails and gravel roadways for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding
-Two boat launches accessible to kayaks and canoes in the lagoon
-Small fishing boats with small motors (5mph speed limit) permitted

Fall/Winter
-Waterfowl hunting season on the lagoon

Seasons Accessible

Accessible year-round.

Fees: No Fees

ADA Accessibility Notes
Gravel roadway is maintained annually, graded, and accessible.

Pet Friendly Notes
Dogs are allowed on some trails which are marked as such; they must be on a six-foot leash and under the control of their owners at all times.

For More Information, Contact:

California Department of Fish & Game
[email protected]
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regions/1/
2591 Old Mill Road, Crescent City, CA 95531
(707) 445-6493