Just north from Crescent City, Tolowa Dunes State Park is a diverse coastal area marked by sand dunes, wooded ridges, and wetlands. Here along northern coast of California the sand dune complex harbors an array of wildlife as well as being an essential stopping point for migrating birds along the Pacific flyway. Offshore, gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. Salmon and steelhead make their seasonal runs into the Smith River, which marks the northernmost section of the park. This section of the park is known for fishing and bird-watching. Similar to other California coastal areas, the park is also home to marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals.
   The southern section of the park, seen here, offers trails that head to the beach from the parking lot at the end of Sand Hill Road. The beach, via Old Mill Road, is long and remote where visitors will find beachcombing a rewarding pasttime. Also popular with birders, trails to the beach are over a mile. Comfort stations and picnic tables can be found at the Lake Earl Wildlife Area building. A great place for hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping, surfing, and wildlife viewing, the park is open from dawn to dusk.

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