Pic:  Sam Mills

Spend the day on the water, exploring and taking in the scenery. Whether you come to kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you’ll enjoy the recreational opportunities Arcata Bay has to offer.

Arcata Bay, nestled in the northern reaches of California's Humboldt Bay, offers a picturesque escape just six miles north of Eureka. Spend the day on the water, exploring the bay's scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, you'll find ample recreational opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this coastal gem.

Situated about 100 miles south of the Oregon border and 275 miles north of San Francisco, Arcata Bay is part of the larger Humboldt Bay, separated by Highway 101. The northern side of the bay is home to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, while the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits at the southern end.

Vast mud flats and eelgrass beds characterize much of the bay, with deep-water access extending from the mouth between the North and South Spits to the Woodley Island Marina in the north and Fields Landing in the south. Two central islands, Indian and Woodley, provide prime birdwatching and marine life observation opportunities. Migratory birds, including geese, ospreys, and eagles, are abundant during the spring and fall seasons, while harbor seals and river otters can often be spotted popping up from the waters.

Arcata Bay's scenic beauty and diverse natural offerings make it an uncommon gem for a suburban area, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a rich coastal ecosystem.

Map Arcata Bay