Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area is a recreation area spanning approximately 955 acres along the rugged Humboldt County coastline, where dense old-growth redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean. Situated along the south and east shores of Big Lagoon, its diverse landscape features towering Sitka spruce and redwood groves, a rocky coastline with impressive sea stacks, and wetlands. This varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking.
Harry A.…
6
Routes
5
(25)
Average rating
226
People visited

4.93km
01:23
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

9.79km
02:56
450m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(24)
200
hikers
5.94km
02:15
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
20
hikers
6.72km
01:51
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area is a 955-acre recreation area located along the Humboldt County coastline. It features old-growth redwood forests, Sitka spruce groves, a rocky coastline with sea stacks, and wetlands. The area is situated along the south and east shores of Big Lagoon.
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Small boats are permitted on Big Lagoon with a 5 mph speed limit. The diverse habitats also support birdwatching and observing gray whales during migration season.
Yes, Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area features sprawling trails that wind through towering Sitka spruce and redwood groves. These trails offer options for both leisurely strolls and more challenging routes. For detailed information, refer to the Hiking in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area guide.
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area provides routes suitable for various fitness levels, including options for leisurely walks. The diverse terrain allows for family-friendly exploration. A dedicated guide, Family-friendly hikes in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, is available for more information.
The recreation area features a rocky coastline with impressive sea stacks and tide pools. It also encompasses wetlands and blufftop viewpoints. Towering Sitka spruce and redwood groves are prominent throughout the park.
The area is known for wildlife viewing, especially for bird enthusiasts due to its mix of forest, wetland, and coastal habitats. Gray whale sightings are common from blufftop viewpoints during their migration season, typically from December through April. Tide pools also teem with marine life such as anemones, sea stars, and hermit crabs.
Gray whale sightings are common during their migration season, which typically occurs from December through April. Blufftop viewpoints within the recreation area offer opportunities for observation during this period.
Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area has been visited by more than 450 komoot users. Activities in the area have an average rating of 4.97 out of 5 stars, based on 49 ratings.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area. Another guide, Family-friendly hikes in Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, provides information on routes suitable for families.
The official website for Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area is managed by California State Parks. Information can be found at www.parks.ca.gov.
For inquiries regarding Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, the phone number is +1-707-677-3570. This number is managed by Sue-meg State Park.

