Arcata is a region in Northern California characterized by its unique blend of towering redwood forests, diverse coastal ecosystems, and extensive wetlands. This geography provides a varied landscape for outdoor pursuits, from dense forest trails to bay shore paths. The area's commitment to environmental conservation ensures well-maintained natural spaces, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging.
Outdoor enthusiasts exploring Arcata will find more than 50 routes across several…
38
Routes
4.3
(6)
Average rating
270
People visited

4
hikers
2.00km
00:30
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
5.76km
01:40
150m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
1.26km
00:19
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

10.7km
03:11
340m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
21
riders
54.9km
02:29
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

19
riders
51.3km
02:14
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

18
riders
40.5km
01:51
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

15
riders
36.1km
01:29
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
riders
45.6km
02:41
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
riders
27.8km
01:37
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
16.4km
00:55
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
16.4km
01:36
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
16.7km
01:54
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
9.76km
01:02
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
15.7km
01:20
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
9
runners
13.6km
01:36
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
15.8km
01:38
30m
30m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
5.55km
00:38
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
6.70km
00:56
270m
270m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Arcata provides opportunities for hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The region features more than 50 routes across these sports. These routes have been explored by over 400 visitors on komoot, with an average rating of 4.28 out of 5 stars.
Key hiking areas in Arcata include the Arcata Community Forest and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. The Arcata Community Forest offers trails through redwood trees, while the Marsh is known for birdwatching. For specific options, explore Hiking around Arcata.
Yes, Arcata offers easy hiking options, particularly within the Arcata Community Forest, which features gentle 2-mile (3.2 km) loops. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary also provides relatively flat paths suitable for easy walks. A dedicated guide for Easy hikes around Arcata is available.
Arcata offers routes for both road cycling and touring cycling. The Hammond Trail provides a nearly 5-mile (8 km) flat, scenic coastal route. The Arcata Community Forest also contains trails suitable for cycling. More information can be found in Road Cycling Routes around Arcata and Cycling around Arcata.
Jogging routes are plentiful throughout Arcata, especially within the Arcata Community Forest trails. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary trails also offer suitable paths for jogging. For detailed options, consult Running Trails around Arcata.
Arcata's main natural attractions include the Arcata Community Forest, known for its redwood trees, and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a prime birdwatching location. Redwood Park, within the Community Forest, is specifically highlighted for its towering redwoods. The Ma-le'l Dunes offer diverse coastal landscapes.
The Arcata Community Forest offers more challenging treks, with some routes extending up to 5 miles (8 km). The Arcata Ridge Trail is a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) regional trail connecting different parts of the city, providing a longer option. Specific difficulty levels vary by trail within these areas.
The Arcata Community Forest is a 793-acre (321 ha) municipal forest managed by the city, featuring miles of trails through redwood trees and along creeks. It is notable as the first U.S. municipal forest certified under the Forest Stewardship Council. Revenue from sustainable timber harvesting helps maintain city parklands.
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is a preserve located on the city's bay shore. It is recognized as a prime spot for birdwatching, allowing observation of various bird species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary features extensive wetlands and trails suitable for walking and jogging.
Yes, Arcata offers family-friendly outdoor options, particularly the easy 2-mile (3.2 km) loops within the Arcata Community Forest. The relatively flat paths of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary are also suitable for families. These areas provide accessible natural environments for all ages.
Komoot offers several guides for Arcata, including Hiking around Arcata, Easy hikes around Arcata, Road Cycling Routes around Arcata, Cycling around Arcata, and Running Trails around Arcata.
The official website for the City of Arcata is cityofarcata.org. For general inquiries, the city's phone number is +1-707-822-5951.

