About

Ma-lel Dunes is simply breathtaking. This is where to go if you are looking for a place to step away from a busy life and lots of noise. It is a recreational area along the coastline where the sand dunes, wetlands, and the forest come together, all located within minutes of Arcata, California.

As traditional dunes do, rolling hills of “sand” stretch along the edge of this area. It’s possible to walk along the waterfront, get your feet wet in the sand, and even watch the waves roll in. There is no better place to be when the sun rises or sets once you have seen it once.

Walking around the dunes creates an opportunity to learn about the area, too. Displays along the paths provide insight into the landscape, the changes in the river, and the diverse ecosystem throughout the area. Though it is beautiful and serene, there is quite a bit to learn here, too, about the environment, the wildlife, and the small organisms that play such a big role in the diversity here.

When we arrived, we learned that this is a 160 acre dune, but what impressed us right away was the area’s pristine beauty. That’s probably due to the fact that the area is highly protected, only allowing people to walk or bike throughout it. While you can’t bring your ATV, you can walk along the water and in the sand and experience the wetlands up close.

The name comes from the name of a Wiyot tribe that once was in this region. If you plan to come to the area, expect to spend about an hour or so walking along the trails.

One thing you need to know is that the area is broken into two areas. Different organizations own the north and south dunes, and as such, there are different rules applicable to them. The North Unit is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife division and can only be accessed by people walking. The south unit offers bike riding as well.

Getting To The Dunes

The Ma-lel Dunes are located just south of the Lanphere Dunes. You’ll find them by taking Young Road off of Highway 255. That’s in the northern portion of Manila. From there, follow the signs to the waterfront. This is located at the upper end of the North Spit of Humboldt Bay and located to the west of Mad River Slough.

You can visit from sunrise to an hour after sunset. There are some limitations on vehicle access. You can take vehicles into the area from Friday through Monday. However, you can still access the area by walking or biking on the paths from Tuesday through Thursday. To do this, bike in from Ma-Lel South Trailhead parking areas. It is possible to bring your horse in as well. However, you can only do so on designated trails as there is a lot of fragile ecosystems here that cannot be trampled (by people or horse). You can not bring dogs to the dunes, only on the Bureau of Land Management’s land, which is in the southern portion of the region.

There’s no access to camping, motorized vehicle use, or firearms in the entire area.

Activities at Ma-le'l Dunes

Ma-lel Dunes is not the place to come for watersports or other types of water-based activities. That’s because the ecosystems here are quite fragile and highly protected. You can come and walk the trails and even bike into the area as long as you stay on the marked paths or other designated areas.

There are a few things to do here that are worthwhile for anyone that loves the calmness of the water. First, take to the trails. There are trails running throughout this area. You can also stop and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables, just be sure to clean up after yourself! We also spent some time collecting seashells in the water. If you are there early in the morning, chances are good you’ll find more of them.

It is also a fantastic area for those who want to watch the sunrise or sunset. Not too many people come to the area, which is a nice benefit for those looking for a tranquil and natural getaway. The hiking areas are on paved paths, which are pretty smooth. These are very accessible overall. There are wooden fences that are a nice beautiful touch, but they are also meant to help keep people out of the fragile nature throughout the area.

Come and watch the birds and wildlife. Spend some time walking on the beach (shoes optional in our pinion). There are restrooms here, too. It’s a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours in nature or just relaxing.

Local Tips

Only open from Friday-Monday.

Staging environment