Eureka to Arcata Humboldt Bay Trail Segment Completed, Opens to Residents

The County of Humboldt completed construction of a four-mile segment of the Humboldt Bay Trail connecting Arcata and Eureka in the summer of 2025, opening a paved, ADA-accessible pathway that separates walkers, cyclists and other non-motorized users from U.S. Highway 101. County documents list McCullough Construction as the builder, Ghirardelli Associates providing construction management, and GHD, Inc. and Morrison Structures providing engineering support.

Local reports describe the new shoreline route as flat, sea-level and multi-use. "The paved, ADA-accessible, multi-use trail allows all types and skill levels of recreational non-motorized trail users to enjoy the flat, sea-level stretch with great views of Humboldt Bay, easy access and parking points," according to Northcoastjournal. Most of the alignment runs between the railroad and Highway 101, with about one mile riding on the Brainard levee around the Brainard Mill site, per Lost Coast Outpost and the County.

Sources differ on how many miles the Eureka–Arcata connection represents. Northcoastjournal calls it a 6.5-mile route between Arcata and Eureka; Kym Kemp reported the Humboldt Bay Trail South project "will expand the Humboldt Bay Trail by 4.25 miles, completing the multi-use trail connection between Eureka and Arcata" and noted construction began in July 2023 with an earlier projected completion at the end of 2024. The County statement specifically calls it a "four-mile segment" completed in summer 2025; Lost Coast Outpost and Mad River Union likewise refer to the project as the "final four" miles between Bracut Industrial Park and the Eureka Waterfront Trail.

Riders and pedestrians can access the trail in Eureka by parking near Fourth Street at B, H, L or O streets and can catch a return bus in Arcata at H and Sixth streets, Northcoastjournal advises. For scheduled transit information, the Redwood Transit System schedule is available via the Humboldt Transit Authority site. For the planned grand opening, Lost Coast Outpost and Mad River Union report that a Grand Opening Celebration "will be held on Saturday, June 28," with HTA providing a shuttle every 30 minutes between Arcata and Eureka and the Humboldt Trails Council supplying a bike-hauling vehicle shuttle. The day concludes with a trail party at the Adorni Center, 1011 Waterfront Dr., Eureka, from 3 to 6 p.m.; event contacts are Carol Vander Meer at cvandermeer@rcaa.org and Colin Fiske at colin@transportationpriorities.org, and organizers list tinyurl.com/trailparty for shuttle schedules and activities.

Kym Kemp’s construction reporting lists on-the-ground work completed to date as vegetation clearing, partial rail removal, Eucalyptus tree removal, earthwork and grading, and rock placement for shoreline repair; planned work included bridge retrofits, importation of rock and soil, construction of three new bridges, trail paving, benches and signs. Funding for the project came from the California Transportation Commission Active Transportation Program, the California State Coastal Conservancy, and Caltrans District 1, according to County materials.

The Humboldt Bay Trail South segment is part of larger regional networks: Lost Coast Outpost and Mad River Union note it contributes to the Great Redwood Trail, while Lost Coast Outpost also frames it as a critical link in the California Coastal Trail. Northcoastjournal highlights longer-route options, including roughly 14 miles between Humboldt Hill and Larson Park in Arcata and connections onward to the Hammond Trail and Clam Beach. The County says a planning study is underway to identify a feasible extension from Eureka to the College of the Redwoods along the railroad corridor.

Safety guidance on the new route includes practical preparation and etiquette: bring water, snacks and sun protection; dress in layers; pack a charged phone and first aid; let someone know your route if going alone; walkers and rollers should stay to the right and pass on the left; and note that "there’s no longer any need to get on the highway, and the trail has only one stop sign for cross traffic entering Bracut Industrial Park." For more information and maps, organizers point to humboldtbaytrail.info and hta.org.