Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve along California's North Coast that includes grasslands, freshwater marshes, mudflats, and open water. The mix of these different habitats supports more than 200 bird species that visit or live here regularly.

The area was set aside to protect wetlands that are vital for migratory birds traveling the Pacific Flyway. The recognition that this coastal region served as a critical stopover point led to its official protection.

The refuge draws observers who watch water birds and track the many species that use these habitats. People come here to understand how migratory birds depend on these wetlands as stopping points during their long journeys.

Two walking trails are available: the Shorebird Loop at about 1.75 miles and the Hookton Slough Trail at about 1.5 miles, both open daily from 8 AM. Both paths are easy to follow and offer good views of birds and habitats along the way.

From late January through early April, more than 20,000 Aleutian cackling geese use the grasslands as a resting stop during migration. This seasonal concentration makes it a rare chance to see so many of these geese in one location.