Lanphere Dunes, Dune field in Humboldt County, California, US.
Lanphere Dunes is a sand dune landscape along the coast that features rolling slopes, foredunes, grassy hollows, patches of forest, and wetland areas. The site sits within Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and forms a mosaic of different natural habitats.
William and Hortense Lanphere took over this land in the 1930s and kept it in its natural state for several decades. Their stewardship eventually led to the land becoming part of federal wildlife protection.
The Wiyot have lived in this coastal area for thousands of years and continue their relationship with the land today. Visitors can sense this deep connection in how the community works to protect and care for the natural surroundings.
Access requires a special permit and is only available through guided tours organized by the refuge management. This protects the fragile ecosystem and ensures visitors have a safe experience.
The site is home to rare Ice Age plant species, including the Humboldt Bay wallflower and beach layia, which are protected under federal law. These special plants have survived here while disappearing from many other locations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
