Myrtletown: Trails, Bay Landscapes, and Redwood History

Myrtletown combines a variety of trails, landscapes along Humboldt Bay, and a remarkable Redwood history. Those planning a trip involving activity, nature observation, and historical discoveries will find a range of opportunities here for shaping their days. When looking for a vacation rental in Myrtletown, it is therefore worthwhile to consider the experiences you want as a selection criterion: Should the trip primarily focus on paved trails and scenic views, or are the region’s history and motorsports the main priorities?

Between the Bay, Marshlands, and River Habitats

The Eureka Waterfront Trail extends from Myrtletown to the Elk River. The Humboldt Bay Trail consists of paved multi-use paths designed for walking, running, cycling, and rolling. The Eureka Waterfront Trail passes through coastal grasslands, dune landscapes, salt marshes, and river habitats. From the Eureka Waterfront Trail, there are views of the bay, Eureka Slough, and the mountains.

The information panels also make the trail more than just a route for physical activity. They cover marshland restoration, bird species, the geology of Humboldt Bay, railroad history, and Wiyot life in villages. For your daily planning, this means you can combine nature observation, landscape views, and regional history without requiring everyone in your group to focus on the same activity.

Forest Trails and Active Outings in the Area

In the immediate area, the Redwood Acres Trail Unit in McKay Community Forest has approximately 2.5 miles of formed and graded trails, as well as approximately 0.5 miles of paved trails. McKay Community Forest is intended for walking, hiking, mountain biking, riding approved mobility devices, and horseback riding. It is located at the transition to the residential and commercial areas of Myrtletown, Cutten, and Ridgewood Heights.

These different types of trails make it possible to make a clear travel decision: Those who enjoy using paved multi-use paths can make the Eureka Waterfront Trail the focus of their trip. Those who would rather plan for forest trails, mountain biking, or horseback riding can consider McKay Community Forest. The Redwood Acres Trail Unit complements this selection with its explicitly named trail sections and approximate lengths.

Redwood Acres: Agriculture, Racing, and Regional History

Redwood Acres Raceway is located along the southern boundary of Myrtletown. Stock-car racing has been a regular part of the raceway’s program since 1947. In 1956 and 1957, it hosted two NASCAR Grand National races, a racing series now known as NASCAR Cup. In the late 1980s, the track was converted from a dirt track into an asphalt track.

The historical picture also includes Redwood Acres Fairgrounds along the southern boundary of Myrtletown. It opened in Eureka in 1937 as a local agricultural and motorsports venue. Redwood Acres supports agriculture, livestock raising, fishing, and environmental responsibility, and provides resources for agricultural education and activities. For visitors who want to learn not only about the landscape but also about the region’s working and event history, this creates a different perspective on the destination.

Wiyot History and Traces of Earlier Use

At the northern end of Myrtletown, next to Eureka Slough, was the Wiyot village ikatchipi. South of Eureka Slough were at least seven other Wiyot-use sites; all but one were located on higher ground above the wetlands. A historic log-loading site was also established north of the present-day eastern end of Park Street in Myrtletown, allowing logs to be unloaded directly into Freshwater Slough.

These places add a historical perspective to the nature experiences. If you are looking for a vacation rental for a trip involving different interests, you can combine days by the water, on forest trails, at the racetrack, and exploring regional history. The most suitable location depends primarily on which of these priorities should shape your trip.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

As additional destinations for your travel planning, you can also consider Loleta, Arcata, Trinidad, Ferndale, Fortuna, Redcrest, Carlotta, and Whitethorn.

For the overarching travel overview: Humboldt.