The Arcata Community Forest is a network of trails close to downtown.

You can walk just under a mile from downtown Arcata at the Arcata Plaza and feel a world away in the Arcata Community Forest. The Arcata Community Forest was established in 1955 and comprised 2,350 acres of second-growth redwood trees. The area was used for logging in the late1800s and was converted into a city-owned property in the 1950s.

Arcata's Community Forest includes a network of developed trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Elevations range from 250 feet at Redwood Park where the main parking areas are, to 1,010 feet at the eastern boundary near Long Loop Trail #17. In addition, there are over a dozen relatively short trails that can be connected to make a longer hike. Be prepared to hike down a ravine and back up even on the shortest loop, Trail # 1, the Nature Loop trail, which leaves from the parking area at Redwood Park. My 2-year-old can do the shorter trails that are nearest the parking area just fine. But, if you've got older kids, there are 20 different trails listed on the official map (see link attached) that you can string together to make a multi-mile route. There are options from 0.5 miles on up to 4+ mile hikes. 

Some things you just might see and hear in the forest are a harp player or guitarist. The redwoods just really inspire some people, you know? Bring your bug repellent! Mosquitos love the moist redwood terrain. If you didn’t pack a picnic, I recommend heading back to downtown Arcata for something to eat.