Highway access → arrival
Arrival: Coastal Trail entrance at Crescent Beach picnic area.
Approach: Turn from US-101 onto Enderts Beach Road about 2.5 miles southeast of Crescent City. Park at the Crescent Beach picnic area and start the marked coastal walking trail.
RVs/trailers not advised beyond the picnic area. Check current trail and overnight permit availability; no driving route down beach trails.
Official directions & access ↗A 3.5-mile California Coastal Trail section from the Crescent Beach picnic area toward the overlook, passing beach, prairie, and Sitka spruce. Elk may be present, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Access details
- Parking
- Begin at the Crescent Beach picnic area on Enderts Beach Road and follow the signed trailhead.
- Viewpoint
- The route connects beach, prairie, forest, and overlook views.
- Trail
- NPS lists a flat 3.5-mile route and does not allow dogs, bicycles, or horses.
- Public water access
- Beach access does not establish safe swimming conditions.
- Water conditions
- Keep a safe distance from elk and check coastal weather and surf.
Plan from the official source
Redwood National and State Parks is the manager or primary source for this entry. Check its current page for changing hours, fees, reservations, road restrictions, and closures.
Open NPS Coastal Trail: Crescent Beach ↗