Luffenholtz Park Lookout Trail

Luffenholtz Park, which is also contains the Luffenholtz Lookout Trial, provides a great view of the Pacific Ocean and Northern California coastline. Located just south of Trinidad, it is a part of the Humboldt County Parks system. The park itself is rather small, but because it has bathroom facilities, trash cans, and a picnic bench, it tends to serve as a service area for visitors to Luffenholtz Beach. 

The Luffenholtz Lookout Trial leads down from the parking lot to a great viewpoint on top of a cliff. Though trail itself is very safe, areas beyond the designated path can be dangerous as they drop off rather steeply. The distance from the trailhead to the point lookout is short, and the view is spectacular. The viewpoint is a great place to look for gray and humpback whales, local seals swimming in the crashing waves below, sea birds such as common murres and tufted puffins, and the occasional sea lion. For those who love photography, this is a great place to capture the beauty of the North Coast. Sunsets from the lookout point are some of the best in the area. To the right you can view Trinidad Head along with its bay and harbor, and to the left you'll see Houda Point and Camel Rock. The unique rock formations that dot this section of coastline provide a dramatic additions to the big vista views from the end of the trail. Be sure to pack some layers, as the viewpoint is not protected and can become windy and cold rather quickly.