Klamath River Overlook

The Klamath Overlook Trail is a beautiful trail that can easily be missed.  The trail is just north of Klamath, CA about 2.5miles off US-101.  This trailhead acts as a jumping off point for the Klamath Section of the California Coastal Trail.  However, this 1.0 Out and back hike will provide stunning views of the mouth of the Klamath River and the Pacific Ocean.  This overlook is within the Redwood State and National Park and is a short trail with big vistas. 

There are limited amenities such as a pit toilet and picnic tables at the trailhead but there is no potable water.  Hikers will start by immediately descending along winding switchbacks.  At 0.1 miles from the trailhead hikers will come to the junction of the California Coastal Trail and should stay to the left at that junction.  Hikers will continue down the trail but should caution as the trail in narrow and steep.  Hikers should always pay attention to ensure that they move safely along the trail.  Hikers will be greeted with unobstructed views of the mouth of the Klamath River.  Hikers should be on the lookout for marine birds and potentially wildlife such as whales off the coast in the Pacific.  In early summer, hikers can enjoy the wildflowers that line the trail.

Hikers will continue along the trail until it dead ends, they will have a beautiful place to watch sunset over the Pacific Ocean.  When hikers are ready, they will return the way they came. They will have to hike uphill, back to the trailhead. 

This river is a sacred place to the Yurok people and to this day remains an important place to these ingenious people. Hikers can enjoy the viewpoint and use this as an opportunity to acknowledge and learn the first peoples of Norther California.