March Hike of the Month: Hidden Beach and False Klamath Rock

This month we head way north on the coast to Redwood National and State Parks just south of the Oregon border. I lived in nearby Crescent City and in a rural area  near Klamath from 2001 to early 2005, so these trails have a special place in my heart. I went to Hidden Beach dozens of times and often had it all to myself, especially in winter. And I often walked the Coastal Trail from Requa.

Hidden Beach along the California Coastal Trail, Redwood National and State Parks. (Photo by Marc Soares)

Here’s the Hidden Beach/False Klamath Rock hike download link. It’s the PDF of Hike 64 from 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California, third edition, written by me (John Soares) and my brother Marc Soares. It’s also conveniently pasted for you below.

Hidden Beach and False Klamath Rock

Length: 8 miles round-trip
Hiking time: 4 hoursHigh point: 600 feet
Total elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: easy to moderateSeason: year-round
Water: none; bring your ownMap: USGS 7.5′ Requa
Information: Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City Information Center

This excursion features vistas of notable highlights, including the mouth of the Klamath River, the Pacific Ocean, Hidden Beach, and False Klamath Rock.

Turn west on Requa Road 2 miles north of the town of Klamath on Highway 101. Go 2.3 miles on Requa Road to the trailhead next to a stop sign.

The Coastal Trail drops at the onset as you view the wide mouth of the Klamath River. Look for California gray whales and barking sea lions. Commanding eagle’s-eye views continue as the trail travels 0.7 mile past open grasslands, where bracken fern, horsetail, and lupine grow.

Take a break at 0.7 mile by a trailside bench to admire the Klamath River valley to the south, where the river, loaded with sediment washed down from the interior and coastal mountains, joins the Pacific Ocean. Proceed into a red alder forest highlighted by Sitka spruce.

The main attraction of the hike awaits at 2.7 miles, where a spur trail takes you to driftwood-covered Hidden Beach. Spend some time exploring this secluded area, featuring dark gray sand, wildflowers, and large waves exploding on jagged rocks.

Regain the Coastal Trail, which at 2.8 miles descends to near beachside and then enters grasslands as a steady surf chant accompanies continuous open views of the ocean. A spectacular view of Hidden Beach awaits at the end of a 50-yard loop spur trail to the left at 3.3 miles.

Go right onto the signed Yurok Loop Trail 0.1 mile farther, which takes you under a dense canopy of willow, oak, and alder. The freshwater pond on Lagoon Creek on the right provides a setting for yellow pond lilies and native and migrating birds. Spot massive False Klamath Rock offshore to the north at 3.8 miles. The trail winds westward at 4 miles to rejoin the main path back to the trailhead.

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