Want to get from Bayside to the Arcata Community Forest without guesswork? You have great options nearby, whether you prefer a quick walk, a trail run, or a mountain bike ride. In this guide, you’ll learn the best official trailheads, how to link from Bayside, the maps to download, and the rules to know before you go. Let’s dive in.
Where the trails connect
Bayside sits just south of Arcata, close to the city’s community-owned forest and trail system on the east side of town. The Arcata Community Forest offers singletrack, forest roads, and ridge routes with elevation rising to about 1,010 feet on the eastern edges. For a quick overview of trail character and terrain, see the regional summary from Visit Redwoods.
Most users from Bayside reach the forest by heading toward Arcata’s east side and entering at official trailheads. The City of Arcata publishes up-to-date access points, maps, and use guidelines on its Trail Maps page.
Official trailheads near Bayside
Redwood Park entrances (E 11th and 14th)
These signed park entrances connect directly to the western side of the Community Forest and are popular for short loops and longer linkups. Find trail numbers, allowed uses, and access details on the City’s Trail Maps.
Fickle Hill Road access
From Bayside, Fickle Hill Road is a convenient southern approach to the Sunny Brae tract and other southern trails. This route helps you avoid crossing central Arcata streets if you are driving from the Jacoby Creek area. Check the City’s map before you go for current access notes and trail designations.
California Street and L.K. Wood Boulevard
This east-side urban access connects local streets to the forest trail network. It is another option if you are already in Arcata and want a direct link from town into the woods.
Arcata Ridge Trail at West End Road
The Arcata Ridge Trail runs north–south through parts of the city and links with Community Forest trails. The northern trailhead on West End Road provides a way to connect to the broader network. The City offers a dedicated Ridge Trail map on its Trail Maps page.
Getting there from Bayside
- Short drive or bike: From Old Arcata Road in Bayside, you can reach Redwood Park or the Fickle Hill access in minutes by car or a short ride. Use the City’s maps or the geo-referenced Avenza maps for exact navigation to trailheads.
- On-road walk or ride: Expect some road time from Jacoby Creek and Old Arcata Road into Arcata’s east-side entrances. Local streets connect to Redwood Park, where formal trail access begins.
- Southern connectors: If your goal is the Sunny Brae side, use Fickle Hill Road for the most direct southern approach by car.
Nearby Jacoby Creek Land Trust options
The Jacoby Creek Land Trust (JCLT) manages several local properties that offer short paths and community restoration sites close to Bayside. Kokte Ranch & Nature Preserve on Old Arcata Road features a half-mile nature path and public access amenities. While these lands are excellent neighborhood resources, they do not form a continuous legal trail corridor into the Community Forest. For current access, hours, and event details, visit JCLT’s Places to Go.
Maps and navigation tools
- City of Arcata PDFs: Download official maps for the Arcata Community Forest, Sunny Brae Forest, and the Arcata Ridge Trail. These show access points, trail numbers, and rules. Find them on the City’s Trail Maps.
- Avenza geo-PDFs: The City’s free geo-referenced maps work offline in the Avenza app, which is helpful where cell service drops. Get the Arcata Community Forest map in the Avenza Map Store.
- Pro tip: Download your maps before you leave and carry a paper backup when possible. Some kiosks provide printed maps.
Rules and trail etiquette
- Hours: The Community Forest is closed from sunset to sunrise.
- Camping: Not allowed on City forest lands or in parks.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash. Keep dogs controlled and pack out waste.
- Multi-use trails: Trails serve hikers, riders, and equestrians. Check the map legend to confirm where bikes and horses are permitted.
- Wet conditions: Avoid very wet or muddy trails to prevent damage and erosion. The City may post seasonal advisories.
- Parking: Use official trailhead parking at places like Redwood Park or the Bayview and E 12th access road, and avoid blocking residential streets. All rules and advisories are posted on the City’s Trail Maps.
Sample route ideas
- Redwood Park loops: Start at the Redwood Park entrances for short, mellow loops with clear signage. These are great for a quick walk, jog, or warm-up ride before exploring deeper.
- Ridge linkup: From the western entrances, connect to segments of the Arcata Ridge Trail, a roughly 4.5-mile multi-use corridor that links north–south across Arcata. Use the City’s Ridge Trail map to plan out-and-backs or point-to-point outings.
- Sunny Brae hills: Use the Fickle Hill access to reach the southern tracts for steeper climbs and longer singletrack options. Expect sustained grades and quick descents.
Note: Some local users discuss informal connectors in the hills above Jacoby Creek. These routes are unmarked, can change, and may pass near private property. Stick to official City maps and signage, and check with local stewardship groups if you are unsure.
When to go and what to expect
Trails range from easy paths to steeper ridge climbs, with redwood duff that can feel slick after rain. Summer and early fall are typically the driest months for better footing. Elevation tops out near 1,010 feet, so plan for cool shade and changing weather. For a general overview of terrain and seasonal character, see Visit Redwoods.
Stewardship and updates
For volunteer days, trail maintenance news, and on-the-ground updates, check the Humboldt Trails Council’s Volunteer Trail Stewards program. The City also lists volunteer events and interpretive tours on its Arcata Forest Projects & Tours page. If you are planning a nearby nature walk in Bayside or want to help with restoration, see JCLT’s Places to Go for current access and event info.
Ready to make these trails part of your everyday life? If you are exploring homes in Bayside, Arcata, or nearby communities, connect with the local team that knows the terrain. Reach out to Redwood Realty for neighborhood-level insight and guidance.
FAQs
What are the easiest official trailheads from Bayside to the Arcata Community Forest?
- The most straightforward options are the Redwood Park entrances on Arcata’s east side and the Fickle Hill Road access to the southern tracts, all listed on the City’s Trail Maps.
Where should I park when accessing the forest near Redwood Park?
- Use official parking at Redwood Park or the Bayview and E 12th access area, and avoid blocking residential streets per the City’s guidance on Trail Maps.
Are dogs allowed in the Arcata Community Forest?
- Yes, dogs are permitted on leash; follow posted signs and the City’s dog etiquette guidance on the Trail Maps page.
What maps should I download before heading out?
- Download the City’s PDF trail maps and the free geo-referenced map for Avenza, available in the Avenza Map Store.
When are conditions best for hiking or riding from Bayside?
- Summer and early fall usually offer the driest conditions; in wet months, the City asks users to avoid very muddy trails to reduce damage, as noted on the Trail Maps page.
