Waste goes in and pride comes out in Arcata’s pioneering wastewater treatment plant, also known as the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a 307-acre expanse with freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh and 5 miles of walking and biking paths. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California, Mexico and Central and South America. It has probably the most populated bird coastal site between Bodega Harbor and Washington, with literally thousands of birding visitors annually and organized bird walks held at least weekly on the year-round viewing deck. Start at the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Center, which explains the low tech wonder and explores the many birds that reside there full or part time.

A popular hiking and cycling trail just north of Arcata showcases the varied landscapes of the Redwood Coast. Taking hikers and bikers across open fields, lush woodlands and a stunning beach, the Hammond Trail is simply amazing. The 5.5-mile segment of the California Coastal Trail is a multi-use trail that’s open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It stretches north from the Arcata Bottoms up to Clam Beach County Park in McKinleyville. It starts at the Mad River pedestrian bridge, originally the site of a wooden covered bridge built in 1905. It was later replaced with steel and used as a railroad bridge up until 1961. The southern stretch of the trail provides panoramas of the ocean and Mad River. Keep an eye out for seals, sea otters, herons, ducks, cormorants and Aleutian geese.

After reaching the town of McKinleyville, the trail meanders through neighborhoods and Hiller Park. Beyond the park, the trail zips through a conifer forest and spectacular bluffs. There are picnic tables and benches situated along the path so you can rest and take in the view. Continuing north, you’ll descend onto a short, paved section that crosses Strawberry Creek. The trail ends with a nice walk in the sand at Clam Beach County Park.

Chef/Owner Danny Emmenecker of South G Kitchen has been dreaming about his own menu since the age of 9 and Humboldt County is pleased that dream’s being realized here with what he’s coined as “Pub Fusion”. He’s partnered with Redwood Coast Brewing Company in Arcata to bring us not only his wildly popular original food truck South G SmashBurger, 2 Wagyu beef patties, seasoned and smashed with gooey melted cheddar, and house pickles on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and “two” thousand island, but also specialties like the Yogi Bowl, soy-chili marinated tofu on white rice with pea shoots, sesame slaw, sliced cucumber, carrots topped with pickled daikon, roasted peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and finished with peanut sauce and hoisin and Black Garlic and Beef Tacos. Pair your selection with your favorite  rotating Redwood Curtain Brewing Company beverages. Order online and don’t overlook the seasonal specials.