Our Mission The mission of State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and In the springtime, Patrick’s Point education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological herbs, grasses and shrubs diversity, protecting its most valued natural and State Park cultural resources, and creating opportunities decorate the meadows, for high-quality outdoor recreation. producing colorful wildflower displays and providing scenic views California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who of the shoreline and need assistance should contact the park at (707) 677-3570. This publication can be the rock outcrops. made available in alternate formats. Contact [email protected] or call (916) 654-2249. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369. (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.™

SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp Patrick’s Point State Park 4150 Patrick’s Point Drive Trinidad, CA 95570 (707) 677-3570

© 2007 California State Parks (Rev. 2012) T hirty miles north of Eureka, a tree- and are still gathered from the hillside areas 1775. The fur trade had come to the meadow-covered headland juts into the east of the park. Trinidad Bay region by June 1801. Captain Pacific Ocean. This is Patrick’s Point State In 1850, when gold was found in Jonathon Winship arranged with Governor Park, with a shoreline that ranges from the the interior, the Yurok people were Alexandr Baranov of Sitka, Alaska, to broad sandy stretch of Agate Beach to sheer overwhelmed by an influx of settlers. take 100 native people from the Aleutian cliffs that rise high above the sea. A number Conflict over the land took many forms. Islands to California on a successful sea- of “sea stacks,” parts of the mainland that The native people were hunted down; any otter hunting expedition. have been isolated by the pounding surf, who survived the attacks were forced onto With the discovery of gold in northern stand offshore like fence pickets. reservations. Newly introduced diseases California’s Trinity River in the mid- Patrick’s Point is shrouded in fog much further decimated their numbers. 1800s, the local territory experienced a of the year, especially during the summer, Today, the Yurok have made a remarkable rush of miners, packers and would-be when it sometimes does not burn off recovery. As the most populous tribe entrepreneurs. Those who had come for days at a time. Crystal clear days in California, nearly 5,500 Yurok live seeking adventure and wealth through appear most frequently during spring in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. trading and trapping gave way to gold and fall. Rainfall averages more than 60 Tribal members are building a future by miners and settlers. inches a year—most of it falling between revitalizing their ancestral language and November and April. Temperatures are traditions based on the customs of the past. The Park moderate much of the year, with only The California State Park Commission Europeans and Americans about a 10-degree difference in average purchased Patrick’s Point in 1929 after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and Sir Francis temperatures between summer and winter. approval of the 1928 Park Bond. Additional Drake sailed along the coast of what is Summer highs average 62 degrees, winter land was acquired over several years, now Humboldt County as early as the lows 38 degrees. bringing the park’s total to 640 acres. From 16th century, but it was a Spanish vessel the beginning, the park was identified captained by Bruno de Hezeta that PARK HISTORY as a potential site for a traditional Indian braved the unpredictable winds and rocky village that would portray the rich culture Native Americans shoreline to land in Trinidad Bay in Yurok people have lived in and around of the northwest coast. Patrick’s Point State Park for generations. The temperate climate and abundant wildlife of the North Coast promoted a culturally rich way of life that continues today. Yurok people built villages of redwood planks along the coast and major waterways. Traveling by dugout canoe, they fished for salmon. They also hunted elk, deer and other small game. Berries, roots and many traditional plants are still harvested at Patrick’s Point, and acorns Sumêg Village and pine. Spring and summer wildflowers grasses and shrubs. They produce colorful In the 1800s, the Yurok world extended include Douglas iris, fairy bells, trillium, wildflower displays and provide scenic from the mouth of the Klamath River skunk cabbage, azalea and rhododendron. views of the shoreline and rock outcrops. north to Wilson Creek, near Crescent Thimbleberries, salmonberries and Agate Beach is a gently curving sand City, and south to Little River, near huckleberries are found along meadow strip that can be reached by a short, McKinleyville. The Yurok people lived edges. Fall and early winter bring out a steep trail from the Agate Beach parking in more than 50 villages, from the north wide variety of mushrooms, which may be lot. Semi-precious agates, for which the at Big Lagoon to the south at Trinidad. viewed but may not be picked. beach is named, are polished here by the Village sizes varied from two to two constant movement of sand and water. dozen houses. Winter’s driving winds and high tides also In 1990 an all-Yurok crew deposit driftwood of many shapes and constructed Sumêg Village, which sizes on the shore. consists of three typical redwood plank family houses, a sweathouse, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES a dance pit, three changing houses Trails and a redwood canoe. All of these The Rim Trail is a two-mile walk that structures are made from boards offers excellent views of the ocean and split from redwood trees, hazel offshore rocks. Between Agate Beach bindings and local stone. and Palmer’s The village was named Sumêg— Point, four rather which means forever in Yurok—in Sumêg Village. Above: Canoe and steep quarter-mile the hope that the village would plank house; Right: Sweathouse trails connect the endure for generations to come. Rim Trail to the During the period The village site is used for cultural and shoreline. from 1875 to 1925, this educational activities that preserve the A couple of area experienced large- heritage of several neighboring tribes: short, steep trails scale environmental Yurok, Karuk and Hoopa. The park’s make it possible to devastation. The forest native plant garden is located just south reach the tops of was logged, burned and of Sumêg Village and features plants Ceremonial Rock cleared to graze sheep used by the Yurok for basket making, (rising 107 feet above the meadow) and and cattle, and to plant hay and potato food, medicine and ceremonial purposes. Lookout Rock. These old sea stacks are crops and apple orchards. evidence of ever-changing sea levels and Now the meadows in the park closely NATURAL HISTORY geological uplifting. Though the park is in the heart of resemble the land prior to its acquisition California’s coast redwood country, the as a state park in 1929. Maintained by Camping/Picnicking principal trees within the park are Sitka mowing and removal of sprouting trees, There are about 120 family campsites spruce, red alder, Douglas-fir, hemlock the park’s meadows are diverse with herbs, spread among the Penn Creek, Abalone Interpretive Activities the tides, they are exposed to salt water, The park visitor center fresh water in the form of rain, and fresh contains exhibits air, yet the intertidal zone is one of the highlighting the park’s richest areas of life in the ocean. natural and cultural history. Wedding Rock, Patrick’s Point and Nature walks, campfire Palmer’s Point offer viewpoints of the programs and Junior Ranger spring and fall migrations of the California programs are provided gray whale. This annual migration along during the summer months. the west coast of North America is School programs and group one of the world’s outstanding wildlife tours may be scheduled spectacles. While traveling between their year round. summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea and their winter breeding grounds Viewing Wildlife along the coast of Mexico, the forty-foot You may see and hear gray whales cover 10,000 miles in a year— California and Steller the longest migration of any mammal. and Agate Beach campgrounds. Each sea lions and harbor seals on the offshore Some gray whales will summer in and campsite has a table and a fire pit. Water rocks in the southern part of the park near around the Patrick’s Point coastline. faucets, restrooms and coin-operated Palmer’s Point. This is also an excellent Patrick’s Point is a popular spot for showers are located nearby. Reserve family place to explore tide pools. The plants viewing a variety of shore birds that campsites for May through September visits and animals living in the tide pools visit the park during their spring and fall by calling (800) 444-7275 or visiting have adapted to one of the harshest migrations. Binoculars help to spy on www.parks.ca.gov. At other times, family environments on earth, enduring pounding murres, winter wrens or red crossbills. sites are first come, first served. waves and howling winds. Depending upon Sometimes black-tailed deer and bears The Beach Creek and Red Alder Group are spotted. To avoid bear encounters, Camps can each accommodate up to 100 keep your campsite clean and your food people. A covered cook shelter, picnic wrapped and stored safely. tables and fire pits are provided in group camps, with spigots, restrooms and coin- ACCESSIBLE FEATURES operated showers nearby. Accessible campsites are available in Two group day-use picnic areas may be both the Abalone and Agate Beach reserved. Sumêg holds up to 100 people campgrounds. Accessible and Bishop Pine 50 people. Picnickers restrooms with coin showers at Sumêg will find a covered cook shelter, are nearby. The visitor center and Bishop Pine has fire pits. Call is generally accessible, with (707) 677-3110 well in advance for all designated accessible parking group camp and picnic reservations. Tide pool life. Above: Ochre and usable restrooms nearby. sea stars; Right: Gumboot chiton PLEaSE REMEMBER • Swimming is not advised. The ocean off Patrick’s Point is cold and dangerous. Children should Ferruginous not even be allowed to wade, Hawk as there are unexpected holes in the underwater sand, and the undertow can be very strong. “Rogue” waves appear periodically and usually unexpectedly, and can be much larger than ordinary waves. Never turn your back on the ocean. • Do not feed the animals. Though bears, raccoons and skunks like Wedding Rock “people” food, it is unhealthy for them. Feeding wild animals is Accessibility is continually improving. unsafe for you and against park For more information, please visit rules. Do not leave anything http://access.parks.ca.gov. edible out overnight or when you are away from your campsite. Store NEARBY STATE PARKS food in locked vehicles or metal • Humboldt Lagoons State Park food lockers, and dispose of garbage in 115336 Hwy. 101 North, Trinidad 95570 proper containers. (707) 445-6547 • Plants, animals and archaeological • Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area features are protected. 32 miles north of Eureka on Hwy. 101 Do not pick wildflowers or mushrooms. Trinidad 95570 (707) 445-6547 • Dogs must be on a leash no more than • , 19 miles north 6 feet long. Dogs are allowed in the of Eureka on Hwy. 101, Trinidad 95570 campgrounds, picnic areas and along (707) 677-3570 paved roads. Except for service animals, • Azalea State Natural Reserve dogs are not permitted on the beaches North Bank Road off Hwy. 101 or on unpaved park trails. Do not leave McKinleyville 95519 (707) 445-6547 them unattended. Loud or vicious dogs are • Little River State Beach, Crannell not permitted in the park. Dogs must be Road off Hwy. 101, Trinidad 95570 confined in a tent or vehicle at night. (707) 445-6547