Many Humboldt County residents are finding that local parks and trails provide an essential outlet for physical activity and emotional rejuvenation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this coming weekend will not be a typical Memorial Day weekend, residents are still encouraged to continue to engage in outdoor recreational activities during the holiday, however they must adhere to social distancing practices, wear facial coverings, and refrain from gathering in groups.
“It looks like the weather will be great this weekend and we encourage people to get outdoors,” Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said. “I just want to encourage residents to recreate safely by using the guidance provided below. Doing so will let everyone relax and be able to enjoy our public spaces.“
All parks and trails operated by Humboldt County will be open for day-use over Memorial Day weekend, except for Freshwater Park. Day-use hours are posted at each park. Parking areas will be open but may be subject to vehicle limits. Restrooms will be open and are being cleaned regularly. Picnic tables and picnic areas remain closed to promote social distancing. Large family picnics, barbecues with friends, or other large gatherings with people not living in your immediate household (quarantine circle) are prohibited. Visitation at some parks may need to be further limited to help ensure appropriate social distancing practices if large crowds develop or voluntary compliance is not maintained. Travel from out of Humboldt County is strongly discouraged.
Camping continues to be prohibited at all Humboldt County parks and campgrounds including Big Lagoon, Clam Beach, Samoa, Van Duzen (Swimmers Delight and Pamplin Grove), and A.W. Way, pending further guidance from the State of California.
If you choose to be near the water over the weekend or anytime, please beware that river levels are higher and swifter than normal due to recent storms, making conditions for swimming and wading potentially hazardous.
Please take steps to protect yourself and others during your visit to local parks and trails:
- Wear a facial covering.
- Keep the minimum recommended social distance of six feet or more between yourself and other visitors.
- Be courteous and warn other users of your presence with your voice to ensure proper distance. Step off trails to allow others to pass.
- Practice personal hygiene — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid high-touch surfaces.
- Don’t leave trash. Take everything out with you to protect other visitors and park workers.
- If you are ill or have cold or flu symptoms, please stay home.
Information on California State Parks can be found at the State Parks Covid-19 Resource Center: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30350