Outdoorsy Type

↑ Samoa Dunes and Wetlands. ← Eureka Waterfront Trail. Jonathan webster

The Eureka Waterfront Trail on a summer day is glorious. You can see some of it as you stroll, limited by time minus energy. Rent an eBike from Redwood Cycles and you can take it all in, relying on a quiet motor or pedal power as you desire. Go free range or choose from four group rides: Avenue of the Giants, Eureka’s Old Town and Waterfront Trail, Hammond Trail or Old Trinidad Highway 101. It’s $25 per hour (2 hours minimum) or $75 for the day, helmets and other gear included. Parents, it’s up to you to decide if your child is able to ride an eBike safely (waivers required), but child and dog trailers are available at your favorite price: free. An orientation gives you the lowdown on the cool ride and the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need before heading off prepared for your adventure. Redwood Cycles is easy to find at 1 C St. in Eureka’s Historic Old Town. Call owner/operator Steven Light at (707) 599-2008 or visit www.RedwoodCycles.com to make a reservation.

Delve into the everchanging Samoa Dunes and Wetlands (New Navy Base Road). Rain, tide and wind flow through this landscape, shifting and shaping the meandering paths. Hike around, up and down, or head for the shore. Bursts of wildflowers and cool green fronds line the way. Was that a red legged tree frog? Pause in a patch of shade and listen to birds happy in their native habitat. Currently stewarded by the Friends of the Dunes, SDW is a rarity. How often does a new dune preserve come along? Find the georeferenced map at www.friendsofthedunes.org to appreciate the scope of this special place and get the best parking info (no dedicated lot, see the FAQ). Use the Dune Plant Guide to see if the sweet flower you just found is really an endangered Menzies wallflower and tag the Friends of the Dunes on Instagram (@friendsofthedunes) to thank them because this place is awesome.