Baker's Beach

01.05.10 - 12:08 pm | Gary Hanauer |

(0)

Recommended!

Improved directions!

Rating: A

Regarded as one of the county's best skinny-dipping sites, Baker's Beach features tide pools, agates, and a quarter moon-shaped shoreline that's shrouded from sight by greenery. "I go year-round and can tell you that it's one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen in the world," says Trinidad reader North Coast Mike. "It's really quiet," adds Vince, an Arcata resident. "It's never crowded. And the trail is easy." For a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, or exploring, look for this "must visit" cove some 12 miles north of Arcata, off Highway 101.

Legal status:

Apparently owned by the Baker family. Nude use is tolerated.

How to find it:

From Arcata, drive 12 miles north on Highway 101. Take the Westhaven exit to Scenic Drive, then follow Scenic north to a large, vine-covered residence sign and a rusted “private property” marker on the right (look for pulled-over cars). The quarter-mile long beach path begins 20 yards beyond two mailboxes near the signs.

Sometimes Scenic Drive washes out, so here's another route. Says North Coast Mike: "Start north at Trinidad (HUM milepost 101). Scenic starts in Trinidad at the first intersection before the grocery store. Head south on Scenic 1.4 miles to Baker Ranch Road. Pass Baker Ranch but stop at the next driveway past Baker Ranch. Look for a post marking the trailhead to the beach on the west (coast) side of the road and follow it to the beach."

The beach:

Instead of sand, the beach is mostly composed of sesame seed-sized pebbles.

The crowd:

Crowds have dropped from a few years ago, when local resident Carl Gelden-Meyers counted up to 40 people present on the hottest days. "I've rarely seen more than a dozen persons," reports North Coast Mike. "They are mostly mellow college students," says Gelden-Meyers. Some families also visit the site, which gets both nude and suited use.

Problems:

Car burglaries and gawkers reported in the past.