About Pelican Beach State Park
Pelican State Beach, which is situated in Smith River, California, is one of those true "hidden gems" for beach enthusiasts and as the northernmost beach and state park in the state, it offers those breathtaking ocean views, just minutes from the Oregon border.
This beach is not very big, but it is large enough that you will feel like you have it all to yourself, at times. The shore stretches roughly 1.7 miles which is the main beach area that winds north, into Oregon.
The beach itself is just a short walk from the parking area, which is a nice surprise and makes trips back to your car more realistic and doable.
The beach is scattered with drift logs, creating a picturesque setting for your walks or to avoid sitting down in the sand. It's important to mention that the area can be quite windy and cold, so it's advisable to dress appropriately and wear layered clothing, if possible.
I do want to point out that this beach doesn't have any facilities, so plan your trip accordingly and the rules also state that dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed anywhere else, as long as they are on a leash.
There is no fee to enter the beach and parking is free, so if you're into fishing, surfing, or windsurfing, this is an ideal spot for someone like you.
Quick Info About Pelican Beach:
Weather & Map Of The Area
Average Annual Climate Info (Smith River, Ca)
Nearby Trails
Beach Trail
The beach, is relatively flat and spans roughly 1.26 miles, for the main stretch. You can start out from the parking lot and make your way north from the beach to cross over the Oregon border.
Oregon Redwoods Trail
This trail is only 7 miles from Pelican Beach but takes about 20 min. to get there. The trail is a 1.7 mile loop and there are some smaller (old growth) redwoods mixed in with other mixed trees.
Crissey Field Trails
Crissey Field Recreation Site is just over the border, into Oregon and it has a visitor center with some shorter trails around the area. If you walk along the beach, it you can make your way to Pelican Beach.
Camping
While there are no campsites on the beach, there are a few options nearby in the surrounding areas, the closest option being just a little further down from the beach, called Clifford Kamph Memorial Park, right off of Highway 101.
This park is geared more towards tent camper and is a tent-only campground, which won't work for everyone out there but the good news is that there are other options available in the surrounding areas.
Some of these other campgrounds can be found just north of the beach around Brookings, Oregon and a little further south around the town of Crescent City, California.
You will find many more options in these campgrounds other than just tent camping. RVs and cabins are available for rent in some of these areas and are worth taking a look into if you're planning on exploring the areas around Northern California and southern Oregon.
Nearby Towns
Brookings, Oregon, and Crescent City, California, are two neighboring towns next to Pelican Beach and are located North and South of the area, along highway 101.
Situated in close proximity to the beach, these towns offer many different facilities and amenities, so making a trip to town is not too far out of the way.
Both towns are ideal for anyone who wants to stop by Pelican State Beach but also wants convenient access to facilities, a taste of local life, or a scenic detour along the way.
Brookings, Oregon
If you travel north, just about a 10-minute drive from the beach, Brookings, Oregon is right over the border and provides a variety of conveniences including supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and quaint local shops, perfect for those looking to stock up on supplies.
Crescent City, California
If you were to travel south, (about 20 minutes) Crescent City stands as a gateway to the Redwoods and offers a much larger selection of amenities, including many more dining options, large shopping centers, and pretty much everything else you would find in a larger town.
