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Ma-le'l Dunes CMA

Mckinleyville, California · Humboldt County · Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.NPS Press Release: Department of the Interior Designates National Natural Landmarks in California, Colorado and West Virginia OverviewMa-‘e’l Dunes offers a range of recreational opportunities that allow visitors to experience a d…

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About Ma-le'l Dunes CMA

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.NPS Press Release: Department of the Interior Designates National Natural Landmarks in California, Colorado and West Virginia OverviewMa-‘e’l Dunes offers a range of recreational opportunities that allow visitors to experience a diverse and dynamic coastal landscape of forests and salt marshes, sand dunes and beaches.Ma-le’l Dunes includes 937 acres cooperatively managed by the BLM and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is a National Natural Landmark, a designation given by the National Park Service recognizingits outstanding coastal dune ecosystem. The northern portion of Ma-le’l is part of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (HBNWR). Trail access is limited pedestrians only. The road to the northern parking lot is closed to vehicles Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in order to provide visitors with more of a “wilderness” experience.The BLM manages the southern 206 acres for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding on designated trails. Please protect natural and cultural resources by observing visitor guidelines. Please Remember these rules and regulations as you explore Ma-le'l Dunes:The area is open from sunrise to one hour after sunset.North Ma-le'l entrance road is open to vehicles Friday through Monday. Tuesday through Thursday it is open by walking or biking in from the Ma-le'l South Trailhead parking area.Dune vegetation is fragile cannot tolerate trampling. Hiking is allowed only on designated trails and in open sandy areas.Horses are allowed only on designated BLM trails and on the waveslope to protect the fragile dune ecosystems. Please remove manure from the parking area.Dogs are allowed only on BLM property and must be leashed in the developed recreation sites (parking/picnic area), otherwise dogs are allowed off-leash but under the owner’s control at all times.Firearms are not allowed.Motorized vehicle use is not allowed.Ov

How to Get There

The Ma-le'l Dune Unit is located south of Lanphere Dunes at the upper end of the North Spit of Humboldt Bay, west of Mad River Slough. A refuge for those looking for a different kind of hiking experience.Take Young Rd off of Hwy 255 in the northern part of Manila and follow signs.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Ma-le'l Dunes CMA

Heading to Ma-le'l Dunes CMA? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Ma-le'l Dunes CMA?

No central reservation system listed for Ma-le'l Dunes CMA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/261778) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Ma-le'l Dunes CMA?

The Ma-le'l Dune Unit is located south of Lanphere Dunes at the upper end of the North Spit of Humboldt Bay, west of Mad River Slough. A refuge for those looking for a different kind of hiking experience.Take Young Rd off of Hwy 255 in the northern part of Manila and follow signs.

How do I contact Ma-le'l Dunes CMA?

You can reach the park at phone: 707-825-2300 or email: BLM_CA_Web_AR@blm.gov.