Touring * Historic *

As you enter Eureka on U.S. 101, the northbound lane becomes Fifth Street and the southbound lane becomes Fourth Street, both one-way avenues through town. From either, turn at R Street/Highway 255 near the northwest corner of town and proceed north across the channel to Woodley Island. Take the Woodley Island Marina exit to get onto the island's Startare Drive. Follow Startare to the last parking lot and park near the Fisherman's Memorial.

Woodley Island is another one of those great little spots in Humboldt County that may be small, but thanks to a variety of charms, is well worth a tour. Starting from the westernmost end of the island, take a moment to read some of the names on the Fisherman's Memorial, dedicated by Arcata widows who lost men at sea. It's likely that there will be a few dried flowers at its base or a photograph of a loved one newly missing. Just offshore stands an oversized bronze statue of a fisherman with a net. Skating east, follow the Don Clausen Embarcadero, a clean asphalt trail at the waterfront, complete with old-fashioned lampposts and benches. You may see harbor seals at play or the occasional large white egret flying by. Regularly spaced displays provide interpretive descriptions of the variety of vessels moored here and the catch in which they specialize. The fine asphalt trail terminates at the east end parking lot, offering that bit of random play that's so good for grown-ups. Even better pavement can be found across Startare in the parking lot in front of the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) building. If the generator is running, though, the noise will make a long visit undesirable. Skate back to where you started by taking to the street pavement of Startare, or returning to the Embarcadero to enjoy the smoother asphalt of the path.