Stagecoach Hill Azalea Nature Trail

Saturday, April 25
Start/Stop: Azalea Nature Trailhead across the road from small parking area
Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Unceeded land of the Yurok
.69 miles
83′ ascent
107′ descent
596′ high point

After hiking to Sharp Point, I’m so close to the Stagecoach Hill Azalea Nature Trail that I might as well check it out. I suspect that I’m too early for the main bloom but maybe I can find some early color. I fork left onto Big Lagoon Ranch Road and several blooming azaleas are visible. I arrive by about 2:45 pm and there’s one other vehicle parked in the very small area that’s marked with a no camping sign.

The following historical information was taken from the California Garden Clubs brochure:
“In 1977, the California Garden Clubs, Inc. began raising funds to help purchase the 40-acre Stagecoach Hill western azalea
area. In 1983, the California State Parks Foundation, with donations from the California Garden Clubs, Inc., the Humboldt Area Foundation and the California Coastal Conservancy, raised $60,000 to acquire this property. On June 4, 1984 the Stagecoach Hill Azalea Management Area was established and incorporated into Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area.

Western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) are the only species of native azaleas growing west of the Rocky Mountains. Azaleas are deciduous shrubs that require plenty of sunlight. Azaleas occur in a transitional vegetation zone within the successional series between open grassland to shrub land to a closed canopy forest. If left unmanaged, larger shrubs and woody trees will shade the azaleas out.”

I don’t have specific details but you can imagine that “Stagecoach Hill” was along the main coastal route for stagecoaches (and later auto stages) traveling north from Eureka in the late 1800s.

The trail is well manicured and the perfect spot to bring your visiting family and friends, especially if they’re not into a big hike. The trail starts deep in the dark and overgrown Sitka forest. I vote for forking left at the junction which will give you a majestic arrival at the sunny azaleas and expansive view of the ocean.

Trillium and Douglas Iris sprinkle the trail’s edge.

This bench has to be the best secret spot to stop and have lunch! It’s a grand view of the ocean and imagine the sea of pink when all the azaleas are blooming. As I suspected, I’m early for the full bloom and most of the azaleas are just starting to bud out.