New 4x4 Obstacle Course - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
NEW OHV ROCK CRAWL COURSE AT SAMOA DUNES
Sustainable OHV recreation does not happen by accident
but is often the result of diverse private and public sector partnerships that
work in a collaborative fashion to create a high-quality and fun outdoor
experience for the trail community.
One of the Large Obstacles - Samoa Dunes Obstacle Course
BLM Arcata Field Office
A great example of that cooperative dynamic can be seen
and experienced at the BLM’s Samoa Dunes Recreation Area located on the north
edge of Humboldt Bay near Eureka, CA. Recently,
I visited that unit to review the new 4x4 obstacle course that was constructed by
the BLM from discarded large broken rocks and old concrete that were replaced
by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of a $22M federal repair project of the
jetties along the entrance to Humboldt Bay.
Nissan Xterra Pro-4X in Rock Crawl Area - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
The new OHV challenge course has obstacles for all skill
levels and a picnic area for spectators that was made possible by a robust collaboration
between the Army Corps of Engineers, BLM, Emerald Triangle Off-Road Group, and funding
from the CA State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grant Program.
For those new to OHV recreation and have never visited
this site, the multi-use Samoa Dunes Recreation Area has over 300 acres of
coastal beach and dunes used for surfing, beach combing, hiking, and family
picnics. It also has about 225 acres of dunes with a mix of designated routes
and open areas available for OHV use. The City of Eureka is also an important
recreation partner since it provides an additional 75 acres with 1 mile of
beach access open for OHV activities.
Designated Route - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
Before creation of the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, the
land was used by the timber industry starting in the mid-1800s and was also used
by the military during WW2. Remnants of
that military use are evidenced by the many ammo bunkers that are now protected
as important cultural/historical resources.
WW2-era Ammo Bunker - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
The BLM also manages a 100-acre riparian area open for
hiking and about 40 acres protected by exclosures where no public access is
allowed to protect endangered native vegetation.
Snowy Plover Warning Sign - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is day-use only. But fortunately, Humboldt County operates the
Samoa County Park that does have overnight camping available with direct access
to the OHV area for riders who want to
check out these year-around opportunities and/or escape the oppressive heat in
the Central Valley during the summer months.
Rock Crawl Area with North Jetty in Background - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
Don Amador, QWR
President and Humboldt County native, states, “The BLM Arcata Field Office has
a long history of managing the Samoa Dunes for a wide array of outdoor
activities in a an environmentally sound manner that protects natural resources
while allowing the public to access premier motorized and non-motorized
coastal recreation.”
OHV SAFETY SIGN - Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
BLM Arcata Field Office
“This area highlights how meaningful collaboration
between local, state, and federal agencies can provide diverse outdoor
recreation opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors,” Amador concludes.
Be sure and check out this family-friendly recreation
area with plenty of opportunities for all skill levels from beginner to expert.
BLM Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
https://www.blm.gov/visit/samoa-dunes
Samoa County Park
https://humboldtgov.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Samoa-Boat-Ramp-9
# # #
Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation
management profession for over 33 years. Don writes from his home in
Cottonwood, CA. Don is President of Quiet
Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the
Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member
of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don served as a contractor to the
BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won
numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports
Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don served as the government
affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California from 2019 – 2023. Don
is a Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino.
Don is a contributor to Dealernews Magazine.
