Friday, April 5, 2024

NEW OHV ROCK CRAWL COURSE AT SAMOA DUNES

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

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 comments:

  1. Boy it been 45 years since i was there. Cam

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    1. It should be noted and remembered that this park was originally set up and established due to the work and assistance provided by the Lost Coast 4x4 club.

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  2. Thanks for this update Don. Glad you are on this land use update. GREAT job!














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