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McKay Community Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · Running trail in Eureka, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from McKay Community Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about McKay Community Forest
“This is a walk near the mouth of the Mad River and includes beautiful views of the river and ocean.”
“This has to be one of my favorite hike places, very peaceful and calm place to walk your dog too 👌👌 🐕 🐕 🚶♂️ 🚶♀️ IG: yaboy_rj96”
I went here for my very first time this evening hoping to catch a trail from Harris Ave to Redwood Fields. Followed Google Maps and discovered none of the trails actually exist. So, I had already hiked about a half a mile in so I decided to take a trail off in the woods to smoke a bowl.
This is an amazing addition to Eureka. It's been accessible for several years but the new trails are very nice. I also love how large it is, with three main access points stretching from near the fairgrounds to Northridge in Cutten. I can't wait to see the new mountain bike terrain they plan to set up.
This is a walk near the mouth of the Mad River and includes beautiful views of the river and ocean. There are old pines, lush woods and it's near Hiller Park where you can enjoy kid's play area, a dog park, and fields for organized sports.
This is an amazing place to walk yourself and your pet. Be aware of the civilians who have gate access to that road (particularly the silver nissan hybrid car). They obviously have a residence in the back of the long driveway.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a walk near the mouth of the Mad River and includes beautiful views of the river and ocean.”
“There are old pines, lush woods and it's near Hiller Park where you can enjoy kid's play area, a dog park, and fields for organized sports.”
“This has to be one of my favorite hike places, very peaceful and calm place to walk your dog too 👌👌 🐕 🐕 🚶♂️ 🚶♀️ IG: yaboy_rj96”
“The trail is beautiful and flat, for those looking for a less intense hike.”
“It's been accessible for several years but the new trails are very nice.”
Plan your run at McKay Community Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitehumboldtgov.org
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Eureka
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ryan Creek Community Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Sequoia Creek Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Halvorsen Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 320 reviews
Park with picnic tables and a trail, plus occasional concerts.