Take A Hidden Staircase To A Norcal Overlook In Humboldt County

There’s nothing like a quick hike along the Pacific Ocean to remind you of Northern California’s endless natural beauty. We sure are lucky to have so many great oceanfront hiking trails that are just begging to be explored! One of them is the brief hike to Wedding Rock, a long-beloved landmark in Humboldt County that boasts the most magnificent ocean views. Perfect for a short and easy adventure on the California coast, a visit to this overlook will leave you with an experience to remember.

Located in Trinidad, Patrick’s Point State Park is a blissful destination on the North Coast. There’s a lot to love about this coastal park but a destination known as Wedding Rock is perhaps its most beloved landmark.

Ray Bouknight/Flickr

Tucked along the large rocky headland, Wedding Rock is an overlook that boasts awe-inspiring views of the California coast. It’s just a short, .3-mile walk to the overlook, which makes it perfect for a quick stop when you’re in the area.

Crystal Blower/AllTrails

The parking lot for the trail is located near the back of the park along Wedding Rock Rd. Keep in mind that there is a fee to enter the park. You can make an entire day out of it by exploring the park’s other worthy landmarks after starting at Wedding Rock.

Shawn Hansson/AllTrails

The overlook earned its name due to the fact that it’s a popular destination for couples to get hitched - a tradition that started with the park’s original caretaker in the early 20th century.

F H/AllTrails

The easy trail starts from the parking lot and drops directly down to the base of the rock. The trail splits after a short while with the left branch leading up to the overlook and the right branch descending to the beach. We suggest climbing the rocky staircase to the overlook before heading down to the water.

Crystal Blower/AllTrails

After climbing Wedding Rock, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. A short rock wall is all that separates you from this expansive vista.

Laura Izquierdo/AllTrails

Once you’ve had enough of the view, you can make the short trek down to the water. There’s actually no real beach here, so you can get right up to the water’s edge as the waves crash over the rocks. Do use caution when exploring this section of the trail and never turn your back to the water.

Amy Hsu/AllTrails The hike to Wedding Rock is short, sweet, and worth every step.

Have you visited this breathtaking overlook on the NorCal coast? This place is simply stunning. Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below! And, if you are searching for another stunning overlook in Northern California to explore, plan a visit to the Hat Creek Rim Overlook.

Ray Bouknight/Flickr

Crystal Blower/AllTrails

Shawn Hansson/AllTrails

F H/AllTrails

Laura Izquierdo/AllTrails

Amy Hsu/AllTrails

The hike to Wedding Rock is short, sweet, and worth every step.

Do you have another favorite destination in Northern California? What about a favorite attraction? Hike? Restaurant? Museum? We’d love to know about it! Fill out this nomination form and let us know why you love it! You may just see it in an upcoming Only In Your State article.

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Address: Wedding Rock, California 95570, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Northern California January 19, 2023 Courtnie Erickson What are some other hiking trails in Northern California I should explore? There is nothing quite like a beautiful hike. It is the perfect way to escape into nature, enjoy some fresh air, and receive a great workout. While there are numerous hiking trails all over this part of the state that you should check out, some hikes in Northern California that we recommend include:

Trinidad Head Trail Loop Mount Tallac Trail Burney Falls Loop Trail Alamere Falls Trail Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

What are some of the best state parks in Northern California? It is almost impossible to determine the absolute BEST state park in northern California. This part of the country is home to some of the most spectacular parks in the country. However, if you are searching for some new state parks to add to your bucket list, check out the following:

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park Portola Redwoods State Park Sinkyone Wilderness State Park Angel Island State Park Mt. Tamalpais State Park Emerald Bay State Park

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Northern California

January 19, 2023

Courtnie Erickson

What are some other hiking trails in Northern California I should explore? There is nothing quite like a beautiful hike. It is the perfect way to escape into nature, enjoy some fresh air, and receive a great workout. While there are numerous hiking trails all over this part of the state that you should check out, some hikes in Northern California that we recommend include:

Trinidad Head Trail Loop Mount Tallac Trail Burney Falls Loop Trail Alamere Falls Trail Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

The OIYS Visitor Center

There is nothing quite like a beautiful hike. It is the perfect way to escape into nature, enjoy some fresh air, and receive a great workout. While there are numerous hiking trails all over this part of the state that you should check out, some hikes in Northern California that we recommend include:

Trinidad Head Trail Loop
Mount Tallac Trail
Burney Falls Loop Trail
Alamere Falls Trail
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

What are some of the best state parks in Northern California?

It is almost impossible to determine the absolute BEST state park in northern California. This part of the country is home to some of the most spectacular parks in the country. However, if you are searching for some new state parks to add to your bucket list, check out the following:

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Portola Redwoods State Park
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Angel Island State Park
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Emerald Bay State Park