College Cove Beach
41.0661, -124.1503
- Nearest town
- Trinidad
- Map status
- Verified pin
- Visit conditions
- 1 update
- Research reviewed
- Aug 17, 2026
Conditions
Check before visiting
Status: Closed. The College Cove access trail is shut from the Elkhead Loop Trail junction, along with the far western end of the Elkhead Bluff Trail. No end date posted
Field guide
Know before you go
- Park
- Trinidad State Beach, 4150 Patrick's Point Drive, Trinidad — 19 miles north of Eureka off Highway 101
- Entrance
- Intersection of Stagecoach Road and State Park Road
- Hours
- Day-use areas sunrise to sunset
- Fee
- Free. No entrance or parking fees. California State Library Parks Pass accepted
- Trails
- Approximately 2 miles park-wide. No individual mileage is published for the College Cove access trail
- Parking
- Main lot off State Park Road. Trailhead parking on the Elk Head side isn't described officially
- Dogs
- Permitted on beaches, in picnic areas and on park trails, on a maximum 6-foot leash
- Facilities
- Restrooms, drinking water, small picnic area with tables and grills, vista point
- Camping
- None
- Accessibility
- No accessible route to College Cove is described. Call the park on (707) 677-3570 for assistance
- Tide pooling
- Listed as an activity. Low tide is the best time to visit
- Fishing
- Surf fishing for rockfish, surfperch and halibut
- E-bikes
- Listed as available. State Parks doesn't specify which trails
- Safety
- Swimming is not advised — the ocean here is cold and dangerous, with sneaker wave activity. Check tide tables to avoid being trapped
- Park phone
- (707) 677-3570
The place
About College Cove Beach
The way in is closed. California State Parks has the entire College Cove access trail shut, from its junction with the Elkhead Loop Trail, along with the far western end of the Elkhead Bluff Trail. No end date is given and no reopening notice has been posted. Check the park posts page or call (707) 677-3570 before you build a day around the cove.
What remains open is the rest of Trinidad State Beach, about two miles of trail, 19 miles north of Eureka. Main parking is off State Park Road; the entrance is at Stagecoach Road and State Park Road. Entry and parking are free, sunrise to sunset, with restrooms, drinking water, a small picnic area with tables and grills, and a vista point.
Dogs get more freedom here than at most California state beaches: permitted on the beaches, in picnic areas and on park trails, on a leash no longer than six feet.
Low tide is the best time to come, which State Parks says outright — it's when the tide pools open up. Check current tide tables first. This coast traps people against the bluffs on a rising tide.
Swimming isn't advised at all. State Parks describes the ocean off Trinidad State Beach as cold and dangerous and warns specifically about sneaker waves. Surf fishing for rockfish, surfperch and halibut is listed, as are diving, snorkeling and surfing, though no official source describes the waves or a skill level at the cove itself.
E-bikes are permitted somewhere in the park, but State Parks doesn't say which trails.
Call (707) 677-3570 before you plan around College Cove.
Same area
Explore nearby
Local planning questions
Frequently asked
Is College Cove open?
No. California State Parks has closed the whole College Cove access trail from its intersection with the Elkhead Loop Trail, plus the far western end of the Elkhead Bluff Trail. The closure carries no end date and no reopening notice has been posted, so check parks.ca.gov or call (707) 677-3570 before driving out.
Can you still visit Trinidad State Beach?
Yes. Only portions of the Elkhead trail system are closed; the rest of Trinidad State Beach is open sunrise to sunset with about two miles of trail, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and grills. Park in the main lot off State Park Road.
Are dogs allowed at College Cove and Trinidad State Beach?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet — dogs are permitted on the beaches, in picnic areas and on park trails, which is unusually generous for a California state beach. The current trail closure applies to dogs and people alike.
Is it safe to swim at College Cove?
No. State Parks advises against swimming anywhere off Trinidad State Beach, describing the ocean as cold and dangerous, and warns specifically about sneaker waves. Rising tides can also trap you against the rocks, so check tide tables before going down to any beach here.
How much does it cost to park at Trinidad State Beach?
Nothing. There are no entrance fees and no parking fees, and the California State Library Parks Pass is accepted at the park.
Official and supporting sources
Research reconciled 2026-08-17. Closures, fees, permits and hours can change.