Lake Earl Wildlife Area

The western edge of the approximately 6,100-acre Lake Earl Wildlife Area borders the Pacific Ocean. Sand dunes extending inland are covered with scattered beach grasses and other vegetation. The area encompasses Lake Earl and Lake Tolowa, two lagoons connected by a deep channel known as the Narrows, bordered by salt and fresh water marshes. Lake Earl is the largest coastal lagoon on the US West Coast. Further inland, the landscape transitions to upland fields and forest of Sitka spruce and pine trees. Among the diverse wildlife species that can be found in this area are quail, grouse, canvasback diving duck, western grebe, coastal black-tailed deer, and beaver. For sportsmen, cutthroat and steelhead trout are the most popular fish species in the area.

Facilities

An Information kiosk, restrooms and designated parking are available to visitors. There are several nearby State Parks, including Tolowa State Park adjacent to the Wildlife Area. While there is no camping allowed in the Wildlife Area, camping is available year-round at nearby Tolowa Dunes State Park. Numerous coastal and woodland hiking trails are availble both on the Wildlife Area and the nearby State parks.

Boaters find the Narrows between Lake Tolowa and Lake Earl the most accommodating area for boats because of dense vegetation in the lakes. Two boat launch facilities give access to Lake Earl: one at the end of Lakeview Drive and the other at the end of Buzzini Road.

Accessibility

There are no accessibility improvements on this property.

Connectivity

There is limited cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Learn more about Lake Earl Wildlife Area and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

Prior to European settlement, the Tolowa people inhabited the area surrounding what is now the wildlife area. The Tolowa utilized coastal and upland resources on a cyclic basis. Lake Earl and Lake Tolowa were strategically important for food and transportation. The Jedediah Smith Expedition of 1828 was the first documented European contact with the Tolowa people. Disease and war decimated their population. The European settlers soon began extracting the rich resources of the area and developing industry and agriculture. In the late 1850s, the natural harbor at Crescent City was developed for ocean-going vessels which brought goods and supplies to settlers and miners.

As early as 1869, saw mills were established on the eastern shores of Lake Earl. Settlers logged the original coastal forest. A controversy began over lake water levels, where loggers required high levels to transport and store logs, and farmers wanted low levels to reclaim more land for pasture and prevent seasonal flooding. The conflict ended when a rail line was built in 1891 to transport logs, but agricultural interests continued to periodically manipulate the levels.

During the 1920s, conservationists began to voice concern over the artificial breaching of Lake Earl, and the debate continued for decades, into the 1970s. In 1979, the Department of Fish and Game purchased the coastal wetland habitat and the property was designated as a Wildlife Area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1980.

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

Hunting Pass Type C: Lake Earl Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

The southern part of Lake Tolowa is closed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from October 28 through December 20, 2024 and January 2025 for ongoing dune restoration. Exceptions to the closure are opening weekend, Veterans Day Holiday, Thanksgiving week, Christmas week and New Year's week when the area will be open for hunting.

If work is cancelled on a scheduled closure day, an announcement will be on the Lake Earl Wildlife Area phone line (707) 487-0541 by 5 p.m. the day before.

The following game may be seasonally pursued at Lake Earl Wildlife Area:

See below for more information on species-specific hunting opportunities.

Hunting Rules and Requirements:

• All hunting is from the water surface or within 100 feet of the shoreline.
• Hunting is during designated hunting seasons only.
• Take is only by shotgun or archery equipment.
• Motored watercraft are not allowed during waterfowl season.
• For all species, hunting is always closed on Christmas Day.

In addition to the above, hunters are responsible for knowing and complying with all Bird Hunting and Land Use Regulations and all other rules and regulations in effect at Lake Earl Wildlife Area.

• License Items and Fees for Hunters

Fishing

A valid CDFW fishing license is required. Check fishing regulations for current licensing fees. Licenses are not available at Lake Earl Wildlife Area and must be purchased before arrival.

• Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Lake Earl Wildlife Area:

• No dogs allowed unless actively engaged in hunting
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• No watercraft motors allowed during waterfowl season
• No camping allowed (camping is allowed at nearby Tolowa Dunes State Park)

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Lake Earl Wildlife Area.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Wildlife Area at (707) 487-0541.