Harry A. Merlo

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area encompasses 955 acres along the shores of Big Lagoon in Humboldt County, California, located 32 miles north of Eureka on U.S. Highway 101. Named after the timber industry executive who supported conservation efforts, the park provides access to one of California's largest coastal lagoon systems. The recreation area sits adjacent to Humboldt Lagoons State Park, together protecting vital freshwater wetlands, coastal dunes, and redwood forest ecosystems. Big Lagoon is a shallow, landlocked body of water separated from the Pacific Ocean by a narrow sand spit, creating unique brackish water habitats as ocean water occasionally breaches the barrier during winter storms. The park's diverse landscape includes groves of coast redwoods, open meadows, undulating grasslands, and direct access to the lagoon's shores. The lagoon and surrounding lands provide critical habitat for waterfowl, fish, and numerous other species while offering excellent recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and hiking. The park's relatively undeveloped character preserves a wild coastal atmosphere while providing essential facilities for visitors exploring this magnificent stretch of California's North Coast.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area supports exceptionally diverse wildlife communities across its varied habitats. The lagoon ecosystem provides vital habitat for both resident and migratory waterfowl including buffleheads, common mergansers, mallards, and various duck species. Wading birds such as great blue herons and great egrets stalk the shallows hunting for fish and amphibians. The park is an excellent location for bird watching, with species including northern pygmy-owls, belted kingfishers, turkey vultures, killdeers, and brown pelicans regularly observed. The lagoon supports healthy fish populations including threespine sticklebacks, coastal rainbow trout, and coastal cutthroat trout, drawing anglers and providing food for predatory birds. Amphibians thrive in the moist environment, with Pacific chorus frogs calling from wetlands, and coastal giant salamanders, ensatinas, and California slender salamanders inhabiting the forest floor. Mammals include common raccoons, North American river otters that fish the lagoon, and striped skunks. The redwood groves shelter banana slugs, including the redwood sideband snail. Various invertebrates contribute to ecosystem function, including shamrock orbweaver spiders, goldenrod crab spiders, and Isabella tiger moths. The interface between lagoon, wetland, forest, and coastal habitats creates exceptional biodiversity within the park's compact area.

The vegetation at Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area reflects the park's position at the intersection of multiple ecosystems. Coast redwood groves dominate portions of the landscape, with these magnificent trees creating the cathedral-like forest atmosphere characteristic of California's North Coast. The redwoods, among the world's tallest tree species, thrive in the foggy coastal climate that provides summer moisture. Beneath the redwood canopy grows a lush understory of sword ferns, redwood sorrel, salal, huckleberry, and various mosses and lichens adapted to low-light conditions. Sitka spruce appears in some areas, particularly near the coast where it tolerates salt spray. Open meadows feature native grasses and seasonal wildflowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The lagoon shores support emergent and riparian vegetation including willows, alders, rushes, and sedges that stabilize banks and provide wildlife habitat. Coastal scrub communities with coyote brush, California blackberry, and salmonberry grow in transitional areas. The dunes between the lagoon and ocean support specialized vegetation adapted to sand movement and salt exposure. Invasive plant species present management challenges, requiring ongoing monitoring and removal to protect native plant communities and maintain habitat quality for wildlife.

The geology of Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area reflects the dynamic coastal processes that have shaped California's North Coast over millennia. Big Lagoon formed as a shallow depression behind a coastal barrier—a sand spit built by longshore currents and wave action that separates the lagoon from the Pacific Ocean. This barrier is not permanent; during major winter storms, ocean waves can breach the spit, allowing seawater to flow into the lagoon. These breaching events can dramatically lower lagoon water levels by up to six feet per hour before wave action and tidal forces rebuild the sand barrier. The lagoon floor consists of marine and riverine sediments accumulated over thousands of years. The surrounding lands include marine terraces formed by tectonic uplift, raising ancient seafloors above current sea level. The presence of coast redwoods indicates adequate rainfall, well-drained soils, and the fog belt that characterizes this section of coast. Stream courses draining into the lagoon have deposited alluvial materials creating fertile soils. The area's position near the Mendocino Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates meet, contributes to ongoing geological activity including earthquakes and land uplift that continue to shape the landscape.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area experiences a maritime climate characterized by cool, foggy summers and mild, wet winters typical of California's North Coast. Summer temperatures remain moderate, rarely exceeding 65°F, with marine fog frequently blanketing the area and providing critical moisture to redwood forests during the dry season. The fog typically burns off by midday, though it can persist throughout the day during strong upwelling events. Winters are cool rather than cold, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, and receive substantial rainfall averaging 60-80 inches annually. Most precipitation falls between October and April, with December through February being the wettest months. Winter storms can be intense, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dramatic wave action that occasionally breaches the lagoon barrier. Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and decreasing rainfall, with the forest and meadows greening up and wildflowers blooming. Fall often provides the clearest and calmest weather, ideal for outdoor activities. The lagoon and surrounding lands create local microclimates, with the water moderating temperature extremes. Wind is common, particularly in afternoon and evening. Visitors should dress in layers and bring rain gear year-round, as weather can change rapidly along the coast.

The Big Lagoon area has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples who utilized the rich resources of lagoon, coast, and forest. The Yurok people established villages and seasonal camps in the region, harvesting fish from the lagoon and ocean, gathering shellfish, hunting game, and collecting plant foods. The lagoon's fish and waterfowl provided reliable food sources, while the forests offered materials for shelter, tools, and basketry. The Yurok developed sophisticated resource management practices that sustained their communities for countless generations. European-American contact in the 19th century brought dramatic changes, including displacement of indigenous peoples, disease epidemics, and resource exploitation. The timber industry arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s, logging the magnificent old-growth redwood and Douglas fir forests that covered the region. Much of the land was cleared, though some forest patches remained. The area gradually transitioned from resource extraction to conservation as awareness grew of the redwoods' biological and scenic value. The recreation area was named after Harry A. Merlo, a timber industry executive who paradoxically became a supporter of conservation efforts, recognizing the importance of preserving remaining natural areas.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area was established as part of California's efforts to preserve coastal lagoon ecosystems and provide public access to these unique environments. The 955-acre park protects critical habitat along Big Lagoon while offering recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature study. The park's development included basic facilities such as parking, restrooms, and boat access while maintaining the area's natural character. The recreation area functions in conjunction with adjacent Humboldt Lagoons State Park, together protecting the lagoon system that ranks among the largest in the continental United States. Together, these parks include Big Lagoon, Stone Lagoon, and Freshwater Lagoon, creating a complex of protected coastal wetlands. Harry A. Merlo's naming honored a controversial figure—a timber executive who supported some conservation initiatives despite his industry's impact on North Coast forests. The park has evolved to address changing recreational uses, wildlife management needs, and conservation priorities. Ongoing plant biodiversity monitoring helps track ecosystem health and guide management decisions. The park serves educational purposes, helping visitors understand coastal lagoon ecology and the importance of wetland preservation. Invasive species management has become a priority as non-native plants threaten native biodiversity.

The primary attractions at Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area center on lagoon access and nature observation. The park provides shoreline access to Big Lagoon, allowing for fishing, kayaking, and small boat launching. The lagoon has a 5 mph boat speed limit, protecting wildlife and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Fishing for trout and other species attracts anglers year-round, with regulations protecting fish populations. The calm lagoon waters provide ideal kayaking and canoeing conditions, especially for beginners and families. Bird watching is exceptional, with the lagoon and wetlands attracting diverse species year-round and additional migrants during spring and fall passages. The beach area along the lagoon offers scenic picnicking and relaxation. Swimming is permitted, though water temperatures remain cool. Hiking trails wind through the redwood groves and meadows, providing access to the park's terrestrial ecosystems. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly during early morning and evening hours when animals are most active. The park's position adjacent to Humboldt Lagoons State Park allows visitors to explore multiple lagoons and extensive coastal habitats. Photography opportunities include forest scenes, lagoon vistas, wildlife, and dramatic coastal weather. Geocaching activities are permitted, adding a modern treasure-hunting element to park exploration.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area provides essential facilities while maintaining a relatively undeveloped character. Parking areas accommodate day-use visitors, with spaces near the lagoon access points and trailheads. Restroom facilities are available but may be basic depending on location within the park. A boat launch ramp allows small watercraft access to Big Lagoon, though the 5 mph speed limit restricts motorboat use to trolling speeds. The park does not have developed camping facilities, though nearby Humboldt Lagoons State Park offers camping options. Picnic areas near the lagoon provide tables and in some locations, fire rings for day-use cooking. Drinking water availability varies, so visitors should bring adequate supplies. The park is accessed directly from U.S. Highway 101 approximately 32 miles north of Eureka, making it convenient for travelers exploring the Redwood Coast. The nearest substantial services are in Trinidad to the north or Arcata/Eureka to the south. Cell phone coverage may be limited or nonexistent. The park is open for day-use year-round, though winter storms can affect access and conditions. Visitors should be prepared for cool, potentially wet weather even in summer. The lagoon's shallow depth and calm waters make it family-friendly for water activities, though supervision of children is essential.

Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area faces numerous conservation challenges requiring active management and monitoring. The lagoon ecosystem is particularly sensitive to water quality impacts from surrounding land uses including agriculture, development, and roads. Nutrient loading and sedimentation can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Maintaining natural hydrological patterns is crucial, though the lagoon's dynamic connection to the ocean complicates management. Invasive plant species represent perhaps the greatest threat to maintaining natural biodiversity, competing with native vegetation and altering habitat structure. Ongoing monitoring and removal efforts are essential to control invasive species spread. Climate change poses multiple threats including altered precipitation patterns that may affect lagoon water levels, warming temperatures that could stress cold-water fish species, rising sea levels that may inundate low-lying areas, and changing fog patterns that affect redwood health. Visitor impacts require management through designated trails, access points, and education about low-impact recreation practices. Protecting nesting birds during breeding season may require seasonal closures of sensitive areas. The park collaborates with surrounding landowners, regional agencies, and conservation organizations on landscape-scale conservation efforts. Water quality monitoring tracks lagoon health. Native plant restoration in disturbed areas helps maintain biodiversity. The park serves as an important refuge for species dependent on coastal lagoon habitats, making its long-term conservation essential for regional biodiversity.