Agate Beach

Agate Beach is one of the key attractions in Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick's Point). The park is 25 miles north of Eureka along the rugged Humboldt County coast. Rugged Patrick's Point juts into the ocean with several great vista points and spectacular scenery. Beautiful Agate Beach spreads just north of the point, accessed by a trail from the day use area near Agate Campground.

Visitors to the beach come for the scenery, to stroll along the sand, and to search for agates. Semi-precious agates are polished by the motion of sand and water. Agates are usually formed inside cavities caused by bubbles in volcanic rock. As the volcanic rock erodes, agates are released into streams and are eventually washed into the ocean and onto beaches.

Jade and jasper are also sometimes found on the beach. Collecting stones at Agate Beach is allowed, but visitors are limited to one armload per person.

Agate Beach is not recommended for swimming or wading. The ocean is too cold and dangerous. Visitors should be wary of strong undertows and sleeper waves.

Nearby Beaches

Palmer's Point Beach

At the south end of the state park is Palmer's Point Beach, a favorite for those who enjoy exploring tide pools. A parking lot at the end of the road is the trailhead for a steep path with some steps leading down to the beach. Visitors will encounter boulders strewn across the beach, hence its old name of Cannonball Beach.

Big Lagoon Beach

Agate Beach connects to the north with Big Lagoon County Park Beach. The sand stretches northward forming a spit between Big Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. The lagoon is popular for smallcraft boating and for fishing. The beach itself is wide and rather unremarkable. Dogs off-leash but under voice control are allowed the county beach. A campground is situated alongside the beach and lagoon. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle. Restrooms are located in the campground.